View source for Shillong

{{short description|City and state capital of Meghalaya, India}}
{{Distinguish|Shilong (disambiguation){{!}}Shilong}}
{{Copy edit|date=May 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Shillong
| native_name        = 
| other_name         = 
| settlement_type    = City
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border                   = infobox
| total_width              = 260
| image_style              = 
| perrow                   = 1/2/2/1
| image2 = Shillong.jpg
| image1 = Elephant Falls II.jpg
| image3 = Laitlum Canyon (3).jpg
| image4 =Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Shillong – Front Side (2).jpg
| image5 =Ward's Lake.jpg
| image6 = shillong City.jpg
| spacing                         = 1
| position                        = centre
| color                           = white
}}
| image_alt          = 
| image_caption      = Clockwise from top left to right:<br/> [[Elephant Falls]],  Laitlum Canyon, [[Ward's Lake]], Panorama of Police Bazar in Shillong, [[Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Shillong|The Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians]], A view of Shillong
| image_map          = 
| map_caption        = Map of Shillong
| nickname           = Scotland of the East
| map_alt            = 
| pushpin_map        = India Meghalaya#India
| pushpin_label_position = left
| pushpin_map_alt    = 
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Shillong in Meghalaya
| coordinates        = {{coord|25|34|56|N|91|53|40|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{IND}}
| subdivision_type1  = State
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Meghalaya]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[East Khasi Hills]]
| established_title  = <!-- Established -->
| established_date   = 
| founder            = 
| named_for          = Lei Shyllong (Deity)
| governing_body     = Shillong Municipal Board
| leader_title       = Director
| leader_name        = P.K. Boro
| leader_title2      = [[Member of Parliament#India|MP]]
| leader_name2       = [[Ricky AJ Syngkon]] ([[Voice of the People Party (Meghalaya)|VPP]])
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_footnotes     = 
| area_total_km2     = 64.36
| area_rank          = 
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 1495-1965
| elevation_ft       = 4908-6449
| population_total   = 143,229
| population_as_of   = 2011
| population_footnotes = <ref name="Census2011Gov"/>
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_metro   = 354,759
| population_rank    = 
| population_demonym = Shillongite and Nong-Shillong/Nongsor
| demographics_type1 = [[Language]]
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Indian English|English]]<ref name="langoff">{{cite web|title=52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|website=nclm.nic.in|publisher=[[Ministry of Minority Affairs]]|access-date=27 June 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525141614/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About Us {{!}} Official Website of Meghalaya State Designated Agency, Government of Meghalaya, India |url=https://msda.nic.in/about-us |website=msda.nic.in |access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref>
| demographics1_title2 = Associate&nbsp;official
| demographics1_info2 = [[Khasi language|Khasi]], [[Garo language|Garo]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=PTI |title=Meghalaya govt working for inclusion of Khasi, Garo languages |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/meghalaya-govt-working-for-inclusion-of-khasi-garo-languages-118091400921_1.html |access-date=24 November 2021 |work=Business Standard India |date=14 September 2018}}</ref>
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code        = 793 001&nbsp;– 793 102
| area_code          = 0364
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| registration_plate = ML-05
| website            = {{URL|eastkhasihills.gov.in}}
| footnotes          = 
| blank_name         = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]]
| blank_info         = [[Oceanic climate#Subtropical highland variety (Cfb, Cwb)|Cwb]]
}}
'''Shillong''' ({{IPAc-en|lang|pron|ʃ|ɪ|ˈ|l|ɒ|ŋ}},<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Shillong |title=Define Shillong |publisher=Dictionary.com |access-date=31 October 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Shillong |title=Definition of Shillong |publisher=The Free Dictionary |access-date=31 October 2013 }}</ref> {{IPA|kha|ʃɨlːɔːŋ|lang}}) is a [[hill station]] and the capital of [[Meghalaya]], a [[Indian state|state]] in [[northeastern India]]. It is the headquarters of the [[East Khasi Hills district]]. Shillong is the [[list of most populous cities in India|330th most populous city in India]] with a population of 143,229 according to the 2011 census.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/city.php|title=List of Most populated cities of India|website=www.census2011.co.in|access-date=25 December 2019}}</ref> It is said that the rolling hills around the town reminded the [[British Empire|British]] of [[Scotland]]. Hence, they would refer to it as the "Scotland of the East".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rao|first1=Sachin|title=Travel: Shillong, India – 'Scotland of the east'|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/travel-shillong-india-scotland-of-the-east-1-3481504|access-date=19 February 2017|work=The Scotsman|language=en}}</ref>

Shillong has steadily grown in size since it was made the civil station of the [[Khasi Hills|Khasi]] and [[Jaintia Hills]] in 1864 by the [[British Raj|British]]. In 1874, on the formation of [[Assam]] as the Chief Commissioner's Province, Shillong was chosen as the headquarters of the new administration because of its convenient location between the [[Brahmaputra]] and [[Surma River|Surma]] valleys and more so because the climate of Shillong was much cooler than tropical India.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Shillong |title=Shillong {{!}} India |website=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=16 July 2019}}</ref> Shillong remained the capital of [[undivided Assam]] until the creation of the new state of Meghalaya on 21 January 1972, when Shillong became the capital of Meghalaya, and Assam moved its capital to [[Dispur]] in [[Guwahati]].

