Shillong became Assam's capital in 1874 and remained so for a century until the seat of government in Assam went to the plains and Meghalaya was established as a separate state. The city derives its name from the deity Shillong or Lei Shillong, which is worshipped at the Shillong Peak, 10 kms. from the main town and 1,965 metres above sea level. This is the highest point in the state and commands a panoramic view of the Shillong valley. In the evening, the city lights below glitter and twinkle like a giant Christmas tree.

One of the first places that a newcomer to Shillong should visit is the lewduh Bazar, earlier known as the Bara Bazar. 

Cheerful women dominate this market, the largest of its kind in the entire North East. Oranges, pineapples and other fruits; vegetables, meat and fish are on sale here as are consumer durables. 

The prominent role of women is highly visible in the Khasi Hills, where the Khasis, a community which is said to have its origins in Kampuchea, South East Asia, and speaks a language that has its roots in Mon-Khmer, follow a matrilineal society. Under this custom, the children take the name of their mother and the youngest daughter becomes the custodian of family property. Other sites to visit are the Ward's Lake, for a leisurely stroll or boating. You can feed the carp from the wooden bridge. The Botanical Garden, a secluded park, borders the lake and further down the hill is the celebrated Golf Course, called the Gleneagles of the East. The Golf Club retains a colonial touch and the area, as are other parts of the city, is good for long walks. In fact, because of the density of road traffic and frequent traffic jams, walking is recommended as an easy way of seeing many parts of the heart of Shillong. 

Shillong is full of churches and waterfalls. The most beautiful churches is the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, located on a hill; stained glass windows and high arches add to the beauty of this building. Directly below, carved out of 1 the hill, is the Grotto Church. The All-Saints Church opposite the State Central Library is another attractive building of wood and plaster. The State Central Library has a wealth of that can be a book lover's delight. A museum there gives glimpses of the region's heritage. Pop and rock concerts are often held here and are extremely popular, with songs in Khasi and English. The Butterfly Museum that had begun breeding butterflies as a conservation measure and for their commercial value has a good display of mounted butterflies and beetles from India and abroad. Nearby is the Lady Hydari Park, which has a mini-zoo, a children's section and well-laid out flower beds. 

Of all the falls in and around Shillong, among the prettiest is the Sweet Falls near Happy Valley. A gushing stream of water plunges into a deep, cool and inviting pool. It's a good hike down to the stream and a nice way to spend a day. Then there are the Bishop and Beadon Falls and the Elephant Falls which draw many tourists. The Elephant Falls is 12 kms. On the outskirts of the city and near Shillong Peak. If there is time, visitors should travel to Sohpetbneng Peak, 20 kms. from Shillong, set amid a beautiful view and the backdrop of a sacred forest.