shillong last visit

4-day Shillong Travel Itinerary for First Time Travellers

traveller Sounak

Shillong travel itinerary is going to come in handy if you are planning to visit this beautiful capital of the northeastern state of Meghalaya. Meghalaya is a place where you need to be if you h ave ever desired to get close to nature and greenery fascinates you.

A well-defined Shillong travel itinerary will help you explore the best of what this place has to offer. The lush green mountains, lakes, waterfalls, valleys and picturesque villages embellish this place and make it a perfect destination for travellers.

Although many places in India’s northeast are surreal, some of them are quite harsh and inaccessible. Shillong is a place where people of all ages can easily travel and spend quality time. In my current blog, I will share with you a four-day Shillong travel itinerary based on my extensive visits to the region.

The map has been made using Google Maps. These are the places that I covered on my 3 nights,  4 days Shillong Trip Itinerary

Shillong Travel Itinerary

The beauty of Meghalaya needs no introduction. Meghalaya meaning the abode of the clouds is an interesting as well as enriching place to explore. It is the wettest region in India, and Cherrapunjee ( another visitor attraction around 50 km distance from Shillong ) holds the record for the highest rainfall on the planet.

The beauty of Shillong was noticed by early European settlers who named it “Scotland of the East” . Shillong travel itinerary can give you a gist of the flavour that you might experience in the whole state. One can also think of it as the start of exploring the North-Eastern part of India

Although, you can spend countless days in Shillong amidst nature, here I will provide you with a 4-day Shillong travel itinerary. Below is a brief overview of my day wise Shillong trip itinerary.

The Complete Itinerary for Traveling to Shillong

In the following paragraphs, I will introduce you to the places to visit on your Shillong travel itinerary. This will benefit you and you won’t waste time charting a plan on where to go next.

Day 1 of My 4-Day Shillong travel itinerary

It is a good idea to start early in the morning from Guwahati. I travelled to Shillong from Guwahati, so I am taking that as my starting point. If you are starting an afresh trip, it will depend on your flight or train timings. In that case, I would suggest booking a transport option that reaches Guwahati in the morning. The approximate distance from Guwahati to Shillong is 100 km and it would take more or less 2.5-3 hrs.

Before entering Shillong, you will come across Umiam lake. The lake is also known as Borapani Lake locally. It is a man-made lake in the lap of the hills with a mesmerizing backdrop. The size of the lake will leave you awestruck.

There are opportunities for boating on the lake. There are also different water sports for adventure lovers like water skiing, high-speed boat and yachting. A Pedal boat ride on the lake is absolutely worth it if you want to enjoy the ambience in a leisurely way.

The rates of several water sports at Umiam Lake are given below. Note that these are approximate charges and can change with the season.

After the break at Umiam lake , continue on your onward journey to Shillong. After checking-in, to the hotel (or hostel) the rest of the day can be spent exploring the locale and hiring a car (taxi fares given ahead) for the next few days.

I suggest you head out and explore the food junctions at Shillong. Food is something that connects you to the place and gives you a true feel of its roots. Wherever you travel, it becomes an important part of the travel experience and builds up a connection between you and the place.

As I had already mentioned, the North East has a different culture and flavour.  As you enter Shillong, you will surely feel it. The bazaar areas have innumerable stalls of street foods, that sell local delicacies at a reasonable price. If you are a meat-lover, this is the place to be.

Also, there are a number of restaurants, where you can go for a more conventional meal system. Use of bamboo shoots in cooking is a characteristic in this part of the country. You can try the commonly found Chicken with bamboo shoots. There are also several other conventional and vegetarian-friendly places available.

The entire road from Guwahati to Shillong is beautiful. I took this picture in Borapani, a border town between Assam and Meghalaya.

Day 2 of My 4-Day Shillong Travel Itinerary

On day 2 of your trip, you can go sightseeing in and around Shillong. I started my day by visiting Shillong Peak . While most of it is motorable, the last few steps have to be walked through. It is not a difficult walk and people from all age groups can reach the place easily

Morning is the best time is best to visit Shillong peak. It is the highest point in and around Shillong and from this point, you can see the city from a distance. It is around 1900 metres from sea level and people go there to get a panoramic view of the place. You can also see the Bangladesh plains from up here. Sometimes you might find heavy fog at times, but I highly recommend this.

If you are a passionate photographer like me, you are in for a treat. Look for beautiful Himalayan birds on your way.

There are beautiful parks and waterfalls in Shillong which can be visited during the day. Lady Hydari Park, Golf course and Wards Lake are a few you can visit. One important fall around Shillong is the Elephant falls . It is a beautiful waterfall and it continues in several tiers. This is one of the most popular places around Shillong and you might find a number of tourists posing for a photograph in front of the falls.

The afternoon can be spent exploring the local museum and churches of Shillong. There are a number of museums in Shillong. Arunachal State Museum, Meghalaya State Museum and Wankhar Entomology museum are a few you can visit. There is also a beautiful church very near to the city centre, the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. The gothic style architecture along with lush green lawns particularly caught my attention.

The best time to visit Shillong peak is early morning. This is the highest point in Shillong. You can see the entire town from up here.

Day 3 of My 4-Day Shillong Travel itinerary

On the third day, we headed to the David Scotts trail near Shillong. It is an easy trek only a few km away from the city, with amazing views of lush green nature. The hike, although easy, is quite a long one. It is a 16 km stretch with a gentle slope. Guides will be available from the hotel if you need one.

There is a stream which needs to be crossed in between, so you need to be careful. Wear good shoes for the trek .  Since I’d had a bad experience with shoes earlier, this time I carried along with trekking shoes that I got at a great deal. Luckily they turned out well too.

Also, be careful of undulating roads and leeches (more common in rainy seasons). Since the rainy season will make the stones and boulders slippery, it is better to avoid this time. Again, if you are an experienced trekker, you can opt for the same.

A n Alternate Option for Day 3 of Shillong Trip Itinerary: Mawlynnong

An alternate option would be visiting Mawlynnong. Mawlynnong is a beautiful small village around 80 km from Shillong. Dubbed as the cleanest village in Asia, the striking aspect of the village is its women-centric society. The village thrives on the harvesting of betel nuts and almost all work is performed by women. While most tourists skip it due to lack of time, this can be an interesting activity on the Shillong travel itinerary.

Just before reaching Mawlynnong, there is a small village called Riwai. A small trek in Riwai can lead you to a wonder of nature, the Root Bridge . This is the only place in India where you will find living root bridges. It is the phenomenon of the roots of trees acting like bridges across the stream. The trek although not a very easy one, can be completed by people of all ages. (If you are going to Cherrapunjee as a next stop, you will also find root bridges there as well.)

When I saw the movie “Avatar” recently, I was reminded of the root bridges of the North East. Never in my wildest imagination, had I thought that only roots can make routes across a stream. To me, it signifies the flow of life, the flow of spontaneity. It denotes the spiritual connection that runs across all of Nature and within all its creatures.

Mawlynnong has several homestays and if you would like, you can spend a night here. One of the guesthouses (Llajong Guest House) also has a treehouse as accommodation which is a fascinating place and is worthy of spending some time.

Mawlynnong has been awarded Asia’s cleanest village. On the way to the village make sure to see the natural root bridges at Riwai.

Day 4 of the 4-Day Shillong Travel Itinerary

This was my last day at Shillong. We checked out of the hotel with a packed lunch and headed towards the Cherrapunji . There are going to be a few pit stops along the way. The first one can be a viewpoint for the valleys of Khasi hills. As far as you can see, there are overlapping green valleys. It is one point not to be missed and after returning from the trip, this one will be a treasured photograph.

Make your second stop at a famous waterfall – the Nohkalikai Falls . The falls have made it to the cover of many travel magazines. Although there is a conventional gate to enter the viewing point (for which you have to pay), the waterfall can be seen from quite a distance. It also has an interesting but unfortunate story associated with it.

After spending an hour at the place with a small snack, you can head to another place close by which is the Nohsngithiang or Seven Sisters falls. Although the name is ‘Seven Sisters’ you will not be able to actually find seven falls, unless you are visiting during the monsoons. If you want to see these waterfalls at their full roar, visit during monsoons.

As you enjoy the wondrous Khasi hills and the beauty of nature, evening approaches. Watch the sunset across the fields and crimson light enlightens the sky across the hills. It is time to enter Cherrapunjee.

Many people just visit Cherrapunjee like a sight-seeing on a to-and-fro basis from Shillong. It is actually possible, however, that the essence of Cherrapunjee will be better absorbed if you stay at the calm of Cherrapunjee  Holiday Resort for a couple of nights.

I highly recommend that travellers should couple a 2-day stay at Cherrapunjee along with Shillong 4-day trip. You can also travel to Dawki if you have time- In case you can don’t know much about this place, check out this 2-minute video of what to expect in Dawki .

The Nohkalikai Falls have a celebrity status of their own. These splendid falls have made it to the cover of several travel magazines.

Places that couldn’t make it to this Shillong Travel Itinerary

There are certain other places, which couldn’t make it to this Shillong trip itinerary but are definitely worth a visit. If you have a couple of days more, you can add these to your Shillong itinerary as well.

Approximate Shillong Trip Budget (for 2 people)

If I had to rate the budget aspect of my trip to Shillong, I would say that it was moderate. The important thing to remember when travelling in the hilly regions is that the costs of transportation are typically going to be high, owing to the difficult terrain and inadequate public transport.

I realized that we could have cut down on the costs way more if we were travelling in a group of four or five . Below is the breakdown of the costs we incurred on the trip.

The landscape around Shillong is truly stunning. The best way to observe and enjoy this beauty is to hire a full day Taxi. The taxi will take you to different points of interest in and around Shillong. You can hire one easily from Shillong and bargaining does help. 

Frequently Asked Questions about travelling in/to Shillong

Now that I have discussed the detailed Shillong travel itinerary and budget, here are a few other frequently asked questions about travelling to Shillong.

How much time to spend in Shillong?

It would be best to have a plan of a 3-4 day Shillong travel itinerary. Places to visit in Shillong are easily accessible by car. For a few places, you might have to hike a bit. So, depending on your taste, you can choose to drop a few places from the list. Shillong also has the typical ‘laid-back’ ambience which makes it a wonderful travel-friendly spot. Whatever you choose, spending some quality time in the lap of Nature will make it worth the visit.

What is the best time to visit Shillong?

There is no particular “best” time to visit Shillong because the place has a high altitude with lovely weather. Winters can be a bit on the harsh side (from an Indian perspective) and summers are cool. It is best to avoid the holiday season when you might find each spot crowded and hotels running full. October-November (before the winters) and February-May (after the winters) can be a good times to make a Shillong travel itinerary. Having said this, one can plan to visit Shillong and adjacent regions in monsoons when the waterfalls are at their roaring best and lakes in their mesmerizing natural shades.

How to reach Shillong?

The best way to reach Shillong is through Guwahati, which is in Assam. Guwahati is a major city in Assam with good railway and flight connectivity. You can reach Guwahati through either of these transportation options. You can explore a bit of Guwahati and/or other places of Assam before ascending to the hills of Shillong. 

There are several options for reaching Shillong from Guwahati. I have elaborated on each one of them below.

The government also provides a 30-minute helicopter ride to Shillong from Guwahati. The Guwahati to Shillong helicopter fare is about 1500 INR per person. The first ride starts as early as 9 am and goes up till 1.30 pm. 