==Etymology==
Shillong is named after the god of the Khasis, "U Blei Shyllong". The more widespread belief is that Shillong was named after a boy named “Aahlad” who was born to a virgin mother near Bisi.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

==History==
{{refimprove section|date=August 2023}}
Shillong was the capital of composite [[Assam]] during the British regime and later until a separate State of [[Meghalaya]] was formed. David Scott, the British civil servant of the [[East India Company]], was the Agent of the Governor-General North East Frontier. During the [[First Anglo-Burmese War]] the British authorities felt the need for a road to connect [[Sylhet]] and Assam. The route was to traverse across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. David Scott overcame the difficulties his administration faced from the opposition of the Khasi Syiems – their chiefs and people. Impressed by the favourable cool climate of [[Khasi Hills]], they negotiated with the Syiem of Sohra in 1829 for a sanatorium for the British. Thus began the consolidation of British interests in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills.

In early 1829, a [[Khasi people|Khasis]] confederation mounted a serious uprising against British occupation. But by January 1833, their leader [[Tirot Sing]] surrendered to David Scott and was  detained to Dacca (present-day [[Dhaka]]). A political agent was posted in Sohra, also known as [[Cherrapunjee]]. 

But the British did not like the climate and facilities of Sohra and they moved to Shillong. "Ïewduh" is the biggest market in Shillong. The name "Shillong" was later adopted, as the location of the new town was below the Shillong Peak.

In 1874, a separate Chief Commissionership was formed with Shillong as the seat of administration. The new administration included [[Sylhet]], now a part of [[Bangladesh]]. Also included in the Chief Commissionership were the [[Naga Hills]] (present-day [[Nagaland]]), [[Lushai Hills]] (present-day [[Mizoram]]) as well as Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills. Shillong was the capital of composite Assam till 1969 when the autonomous state of Meghalaya was formed. In January 1972, Meghalaya was made a full-fledged state.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Syiemlieh|first1=David R.|title=Reflections From Shillong: Speeches of M.M. Jacob (Volume 3)|date=2005|publisher=Daya Books|isbn=8189233297}}</ref>

The Shillong Municipal Board dates back to 1878, when a proclamation was issued constituting Shillong and its suburbs, including the villages of Mawkhar and Laban, into a station under the Bengal Municipal Act of 1876. Inclusion of the villages of Mawkhar (S.E. Mawkhar, Jaiaw and part of Jhalupara and Mawprem) and Laban (Lumparing, Madan laban, Kench's Trace and Rilbong) within the Municipality of Shillong was agreed to by Haiñ Manik Syiem of Mylliem under the agreement of 15 November 1878.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://smb.gov.in/history.html |title=Shillong Municipal Board – History |publisher=Shillong Municipal Board|access-date=21 May 2014}}</ref> But, there is no trace of Shillong in the British era maps dating back to 1878, up to 1900.

The [[1897 Assam earthquake|great earthquake]] of 12 June 1897 of [[moment magnitude scale|moment magnitude]] 8.1 killed 27 from Shillong and destroyed much of the town.

==Geography==
[[File:Aerial view of Shillong Meghalaya India.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Aerial view of Shillong]]
Shillong is at {{Coord|25.57|N|91.88|E|}}. It lies on the [[Shillong Plateau]], the only major uplifted structure in the northern Indian shield.<ref>Bilham, R. and P. England, Plateau pop-up during the great 1897 Assam earthquake. ''Nature''(Lond),410, 806–809, 2001</ref> The city lies in the centre of the plateau and is surrounded by hills, three of which are revered in Khasi tradition: Lum Sohpetbneng, Lum Diengiei, and Lum Shyllong.

Shillong is just {{convert|100|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Guwahati]], which can be accessed by road along [[NH 40]], a journey of about 2 hours 30 minutes through lush green hills and the [[Umiam lake]] in between.

===Smart Cities Mission===
Shillong has been selected as the 100th city to receive funding under the centre's flagship "Smart Cities Mission" [[Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation]] (AMRUT). In January 2016, 20 cities were announced under the Smart Cities Mission, followed by 13 cities in May 2016, 27 cities in September 2016, 30 cities in June 2017, and 9 cities in January this year. The total proposed investment in the finally selected 100 cities under the Smart Cities Mission would be {{INR}} 2,050,180 million. Under the scheme, each city will get {{INR}} 5000 million from the centre for implementing various projects.

===Climate===
{{climate chart
|Shillong
|4.4|15.3|13.7
|6.4|17.0|22.7
|10.6|21.3|53.7
|13.8|23.4|130.1
|15.3|23.5|273.7
|17.3|23.7|468.8
|18.0|24.0|394.5
|17.7|24.0|317.5
|16.5|23.4|293.8
|13.2|21.7|192.4
|8.7|19.0|37.3
|5.3|16.3|9.3
|source=[https://worldweather.wmo.int/066/c01621.htm World Weather Information Service]
|float=right
|clear=
}}

Weather conditions in Shillong are typically pleasant, pollution-free. In the summer the temperature varies from {{convert|23|C|F}}. In the winter the temperature varies from {{convert|4|C|F}}.

