Ah, Shillong!

104 kms away from Guwahati lies Shillong, the capital of
the state of Meghalaya. The drive to this beautiful place
is scenic. There are rows and rows of terraced pineapple
cultivation before the landscape changes into forests of
pine. With a climate that's in the mid-twenties Celsius
in summer and winters between 4 to 8 degrees it is unlike
the heat and the dust that is generally associated with
India.

And that goes for so many other hill towns and cities
situated in altitudes ranging from 3000ft above sea
level to 8000ft. Where the summers are kinder and milder
and many flowers that thrive well in temperate zones
flourish in these cooler places. In spring the meadows
are full of wild daisies...


Just as summers mean plums and peaches, winters are for
oranges galore. The rest of my family was there this week-
end for a rock concert.The American bands 'White Lions' and
'Firehouse' were in Shillong and the response was great!
My sons clicked several pictures from the car. Big Daddy
was at the wheel manoeuvering the steep inclines. Some more
photos can be viewed at my my other blog yaoglai


Pine trees on the banks of Barapani, also known as Umiam Lake.
This is a popular tourist destination.


Oranges and pointsettias are so characteristic of cooler climes.

A view of the hotel's potted area. Some flowers blooming were
carnations and verbenas.