I also spotted several shared taxis (including Tata Sumo), which charged between 300- 400 INR per seat. There are also government and private buses travelling from Guwahati to Shillong but I heard that they took a lot of time. The tickets can be booked at Meghalaya Tourism Information Centre, Guwahati Airport/ Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Borjhar. You should call the office beforehand to check the availability. Contact number- 0361 284 1909

I suggest starting from Guwahati (either as a fresh trip or as a continuation trip from Guwahati) early in a taxi. A small car would charge a price of 1800 INR while a Guwahati to Shillong Tata Sumo fare would be around 2000 INR. SUVs generally cost double. Depending on your nature of comfort level and the number of people you will be able to book a cab. There are several online portals for booking such cars.

I would suggest choosing a taxi option. It would be much more convenient if you wish to make stops in between like I did at the lake

Should I take the Guwahati-Shillong Tour Packages?

You will find several travel agents advertising customized trips to Shillong from Guwahati. Since these are part of packages, these will always be a bit expensive. So, if you are on a budget, best avoid these. You can easily explore Shillong and places nearby on your own.

Where to stay in Shillong?

Shillong is one of the top tourist spots that attract visitors all the year-round. It accommodates a number of hotels which range from budget to luxury. Common booking websites will show you a number of options.

I would suggest you book before reaching Shillong, especially between October to March, when the number of travellers increases manifold. It is also a good idea to stay in the city centre so that transportation is not a problem.

Based on my own experience, I would suggest these two places to stay:

What are Transportation options in and around Shillong?

While in Shillong, you will need to have a car along with you if you want to enjoy the places in their true sense (that of course if you are not bound by a budget). Hiring cabs or small cars for the whole day is a good way to deal with it. There are a number of taxi rentals available. The best option is to just walk to the taxi stand and bargain for a few quotes.

This table below will give you a brief idea of the taxi fares in and around Shillong:

How much will a 4-day trip to Shillong cost?

On average, a Shillong trip for 4 days (from Guwahati) will cost you around 8000-10000 INR. I have given a breakdown of my costs above. Also, as I said, you can cut down on the costs if you travel in a group.

Is Shillong safe for travellers?

Yes, Shillong is a safe place to travel for all kinds of travellers including solo female travellers. The main reason for this is that their society is matriarchal. However, I would advise you not to be late out at night. This is because the majority of places are deserted by 9 pm and you won’t find most places open.

Is Monsoons a good time to visit Shillong?

Monsoons are a wonderful time to visit Shillong. During monsoons, you can witness the waterfalls in their full force. The rainy season brings out the best in Shillong.

Here is a quick look at the essentials of travelling to Shillong for the first time. Pin it your board on Pinterest for later reference.

Few Interesting Facts about Meghalaya

Before I end this blog, here are a few things I found pretty interesting about Meghalaya. I couldn’t resist adding them here.

Shillong is a place that embraces you with all its natural affections. The lush green mountains, the running waterfalls and the lovely weather all symbolize the celebration of life. As in Khasi tradition, people express a lot of respect for womanhood giving her an important role in family and society. By the same tradition perhaps, they respect Mother Nature. It is very easy to fall in love with this quintessential hilly ambience; however, it is difficult to get rid of the addictive affection of Shillong.

Happy Wayfaring 🙂

THIS POST IS AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF BUDGET WAYFARERS. ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ASSOCIATION INDULGING IN PLAGIARISM WILL BE DEALT WITH STRICTLY . IF YOU WANT TO USE INFORMATION FROM THE ARTICLE ABOVE, KINDLY QUOTE THE SOURCE.

• Group Enquiry? NEW
• Best Time to Visit Shillong

Celebrated as one of the prettiest hill stations in the northeastern part of India, Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is an ideal tourist destination that can be visited during any season. Shillong is famous for a number of  tourist attractions including great lakes and imposing waterfalls that invite tourists and explorers to this city from different nooks and corners of the globe. While you can have a great time here even during the summer and winter seasons, the spring season offers the best climatic conditions to enjoy Shillong exploration. Steal the deal of the day and book now our 6 Days Mesmerising Tour Package at Rs.18,500/- only. Shillong sits at an average elevation of approximately 4,900 feet which ensures the city neither witnesses extremely high temperatures during summer days nor does it render visitors helpless with extremely chilly nights. All in all, Shillong normally features a very pleasant climate, provided you choose the right season in accordance with the kind of experience you want to have on your Shillong visit.

Here are the best seasons to visit Shillong:

Quick navigation.

Shillong in Summer

The summer season usually begins in mid-March and lasts till July in Shillong. Featuring a pleasant climate, the summer months can be said to be the best time to visit Shillong for the section of tourists who would rather prefer to avoid chilly nights. The day temperature reaches a maximum of 25 degree Celsius, so you can rest assured that the summer heat in Shillong is not going to drain the energy out of you when you set out to explore the natural and man-made marvels in the region. On most days, the sky remains clear, making it easier for tourists to make concrete plans in advance and execute them without many hindrances. The vegetation in the region appears quite vibrant during the summer months, making it the most appropriate time for nature lovers to visit Shillong. You can explore the Shillong and check out all the major tourist attractions in and around the city, namely Umiam Lake, Shillong Viewpoint, Ward’s Lake, and a wide range of waterfalls and museums the city boasts of. The summer season is also the best time for the uninterrupted fun of adventure activities like boating, trekking, river rafting, horse riding, mountain biking, and waterfall rappelling. Average day temperature: 25 degree Celsius. Average night temperature: 13 degree Celsius. Must Book & Checkout:   Meghalaya Tour Packages                                           Meghalaya Honeymoon Package

Shillong in Winter

The winter season usually begins in the month of November and lasts till February. Since Shillong does not normally experience snowfall even during winters, you can visit the place during the winter months without bothering about getting stuck in bad weather conditions. The day temperature hovers around 16 degree Celsius, which is a good climate for sightseeing and exploration. The nights, however, tend to get chilly with the temperature dropping down to as low as 2 degree Celsius during the winter months. But if you carry the right clothes with you, you will do just fine. Winters in Shillong mark a great influx of honeymoon couples as cold climate and foggy atmosphere turn the overall ambiance of the place quite romantic. These cold months also considered excellent for outdoor activities, and hence attract a lot of visitors interested in trekking, zip lining, caving, and camping. Besides, the tourists interested in sightseeing also visit Shillong in huge number during winters as all the places are open for visitors during these months. If you visit Shillong just after the monsoon ends, you may have a great time enjoying the sights of the magical waterfalls that dot the geography of this magnificent city. Average day temperature: 14 degree Celsius Average night temperature: 4 degree Celsius

In this chilling temperature of Shillong, you will surely need a comforting resort in Shillong to relax in the warmth and enjoy your holiday. You May Also Like To Book:  Meghalaya Family Tour Packages

Best Offers on North East Tour Packages: Enquire Now

Shillong in Monsoon

The arrival of July marks the beginning of the monsoon season in Shillong which usually lasts up to the month of September. Shillong experiences heavy rainfalls during the monsoon season, and it is normally advised to avoid making plans to visit Shillong during these months least you get caught up in a bad situation. It is the least favourite season of tourists to visit Shillong. Due to incessant rainfalls the region witnesses, there are landslides and bad road conditions that may turn your pleasant plans to visit the place unpleasant. If you are anyway willing to visit Shillong in rains, here is what you can do. Just to play it safe, if the sole purpose of your visit to Shillong is to watch its plummeting waterfalls in all their glory, make plans for the end-September as the rainfalls become less frequent, and the waterfalls still have their gush to amaze you with. Furthermore, the lush greenery of the city and its peripheries will also please the explorer in you. Also, since Shillong does not expect too many visitors during monsoons, you can easily find hotels at much cheaper rates.

Though most of the tourist spots are open to visitors, you may not get to enjoy outdoor activities since it rains a lot here. Average day temperature: 22 degrees Celsius Average night temperature: 14 degree Celsius.   Must Checkout:  Meghalaya Tour Packages From Mumbai                              Meghalaya Tour Packages From Kolkata

Best of Manali

People Also Ask About Shillong

Which is the best month to visit shillong, how many days are enough for shillong, is december a good time to visit shillong, what is shillong famous for, what are the best north east tour packages that we can book with thrillophilia.

• North East Packages From Mumbai
• North East Tour Package From Delhi
• North East Tour Packages From Bangalore
• North East Tour Packages From Chennai
• North East Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• North East Tour Packages From Kolkata
• North East Tour Packages From Hyderabad

Shillong Top Attractions

Laitlum Canyon, located near Shillong, Meghalaya, is a hidden gem and a nature lover's paradise. The name "Laitlum" translates to "end of hills," and the canyon lives up to its name with its breathtaking landscapes and mesmerizing views. This scenic destination offers a stunning panorama of deep gorges, lush green valleys, and mist-covered hills that stretch as far as the eye can see.Laitlum Canyon is a relatively lesser-known tourist spot, which adds to its charm as it remains unspoiled and serene. Trekking enthusiasts can indulge in exciting trails that lead to the canyon, allowing them to witness the natural beauty up close. The experience of standing atop the cliffs, surrounded by the serene ambiance and awe-inspiring vistas, is truly unforgettable.Visitors can also soak in the local Khasi culture as they interact with the friendly villagers who reside in the nearby villages. Laitlum Canyon is a perfect escape from the bustling city life, offering a chance to reconnect with nature and experience tranquility in the lap of Meghalaya's pristine landscapes.

The Don Bosco Museum, located in Shillong, Meghalaya, is an exceptional cultural and educational institution that offers visitors a fascinating insight into the rich and diverse heritage of Northeast India. Named after Saint John Bosco, an Italian saint known for his dedication to youth and education, the museum is a sprawling seven-story building that houses an extensive collection of artifacts, exhibits, and information about the indigenous tribes and communities of the region.The museum showcases the traditions, customs, art, and lifestyle of the various tribes through well-curated galleries, interactive displays, and multimedia presentations. It covers a wide range of subjects, including ethnography, archaeology, anthropology, and natural history. Visitors can explore the unique architectural design of the museum, which resembles a cone-shaped traditional house of the local Khasi tribe. As they ascend the levels, they delve deeper into the cultural tapestry of Northeast India.The Don Bosco Museum is not only a repository of cultural knowledge but also a platform for research and academic activities, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the vibrant heritage of Northeast India.

More Shillong Attractions

Shillong travel guides.

Shillong Reviews

Popular Nearby Places Around Shillong

More things to do in shillong, more on shillong tourism, popular related destinations.

Best Domestic Packages

Best international packages, domestic honeymoon packages, international honeymoon packages, places to visit in india, international places to visit, things to do in india, international things to do, popular on thrillophilia.

• We assure the privacy of your contact data.
• This data will only be used by our team to contact you and no other purposes.

Your enquiry has been received successfully. Our destination expert will reach out to you soon!

• Search for: Search Button

Home » Destinations » Shillong

EAST KHASI HILLS

From Guwahati – 100 kms south on the NH6

TRANSPORT Guwahati Airport: 119 kms Shilong Airport: 31 kms Guwahati Railway station: 96 kms

Founded in the second half of the nineteenth century by the British, Shillong town has enjoyed a cosmopolitan core since its beginnings. This reflects in the unique culture of Meghalaya’s scenic capital – a place where every festival is celebrated with zest and travellers will stumble across cuisines from across the country and the world. Shillong’s modern reputation is built on its love for music and there have been many legendary musicians who call this home. There are many faces to Shillong – the quiet neighbourhoods with whistling pine still thrive but there is also a vibrant downtown area. Shillong is also known for its emerging café culture. Attractions here include the pleasant, tree-lined Ward’s Lake and the sprawling Golf Links – a favourite outdoor recreational space for the residents. Shillong has plenty of hotels, guesthouses and homestays spread across the landscape especially in the centrally located Police Bazaar. If you want to chart the colonial history of the place, we would recommend the Shillong Heritage Walk.