Under [[Köppen climate classification|Köppen's climate classification]] the city features a [[subtropical highland climate]] (Cwb). Its summers are cool and very rainy, while its winters are cool yet dry. Shillong is subject to vagaries of the [[Monsoon of South Asia|monsoon]]. The monsoons arrive in June and it rains almost until the end of October.

Shillong is ranked among top 10 Indian cities with the cleanest air and best [[Air quality index|AQI]] in 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gupta |first=Cherry |date=21 November 2024 |title=India's top 10 cities with the best air quality in 2024: Global cities' AQI insights revealed |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/top-10-listing/top-10-indian-cities-with-best-air-quality-index-aqi-2024-9680798/ |work=The Indian Express |access-date=1 December 2024}}</ref> 

{{Weather box
| location = Shillong (C.S.O) 1991–2020, extremes 1902–present
| metric first = Yes
| single line = Yes
| Jan record high C = 24.9
| Feb record high C = 26.1
| Mar record high C = 28.1
| Apr record high C = 30.2
| May record high C = 29.5
| Jun record high C = 29.5
| Jul record high C = 28.2
| Aug record high C = 29.5
| Sep record high C = 29.9
| Oct record high C = 27.8
| Nov record high C = 25.1
| Dec record high C = 23.2
|year record high C = 30.2
| Jan high C = 15.2
| Feb high C = 17.5
| Mar high C = 21.4
| Apr high C = 23.4
| May high C = 23.7
| Jun high C = 24.2
| Jul high C = 24.2
| Aug high C = 24.4
| Sep high C = 23.7
| Oct high C = 21.9
| Nov high C = 19.3
| Dec high C = 16.4
| year high C = 21.2
| Jan low C = 5.7
| Feb low C = 7.5
| Mar low C = 11.2
| Apr low C = 14.1
| May low C = 15.6
| Jun low C = 17.4
| Jul low C = 17.9
| Aug low C = 17.7
| Sep low C = 16.8
| Oct low C = 14.2
| Nov low C = 10.4
| Dec low C = 7.2
| year low C = 12.9
| Jan record low C = -0.9
| Feb record low C = -2.4
| Mar record low C = 2.7
| Apr record low C = 6.6
| May record low C = 8.5
| Jun record low C = 10.0
| Jul record low C = 12.3
| Aug record low C = 10.0
| Sep record low C = 10.7
| Oct record low C = 6.7
| Nov record low C = -0.5
| Dec record low C = -3.3
|year record low C = -3.3
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 12.6
| Feb rain mm = 15.4
| Mar rain mm = 42.7
| Apr rain mm = 131.4
| May rain mm = 244.5
| Jun rain mm = 423.7
| Jul rain mm = 402.0
| Aug rain mm = 328.4
| Sep rain mm = 270.1
| Oct rain mm = 197.2
| Nov rain mm = 24.7
| Dec rain mm = 7.2
| year rain mm = 2099.9
| Jan rain days = 1.6
| Feb rain days = 1.9
| Mar rain days = 4.0
| Apr rain days = 9.9
| May rain days = 16.1
| Jun rain days = 18.0
| Jul rain days = 17.3
| Aug rain days = 17.3
| Sep rain days = 14.5
| Oct rain days = 8.4
| Nov rain days = 1.5
| Dec rain days = 0.7
| year rain days = 111.3
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 86
| Feb humidity = 76
| Mar humidity = 67
| Apr humidity = 72
| May humidity = 81
| Jun humidity = 85
| Jul humidity = 86
| Aug humidity = 87
| Sep humidity = 90
| Oct humidity = 90
| Nov humidity = 88
| Dec humidity = 89
| year humidity = 83
| Jan sun = 223.2
| Feb sun = 223.2
| Mar sun = 232.5
| Apr sun = 219.0
| May sun = 170.5
| Jun sun = 108.0
| Jul sun = 99.2
| Aug sun = 108.5
| Sep sun = 102.0
| Oct sun = 176.7
| Nov sun = 216.0
| Dec sun = 235.6
|year sun = 
| Jand sun = 7.2
| Febd sun = 7.9
| Mard sun = 7.5
| Aprd sun = 7.3
| Mayd sun = 5.5
| Jund sun = 3.6
| Juld sun = 3.2
| Augd sun = 3.5
| Sepd sun = 3.4
| Octd sun = 5.7
| Novd sun = 7.2
| Decd sun = 7.6
|yeard sun = 5.8
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]] (sun 1971–2000)<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020
| publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]]
| access-date = April 8, 2024
}}</ref><ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| title = Station: Shillong (C.S.O) Climatological Table 1981–2010
| work = Climatological Normals 1981–2010
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = January 2015
| pages = 701–702
| access-date = 5 February 2020}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = December 2016
| page = M157
| access-date = 5 February 2020}}</ref><ref name=IMDsun>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042602/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Daily%20Normals%20of%20Global%20&%20Diffused%20Radiations%20%201971_2000.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Daily%20Normals%20of%20Global%20&%20Diffused%20Radiations%20%201971_2000.pdf
| title = Table 3 Monthly mean duration of Sun Shine (hours) at different locations in India
| work = Daily Normals of Global & Diffuse Radiation (1971–2000)
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = December 2016
| page = M-3
| access-date = 5 February 2020}}</ref><ref name=IMDcityweather>
{{cite web
| url = http://city.imd.gov.in/citywx/extreme/FEB/shillong2.htm
| title = Shillong Climatological Table 1971–2000
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| access-date = 5 February 2020}}</ref>

