How to reach Shillong?
There are multiple ways to reach Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, including by air, train or road:
- By air: The closest airport to Shillong is Umroi Airport, which is about 30 kms away. However, it’s a small regional airport with limited flights. The closest large airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which is about 130 kms away. From Guwahati, you can take a taxi or state bus to Shillong.
- By train: The nearest railway station to Shillong is Guwahati Railway Station, which is about 96 kms away. Guwahati is well connected to other cities by rail, including Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Mumbai.
- By road: National Highway 40 connects Shillong with Guwahati. The road is all-weather and offers scenic views. You can also take a bus or shared taxi from Guwahati to Shillong.
- Accommodations and how to reach the venue: Price range: ₹1800 onwards with 10-15% discount while you mention the event to the hotel.
*Please note that participants are responsible for their own hotel bookings, and no assistance or follow-up will be provided in this regard.
Travel agencies:
- Synrop agency, Mawpat, Phone no: 8014554696
- Any ride agency, Nongmynsong, Phone no:8031946929
Weather and Local Cuisine
Temperature:
Weather: In March, the weather in Meghalaya is generally pleasant and cool, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F) and nighttime temperatures dropping to 8°C to 12°C (46°F to 54°F). It’s a dry month with little rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities like sightseeing, trekking, and exploring waterfalls
Food: Khasi food is delicious and hearty; don’t miss trying traditional dishes like
Places of attraction in Meghalaya:
In Shillong
Ward’s Lake – A picturesque man-made lake in the city centre, perfect for boating and leisurely walks.
Shillong Peak – The highest point in Shillong offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills.
Elephant Falls – A stunning three-tiered waterfall located just outside the city, popular for its beauty and easy accessibility.
Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures – A museum showcasing the culture and traditions of the indigenous tribes of Northeast India.
Laitlum Canyons – A lesser-known spot with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, ideal for trekking and photography.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest– A spiritually significant forest with rich biodiversity, protected by local Khasi tribes.
Phan Nonglait Park – A landscaped park with gardens and a small zoo, ideal for a relaxing stroll.
Shillong Golf Course– One of the oldest golf courses in India, set amidst lush greenery and pine forests.
Sohra
Nohkalikai Falls – The tallest waterfall in India, offering breathtaking views and a nearby viewpoint.
Mawsmai Cave – A limestone cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations.
Living Root Bridges – Natural bridges formed by the roots of trees, including the famous Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat
Thangkharang Park– A park with spectacular views of the Bangladesh plains and surrounding waterfalls.
Khoh Ramhah (The Giant’s Basket) – A unique rock formation offering scenic views and a quiet spot for nature lovers
Eco Park – A park with beautiful views and a peaceful environment, ideal for relaxation and birdwatching.
Mawlynnong Village – Famous for its cleanliness and eco-friendly practices.
Riwai Village – Known for another Living Root Bridge, offering a peaceful experience.
Dawki & Umngot River
Umngot River – Known for its crystal-clear waters, perfect for boating.
Dawki Suspension Bridge – An old British-era suspension bridge with great views.
Shnongpdeng – A village near Dawki known for water activities like camping, zip-lining, and swimming.
Mawlyngbna Village – A nearby village offering trekking, caving, and scenic views
One Health Conclave
March 18-20, 2025
About IIPH Shillong
The Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong (IIPHS) was established by the PHFI in collaboration with the Government of Meghalaya as a regional public health institute. IIPH-Shillong is intended to redress the limited institutional and systems capacity in public health in the north east region of India. The objects of the Institute is to promote health and wellbeing in all communities including tribal people and the weaker sections of society; to provide education, capacity building and cost-effective health delivery systems in the NER.
About the Conclave
Join us this spring in Shillong for the ‘One Health Conclave’, organized by the Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong. This event will provide a platform to deepen your understanding of ‘One Health’ principles and their critical role in addressing public health challenges. Under the theme, “Bridging Knowledge to Practice”, the conclave will highlight its importance in achieving public health, animal health, food security, and sustainable ecosystem management. By addressing health threats at the human-animal-environment interface, this approach is vital for mitigating emerging challenges, particularly in the context of the Triple Planetary Crisis. The conclave will bring together key stakeholders, including regional institutions, donors, academia, and collaborating centers, to discuss opportunities, share best practices, and foster collaboration for the operationalization of the One Health approach.
Event 1. Manuscript writing workshop
- Speaker: Dr Elena N. Naumova, PhD, Professor and Chair at The Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, Boston, USA.
Dr. Naumova is renowned for her research in epidemiology, environmental health, and nutrition, particularly in developing advanced analytical tools to study disease patterns, environmental exposures, and public health impacts. She will be guiding on interpreting complex data, structuring research findings, and enhancing scientific clarity, all essential skills for producing impactful and publication ready manuscripts.
- Venue: Moreau Institute of Integral Training (MIIT) Brookdene, Opposite St. Edmund’s School, Meghalaya-793003
- Date: 18th -19th March 2025
- Timing: 9:00 AM- 4:00PM
Event 2. Conference with the theme on One Health: “Bridging Knowledge to Practice”
- Venue: State Convention Centre (Pinewood Hotel Annexe), Bishop Road, Shillong-793001
- Date: 20th March 2025
- Timing: 08:00 AM- 06:00 PM
Theme: One Health: Bridging Knowledge to Practice
Sub themes:
- Emerging and reemerging zoonoses
- Food safety
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Eco-health
- Policy implementation in one health
- Tribal health
- Big data and digital solutions
- Surveillance in one health
Call for proposal
We invite researchers, academicians, and practitioners to submit your innovative and impactful proposals/posters for presentation at the ‘One Health Conclave’ conference.
Further schedule for the conference shall be updated shortly.
Proposal format details can be found here
Travel grants
Travel grants are available to support participants from various academic and research institutions. Detailed information on eligibility and application will be updated shortly.
Contacts and Additional Information
IIPH Shillong, Holy Cross Brookdene, Dhankheti, Shillong – 793001
Email: onehealthconclave@iiphs.ac.in
Committee members
- Chair: Prof Sandra Albert, Director IIPH Shillong
- Organising secretary: Dr. Melari S. Nongrum, Associate Professor, IIPH Shillong
Invited Speakers
- Prof. Gagandeep Kang,
Director – Enteric, Diagnostics, Genomics and Epidemiology, Global Health, Gates Foundation
- Prof. Elena Naumova,
Professor & Chair at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, USA
- Prof. Jane Carlton,
Director, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
- Dr. Parimal Roy,
Director, ICAR- National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, India
- Prof. Catherine Walton,
Senior Lecturer, Department of Earth and Environmental Science School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester
- Prof. Bhramar Mukherjee,
Senior Associate Dean of Data Science and Equity, Yale School of Public Health, USA
- Prof. Sitara S R Ajjampur,
Professor of Microbiology and Head, The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, CMC Vellore, India