Attractions and Activities in Shillong

• Shillong Heritage Walk

• Phan Nonglait Park

• Ward’s Lake

• Don Bosco Museum

• Elephant Falls

Directorate of Tourism 3rd Secretariat Nokrek Building, Lower Lachumiere, Shillong 793001, Meghalaya, India Tel Fax : +91-364-2502580 Phone No : +91 76400 03050 E-mail : [email protected]

USEFUL LINKS

• SAATHI – Ministry of Tourism
• NIDHI – Ministry of Tourism
• Images Credits

Important Updates

• Applicants selected for the interview of the ‘Meghalaya Luxury Tourism’ Vehicle Scheme
• Meghalaya Draft Tourism Policy 2022
• Empanelment of professional firm for supply and setting up of Prefabricated containers/structures around the state

DOWNLOAD APP

© Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya.

• Chandigre Rural Tourist Resort
• Nokrek Biosphere Reserve
• Siju Caves and Rock Formations
• Dawki – Shnongpdeng
• Krangshuri Falls
• Ialong & Syntu Ksiar
• Nartiang Monoliths
• Nongriat Root Bridges
• Mawphlang Sacred Groves
• Mawlynnong Village
• Eri Silk Village
• Shnongpdeng
• More Experiences
• Behdienkhlam Festival
• Shad Suk Mynsiem Festival
• Wangala Festival
• Other Festivals
• Hikes and Treks
• More Adventures
• Indigenous Cuisines
• Strawberry Festival
• Cherry Blossom Festival
• Other Events
• Accommodation
• Tourist Spots
• Tour Operators & Packages
• MTDC Bus Conducted Tours
• Meghalaya Helicopter Services
• Suggested Readings
• History of Meghalaya
• More Resources
• Shillong 1 Day Itinerary
• Through Mountains and Clouds
• Landscapes and Scenic Routes
• Shillong 3 Day Itinerary
• Shoppping Centers
• Restaurants

Meghalaya Tourism

Please wait while flipbook is loading. For more related info, FAQs and issues please refer to DearFlip WordPress Flipbook Plugin Help documentation.

Shillong: The Most Vibrant City Of North East India

• Post last modified: UPDATED ON: June 3, 2020

Shillong wasn’t introduced to me as Scotland of The East. For me, it was just a popular hill station in Meghalaya and also the state capital. When I was in the college, one of my schoolmate was enrolled at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) in Shillong. He used to tell us the stories from a fashionable city and its gorgeous girls. Since then I wanted to visit the most beautiful hill station in North East India.

इस पोस्ट को हिंदी भाषा में यहाँ पढ़ सकते हैं:  पूर्वोत्तर भारत का ख़ूबसूरत शहर शिलाँग 

Years later, I get an opportunity to visit Guwahati on a four-days official trip. Since Shillong is only 100 km away from Guwahati, it was a natural temptation to be there for a day. However, the things didn’t move as planned and I couldn’t reach Shillong. It was extremely disappointing.

Fortunately, that was not an end. The destiny brought me back to Guwahati. It was not an official trip for few days only but for three years at least. It was opening of another chapter in life. I was relocating to Guwahati, the gateway to the North East India. I was sure about one thing while relocationg- in the next three years, explore each and every corner of the untouched North East India. However, Shillong was still a priority.

Then it happened. I reached Shillong, roamed in the street, enjoyed the local cuisines (but I don’t eat Pork) and visited its tourist attractions. It was a big disappointment at all. There was nothing extraordinary. I planned four days stay, but returned in two days only. A big question was still in the mind; why does Shillong consider as Scotland of The East? What is so special about it? I haven’t been to Scotland. But, I kept visiting Shillong. It took me at least eight to ten visits to get the answers.

1. First Impression of Shillong: A Big Disappointment

2. in love with shillong, 3. places to visit in shillong, elephant falls, shillong peak, ward’s lake, lady hydari park, police bazaar, state museum, butterfly museum, other tourist attractions, 4. how to reach shillong, 5. public transport in shillong, 6. accommodation in shillong.

It had been a month since my arrival (since May) in Guwahati. There was a continuos urge to visit Shillong as soon as possible. But there was a small problem. My family was yet to join me and I couldn’t dare to enter in Shillong without the home minister (my wife). However, the urge to visit Meghalaya was so stronger I couldn’t resist it more. I negotiated a peaceful agreement with my wife and went to Jowai in the Jaintia Hills. I dropped Shillong for another time. What the irony it was! I couldn’t visit Shillong during my maiden trip to Guwahati three years back despite a deep desire. Three years later, when I got a chance to visit Meghalaya, I started with Jowai instead of the customary Shillong-Sohra circuit. After two months, my family united with me in the month of July, and a plan was set for the trip.

One day, in the month of August, we commenced our journey from Guwahati. We reached ISBT in Guwahati to travel by a bus to Shillong and found there was no direct bus available. We waited for one hour and finally boarded a bus going to Agartala. It was supposed to drop us in Shillong. We learnt our lesson that from the next time onwards while going to Shillong, it is better to board a shared vehicle at Khanapara or Paltan Bazar rather than ISBT Guwahati.

Since, it was the monsoon season, a pleasant green cover was everywhere along the Guwahati-Shillong Road. The hilly road was soaked in the rain, mist was rising in the valleys and clouds were hanging over the hills. The smooth well maintained National Highway offered a great picture opportunity at every twist and turn. I didn’t enjoy my motorcycle trip on the same highway two months ago during the dry season, when there is a pale cover everywhere on the landscape.

About four hours after starting our bus journey from Guwahati, we were passing by the Umiam Lake. How many cities in India can boast of such a big and magnificent lake? I think there would be hardly 8-10 cities in the country where a lake spreads its beauty with full grandeur. I have seen such lakes in Srinagar, Udaipur, Hyderabad and Bhopal.

From the beginning of the lake towards the city, our bus moved gradually on an upward slope. The road was covered with pine trees from both the sides. The scenic vista of Umiam Lake and rolling hills was filled with a beautiful sea of clouds. It was raining heavily on the road, and the bus was chugging towards the city. The entire atmosphere was mystic and soothing. Shillong was so refreshing.

Most of the cars, jeeps and buses plying from Guwahati to Shillong unload their passengers at Police Bazaar in the heart of the city. Long-distance buses transport their passengers to Dhankheti. Our bus was also going to Agartala, so we left that bus at Dhankheti. Fortunately, our guest house was also in Dhankheti, so we did not find any difficulty.

For the next two days, we strolled around different tourist places in Shillong. We kept us entertained with many activities like walking in the Lady Hydari Park, boating in the Ward’s Lake and shopping at the Police Bazaar. We visited Elephanta Falls, Golf Links and Umiam Lake. However, we couldn’t admire the panoramic view of the city from the Shillong Peak as the sky was completely obscured by the clouds.

After roaming for two days in the city, we found Shillong very disappointing. The city was definitely fashionable, and the local people were charming, but it was not like a vibrant one. The true ethos of a hill station was nowhere, and it was highly commercialized. We cancelled the rest of our bookings and returned to Guwahati. I waited for three years to reach Shillong and its first look did not impress me at all.

Boring experiences of my first visit and the expensive hotel prices kept me away from Shillong for the next few months. After settling down a little in Guwahati, I started visiting Shillong repeatedly. I didn’t follow the typical tourist routes and never planned anything. Sometimes I only went up to Umiam Lake and then took a diversion towards Barapani Airport. I approached the city from the airport side passing through the various villages where tourists don’t go normally.

Sometimes, I started in the early morning from Guwahati to quietly pass through the city while admiring the beauty of Umiam Lake. Sometimes, I approached the city from Tura Highway, while reaching Mairang through a less travelled road from Guwahati. After various visits, I realised that yes, I missed many amusing activities in Shillong during the first trip. That was the reason for my initial disappointment.

The day also arrived when I started appreciating the changing colours of Umiam Lake from dusk to dawn, the panoramic view of the city from Shillong Peak, Sunday walk through Police Bazaar without honking traffic, the beauty of Golf Links etc. Jalebi and Ice Cream from Police Bazaar became a routine delight. The chronicles of World War II, the stories of vintage Willy Jeeps and the history of a significant military base, Shillong felt absolutely seductive. As I got to know the city more closely, I keep admiring the way a tribal area turned into the fashionable city. It was amusing to experience the passion for Western Music in the local youths.

Ladakh is in your mind? Check out this travel guide for Ladakh: Ladakh Travel Guide With Tips to Travel Responsibly 

Gradually, I recognized it as the most vibrant city in North East India. Now, there is no doubt that I embrace this city, the charming crowd, the refreshing breeze of Ward’s Lake, the birds chirping in Lady Hydari Park, the colours of Umiam Lake and the fashionable youths rocking the musical arena. Shillong is just a fascination.

I acknowledge that the beauty of Shillong lies in its crowd, the disciplined traffic lining up in the streets, the excitement of the young men and women while boating in the Wards Lake, the people roaming around and enjoying the window shopping, the small children jumping with the joy in the Lady Hyadri Park; fashion, music and history are other supplementary ingredients. I understand that the beauty of Shillong lies in the everlasting charm of Umiam Lake, the engulfing mist over the hills and the sudden downpour in the city. Shillong, Scotland of The East, the most vibrant city of North East India.

Elephant Falls is the most prominent attraction of Shillong. It is located on the outskirts of Shillong Cantt, about 12 km from the city centre, on the way to Cherrapunji. Being close to the city, it stays cramped with the tourists. It is a three-steps waterfall cascading down at three levels. The first level is visible soon after descending few steps from the parking area. I find it more charming than the rest of the levels. After descending few more steps, the second level of the waterfall appears, which does not look exciting.

Further down on the steps, you reach to the base of the waterfall. This is the third level of the waterfall and simply mesmerizing. You can step inside the pool in front of the waterfall. Bathing is not allowed anywhere. It is believed that there was a massive rock at the base of the waterfall looked like an elephant, the reason behind the name Elephant Falls. The rock was disintegrated in the earthquake of 1897.

There are lot of shops outside the ticket window, where you can buy local stuffs, handcrafts, souvenirs etc. Many shops are also there selling food items and beverages. You can rent traditional Khasi Attire from one shop adjacent to the ticket counter and get your photos clicked by your camera.

Opening Hours: 10.00 AM to 06.00 PM daily (There is no use to go after 05.00 PM in Winter).

Entry Fee: Rs 20 per person, Rs 20 for mobile or digital camera.

Parking Facility: Available on the payment basis. Rs 20 per vehicle.

Public Transport: Taxis running from Shillong towards Mylliem drop 300-400 m away from Elephant Falls on the main road. After visiting the waterfall, you can again get a shared taxi from the main road.

Shillong Peak is the highest peak of Meghalaya at the height of 1525 m. It offers a spectacular panoramic view of Shillong City. The photography is allowed near the view point, but other than that photography is strictly prohibited in Shillong Peak area.

There are a few shops located near the view point which sell snacks and beverages. Also, there is a shop in which you can rent traditional Khasi attire for Rs 50 per person and get your photos clicked by your own camera.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrzQJlenC4P/

Apart from the view point, all other areas of the peak is highly restrictive. Shillong is the headquarter of Eastern Air Command of the Indian Air Force. Air force maintains highly sensitive radars and equipment in the area around Shillong Peak to keep our sky safe from the potential intruders.