}}

==Transport==
Although well connected by road, Shillong has neither rail connections nor a proper air connection. [[Umroi Airport]] located {{convert|30|km|miles|0}} from the city centre has only limited flights.

===Roadways===
[[File:Shillong Bypass road.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Shillong [[Bypass (road)|Bypass road]]]]

Shillong is well connected by roads with all major northeastern states. Three major National Highways pass through:
*[[National Highway 6 (India)]] – Connected to [[Guwahati]], [[Tripura]] and [[Mizoram]]
*[[National Highway 106 (India)]]  - Connected to [[Nongstoin]]
*[[National Highway 206 (India)]]  - Connected to [[Dawki]]
* '''Shillong-Silchar highway''' - connected to [[Silchar]]: {{convert|166.8|km|abbr=on}} from Mawlyngkhung near Shillong to Panchgram on [[National Highway 6 (India)|NH-6]] near Silchar, will cut travel time between the two cities from 8.5 hours to 5 hours and act as a continuation of [[Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project]] offering a new Rs 22,864 crore high-speed highway between the North-East and Kolkata bypassing Bangladesh, executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and expected to be completed by 2030.<ref name=const1>{{cite news |last1=Mishra |first1=Dheraj |date=18 May 2025 |title=New North-East link to Kolkata will be via sea, giving Bangladesh a miss |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/new-north-east-link-to-kolkata-will-be-via-sea-giving-bangladesh-a-miss-10011504/ |work=The Indian Express |access-date=18 May 2025}}</ref>

Private bus operators, as well as state transport buses from other states, come to and from Shillong daily. Taxi services are also available to destination like [[Guwahati]], [[Agartala]], [[Kohima]], [[Dimapur]], [[Aizawl]] and other North Eastern towns and cities.

The Shillong Bypass ''(pictured)'' is a two lane road which stretches across {{convert|47.06|km|miles|1}} connecting Umiam (NH-40) to Jorabat (NH-44) which then leads to other northeastern Indian states of [[Mizoram]] and [[Tripura]]. The project was estimated to have cost around {{INRConvert|220|c}} and was completed in a span of two years (2011–2013).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/infrastructure/gadkari-to-inaugurate-shillong-bypass/articleshow/47109056.cms|title=Gadkari to inaugurate Shillong Bypass|work=[[The Economic Times]]|publisher=[[The Times Group]]|date=30 April 2015|access-date=1 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://in.news.yahoo.com/gadkari-inaugurate-shillong-bypass-today-030615157.html|title=Gadkari to inaugurate Shillong bypass today|author=ANI|publisher=[[Yahoo! News]]|date=1 May 2015|access-date=1 May 2015}}</ref>

===Airways===
[[File:Shillong Airport terminal building 4.jpg|thumb|[[Shillong Airport]]]]
Shillong is served by the [[Shillong Airport]], which is located about 30&nbsp;km away at Umroi. The airport has daily flights to and from [[Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport|Kolkata]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/three-new-flights-to-raipur-shillong/articleshow/69349771.cms|title=Three new flights to Raipur, Shillong from Kolkata &#124; Kolkata News|website=The Times of India|date=16 May 2019 }}</ref> It also have flights to and from [[Lilabari Airport|Lilabari]], [[Delhi]], [[Silchar]], [[Agartala]], [[Imphal]], [[Dimapur]], [[Dibrugarh]] and [[Guwahati]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flightradar24 |title=Live Flight Tracker - Real-Time Flight Tracker Map |url=https://www.flightradar24.com/airport/shl/arrivals |access-date=23 March 2023 |website=Flightradar24 |language=en}}</ref>  Presently Indigo, Alliance Air and SpiceJet are operating regular services from the airport.<ref>{{Cite news |agency=PTI |date=8 October 2021|title=Boom: Umroi Airport caters to 10,000+ fliers in 3 months|url=https://theshillongtimes.com/2021/10/08/boom-umroi-airport-caters-to-10000-fliers-in-3-months/|access-date=19 November 2021|website=The Shillong Times|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |agency=Press Trust of India |date=25 February 2023 |title=SpiceJet introduces direct flight service from Delhi to Shillong |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/spicejet-introduces-direct-flight-service-from-delhi-to-shillong-123022500406_1.html |access-date=23 March 2023 |work=Business Standard}}</ref>

