Guwahati to Shillong: The journey

Guwahati is known as the Gateway to the North East. The city is known for its markets, food, people, temples and many more things. Guwahati, the capital city of the northeastern state of Assam, was formerly known as Pragjyotishpur (the City of Eastern Light).

Its etymological root is derived from two Assamese words, “Guwa,” meaning areca nut and “Haat,” meaning market. Couched between the picturesque hills of the eastern flanks of the Himalayan mountain range, Guwahati houses the political capital of the state, Dispur. The gateway to the seven other northeastern states, Guwahati is a vital tourist link point, besides being an attraction in itself.

There is a magical aura that still lingers over the ever-expanding city. The demon king Narkasura is said to have built this ancient city. Another reason for Guwahati’s charm is it being the ancient ‘Kamrup’, the birthplace of Kamdeva, the God of Love.

Guwahati

Shillong to Guwahati is 96km which takes 2hr 40mins depending upon the road condition. There are a lot of transportation options which go from Guwahati to Shillong. Bus, shared tempo and taxi is available frequently if you want to visit Shillong from Guwahati. You can get these transport options from ASTC bus stand in Paltan Bazaar, Guwahati.

There are two buses in the morning which go to Shillong from ASTC bus stand to Shillong bus stand. When you leave from Guwahati, mostly it will take 40 minutes to get out of the city and head to NH 27 to go to Shillong. You will stop at Jorabat because bus and shared taxi often takes the fellow passengers from this point who comes directly from the Guwahati airport to Shillong.

Kaziranga

From tetelia, you take right to head to Shillong or if you go ahead from tetelia you will land up at Kaziranga National Park.  Later if you go ahead, the village called Byrnihat will come where you can have plenty of good dhabas and eating places where you can satisfy your hunger. The bus or taxi guy will usually stop at this point for snacks and tea.

After Byrnihat, there comes Umling, a small village The vehicle driving side in Umling is left, all vehicles should take left side during driving. Beware of slopes and curves after you cross the village. After Umling, you will reach to Shangbangla where you can explore the church and see the Meghalayan culture around the village.

After Shangbangla, the Nongkhrah area starts which is a decent village to stay or to buy a pineapple. The pineapples are really sweet and juicy in Meghalaya. Whenever you will enter Meghalaya, you will see a lot of Christianity influence in the area which results in beautiful churches around the mountain area.

Mawlein Mawkhan

Continuing your journey you will reach Mawlein Mawkhan which is a resort town of Meghalaya before Umiam lake. So if you are planning to visit the lake for a splendid view, go in the morning when the sunshine is at the right spot. Now you are just 17 km away from Shillong.

Brace yourself because from this part to Shillong you will get heavy traffic because both of the incoming and outgoing traffic that comes along the way. This is the general problem which people face on the way to Shillong. Later once you tackle the traffic you will land up at Police Bazaar in Shillong.

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