Which City is Known as the “Scotland of the East” in India?

India is home to some of the most beautiful places in the world, one of which has earned the nickname “Scotland of the East”. In this article we take a look at the city known as Scotland of the East.

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Scotland of the East

Located in the heart of the beautiful Meghalaya state in northeastern India, there is a city called Shillong, known as the “Scotland of the East”, which means “the abode of the clouds”.

It earned this nickname because of its striking resemblance to the Scottish Highlands, which are home to rolling hills, waterfalls, lush greenery, vast meadows and cool, pleasant weather.

Why is Shillong called Scotland of the East?

Unlike the heat in other parts of India, Shillong has a cool and pleasant climate, giving the British a breath of fresh air.

During colonial rule, the beautiful city of Shillong, with its mist-shrouded hills, scenic waterfalls and dense pine forests, reminded British officers of the Scottish Highlands.

In addition, the city’s buildings such as churches, bungalows and schools embody the essence of Scottish architecture, giving the city a unique old world charm.

Lakes like Umiam Lake and Ward’s Lake and waterfalls like Elephant Falls make Shillong a perfect match for Scottish water bodies and add to the beauty of the city.

Source: YouTube

Apart from its natural beauty, Shillong also has a very strong cultural heritage, just like Scotland, with its vibrant music scene and traditional dance forms that could easily be called the Scotland of the East.

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