===Railways===
Teteliya-Byrnihat line, {{cvt|22|km}} long, from Guwahati's suburb Tetelia to [[Byrnihat]] near Shillong in Meghalaya is likely to be completed by March 2026.<ref name=railne1/> From Byrnihat it will be extended further to Shillong in future.<ref name=railne1>[https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/north-east-to-get-better-indian-railways-connectivity-5-major-rail-projects-lined-up-details-here/2027372/ North East to get better Indian Railways connectivity! 5 major rail projects lined up] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719103230/https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/north-east-to-get-better-indian-railways-connectivity-5-major-rail-projects-lined-up-details-here/2027372/ |date=19 July 2020 }}, Financial Express, 17 July 2020.</ref>

==Demographics==
{{Pie chart
|thumb = Right
|caption = Religions in Shillong City (2011)<ref name="Religion">{{cite web |title=C-1 Population By Religious Community - Shillong |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW17C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=censusindia.gov.in |access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Christianity]]
|value1 = 46.49
|color1 = Blue
|label2 = [[Hinduism]]
|value2 = 41.95
|color2 = DarkOrange
|label3 = [[Tribal religion]]
|value3 = 4.5
|color3 = Chartreuse
|label4 = [[Islam]]
|value4 = 4.89
|color4 = Green
|label5 = [[Sikhism]]
|value5 = 1.14
|color5 = DarkKhaki
|label6 = [[Buddhism]]
|value6 = 0.74
|color6 = Gold
|label8 = Not Stated
|value8 = 0.16
|color8 = Black
|label7 = [[Jainism]]
|value7 = 0.13
|color7 = Brown
}}

As of the [[2011 Census of India]], Shillong had a total population of 143,229, of which 70,135 were males and 73,094 were females. As per 2011 language census report, 67,154 of the city's population speak [[Khasi language|Khasi]] as their native language,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Bikash | date=13 December 2018 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/khasi-students-union-expresses-opposition-to-the-citizenship-amendment-bill/articleshow/67070938.cms | title=Khasi Students Union expresses opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill | newspaper=The Economic Times |access-date=24 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://theshillongtimes.com/2019/12/01/khasi-population-in-city-not-more-than-50-pc-ksu/ |title=Khasi population in city not more than 50 pc: KSU |date=December 2019 |newspaper=Shillong Times |access-date=24 May 2023}}</ref> 28,984 speak [[Bengali language|Bengali]], 15,559 speak [[Hindi]], 14,085 speak [[Nepali language|Nepali]], 4,069 speak [[Assamese language|Assamese]], 2,632 speak [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], 3,580 speak [[Garo language|Garo]], 1,088 speak [[Urdu]] and 6,115 speak other languages.<ref name=Language2011/> 14,317 were aged 0 to 6 years. The literacy rate was 83.5% or 119,642 people: 84.8% for males and 82.3% females. The effective [[Literacy|literacy rate]] of people aged 7 years and older was 92.8%, 94.8% for males and 90.9% for females. The [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes]] population was 1,551 and 73,307, respectively. Shillong had 31,025 households in 2011.<ref name="Census2011Gov">{{cite web |title=Census of India: Shillong |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=315259 |access-date=30 December 2019 |website=www.censusindia.gov.in}}</ref> As per the 1971 census (before creation of Meghalaya state in 1972), non-tribals constituted 58.53% of the population of Shillong.<ref>{{cite web |last=Myrboh |first=Batskhem |date=9 February 2019 |url=https://raiot.in/on-non-tribal-migration-in-meghalaya/#:~:text=As%20per%20the%201971%20Census,of%20the%20population%20of%20Shillong |title=On Non Tribal Migration in Meghalaya |work=RAIOT |access-date=24 May 2023}}</ref>

{{Pie chart
|thumb = left
|caption = Languages spoken across Shillong city (2011)<ref name=Language2011>{{cite web|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16T/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-1700.XLSX|title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue|website=censusindia.gov.in|access-date=24 November 2021}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Khasi language|Khasi]]
|value1 = 46.88
|color1 = red
|label2 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]
|value2 = 20.23
|color2 = orchid
|label3 = [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
|value3 = 10.86
|color3 = orange
|label4 = [[Nepali language|Nepali]]
|value4 = 9.83
|color4 = sienna
|label5 = [[Assamese language|Assamese]]
|value5 = 2.84
|color5 = gold
|label6 = [[Garo language|Garo]]
|value6 = 2.50
|color6 = violet
|label7 = [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]
|value7 = 1.83
|color7 = pink
|label8 = [[Urdu]]
|value8 = 0.76
|color8 = green
|label9 = others
|value9 = 4.27
|color9 = grey
}}


[[File:Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Shillong 1.jpeg|thumb| The [[Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Shillong]], is one of the largest Church in India]]
According to 2011 census, [[Christianity]] is the dominant religion in the city, practised by 46.49% of the population, followed by [[Hinduism]] at 41.95%, [[Islam]] 4.89%, and to a lesser degree, that is, 2.01% includes [[Sikhism]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]]. An ancient indigenous religion of the Khasi and Jaintia tribes is still followed by 4.5% of the population.<ref name="Religion"/> The Shillong metropolitan region, which includes the towns of [[Laitumkhrah]], [[Lawsohtun]], [[Madanrting]], [[Mawlai]], Mawpat, Nongkseh, [[Nongmynsong]], [[Nongthymmai]], [[Pynthorumkhrah]], [[Shillong Cantonment]], Umlyngka and Umpling,
had a population of 354,759, 12% of which being under six years of age. The literacy rate in the metro region was 91%.<ref name="2011census metro">{{cite web|title=Shillong Metropolitan Urban Region Population 2011 Census|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/metropolitan/176-shillong.html|website=www.census2011.co.in}}</ref>