There is a security check post about 2 km before the view point. You have to get a permission from the security personnel by showing your driving license and the registration certificate of your car. The security staff deposits the driving license while providing you the clearance. You can get back your driving license after returning from the view point.

If you travel by a public transport, expect to walk for one and half km to reach the view point after getting the security clearance. Also, a foggy weather or low clouds may ruin your trip and you may not appreciate the obscured view of the city. Therefore, it is advisable to visit Shillong Peak only during a clear sunny day.

Opening Hours: 09.00 AM to 03.30 PM

Entry Fee: Free.

Parking Facility: Available Free of Cost.

Public Transport: The shared taxis from Shillong to Mylliem drop off on the main road leading to Shillong Peak, about 7 km before the peak. During the tourist season, you may get a shared taxi from the starting point of the Shillong Peak Road. During the off-season, the frequency of shared vehicles may get decrease. A shared vehicle would drop you at the security check post, and you are supposed to walk for one and half km from that post to reach the view point.

You may also walk on the Rhododendron Trekking Trail to reach Shillong Peak in two hours from the main road. While proceeding on the main road towards Shillong Cantt, you will notice the big sign board indicating starting point of the Rhododendron Trek.

Note: If you check on the Google Map, you may find another route to Shillong Peak starting from Laitkor. Please note that the ordinary citizens are not allowed to enter in Air Force area and the view point, if they approach from Laitkor side. It’s better to proceed from the main road (Shillong-Mylliem Road).

This magnificent lake is located along the main road from Shillong to Guwahati, about 12-13 km from Police Bazaar. This is equally famous as Barapani Lake. For the proper view of the lake, you may go to any of the view-points stretch in an area of about 5 km along the main road. There are at least five view points, but one near the Toyota or Mahindra Showroom and another one at Orchid Lake Resort is good to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Many shops are there at the view points selling noodles, biscuits, chips, tea, coffees, corn etc.

Orchid Lake Resort is a nice place to admire the beauty of Umiam Lake while enjoying the lunch.Boating facility is also available once you descend from the Orchid Lake Resort towards the edge of the lake.

Opening hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Entry Fee: Free

Public Transport: Many shared taxis and buses run from the city to the lower part of Umiam Lake. Since it is located on the main road from Shillong to Guwahati, therefore public transport is easily available.

This beautiful lake situated just one km away from the Police Bazaar. The entire area is covered with the lawns, the gardens, a restaurant and the lake itself. It is a very nice place to enjoy boating followed by a decent meal at the lake restaurant. A wooden bridge over the lake makes it more spectacular.

Opening Hours: 08.30 AM to 06.30 PM in Summer (March to October). 08.30 AM to 04.30 PM in Winter (November to February). On Saturday and Sunday, the entrance of the lake is closed half an hour late in the evening. Entry is closed on Tuesdays.

Entry Fee: Adult Rs 10 per person and children Rs 5. Divyang Rs 5 and senior citizens Rs 5 per person. Rs 20 for digital camera. Handycam Rs 100 and professional video camera Rs 200. Boating 25 minutes (2-seater boat Rs 50 and 4-seater boat Rs 100). Boating 45 minutes (2 seater boat Rs 80 and 4 seater boat Rs 160).

Parking Facility: Available outside on a narrow road. Better to avoid. Leave your vehicle at your hotel and use public/hired transport.

Named after the wife of the first British Governor of undivided Assam, the park is spread over a vast area behind the Civil Hospital in Shillong. There are many species of flowers in this park. A children play area is also there with many swings, merry go rounds, slides, scramblers, etc. In another corner, you can observe many birds playing in the water. It is an enjoyable place to spend quality time in a peaceful manner with family and children away from the congestion of the city.

Opening Hours: 08.00 AM to 05.00 PM. The park remains closed on Mondays.

Entry Fee: Adult Rs 10 per person and children Rs 5. Divyang Rs 5 and senior citizens Rs 5 per person. Rs 10 for digital camera. Rs 50 for handycam and Rs 100 for professional video camera.

Parking Facility: Available but highly congested area. Better to avoid. Leave your vehicle at your hotel and use public/hired transport.

On the outskirts of the city, it doesn’t look like a part of the congested city like Shillong. It is quiet, clean and well-maintained area with lush-green surroundings. You can just walk through the beautiful golf course or try your hand on a golf stick. It is frequently used by the local people for the picnic, yoga and jogging activities.

Entry Fee: Free unless you want to try Golf.

Police Bazaar is considered as the heart of Shillong. It’s a bustling marketplace with heavy rush of the people and vehicles cramming with each other. Most of the hotels are also located in this area. It is the best market in Shillong for the shopping of local stuffs, souvenirs, cloths and electronics items. Many restaurants and road-side food stalls are also there to suppress your appetite.

The Government Museum of Meghalaya is now known as Captain Williamson Sangma State Museum. Built in the year 1975, the museum has an excellent collection of handicrafts, art, customs, domestic items, furnishing ornaments, traditional utensils, clothing and conventional weapons of the local tribes. There is also a branch of the State Museum at Tura.

Opening Hours: 10.00 AM to 04.00 PM. The museum is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Entry Fee: Adult Rs 5 per person and children Rs 2. Student Rs 3. Mobile camera Rs 10. Video camera Rs 100.

There is also a Butterfly Museum in Shillong, which has a unique collection of colorful butterflies, moths, beetles, etc. This unique collection of butterflies boasts colorful species from all over the world, although most of the species are from Meghalaya.The Butterfly Museum is also known as the Wankhar Entomology Museum. Shortly after crossing the tri-junction of Mawprem on the road from Shillong to Guwahati, there is a board place by of Meghalaya Tourism to show the way to the Butterfly Museum. Located inside a private property, this museum is actually a personal collection made by the family members.

Since this is a private property, there is no formality like a museum. You are supposed to ring the bell, and it depends on the mood of the landlord or the landlady whether they would like to show you the collection or not.

Opening Hours: 10.00 AM to 04.30 PM Monday to Friday. 10.30 AM to 01.00 PM on Saturday. The museum is closed on Sundays.

Entry Fee: Indian citizen Rs 50 per person. Foreign citizens Rs 100 per person. Rs 10 rupees for every photo captured with mobile or digital camera.

Parking Facility: Available nearby. Free of cost.

Rhino Museum of the Indian Army, Lush-green campus of the North-Eastern Hill University, Don Bosco Museum, All Saints Church, Air Force Museum, Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Sweet Falls, etc. are the other tourist places in Shillong. Apart from all this, there are few more attractions like Laitlum Canyon and Mawphlang Sacred Grooves, located at a reasonable distance from the city of Shillong.

Cherrapunji (Sohra) , the major tourist destination of Meghalaya, is just 53 km from Shillong. Dawki, another significant tourist destination, is just 80 km away. The David Scott Trail Trek can be done in one day from Shillong, and the Bamboo Trail Trek is possible half a day time. I will write about all these destinations in detail one by one in the separate posts.

The best way to reach Shillong is to travel via Guwahati, the capital of Assam. There is one airport in Shillong, approx 30 km away. Air India and IndiGo each operate a flight from Kolkata.

For detail information about the various modes of transportation available to reach Shillong, please read this post:

How to Reach Shillong from Guwahati?

An efficient network of public transport exists in Shillong in the form of the public buses and the shared taxis. Urban buses are available for almost every tourist spot. They are easily available to major areas of Shillong like Iewduh, Police Bazaar, Dhankheti, Laitkor, Golf Link, NEHU etc.

It is more convenient to use shared cars than the buses to move around Shillong. Painted in black and yellow, these cars run frequently in Shillong. You can halt any black-yellow car from the roadside by waiving your hands. They typically charge Rs 10-20 per person to travel within the city limits. You can also hire them to travel independently.

Note: Most of the shops in Shillong stay closed on Sundays. There may be very few vehicles on the road. But the city doesn’t stop at all, at least not like Aizawl in Mizoram or Kohima in Nagaland. Many shops stay closed in the Police Bazaar on Sundays, but food joints and restaurants stay alive. A sizeable crowd of vendors dominate the street selling jackets, clothes, shoes and footwear on the Sundays.

Shillong has a sufficient number of hotels, guest houses and home-stays for night stay. Their rental rates are marginally higher in comparison to the other parts of India. Most of the hotels are located in the vicinity of Police Bazaar and Bada Bazaar. These are the busiest area of the ​city, so living in a populous place may look like a terrible choice. But, if you stay at a hotel in the Police Bazaar area, you may get easy transport to any other place.

There are many hotels and home-stays in Mylliem located on the outskirts of the city on the way to Cherrapunji. Similarly, hotels and home-stays are also based in Laitkor, en route to Laitlum Canyon. It would be better to stay in Mylliem or Laitkor only if you travel by your own vehicle, otherwise you have to come to the city to get a transport every time to visit other places of interest.

You may also like my travel stories from Egypt: Ancient, Mysterious and Everlasting Pyramids of Giza

If you want to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Umiam Lake, Orchid Lake Resort is an excellent option to stay. Since Shillong Peak is a sensitive area, there is no option to stay there. Elephanta Falls does not have the option of for night stay but Mylliem is just two km beyond Elephana Falls where you can get plenty of options.

Apart from all this, there are many hostels (Youth Hostels, Isabella Hostels, Aurobindo Hostels etc.) in Shillong, most of which are located around Police Bazaar. Dormitory facility is available in such hostels at the rate of Rs 250 – 500 per night. They can be an attractive option for the solo travellers.

Related Posts

Please Share This Share this content

• Opens in a new window

This Post Has 3 Comments

I just had to leave a comment after reading your captivating photo story on Shillong! The images you’ve shared are absolutely breathtaking, and they truly capture the essence and beauty of this enchanting place. It’s evident that you had an incredible journey exploring Shillong, and your blog serves as a fantastic guide for anyone planning to visit.

The lush landscapes, serene waterfalls, and vibrant culture of Shillong come alive through your lens. Your detailed descriptions and travel tips are incredibly helpful for those of us who are eager to embark on our own adventure there. After reading your blog and viewing these stunning photos, Shillong has quickly climbed to the top of my travel bucket list.

Your insights on the local cuisine and recommendations for places to visit are invaluable. I appreciate the way you’ve covered both the well-known attractions and hidden gems, making it a comprehensive resource for all types of travelers.

Your blog has not only inspired me but also provided me with a wealth of information to plan my own Shillong adventure. I can’t wait to explore the Living Root Bridges, wander through the picturesque villages, and savor the local delicacies. Your passion for travel and storytelling truly shines through your work, and it’s left me with a strong desire to experience Shillong’s beauty firsthand. Thank you for sharing your incredible experience and inspiring others to explore this hidden gem in India!

Thank you very much. Shillong has some magical vibes. You will definitely love this place. 🙂

Very helpful article

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

• Tour Enquiry
• Sign up | Login
• My Bookings
• New User? Sign-up
• Domestic Tours
• South India
• Maharashtra
• Golden Triangle
• North India
• North East India
• International
• Maldives (Discontinued)
• All Domestic Tours
• All International Tours
• Offbeat Tours
• Domestic Cruise Tours
• Jungle Lodges by JLR
• Kabini River Lodge
• Bandipur Safari Lodge
• JLR Kings Sanctuary
• River Tern Lodge
• Kali Adventure Camp
• Hampi Heritage & Wilderness Resort
• K Gudi Wilderness Camp
• Car Rentals
• Destinations
• Tourist Places on Drive
• Driving Directions
• * Workation
• * Tour Plans
• List Property

SHILLONG TOURISM | TOURIST PLACES TO VISIT & TRAVEL GUIDE TO SHILLONG

• Shillong Overview
• Top 29 Places to Visit in Shillong
• Best Shillong Tour Packages
• Top Resorts in Shillong
• Best Time to Visit Shillong

How to Reach Shillong

• Shillong Tour Plans
• Driving Directions to Shillong

About Shillong

Country: india | state: meghalaya, #1 of 6 places to visit in meghalaya | #58 of 100 places to visit in india, ideal trip duration: 2 full days, base station: shillong, nearest city to shillong: shillong, guwahati (98 kms), best time to visit shillong: september to may, peak season: march to april, shillong weather: summer: maximum - 32° c and minimum - 18° c winter: maximum - 20° c and minimum - 5° c.

