Of Shillong’s hills, music & Khasi delicacies

When the mercury soars in Guwahati, I escape to Shillong for some respite. Meghalaya’s capital is beautiful hill city. My favourite place there is the Assam House. Perched on a hilltop, it gives a bird's eye view of the charming city with its hills, forests and waterfalls.

The picturesque Ward's Lake close to the iconic Raj Bhawan and Pinewood Hotel is my go-to spot. There’s an attractive white wooden bridge over the lake from where one can feed the colourful fish with channa.

In the evenings, there’s the Police Bazaar, where one can buy all kinds of heritage crafts and tribal wares, and relish Khasi delicacies in the restaurants, cafes and music bars that abound here.

The approach road to the Police Bazaar has undergone a sea-change after the historic 125-year-old heritage Gothic structure of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly was gutted in a devastating fire.

Even more colourful is Lewduh (Bara Bazaar), a marketplace run primarily by Khasi women.

There’s the awe-inspiring Shillong Peak, a few km from the city, set at nearly 2,000 metres. It offers the best sunset views. There are also hidden Laitlum Canyons with their stunning gorges and valley views, and the impressive Elephant Falls known for their three-tiered cascade.

One of the best times to visit Shillong is during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in November when international artists flock to the hill station offering art installations and music and food fests.

The hill station is widely recognised as the 'Rock Capital of India' due to its deep-rooted and passionate affinity for western music genres like rock, jazz, and blues. Many international bands and artists have held live concerts here. Local artists like Lou Majaw, the grand old man of rock and roll, and the famous Shillong Chamber Choir, have carved a niche in the world of music.

Shillong is truly a dream destination for travellers, photographers, foodies and culture aficionados.

Sabir Nishat, Guwahati