The East Khasi Hills
District is a part of East Khasi Hills. Shillong is the district headquarters of the East Khasi Hills District. The district has seven development blocks.
East Khasi Hills District forms a central part of Meghalaya. The district is bounded by Ri-Bhoi District on the north, Karbi Anglong District on the north east, Jaintia Hills district on the east, Bangladesh on the south and West Khasi Hills district on the west.
Culture
The Khasis inhabit the eastern part of Meghalaya.
The
traditional Khasi male dress is ‘Jymphong’. This is a longish
sleeveless coat without collar, which is tied up by thongs in the front.
The Khasi traditional female dress is rather complex with several
pieces of cloth, giving the body a cylindrical shape
The staple
food of Khasis is rice. They also take fish and meat. Use of rice-beer
is a must for every ceremonial and religious occasion.
In the Khasi society, the youngest daughter gets the ancestral property.
Attractions
- Ward's Lake and Botanical Garden
- Butterfly Museum
- Meghalaya State museum
- Lady Hydari Park
- Shillong Peak
- Elephant Falls
- Spread Eagle Falls
- Bishop & Beadon Falls (Viewpoint at Nongkwar)
- Golf Course
- Cathedral Church (Mary Help of Christian)
- Sweet Falls
- Viewpoint at Phlangwanbroi
- Mawsmai Cave
- Mawsmai Falls
- Nohkalikai Falls
- Mot Trop
- Kynrem Falls
- Mawjymbuin Caves
- Symper Peak
- Crinoline Falls
- Shillong Viewpoint
- Viewpoint at khyrdop Mawlieh
- Laitshyngiar Cave
- Thangkharang Park
- Mih-Um-Spring Lawbah
- Dainthlen Falls, Sohra
- Laitkynsew Viewpoint.
Facts & Figures
| Year of formation |
28th October 1976 |
| Area |
2748 Sq Km |
| Forest Land |
1865.606 Ha |
| Latitude |
25°07” & 25°41” N |
| Longitude |
91°21” & 92°09” E |
| Population (2001) |
2306069 |
| Male |
1167840 |
| Female |
1138229 |
| Literacy Rate |
63.31% |
| No. of Blocks |
08 |
| No. of Villages |
1007 |
| Postal Code |
793001 |
| STD Code |
0364 |
How to reach
By Air
For tourists visiting Meghalaya, the nearest
airport is at Borjhar in Assam (Guwahati is the state Capital) about 124
km from Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. The flights that touch
down in Guwahati originate from Delhi and Calcutta and besides the
Government carrier (
Indian Airlines), several
private airlines
are also operating on a daily basis. From Borjhar Airport to Shillong,
tourists can avail of the services of private tourist bus and taxi
operators.
By Rail
There are several trains which are connected
with Guwahati; from major cities of India. From there, rail passengers
can commute to Shillong by Meghalaya Transport Corporation Buses and
private tourist’s buses and taxis.
By Road
Shillong is connected to Guwahati by an excellent
National Highway-40 and it takes 3 to 4 Hours to cover the distance of
103 Kms. Further, the National Highway-44 connects Shillong to Silchar
in Assam, Aizawl in Mizoram and Agartala in Tripura.
Day and night bus services are available from Shillong to all major towns of Meghalaya and also other capitals and important towns of Assam and North Eastern States.
Helicopter Services are also available from Shillong to Tura and Guwahati.