At a distance of 98 km from Guwahati, 377 km from Dhaka, 414 km from Kohima, 420 km from Cooch Behar, 572 km from Siliguri, 594 km from Darjeeling, 631 km from Gangtok and 1116 km from Kolkata, Shillong is a mesmerizing hill station in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya in India. Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya as well as the headquarters of East Khasi Hills district. It is one of the most picturesque hill stations in India and among the must include places in your honeymoon tour packages . Perched at an attitude of 1496 m, Shillong is situated on a plateau bounded by the Umiam gorge on the north, Diengiei Hills on the northwest, and the hills of the Assam valley on the northeast. Shillong Peak is the highest point in Shillong with an altitude of 6449 feet. The city gets its name from the deity Shyllong or Lei Shyllong, who is worshipped at the Shillong Peak. The British fondly called Shillong the 'Scotland of the East' as the rolling hills around the town reminded the European settlers of Scotland. Earlier a small village, Shillong became the new civil station of the Khasi and Jaintia hills in 1864 CE. In 1874, it became the capital of composite Assam under British rule due to its favorable location between the Brahmaputra and Surma valleys. Shillong remained the capital of Assam till 1969 when the autonomous state of Meghalaya was formed. In 1972 CE, Meghalaya turn out to be a full-fledged state and Shillong was made its capital. The exciting mountain peaks, colourful tribal culture, beautiful landscapes, crystal clear lakes and breathtaking waterfalls, making Shillong a popular tourist destination in North East India. Elephant Falls, Sweet Falls, Umiam Lake, Ward's Lake, Shillong Peak, Lady Hydari Park, Shillong Cathedral, Air Force Museum and Don Bosco Museum are the top places to visit in Shillong. Shillong also houses Mawsynram, the wettest place on Earth and Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia. It is also a hub of education in the North East because of the many renowned educational institutions. Shillong Airport, also called as Umroi Airport is the nearest airport which is about 30 km from Shillong. It has direct flights from Kolkata. Guwahati Airport is the major airport which is about 120 km from Shillong and is well-connected by flights with cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai and Jaipur. About 98 km, Guwahati Railway Station is the nearest rail head to Shillong which is well connected by train with Kolkata, Delhi, Agartala, Mumbai, Bikaner, Dibrugarh, Tambaram, Bangalore, Silchar, Trivandrum, Hyderabad, Patna, Kanyakumari, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Chennai and Jammu Tawi. Shillong is well connected by road with Guwahati, Silchar, Dharmanagar and Karimganj. Shillong is often called as 'India's Rock Capital' due to the great passion for music among the inhabitants of the city. Shad Suk Mynsiem Dance, Nongkrem Dance, Behdeinkhlam Festival, Wangala Festival and Autumn Festival are the important festivals celebrated with great pomp and fervor in Shillong every year. The best time to visit Shillong is from the months of September to May. During these months, the weather is extremely pleasant with moderate rainfall. Shillong looks beautiful and refreshing during the monsoon season (June-August), but torrential rain may disrupt travel plans.

...read more

Nearest Airport: Shillong - Umroi Airport (30 Kms)

Direct flights to shillong, nearest train station: guwahati (98 kms), direct trains to guwahati, nearest bus station: shillong bus stand (0 kms), direct buses to shillong, distance chart, distance chart & driving directions to shillong, top 13 places to visit in shillong.

#5 of 29 Places to Visit in Shillong

At a distance of 17 km from Shillong Bus Stand, Umiam Lake is a vast and serene reservoir located in Shillong, Meghalaya. Also known as Barapani Lake, it is one of the beautiful lakes in Meghalaya and among the top places to experience Shillong Tourism. Umiam Lake was formed by damming the Umiam River by Assam State Electricity Board in the early 1960s. The main purpose of the dam was to store water for hydroelectric power generation. Spread over 220 sq. km, the lake is encompassed by sprawling meadows and undulating hills that are carpeted with lush greenery. Apart from being a source of power generation, potable water, fishing and irrigation, Umiam Lake is a popular tourist destination of the region. Umiam literally means 'water of tears' in local Khasi language, and there's a fascinating story around it. According to the legend, two sisters in the heaven decided to visit Meghalaya. To shape up their plan, they left together to reach the destination. During the journey, one .....

Mawphlang Sacred Grove

#6 of 29 Places to Visit in Shillong

At a distance of 27 km from Shillong, Mawphlang Sacred Grove is a reserved forest located at Mawphlang village near Shillong, Meghalaya. Also known as Lawkyntang, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers and among the best places to experience Shillong Tourism. Situated in the East Khasi Hills, Mawphlang Sacred Forest is preserved by the natives since ancient times as a part of their religious beliefs, in which forests are considered as a sacred entity. Covering over an area 80 hectares, the Mawphlang Sacred Grove is a treasure trove of rare medicinal trees and plants like the English yew, the Chinese su�mac, chinquapin, etc. It is also home to several species of trees that work as climate indicators like Japanese blue oak and graffiti. In total, there are about 450 species of trees and plants in this forest as well as rare species of animals and birds. According to the locals, the sacred forest is protected by the Lyngdoh clan, who believe that the deity Labasa resided .....

Don Bosco Museum

#7 of 29 Places to Visit in Shillong

At a distance of 3 km from Shillong Bus Stand, Don Bosco Center for Indigenous Cultures is a well-known museum situated within the Sacred Heart Church premises in Shillong. Also known as Don Bosco Museum, it is one of the most popular museums in Shillong and among the must visit Tourist Places in Shillong. Opened in 2003, Don Bosco Museum is a privately owned museum under the control of Salesian order of the Catholic Church which enlightens the history and culture of the north eastern states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. It is a three-in-one institution that combines a museum with a research and publication center. With its vast collection of artifacts spreading over several galleries, the museum acts as the cultural and historical treasure trove of North-East India. The Museum is a hexagonal shaped seven-storey building brimming with art & culture. It houses 17 well-laid out galleries of the international standard containing .....

#8 of 29 Places to Visit in Shillong

At a distance of 1 km from Shillong Bus Stand, Ward's Lake is an artificial lake located in the heart of Shillong in Meghalaya. Also called as Pollock's Lake, it is one of the beautiful lakes in Shillong and among the popular Shillong Tourist Places. The lake is named after Sir William Ward, the then Chief Commissioner of Assam, who initiated the plan for the construction of this lake. Later, the lake was built in the year 1894 by Colonel Hopkins. The lake was designed by Fitzwilliam Thomas Pollock, a famous engineer in the pre-independence era. The history of the lake says that a Khasi prisoner made special efforts to beautify the lake surroundings and his role is remembered even today by the locals. The horse shoe shaped artificial water body is surrounded by lush green gardens. There is a cobblestone pathway along the periphery of the lake making it an idle place for walking. In the middle of the lake is a wooden bridge from where one can enjoy a lovely view of the lake .....

Elephant Falls

#9 of 29 Places to Visit in Shillong

At a distance of 12 km from Shillong Bus Stand, Elephant Falls is a stunning waterfalls located in the outskirts of Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. It is one of the prominent waterfalls in Meghalaya and among the prime places to visit in Shillong. The waterfall is located in Upper Shillong area within the Eastern Air Command of Indian Air Force. The Khasi tribe named it Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew, meaning Three Steps Waterfalls. Britishers named it Elephant Falls during their regime owing to the presence of an elephant-shaped rock on one side of the fall. However, the rock was destroyed due to an earthquake in 1897. Located quite close to Shillong Peak, the Elephant Falls is a 3 tier waterfall. The first fall is very broad and is hidden among the trees. The second fall is quite domesticated and in the winters (and drier months) it looks inconsequential. The third fall is the tallest and most spectacular with crystal clear water falling over sharp rocks of myriad .....

Cathedral Of Mary Help Of Christians

#10 of 29 Places to Visit in Shillong

At a distance of 3.5 km from Shillong Bus Terminal, the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians is a Roman Catholic Church located in the Laitumkhrah locality of Shillong. Also known as the Cathedral Catholic Church, it is the principal place of worship in Shillong and among the most famous places to visit in Shillong. Dedicated to mother Mary, the Cathedral Church of Mary Help of Christians was built by the Germans in 1913. According to history, the construction of the present shrine was built after the first church got destroyed due to a fire accident in 1936. It got the status of a shrine in 1980, on completion of the Catholic Church's 100 years in North East India. This church falls under Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Shillong and is the principal place of worship of about 300,000 strong Catholics of Ri Bhoi and East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. Situated atop an emerald-colored hill, the church was constructed in Gothic style of architecture. The church is quiet a big .....

Shillong Peak & Viewpoint

#11 of 29 Places to Visit in Shillong

At a distance of 13 km from Shillong Bus Stand, Shillong Peak is an enchanting vantage point located at Laitkor area of Shillong, Meghalaya. Situated in the outskirts of the Shillong, it is one of the popular viewpoints in Meghalaya and among the prominent places to experience Shillong Tourism. Placed at an altitude of 1,965 m (6,446 feet), Shillong Peak is the highest peak in Meghalaya. According to historians, Shillong is named after this hill. As per the locals, the patron deity 'Leishyllong' resided at the hill and protects the city against all evils. Besides, the top of the Shillong Peak has a sacred spot that is dedicated to U Shulong and special rituals are organised here in each spring to honour the spirit of U Shulong. The peak offers an enchanting 360 degree view of the entire Shillong city, surrounding waterfalls, the Himalayan Range, Bangladesh Plains and the lush greenery nearby. At the peak there is a high tower with a telescope. An ideal retreat for visitors, .....

Air Force Museum

#12 of 29 Places to Visit in Shillong

At a distance of 13 km from Shillong Bus Stand, Air Force Museum is a museum located in Upper-Shillong of Meghalaya. Situated near Elephant Falls, it is one of the popular museums in Meghalaya and among the top places to visit in Shillong. The Air Force Museum forms a part of the Indian Air Force's Eastern Command in Shillong. This museum is a tribute to the glorious past of the defense of our nation. It hosts aircraft models, actual machines and technology demonstrations used by the IAF Eastern Command. The museum displays the uniforms worn by the air force pilots, missiles, rockets, pictures of Indo-China War and Indo-Pakistan War, medals and miniature models of air crafts. The huge MI 4 helicopter, played a central role in the 1971 war, is displayed in the museum lawn and makes for a remarkable sight. Another attraction is the Streak Shadow Microlight that's a part of the famous Microlight series. This splendid aircraft took its first flight in 1988. Caribou DHC 4, the .....

