Asian Current

Shillong, for Its Bracing Climate and Idyllic Golf Courses

Shillong, situated at an altitude of 4,908 ft (1,496 m) above sea level is the capital of Meghalaya, one of the smaller states of North-Eastern India. It is also the district headquarters of East Khasi Hills. Over the years Shillong has grown in size and significance in its own traditional way from a mere village in its formative years to an important city of North Eastern India. It now has a population of approx. 260,000. Shillong had been the capital of undivided Assam till January 21, 1972 when it was re-christened as the capital of the newly formed state of Meghalaya and Dispur became the capital of Assam.

Shillong had been the summer capital of Eastern Bengal and Assam for many years. 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 Valley and more so because the climate of Shillong was much agreeable than tropical India. In fact, Shillong is subject to vagaries of the monsoon. The monsoons arrive in June and drench the landscape till the end of August. It’s warm, and sometimes humid, during summers but winters get quite cold. October-November and March-April are supposedly the best months to visit Shillong. However, on a broader level, Shillong is blessed with very agreeable climate round the year.

According to popular legend and folklore, the city has derived its name from “Leishyllong”, the Supreme Being who is said to be dwelling on the forested Shillong Peak, standing 1,965 mts. above sea level, overlooking the city. Shillong has one of the largest golf courses (the world’s wettest) in Asia and the golf course is called “Glen Eagle of the East”. It is also considered one of the best in India. It is situated in the center of the city, close to the polo ground and witnesses many golfers from all over the world every year who come here to test their skills.

It enjoys the rare distinction of being one of the few natural golf courses in Asia. Not only is the Shillong course scenic and enjoyable, it is also challenging. The course is a veritable dream-come-true for golfers looking for exotic and challenging courses for their favorite sport. It is set in an undulating valley peppered with pine and rhododendron trees. The tight fairways, carpeted with a unique local grass, which hardens the soil, are difficult to negotiate. The number of out-of-bounds streams that crisscross every fairway makes it all the more trying. Obstructions come in the form of bunkers, trees and rain.

A group of British Civil Service officers introduced golf to Shillong in 1898 by constructing a nine-hole course. The present 18-hole course was inaugurated in 1924. The longest hole is the 6th, which is a grueling 594 yards. So if playing some stimulating golf in the perfect climate is on your mind, there’s only one place to head for. Pack your clubs, call your cabby and call up your travel agent. Get ready to discover “The Scotland Of The East”.

While in Shillong, do make it a point to visit Cherrapunji, which is the wettest place in the world. Also visit the stalactite and stalagmite caves of Tura.