Monday, 17 September 2012

Shillong



Shri Nathji made a brief visit to Shillong in 1937 at the calling of devotees there. When Shri Nathji was in Shillong, he met Shri Kasinath Saikia, an M.L.C., a member of the Legislative Council of the State. He became greatly devoted to Shri Nathji. Kasinath Saikia also published Shri Nathji's pamphlet "Inspired Epistle " at Shillong. Please Click on this link to see the article on kashinath Saikia
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, one of the smallest states in India and home to the Khasis people. It is situated at an average altitude of 4,908 feet (1,496 m) above sea level, with the highest point being Shillong Peak at 6,449 feet (1,966 m). The city had a population of 314,610 according to the 2011 census. It is said that the rolling hills around the town reminded the European settlers of Scotland. Hence, Shillong is known as "Scotland of the East."
 It has steadily grown in size and significance since it was made the civil station of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in 1864 by the British. In 1874, on the formation of Assam as a Chief Commissioner's Province, it was chosen as the headquarters of the new administration because of its convenient location between the Brahmaputra and Surma valleys and more so because the climate of Shillong was much cooler than tropical India. Shillong remained the capital of undivided Assam until the creation of the new state of Meghalaya on 21 January 1972, when Shillong became the capital of Meghalaya and Assam moved its capital to Dispur in Guwahati.
   It is on the Shillong Plateau, the only major pop-up structure in the northern Indian shield. The city lies in the center of the plateau and is surrounded by hills, three of which are revered in Khasi tradition: Lum Sohpetbneng, Lum Diengiei and Lum Shillong. The important tourist destinations of the town are -
Elephant Falls: 12 km on the outskirts of the city, the mountain stream descends through two successive falls set in dells of fern covered rocks.
Lady Hydari Park: A popular charming tourist draw, the adjacent mini zoo is an added attraction.
Wards Lake: Known locally as Nan-Polok. Its an artificial lake with sprawling garden and some boating facility at the heart of Shillong.
Gleneagles of the East: Shillong has one of the largest golf courses (the world's wettest) in Asia: Gleneagles of the East. It enjoys the rare distinction of being one of the few natural golf courses in Asia. Not only is the Shillong golf course scenic and enjoyable, it is also challenging.
Shillong Peak: An ideal picnic spot, 10 km from the city, 1965 m above sea level, offers a panoramic view of the scenic countryside and is the highest point in the state

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