Wankhar Entomology Museum / Butterfly Museum

#13 of 29 Places to Visit in Shillong

At a distance of 2 km from Shillong Bus Stand, Wankhar Entomology Museum is a specialized museum located in Riatsamthiah area of Shillong. Also known as Butterfly Museum, it is one of the most popular museums in Shillong and among the top places to visit in Shillong. Established during 1930s, it is a private museum owned by the famous Wankhar family of Shillong. Legend says that, MR. Siddhartha Kumar Sarkar, a Bengali entomologist from Kolkata went to Shillong and married a Khasi lady with surname Wankhar. They took initiative to collect various species of insects and butterflies. Now, the granddaughter of Sarkar namely Ms. Rozalin has been taking care of this museum. Being the only known museum in India devoted to moths and butterflies, it has a rich collection of 1600 types of butterflies and moths from all over the world. Colourful insects and similar endemic species found in nearby regions can also be seen at the museum. Wankhar Entomology Museum has also played an important .....

Meghalaya State Museum

#14 of 29 Places to Visit in Shillong

At a distance of 2 km from Shillong Bus Stand, Meghalaya State Museum is a well preserved museum located in Shillong, Meghalaya. Situated in the State Central Library complex, it is one of the most popular museums in Meghalaya and among the popular Shillong Tourist Places. Functioning under the Art and Culture Department of Meghalaya, the Museum was established in the year 1975 and was renamed as Williamson Sangma Museum in 1999 as a mark of respect to the Father of Meghalaya. The Museum displays lifestyle and cultural diversity of various tribes of Meghalaya. The museum is divided into two galleries, which are dedicated to different tribal groups of Meghalaya. Visitors can see wooden crafts, tribal dresses, exquisite ornaments, traditional weapons, utensils, pottery items and musical instruments of Jaintia and Khasi tribes in the first gallery. The specialties of this gallery are the Muga cloth, hand-woven baskets and Wein pottery. The second gallery belongs to Garos has .....

Beadon-Bishop Waterfalls

#15 of 29 Places to Visit in Shillong

At a distance of 5 km from Shillong Bus Stand, Bishop and Beadon Falls are twin waterfalls located at Suna Valley of Shillong in Meghalaya. Situated on NH-40 at Mawprem, these are the best waterfalls in Meghalaya and among the mesmerizing places to visit in Shillong. With a height of 135 meters (443 feet), Bishop Waterfalls is a three tiered fall formed by the river Umshyrphi. The Bishop Falls is quite popular as the cascading water looks like a white ribbon, flowing down from the hill. It is regarded as one of the highest waterfalls in India. The Beadon Falls is called the twin brother of the Bishop Falls as both rush down the same steep slope along Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills within a short distance from each other and can be viewed from the viewpoint across a deep ravine at Mawlai. Unlike other waterfalls in Shillong, the Beadon falls is long and narrow, falling from a height of about 100 feet into Umiam River. Its flow is obstructed by dark coloured rocks and heavy green .....

Mahadev Khola Dham

#16 of 29 Places to Visit in Shillong

At a distance of 5 km from Shillong Bus Stand, Mahadev Khola Dham is an ancient Hindu temple located in Shillong, Meghalaya. It is one of the oldest temples in Meghalaya and among the famous places of pilgrimage in Shillong. Believed to be about 150 years old, the Mahadev Khola Dham is a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legend, the temple is built at the spot where Lakhiya Baba, a sage was decided to stay and meditate. A subedar-major of 8th Gorkha Regiment dreamt of the sage mediating with a trishul (trident) in his hand and a rudraksh' necklace around his neck. The very next day, the man searched for the sage and found him at the place where the mandir' stands today. During the course of excavation for construction of the temple, the subedar-major found a huge shivling and thus the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The present temple was built by several persons after independence, but the earlier one was built with the permission of the then British government. .....

Ever Living Museum

#17 of 29 Places to Visit in Shillong

At a distance of 10 km from Shillong Bus Stand, Ever Living Museum is a private museum located in Mawshbuit area of Shillong, Meghalaya. It is one of the most popular museums in Shillong and among the best places to visit in Shillong. Established in 2015, the Ever Living Museum is a living testimony of one's love for nature, culture, tradition, and history. The Museum is owned and operated by retired Meghalaya government engineer Kyntiewbor War. It has three components - the main museum, stone museum and a garden. Set in a beautiful orchid garden, the Ever Living Museum is an ethnographic museum that houses objects of the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes. The main museum, which is made of concrete, houses both ancient and contemporary weapons used by the tribes of Meghalaya. Besides, there is the joyous scope to discover musical instruments, which include drums, gongs, pipes, bamboo and iron mouth organs, concertina, and other string and bamboo instruments of Meghalaya. There .....

Shillong Related Pages

Near By Places

Similar Places

100% SECURE PAYMENTS

Domestic & international cards accepted.

Our WhatsApp Numbers

International tours, +91-8217845740, south india tours, +91-7995649483, goa, maharashtra, gujarat tours, +91-7032828835, north india tours, +91-9535139583, rest of india, +91-7799591230, request quote, travellers #.

Explore Tour Packages

Planning a Trip?

Discover affordable tour packages, need customized tour request quote, login / sign-up, your sign in was successful itinerary will be downloaded shortly., sign up with trawell.in.

Already Created Account? Login Here

Sign in with Trawell.in Account

Forgot Password?

New User? Sign Up Here

Activate Your Trawell.in Account

Your account is activated successfully. Login Here

Reset Your Trawell.in Password

Your password has been reset successfully. Login Here

Booking Policy

10 Most Famous Places to Visit in Shillong

Shillong is the abode of clouds. If you want to flee away from the hustle-bustle of your hectic daily schedule, Shillong will be the ultimate destination for you. This breathtaking hill station is the gateway to Meghalaya . When you visit Shillong, you can explore the tallest waterfalls, caves, beautiful landscapes, and the amazing local people and their culture. Shillong is situated amidst the Garo and Khasi hills.

The incredible beauty and the excellent weather of this place drag visitors all across India. This post will discuss the best places to visit in Shillong that will drag you more towards this place.

Table of Contents

List of the Top 10 Best Places to See in Shillong:

1. elephant falls.

The Elephant Falls is one of the best places to visit in Shillong. Here, you can explore three layers of the falls. All these three layers of this waterfall are accessible from various vantage points.

The Britishers named this waterfall. This waterfall got its name as it has an elephant-shaped rock on one side of the fall. In 1987, this stone was washed away due to an earthquake. Here you can spend some excellent time amidst nature. Here, you can capture some excellent pictures.

• Things to Do : Enjoy the scenic beauty, photography, and picnics.
• Best Time to Visit : March to October.
• Timings and Fees : Open from 10 AM to 6 PM and INR 20 per person.
• How to Reach : Located 12 km from Shillong, the falls are accessible by taxi or local transport.
• 3 Nights 4 Days Meghalaya Tour Package
• 4 Nights 5 Days Guwahati Shillong Tour Itinerary

2. Laitlum Canyons

Laitlum Canyons is a less explored but one of the most picturesque tourist destinations in Shillong. Also, it is one of the best trekking destinations in Shillong. The Laitlum Canyons are situated almost 21 km south of Shillong. From Shillong, it takes almost 30 minutes to reach this place.

Here, you can enjoy some exotic views. The panoramic views of the majestic hills and valleys truly captivate all the tourists. To enjoy the best view of this place, you should visit this canyon during sunrise or sunset. You want to plan this trip with your friends or family.

• Things to Do : Trekking, panoramic views, photography.
• Best Time to Visit : Throughout the year, but best during the dry season.
• Timings and Fees : Open from 6 AM to 5 PM.
• How to Reach : Around 21 km from Shillong, best reached by car or taxi.

3. Don Bosco Museum

Don Bosco Museum is the home of North East India’s magnificent history and culture. This museum is the largest museum of Indigenous Cultures. It presents a cinematic experience for visitors and provides a glimpse into the livelihood of the inhabitants of the North-East. Scholars, authors, musicians, and lyricists from all across the country participate in competitive activities hosted on the museum’s premises regularly.

Another notable feature of the Don Bosco Museum is its hexagon design. It towers seven floors into Shillong’s skyline, with 16 well-designed galleries showcasing items, artworks, and characters vital to Northeastern culture. Therefore, it is known as Shillong’s architectural pride.

• Things to Do : Explore North-Eastern culture, history, and artifacts.
• Best Time to Visit : All year.
• Timings and Fees : Open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM (Monday-Saturday) and INR 50 per person.
• How to Reach : Located in the city, easily accessible by local transport.

4. Mawphlang

Mawphlang (Maw Phlang) is a land of legends, tributes, and distinct cultures. The town is noted for its beautiful woods and is located in the East Khasi Hills area. It is the Sacred Forest of Meghalaya, a lovely town 25 kilometers from Shillong.

Mawphlang is a town in the Khasi Hills named after one of the Khasi Hills’ monoliths. Mawphlang lets you enjoy a glimpse of the Khasi tradition, culture, and way of life.

• Things to Do : Sacred forest, Khasi heritage, trekking.
• Best Time to Visit : March to June.
• Timings and Fees : Open during daylight hours; nominal entry fee for the sacred forest.
• How to Reach : About 25 km from Shillong, accessible by taxi or local transport.
• North East India Tour for 10 Days
• 4 Days North East Tour
• 13 Days North East India Trip
• 8 Days North East India Tour Package
• 7 Days North East India Tour Itinerary
• North East India Package 7 Days
• 6 Days North East Tour Itinerary

5. Shillong Peak

Shillong Peak is considered the highest point in Shillong, rising to a height of 1965 meters above sea level. If you want a multicoloured bird’s eye view of Shillong’s splendour, the towering Shillong Peak may be the best place to explore. Wrapped in dense fog, it is undoubtedly a key reason for Shillong’s moniker of “City of Clouds” and is thus one of the top Shillong tourist attractions.

Shillong Peak is a sliver of heaven that will give you a unique feeling of quiet holiness, appealing to believers, spiritualists, and nature enthusiasts. Therefore, it is a popular tourist destination in Shillong. The summit is considered the residence of ‘Leishyllong,’ Shillong’s supreme guardian deity, as per local folklore. The divinity is said to watch over and defend the city from the hill peak. Also, it houses the Indian Air Force’s radar station, which is situated on the Air Force installation.

• Things to Do : Viewpoints, photography, local stalls.
• Best Time to Visit : Throughout the year.
• Timings and Fees : Open from 9 AM to 5 PM and INR 30 per person.
• How to Reach : Located 10 km from Shillong, accessible by taxi.
• North East Packages From Delhi
• North East Packages From Mumbai
• North East Packages From Chennai
• North East Packages From Hyderabad

6. Sweet Falls

Sweet Falls is a magical site for outdoor enthusiasts. At this place, you can enjoy the sound of rushing water rippling through deep green trees, accompanied by the melodic chirping of birds. It is one of Shillong’s most spectacular and beautiful streams. But it is also one of the most dangerous and accident-prone. It has witnessed a lot of terrible deaths and suicides from its 96-meter vantage point. As a result, bathing in its fast-flowing water is not recommended.

It is a beautiful and serene location that is adjacent to the Butterfly Museum and Mini Zoo. It is less frequented due to its spooky history and potentially unsafe circumstances. Locals think it is also a haunted location, adding to the mystery. With a smaller throng, you can take advantage of the quiet foliage and magnificent splendour surrounding this location.

• Things to Do : Sightseeing, photography.
• Best Time to Visit : October to March.
• Timings and Fees : Open during daylight hours and INR 70 for vehicle parking.
• How to Reach : Located 5 km from Shillong, best reached by taxi.

7. Air Force Museum

Shillong is home to many prestigious museums that showcase the state’s history, legacy, diverse culture, and innovations. The Air Force Museum, situated in the Upper Shillong, is one such wonderful museum that depicts the brave storey of India’s defence history.