==Places of interest==
Tourist sites in and around the city include:<ref>{{cite web|last=Meghalaya Tourism|title=Attractions and Activities in Shillong|url=https://www.meghalayatourism.in/destinations/shillong/|access-date=|publisher=Meghalaya Tourism}}</ref>{{better source needed|reason=Unreliable blog-type source|date=August 2019}}
*'''[[Elephant Falls]]''': 12&nbsp;km on the outskirts of the city, the mountain stream descends through three successive falls set in dells of fern covered rocks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://megtourism.gov.in/waterfalls.html|title=Waterfalls of Meghalaya: Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya|website=megtourism.gov.in|access-date=3 February 2020|archive-date=26 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126060253/http://www.megtourism.gov.in/waterfalls.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*'''Ka Phan Nonglait Park''': The park stretches over a kilometre and has an adjacent mini zoo.
*'''[[Ward's Lake]]''': Known locally as Nan-Polok. It is an artificial lake with garden and boating facilities, built during the colonial era.
*'''Shillong Golf Course''': Shillong has one of the largest natural golf courses in Asia: Gleneagles of the East. It enjoys the rare distinction of being one of the few natural golf courses in Asia. Not only is the Shillong Golf Course scenic and enjoyable, it is also challenging. 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 course is set in a valley covered with pine and rhododendron trees. The tight fairways, carpeted with a local grass which hardens the soil, are difficult to negotiate. The number of out-of-bounds streams that criss-cross every fairway makes it all the more trying. Obstructions come in the form of bunkers, trees and rain. The longest hole is the 6th, which is a gruelling 594 yards. Shillong Golf Course is considered to be the "[[Gleneagles Hotel|Glen Eagle]] of the East" at the [[United States Golf Association Museum]]. It was set in a valley at an altitude of 5,200&nbsp;ft in 1898 as a nine-hole course and later converted into an 18-hole course in 1924 by Captain Jackson and [[C. K. Rhodes]].
*'''Motphran''': The "Monument of France" which is locally known as "Motphran" was erected in memory of the 26th Khasi Labour Corps who served under the British in France during World War I. It bears the words of the Latin poet [[Horace]] "[[Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori]]" which can be roughly translated as "It is sweet and honourable to die for one's country. Due to government neglect and public apathy, this monument is now in a dilapidated condition standing.
*'''Shillong Peak''': A picnic spot, 10&nbsp;km from the city, 1966 m above sea level, offers a panoramic view of the scenic countryside and is the highest point in the state. Obeisance is paid to U Shyllong at the sanctum sanctorum at the peak's summit every springtime, by the religious priest of Khyrim/Mylliem State.
*'''[[Williamson A. Sangma|Capt. Williamson Sangma]] State Museum''': For those interested in ethnic tribal culture and tradition this government museum offers insights to the lifestyle of the people. This museum is in the State Central Library complex where monuments for the great patriots of the state were erected besides the statue of Smt. Indira Gandhi and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
*'''Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures''': The Don Bosco Museum is part of DBCIC (Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures). DBCIC comprises research on cultures, publications, training, animation programmes and the museum, which is a place of knowledge-sharing on the cultures of the northeast in particular, and of culture in general. DBCIC with its Don Bosco Museum is situated at Mawlai, Shillong.
*'''Wankhar Entomological Museum''' (Butterfly Museum): A privately owned museum of M/s Wankhar, Riatsamthiah, Shillong about 2&nbsp;km from police bazar is the only known museum in India devoted to moths and butterflies.
*'''Chrysalis the Gallery''': This art gallery is on the second floor of Salonsar Mansion at Police Bazaar, the commercial hub of Shillong. Chrysalis has flexible spacing to display paintings (canvases), sculpture, photography and handicrafts. Run by a local artist, Jaya Kalra, the gallery caters to exhibitions of artists and artisans especially from the northeast and also from the rest of India.
*'''State Museum''': Located at the State Central Library complex
*'''[[Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians]]''' is in Don Bosco Square
*'''Bishop and Beadon Falls''': Both cascade down the same escarpment into a deep valley
*'''Spread Eagle Falls''': 3&nbsp;km from polo grounds
*'''[[Sweet Falls]]''': Sweet Falls (also called "Weitdem", in the native dialect) is a waterfall located about 5&nbsp;km from the Happy Valley and is about 96 m in height.
*'''Crinoline Falls''': Near Phan Nonglait Park
*'''Umiam Lake:'''    En-route Guwahati to Shillong

