Students’ CORNER
By Esha KH
(Lady Keane College)
A tourist sat quietly on a bench while her family moved around, taking pictures against the backdrop of a cloudy sky and the green hills. There was no hurry, no loud noise — just peace.
For many travellers, this is what sets Shillong apart. In today’s fast-paced world, tourists often rush from one spot to another. But Meghalaya makes them pause. It invites them to breathe, to look around, and to simply feel. Many visitors say they didn’t come just for the views—but for something more: the calm, the quiet, and the unique atmosphere.
“I didn’t make a proper plan,” said Ringkangshri Basumatri, a visitor from Assam who came for an official meeting. She stayed for just two days but was already charmed. “I had just heard that Shillong is calm and peaceful, and the stay turned out to be a really pleasant experience.”
Tourists often say they aren’t looking for big adventures or luxury activities. What they find here is something even better: silence, pine trees, and fresh, cool air. Some fall in love with the warmth of the people. Others enjoy the slow pace and quiet way of life.
“The trip to Cherrapunji was really long,” laughed Garima from Assam, “but I didn’t mind at all. Everywhere I looked, the views were just stunning.”
Milanjana Bora, visiting from Jorhat, Assam, said, “It’s not my first time in Shillong, but it is for my family. I brought them here because I knew they’d love the greenery, the calm, and the weather. I don’t even feel like rushing around anymore. I just enjoy being here—sitting by Ward’s Lake, watching the clouds pass. It’s like time moves slower here.”
But Shillong isn’t just quiet corners and scenic lakes. Police Bazar, the city’s heart, offers a different rhythm—loud, busy, and full of life. One of the oldest and most crowded markets in the city, it’s buzzing with honking cars, rushing footsteps, and overflowing shops. From bamboo crafts and colourful shawls to warm woollens, the market draws almost every visitor.
Many say they don’t just shop here—they come to feel the pulse of Shillong. Some wander through the lively lanes with shopping bags in hand. Others stop to admire the crafts or chat with friendly vendors. In the middle of all the noise, there’s a charm that stays with you.
While popular spots like Cherrapunji and Dawki remain must-visit, many tourists also prefer lesser-known corners. “It’s that it feels safe and kind,” said a tourist from Sikkim. “Everyone just lets you be.”
Locals, too, are benefiting from tourism. Shopkeepers and small vendors say the steady flow of visitors helps not just their income but also their pride. Tourism isn’t just about pictures and souvenirs—it’s about sharing a piece of Shillong with others through smiles, warmth, and quiet conversations.
A tourist from Punjab, who was here on vacation with his friends, said, “This is my third time visiting Shillong. Every time I visit, I feel very peaceful and happy. Shillong is very different from other places, and that’s why I really enjoy coming here.”
A 19-year-old visitor from Manipur, Aribam Muhammad Mudassir, shared that the weather of Shillong itself feels like a reason to visit. “It’s cold and chilly. Even during summer, it stays moderate and not too hot. Tourists definitely find it pleasant,” he said. Mudassir had earlier made stops at popular tourist spots like Elephant Falls and Cherrapunji, promising to visit again. Sonali Mittal, 36, a housewife from Nepal, chose Shillong as her destination with her husband and kids for a family trip. She said, “It feels really nice to be here with my family. We also went to the 23rd Shillong Trade Fair; the kids loved the stalls and the games, and we all enjoyed tasting foods and sweets from different places.”
Another visitor also present at the trade fair, Imtila Longchor from Nagaland, was on her first trip to Shillong with her family. Although she could only explore the city, Longchor hopes to visit more places next time. “Shillong is nice and its people are easy to talk to. The only problem is the traffic, but apart from that, I enjoyed being here,” she said.
Meghalaya, many say, isn’t only about waterfalls and hills. It’s about the gentle pace, the people, and the feeling that even a short visit can leave behind.
And as tourists leave with shopping bags and full phone galleries, they also take something else—a quiet comfort that stays with them long after they’ve left the hills behind.