Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is a picturesque hill station located at an altitude of about 1,520 meters (4,990 feet) on the Shillong Plateau in northeastern India. Established in 1864 by the British as a civil station, it served as the capital of undivided Assam until 1972, when Meghalaya was formed and Shillong became its capital. Known as the "Scotland of the East" due to its rolling hills and cool climate, Shillong is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, popular for its natural beauty, waterfalls, and lively music scene.