<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:Elephant Fall of Shillong.JPG|[[Elephant Falls]]
File:Mary Help of Christians Cathedral- 25 December 2016.jpg|Mary Help of Christians Cathedral
File:Umiam Lake.jpg|[[Umiam Lake]]
File:Lady Hydari Park.jpg|Lady Hydari Park
File:Shillong borapani lake.jpg|Shillong Barapani Lake
File:Shillong City from Don Bosco Museum.jpg|Shillong City view from Don Bosco Museum
File:Umiam Lake, Shillong, Meghalaya.jpg
</gallery>

==Sport==
[[File:Polo basketball court.jpg|thumb|right|Polo basketball court]]

Shillong is one of the capital cities in [[Northeast India]] to produce three football clubs that participate in the [[I-League]], namely, [[Rangdajied United FC]], [[Royal Wahingdoh FC]] and [[Shillong Lajong FC]]. All three have their home stadium at [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]]. Royal Wahingdoh FC was adjudged 2nd [[runners-up]] in the [[2014–15 I-League|2014–15 season of I-League]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://i-league.org/matchday/points-table/|title=Points Table &#124; Hero I-League|access-date=25 December 2019}}</ref>

The Shillong Golf Course is one of the oldest golf course in the country and is surrounded by pine and rhododendron trees.

Among people of the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya, archery has been both a sport, a form of defence for several centuries and gambling (teer). While modern customs have replaced many of traditional aspects of the culture here, a pervasive fascination for archery remains. Shillong teer is an authorised game that is subject to regulations established by the Meghalaya Amusement and Betting Tax Act. The Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association is in charge of managing this lottery event.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ramadurai|first=Charukesi |date=16 May 2018 |url=http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20180515-in-india-gambling-with-bows-and-arrows |title=In India, gambling with bows and arrows |work=BBC |access-date=17 March 2022}}</ref>

Binningstar Lyngkhoi from Shillong is a national marathon runner and represented India in the last 2010 Commonwealth Games. He is the fastest marathoner in India with a timing of 2:18 hours.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Club !! Sport !! League !! Stadium
|-
| [[Shillong Lajong FC]]
| [[Association football|Football]]
| [[I-League]]
| [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong]]
|-
| [[Rangdajied United F.C.]]
| [[Association football|Football]]
| [[I-League]]
| [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong]]
|-
| [[Ryntih FC]]
| [[Association football|Football]]
| [[I-League 2nd Division]]
| [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong]]
|}

==Education==
[[File:IIMSHILLONG.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Indian Institute of Management Shillong|Indian Institute of Management]]]]
{{See also|List of educational institutions in Shillong}}

=== Autonomous institutions ===
* [[North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences]]
* [[Indian Institute of Management Shillong]]
* [[National Institute of Technology Meghalaya]]
* [[National Institute of Fashion Technology Shillong]]<ref>{{cite news |title=National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Shillong: Accreditation & Awards, Ranking, Fees |url=https://bestcolleges.indiatoday.in/college-details/11/national-institute-of-fashion-technology-nift-shillong |work=India Today |access-date=12 November 2023}}</ref>
* [[North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homeopathy]]
* [[Institute of Hotel Management]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Institute of Hotel Management - Shillong Meghalaya - Central IHMs |url=https://nchm.nic.in/index.php/node/671 |website=nchm.nic.in |access-date=12 November 2023}}</ref>

===General degree colleges===
* [[Lady Keane College]]
* [[Raid Laban College]]
* [[St. Edmund's College, Shillong|St. Edmund's College]]
* [[Sankardev College]]
* [[Seng Khasi College]]
* [[Shillong College]]
* [[Shillong Commerce College]]
* [[Synod College]]
* [[Women's College, Shillong]]

===Law college===
* [[Shillong Law College]]

===Medical College===
* [[North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences]]

===Law schools===
* [[National Law University]], Meghalaya<ref>{{cite news |title=1st NLU Meg- NHRC National Law Moot Court Competition (Prizes Worth Rs. 1.5 L) [Offline; March 15-17] |url=https://www.livelaw.in/lawschool/moot-courts/nlu-meghalya-nhrc-national-law-moot-court-competition-245588 |access-date=18 April 2024 |work=Live Law |date=31 December 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

===Central Universities===
* [[English and Foreign Languages University]]
* [[North Eastern Hill University]] (NEHU)
* [[Indira Gandhi National Open University]] (IGNOU)<ref>{{cite news |title=IGNOU Shillong Regional Centre {{!}} Admission, Courses & Contact Details |url=https://ignou.icnn.in/ignou-shillong-regional-centre/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |work=ICNN News |date=8 November 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

===Private Universities===
* [[Martin Luther Christian University]]
* [[William Carey University, Meghalaya]]

==Media==
Local media in Shillong is strong. There are a number of theatres, newspapers, magazines, local radio and television stations. Shillong is also often called as "India's Rock Capital" due to its inhabitants' great passion for music, hosting concerts featuring a number of western artists.{{Citation needed|date=November 2022}}

===Cinema===
Cinemas in Shillong include Bijou Cinema Hall, Gold Cinema and Anjalee Cinema Hall (also called Galleria Anjalee Cinema).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theshillongtimes.com/2015/01/30/shillong-gets-its-first-multiplex/|title=Shillong gets its first multiplex|work=[[The Shillong Times]]|date=30 January 2015|access-date=4 April 2015}}</ref>

===Print media===
{{see also|Shillong Observer}}
Newspapers are published for Shillong both in Khasi and English. Prominent English dailies published here include ''[[Shillong Times]]'', ''Meghalaya Guardian'', ''Highland Post'', ''Meghalaya Times'' and ''[[The Sentinel (Gauhati)|The Sentinel]]''. Khasi dailies like ''U Mawphor'', ''U Nongsaiñ Hima'' ''Peitngor'', ''Kynjat Shai''among others are published here. Weekly newspaper are "Salonsar" and "Dongmusa". There are magazines like "Iing Khristan" (100 years of publication), "Pateng Mynta" in Khasi and "Youth Today" and "Eastern Panorama" in English.