The Air Force Museum complex, which includes a gift shop and a café, is Shillong’s most popular tourist attraction. This museum will enlighten you about the Indian Air Force and its courageous flying warriors and illustrious history.

• Things to Do : Explore aviation history and aircraft displays.
• Timings and Fees : Open from 9 AM to 5 PM (closed on Wednesdays and Sundays)
• How to Reach : To reach the Air Force Museum in Shillong, take a taxi or drive from the city center (like Police Bazar) towards Upper Shillong, approximately 10-12 km away.
• Folk Dances of Meghalaya
• Meghalaya National Parks
• Historical Places in Meghalaya
• Meghalaya Hill Stations
• Famous Food of Meghalaya
• Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival

8. Lady Hydari Park

Lady Hydari Lake is a stunningly beautiful lake that is a popular picnic site for nature lovers. It is a well-known tourist attraction in Shillong. It is designed in a Japanese style and is surrounded by willow, orchid, and rhododendron plants.

It is a wonderful amusement site to visit with family, lovely ponds, enticing grass, and a little zoo and museum. This lake overflows with ducks and wishes. It was named after Lady Hydari, the Governor of Assam’s wife and hence its first lady. Boating on the park’s ponds will provide you with a breathtakingly magnificent vista of foliage bursting with life.

• Things to Do : Gardens, zoo, children’s play area.
• Best Time to Visit : All year, especially in spring.
• Timings and Fees : Open from 8 AM to 5 PM
• How to Reach : Located in the heart of Shillong, easily accessible.

9. Police Bazar

Police Bazaar, also renowned as Khyndailad, is Shillong’s main retail district and the best spot to rent a hotel if you’re visiting the city. Shillong’s main market, Police Bazar, is a famous shopping destination for both residents and visitors. The bazaar is a mix of the conventional and the contemporary, the elegant and the classic. It contains a flea market portion that is pocket-friendly and attracts the most number of visitors due to its unique handicraft stores. Here, you can explore local clothing and accessories, junk jewelry, and fine Meghalaya items. Also, here you can enjoy big-brand stores, an assortment of eateries, and motels.

Shopping lovers and foodies alike go to the vibrant market. Many of the lanes in Police Bazaar are car-free zones, making them ideal for street shopping. The markets are well-designed, forming a large circle (chowk) amid the police bazaar, complete with trees and plants, and encircled by seven roads leading to other parts of the city.

• Things to Do : Shopping, local food, souvenirs.
• Best Time to Visit : All year, especially evenings.
• Timings and Fees : Open from 8 AM to 10 PM
• How to Reach : Centrally located in Shillong, easily reachable by foot or local transport.
• North East India Visit in July
• Places to See in North East India
• Visit North East India in June
• Adventure Places in North East India
• North East India Honeymoon Places
• North-East India See in April

10. Wankhar Entomological Museum

Wankhar Entomological Museum is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Shillong. It is situated on Riatsamthiah Jaiaw, next to the Christian Academy School. It is a colourful, spectacular sight and a unique sightseeing attraction. The Wankhar Entomological Museum, commonly called the Butterfly Museum, is owned or operated by members of the Wankhar family.

This museum shelters over 1600 species of beetles, butterflies, moths, and other insects. Wankhar Entomological Museum regularly holds special breeding programmes to protect unusual and unique insects by making people aware of their preservation.

• Things to Do : View insect collections, and learn about entomology.
• Timings and Fees : Open on weekdays during business hours.
• How to Reach : Located in Shillong, accessible by local transport.

How to reach Shillong:

By Air : The nearest airport is Umroi Airport near Shillong, about 30 km away. However, more commonly used is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which is about 120 km away. From Guwahati , you can take a taxi or a bus to Shillong.

By Road : Shillong is well-connected by road. You can drive or take a bus from nearby cities like Guwahati. The journey from Guwahati to Shillong by road, through the picturesque NH-40, takes about 3-4 hours.

By Rail : The nearest railway station is in Guwahati. From there, you can continue your journey to Shillong by road.

So, these are the best tourist places in Shillong. Hopefully, the information mentioned above will be helpful for you while you plan a trip to Shillong . Come to Shillong and lose yourself in the incredible natural beauty of this place.

• Cherrapunji
• Mawlyngkhung
• Balpakram National Park
• Nongkhnum Island

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

One Day in Shillong Itinerary – Top things to do in Shillong, India

Once the capital of Assam Province under British rule, Shillong has developed into a modern city that still retains its old-world charm and scenic beauty. It is one of the most richly adorned hill stations in India, well-known for its stunning landscapes dotted with lush hills, clean lakes, gushing waterfalls and thick pine forests. Therefore, one day in Shillong is bound to be quite magical.

What’s the best time to visit Shillong?

The best time to visit Shillong is from October to May. Summers (March-May) are ideal for sightseeing as the weather is pleasantly cool with the average temperature in the range of 15°C-23°C. Though winter months are chilly, it is normally sunny during the daytime. At night, the temperature dips significantly to as low as 6°C in December and January.

India International Cherry Blossom Festival is held in Shillong every year in the month of November. With the blooming of Himalayan cherry blossoms, the entire landscape gets painted in hues of pink. If you are planning to visit in November, do remember to check the festival dates beforehand.

Shillong experiences the monsoon season from June to September. In the months of July and August, there is heavy rainfall leading to flash floods in low-lying areas. Therefore, these months are not exactly suitable for fun outdoor activities.

A Few Facts About Shillong

Shillong is located in the north-eastern part of India at an average altitude of 1,495 meters (4,908 feet) above sea level. It became the capital of Meghalaya upon the creation of this new state in 1972. It also serves as the district headquarters of East Khasi Hills.

The capital city of Meghalaya is famously known as the ‘Scotland of the East’ owing to its striking resemblance with Scottish landscapes. The city gets its name from Lei Shyllong, a highly revered local deity.

One Day Itinerary in Shillong

Follow this guide and make the most of your one day in Shillong. These are the top sights and things to do in this enchanting hill station.

Start your day by visiting Ward’s Lake

Located smack in the heart of the city, Ward’s Lake is an iconic man-made lake from the colonial era. The lake is over 100 years old, but the allure is irresistible.

It is named after Sir William Ward, the erstwhile Chief Commissioner of Assam, who planned and initiated the construction of this lake. Encompassed by a lovely garden with umpteen flowering plants and orchids, it is an ideal spot in the city to spend time amidst nature.

The best way to soak up all the natural beauty is to take a peaceful stroll around the lake. Another highlight of this place is a quaint wooden bridge that is located in the middle of the lake. You can see panoramic views of the lake from there.

In addition, there is a boating facility for tourists with options of rowing boats and paddle boats to choose from.

Discover the Incredible Cultures of Northeast India at the Don Bosco Museum

Your next stop for the day should be the Don Bosco Museum. From Ward’s Lake, you can get a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach there.

The Don Bosco Museum is renowned as Asia’s largest museum of Indigenous Cultures. It boasts amazing architecture resembling a honeycomb. The museum spans over 7 floors comprising galleries with an extensive array of wonderfully curated exhibits.

It also houses some rare images and paintings that illustrate the socio-cultural lives of the native tribes. Explore the museum to find out more about the fascinating cultures and traditions of northeast India.

See the Gorgeous Elephant Falls

After visiting the museum, head to Elephant Falls. Located on the fringes of Shillong, the location is about a 30-minute drive away from the Don Bosco Museum.

Elephant Falls is an impressive three-tier waterfall, tucked away in the dense evergreen forests. It derives its name from a huge elephant-shaped rock that once existed there. The rock broke in an earthquake, but the waterfall retained its name.

From the entrance, a stone stairway leads you through various levels of the falls. Of the three tiers, the last (third) waterfall is clearly visible while the other two are partly hidden by foliage. The water cascades down from a significant height and forms a deep plunge pool at the bottom. Though taking a dip is not allowed here, you can spend some time absorbing the lush surroundings.

Have lunch at City Hut Dhaba

Now it’s time to relish a delicious meal at City Hut Dhaba. The restaurant name is a slight misnomer because this is actually not really a dhaba (roadside eatery)! City Hut features amongst the most popular fine dining restaurants in Shillong, and you will appreciate the welcoming atmosphere of the place.

It is conveniently located on the Oakland Road in Police Bazar, the main commercial hub of the city. You can choose from a full range of Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine from appetizers to main courses. Tikkas and tandoori dishes are so super delicious that you simply won’t be able to resist trying them.

Head to the famous Cathedral Church of Shillong

After lunch, check out the most beautiful church in Shillong. Acclaimed as one of the finest edifices in the city, the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians is perched on a hill near Don Bosco Square. It is also referred to as the Cathedral Catholic Church by locals. From Police Bazar, it is easily accessible by a shared taxi or an auto-rickshaw.

The church is famed for its unique Gothic style architecture featuring imposing arches and big stained-glass windows. The interiors have lovely artwork depicting the life of Jesus. You can also visit the grotto chapel which is located right below the main church.

Wander through the Lady Hydari Park

The next stop on this list is Lady Hydari Park – a charming Japanese-style garden. It is named after Lady Hydari, wife of erstwhile Governor-General of Assam. Locally, it is also called Phan Nonglait Park.

The garden showcases an assortment of colourful flowers including roses and orchids. Within the park, there are well-maintained lawns, a beautiful pond and a mini zoo. You can see a lot of waterfowls like ducks and geese dabbling in the pond. Stroll around to admire the scenic vistas of the garden.

Do some shopping at Police Bazar

Police Bazar is one of the major shopping hubs in Shillong for locals and tourists alike. In addition to big shopping complexes, the market is teeming with street stalls selling winter wear, jackets, footwear, bags and souvenirs.

If you want to check out local artefacts, visit Megha Emporium and Khasi Emporium. Situated right in the centre of Police Bazar, both shops have a massive collection of local artefacts made using bamboo and cane. Moreover, you can also visit government owned emporiums where prices are fixed.

End the day with a great dinner

After spending a wonderful day sightseeing and shopping in the city, you will possibly be looking around for a nice place for dinner. Luckily, there are numerous restaurants in the Police Bazar market to cater to a range of palates including North Indian, South Indian and Chinese.

If you are craving authentic North Indian food, QZine restaurant is the place you should be heading to. The restaurant is within a five-min walking distance from Megha Emporium.

Madras Café is one of the best places nearby that serves up South Indian delicacies. If momos (dumplings) are your thing,  get to Barbeque Restaurant. And, you always have a choice to head back to City Hut Dhaba for dinner if you enjoyed your lunch there.

Where To Stay in Shillong?

Rockski Boutique Bed & Breakfast

House No. 372, Ward 1, Opposite Sonathan, Nongrimbah, Laitumkhrah, 793003 Shillong

Rockski Boutique Bed & Breakfast offers an affordable stay close to the city centre. The Cathedral Catholic Church is within walking distance of this place. Impeccably neat and well-kept, the staff are very helpful and always at your service. Guests can enjoy free wifi, plus the accommodation comes with free on-site car parking.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Windermere Inn

Lumheh, Umpling Shillong, 793006 Shillong

Windermere Inn is a great place to stay if you’re looking for accommodation away from the city centre. The place has loads of parking space and a very peaceful location, so you really should be able to get some rest here. A nice restaurant, a beautiful garden, and excellent staff will also help you feel welcome and satisfied. Very clean, cozy and comfortable!

