Shillong — a walker’s paradise

Shillong: Tucked away in the Himalayan foothills, Shillong is literally a “walker’s joy”, says a tourist, who has been visiting this hill town every year.“Its meandering roads over undulating terrain surrounded by evergreen pines and dotted with endearing cottages can gently prod the most reluctant ambulator to keep going a few more steps. The distinct change of seasons lends its shifting charms to the pine city,” he points out.“Winter with its crisp cool air beneath clear skies and warm sunshine. Spring heralds the appearance of colourful cherry and plum blossoms, jacaranda and rhododendron blooms, wild daisies and butterflies. Rainy summers wash the city clean making the greens greener. Mellow autumn days with picture perfect crimson skies,” he describes the seasonal beauty of the Meghalaya capital.In fact, deliberately slow steps on steep inclines changing into a quickening of pace going downhill, walking is an everyday activity for most Shillongites.Its citizens are held in high regard by outsiders, a visitor from neighboring Guwahati was once heard quip that the reason he found it rare to come by overweight Shillongites was probably because everyone grew up walking everywhere.Nevertheless, the growing number of cars idling in traffic jams choking the arterial roads are a regular feature these days, but one may cut through a bylane and quickly find herself in a tree lined path or a cobbled stairway free to look around and take it all in again.From Don Bosco Square down Jacob’s Ladder via St Anthony’s College passing All India Radio station and the Governor’s House, one may walk over Camel’s Back Road or detour along Ward’s Lake and the Botanical Gardens pausing for tea at Polo Bazaar and resuming to survey the nearby sports grounds where one could be lucky to catch an exciting game of “teer” (archery) or the famous Golf Links with its 18-hole course over an endless rolling natural landscape and British era members club.An entire day can be spent discovering the bustling Iewduh (aka Bara Bazaar), a hub of activity spread over an entire hill selling fresh produce sourced from nearby villages and far-flung places.Indeed, the walking and exploring possibilities within the city are endless.Brave adventurers could head to the surrounding tranquil hills for a day hike but trails are unmarked and it could be easy to lose the way, so being with knowledgeable locals is important.Hiking up to Shillong Peak at an altitude of 1966 meters would offer panoramic views of the valley below.“The absence of well-defined trails could make it dangerous to venture by oneself and seeking advance opinion from locals and being in a group with an experienced leader is all important,” cautions a seasoned hiker.