===Electronic media===
The radio industry has expanded with a number of private and government-owned FM channels being introduced. State-owned Doordarshan transmits terrestrial television channels. Apart from these few weekly news channels like Peitngor Cable News (PCN), Ri Khasi Channel, Batesi and T7 are broadcast weekly on the local cable networks.

===Communication services===
Fixed telephone lines are available. Internet services are available both wired and wireless broadband. It is also well covered in mobile networks with all major cellular providers like [[Bharti Airtel|Airtel]], [[Vodafone Idea]], [[BSNL]] and [[Jio]] are available here.

== Banking ==

Several banks operate in Shillong, providing a range of financial services to the city's residents and businesses.

* State Bank of India (SBI) – The SBI has a major branch in Shillong that offers a variety of financial services, including savings accounts, loans, and more. The branch is located at [provide address or mention the general location if you don't have a specific address].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/ifsccode/bank-state-bank-of-india,state-meghalaya,district-east-khasi-hills,branch-shillong,ifsccode-SBIN0000181.cms|title=State Bank of India, Shillong Branch, Meghalaya|website=The Economic Times|access-date=11 November 2024}}</ref>

* ICICI Bank – ICICI Bank also has a significant presence in Shillong, offering services such as personal banking, loans, and credit cards. The branch is located at [provide address or general location if known].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icicibank.com/branch/meghalaya/shillong/icic0000352|title=ICICI Bank, Shillong Branch, Meghalaya|website=ICICI Bank|access-date=11 November 2024}}</ref>

* Federal Bank – Federal Bank operates a branch in Shillong, providing a range of services such as savings accounts, personal loans, and other financial products. The branch's details can be found at the following reference.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ifscdetails.in/ifsc-code/FDRL0001190|title=Federal Bank, Shillong Branch, Meghalaya|website=IFSCDetails.in|access-date=11 November 2024}}</ref>

==Headquarters Eastern Air Command, Indian Air Force==
HQ Eastern Air Command (HQ, EAC) was shifted to Shillong on 10 Jun 63 from [[Kolkata]] and housed in the old buildings located at Nonglyer village at Upper Shillong, some 10&nbsp;km from (Lower) Shillong, but at a greater altitude of around 6,000 feet AMSL. Initially a British military base, it was taken over by No. 58 Gorkha Regiment of the Indian Army post Independence in 1947. The Regiment was redeployed after the [[Sino-Indian War]] of 1962, making way for the IAF to step in. Only helicopters can operate from HQ, EAC, using a 12.7 hectare (31.3 acre) helipad.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_command.php?pg_id=22&page_type=command&comm_id=1|title=EASTERN AIR COMMAND|access-date=25 December 2019}}</ref>

EAC controls air operations in the eastern sector which include West Bengal, Assam, Mizoram and the other eastern states bordering Bangladesh, Burma, and Tibet. EAC comprises permanent airbases at Chabua, Gauhati, Bagdogra, Barrackpore, Hashimara, Jorhat, Kalaikunda and Tezpur with forward airbases at Agartala, Culcutta, Panagarh and Shillong.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Units/Commands/295-Eastern-Air-Command.html|title=Eastern Air Command (EAC) – Bharat Rakshak: Indian Air Force|first=Shillong.|last=Meghalaya|access-date=11 January 2016|archive-date=13 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913120012/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/units/commands/295-eastern-air-command.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Neighbourhoods==
{{wide image|Shillong City.jpg|400px|Panorama of Police Bazar which is an important economic center and major commercial hub of Shillong|align-cap=center}}
Historic neighbourhoods of Shillong include Mawkhar, Jaiaw, Riatsamthiah, Umsohsun, Wahingdoh, Khyndailad (Police Bazar), Mawlai, Laitumkhrah, Laban, Malki, Nongthymmai and Polo.

==Notable people==
{{Further|Category:People associated with Shillong|Category:People from Shillong}}

==See also==
* [[Tourism in North East India]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Wikivoyage inline}}
* [https://Shillong.com Shillong.com]
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
{{North East India}}{{State and Union Territory capitals of India}}
{{Meghalaya}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Shillong| ]]
[[Category:Geography of Meghalaya]]
[[Category:Hill stations in Meghalaya]]
[[Category:East Khasi Hills district| ]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in East Khasi Hills district]]
[[Category:Tourism in Northeast India]]
[[Category:1864 establishments in India]]