Dew Drop In

Upper Lumparing, Lumsohphoh, 793004 Shillong, India

One of the most picturesque accommodations in the city, Dew Drop In is an incredibly charming place with wonderful views of the city. A great vibe permeates the place as the host do their absolute best to make sure you’re comfortable. Great beds, free wi-fi, free parking, coffee- and tea-making facilities in every room… Definitely, a fantastic way to enjoy your visit to Shillong.

Quinton Enclave

Quinton Road, 793001 Shillong, India

If you’re looking for a place in Shillong city centre, look for Quinton Enclave . It’s an exceptionally charming place, with complimentary slippers, free wi-fi, and excellent breakfast (you can choose continental or a la carte). Thanks to its location, this place is an ideal starting point if you want to get out and explore the city. Have fun!

Day trips from Shillong

Staying in Shillong for more than a day? There are some amazing places close by that you can explore on a day trip from the city!

A short 45-minute drive from Shillong gets you to Umiam Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes in Meghalaya. It was created after the construction of a dam on the river Umiam. Besides enjoying the immaculate landscapes, you can indulge in activities like boating, angling, water-skiing and kayaking.

Cherrapunji

Famous as one of the wettest places on earth, Cherrapunji is about a 2-hour drive from Shillong. Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, Double-decker Living Root Bridge and Mawsmai Cave are some of the popular attractions in Cherrapunji.

Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong is known for its cleanliness and eco-friendly living. The village is brimming with greenery and most houses in the village are made of bamboo. Apart from taking a tour of the village, you can trek to the single-decker living root bridge.

Extra tips for visiting Shillong

– Shillong has cool weather throughout the year. So, remember to pack warm clothes. In winter, you must pack heavy woollens like jackets and pullovers.

– Carry a comfortable pair of running or walking shoes for sightseeing trips. Avoid flip-flops and sandals as you may need to hike a bit at some places.

– Always keep an umbrella in your backpack because rains are totally unpredictable.

– Don’t shy away from bargaining when buying from street vendors.

– Check local travel guidelines properly before planning your trip.

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Related posts:

Rashmi is an avid traveller, a content writer and the founder of WildlifeZones. She believes there is nothing more fulfilling than wandering in nature and loves to explore places filled with natural beauty. Her other interests are yoga, smart gadgets and learning new skills in technology.

Very nice article author. Thank you. Keep it up.

nice post..

Nice article, Image are very excellent. Thank you for such detailed description of the destination. Excellent Explanation.

Thanks for this informative article

Helpful itinerary for the travel who travel in Shillong.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Shillong: Everlasting Romance for All Seasons

• Travel Tips
• September 30, 2019 in City Tours , Travel Tips
• places to visit in Shillong Shillong tourism
• Rebecca John

Meghalaya or the ‘abode of the clouds’ is a mesmerizing land. Beneath these legendary clouds are magical forests, cascading waterfalls, gently rolling hills, furious rivers, mysterious caves, and the warmest people. Its beautiful capital Shillong exudes a certain romance especially in its striking similarities with the Scottish Highlands. The best time to visit Shillong would be anytime you fancy in the year – with summer temperatures at 25 degrees Celsius and winter of 16 degrees Celsius. 

Visit Shillong in summer for clear views, in the monsoons for epic Meghalaya rains, autumn for cherry blossoms, and winter for Christmas cheer! Having said that, it’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day in Shillong! While stepping out, find a permanent slot in your backpack for an umbrella and a light sweater.

This cosmopolitan city derives its name from “Leishyllong”- the God who is believed to reside on the Shillong Peak which overlooks the city. Shillong is home to the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes of Meghalaya.

Find Best Hotels In Shillong

Serenading the summers in Shillong

Shillong is a sweet song in the summer. Jimi Hendrix didn’t know half of what ‘Purple Haze’ meant unless he saw blooming Jacaranda trees in the Shillong summer! The cityscape is bathed in a horizon and carpet of purple. Lavender blooms of the Jacaranda are everywhere – in the trees, on the roof of cars and houses, sprinkled on footpaths, and carpets of purple on the ground beneath your feet!

The summer months in Shillong are from March to June. There’s plenty of sunshine outside and in everyone’s hearts, beautiful clear skies, and cool winds. The temperature stays between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, making this the best time to visit Shillong for uninterrupted views and scenic drives. Try and explore the city on foot to make the most of this bountiful season. While there’s always a chance of rain in the ‘abode of the clouds’, you won’t be drenched and uncomfortable in the light, scattered rain showers of the summer. 

Walk or drive around the city to some of the most famous tourist places in Shillong:

1. Mary Help of Christians Cathedral

Located in the heart of the town is the glorious Mary Help of Christians Cathedral. A vision in white marble and awe-inspiring stained-glass windows, the cathedral is a sanctuary for people who are followers of Catholicism. This grand cathedral sits on top of a hill, serenely watching over the town and its people. The cathedral is also located close to some of the most premier educational institutions in the city.

2. All Saints Cathedral

The All Saints Cathedral, with its colonial-style architecture and wooden roofs, is another beautiful location in the city. Set on lush green lawns and surrounded by old trees, this church is located opposite the State Central Library. Presently part of the Church of North India, it was earlier an Anglican Church. The original foundation stone of the Church was laid by his excellency Lord Northbrook, the Viceroy of India, in 1874. 

3. Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures

The incredible tribes in the North-East have largely relied on oral traditions to chronicle their histories and cultures. The Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures in Mawlai is a splendid museum, making concerted efforts to document and preserve the traditions of indigenous tribes in the North East. The museum is spread over seven floors, with dedicated wings for art galleries, artifacts, traditional attire, weapons, ornaments, and architecture of the different tribes in all the North-Eastern states. Truly one of the best places to visit in Shillong for a crash course on histories that never make it to school textbooks. The museum’s location in Mawlai – a quintessential Shillong neighborhood – is an added advantage.

Iewduh or ‘Barabazar’ is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in North East India. A labyrinth of shops and stalls, this is a market where you can find almost anything – from vegetables, meat, kitchen utensils, clothes, and electronic items. Travelers who enjoy immersing themselves in local life will enjoy the magic and madness this market brings. 

The markets in Shillong and across the state are the best places to glimpse Meghalaya’s unique matriarchal and matrilineal societies, where the dominant power in the community lies with its women. Most of the shopkeepers and shop owners, particularly in Iewduh, are all women. 

Other popular markets in Shillong are Khyndai Lad or Police Bazaar which is a buzzing center in the middle of the city and Laitumkhrah, frequented especially by the hep and younger crowd.

5. Lady Hydari Park

Lady Hydari Park is a popular recreational area for Shillongites, who usually make their way here after church every Sunday. The park is named after the first lady of the province, Lady Hydari, and has beautiful lawns, gardens, and a mini zoo. 

6. Ward’s Lake

Ward’s Lake is a small spot of calm located right in the middle of Shillong. The lake is perfect for a leisurely evening stroll or feeding the fish from atop a white, wooden bridge. 

7. Umiam Lake

The sparkling waters of the Umiam Lake are literal postcard depictions of a quintessential Shillong experience. There is no better introduction to Shillong than this gorgeous man-made water body, located 16 km from the town. Fondly referred to as ‘Badapani’ by the locals, the lake is one of the most beloved spots for picnics and water sports. Tiny islands, coniferous forests, and gorgeous sunsets – give in to the charms of this stunning lake which is one of the best places to visit in Shillong. 

8. Shillong Peak

At an elevation of 6449 feet, Shillong Peak offers a breath-taking birds-eye-view of the entire town. On a clear day, one can even spot the Bangladesh plains in the far distance. The viewpoint is one of the most famous tourist places in Shillong, where scores of people congregate for the best views over a steaming cup of red tea. 

9. Laitlum Canyons

If you’re a traveler who will go anywhere for a good view, the Laitlum Canyons are the perfect place for you. Perch yourself on a hilltop with the most stunning views ever! Take in the beauty of deep canyons, gorges, valleys, and villages in the distance. 

10. Mawphlang Sacred Grove

Landscape and nature are intimately connected to identities and culture in the North-Eastern states. This reverence for nature’s blessings is particularly seen in the Mawphlang Sacred Forest. This sacred grove should feature on your list of places to visit in Shillong. A site considered holy by the Khasi tribe, the trees in this forest have not been cut for over a thousand years. It is forbidden to carry back even a blade of grass or rock from the forest. Guided walks are permitted inside the forest.

11. David Scott Trail

The David Scott Trail is your best bet for a short hike close to Shillong. The trail was previously used as a horse track by David Scott, a British administrator. This picturesque trail is 16 km and takes an average of 4 hours to cover. 

12. Shad Suk Mynsiem – A summer festival of celebration 

Shad Suk Mynsiem translates into ‘The Dance of the Joyful Soul’. It is one of the most important festivals of the Khasi tribe. This annual thanksgiving dance festival takes place for three days in April. The dance is held to offer thanksgiving prayers for the bumper harvest. Thousands of Khasis gather for the celebrations. The festival is a riot of color and music, where men, women, and children dress in traditional attire and dance to the beats of traditional drums and pipes.

The time from March to June is the summer season here. Being a hill station, it is only natural that the hill city will have the maximum footfall during the summers. The city is filled with tourists mostly from Bengal and Assam, and some also come from North India as well as from South India. The most striking thing about Shillong is that although it is nestled close to the Himalayas, the mountains and hills here are mostly green and during the summers, it creates a very colorful and pleasant ambience. Those who love the mountains but not their ruggedness or the extreme cold will find Shillong ideal for this reason. Shillong is a major educational hub today with IITs and IIMs located here, along with a number of premier medical colleges. During the summers, the institutes are on holiday and students can be seen here loitering before the head home for the vacation, especially the out station students.

Summer in Sillong

Shillong summers are the best to try out some adventure sports here bungee jumping and rock climbing are quite popular. These activities take place under experienced trainers. The popular Shillong tourist places are all open at this time of the year. The root tree bridge, one of the largest natural bridges in the world, which is created by entwining roots of bridge sees a lot of people coming here. The lakes of Shillong thaw at this time of the year and boating resumes again. It is quite an experience as the hills around are reflected in the lake and they are in fact so clear, that one can see the bottom of the lake and catch a glimpse of all the flora that resides at the bottom. Shillong is a great place to host bonfires and the summers, with its cool night, provide ample scope for them as you can stay outdoors without the freezing cold. Camping and trekking are popular activities here and the mountains are suddenly filled with backpackers, with all the trails open for them to explore. This is not always possible at other times of the year when snow has blocked passages during winters or there are landslides in the monsoons.

Monsoons in Shillong: A walk in the clouds

Visit Shillong from June to September to witness the city in all its rainy splendor. The skies may be grey but it’s never raining in the hearts of the locals. When rain brings everything to a standstill in other parts of the country, life in Shillong goes on merrily. ‘Tis the season to savor a steaming cup of Sha Saw (red tea) with some biscuits or cream buns. Watch children jump into small water puddles as they splash their way to school. Take in the rhythmic sea of moving umbrellas headed to different parts of the city. It’s business as usual in Shillong but with a little extra romance in the air.

The Monsoons are also the best time to visit Shillong for adventure enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. It is a season when serene countryside of the summer transforms into a dramatic land – raging waterfalls and rivers, thick forests that seemingly grew overnight, trees drenched in astonishing levels of green, misty clouds that glide across the horizon. 

As the month of June starts drawing to a close, the monsoons starts to set in on the hills. It is always advised that it is best to avoid the hills during the monsoons but those who want to stay behind or visit Shillong particularly within the time of July to September, are in for a great visual treat. The majority of the tourists start returning to their homes and the hills start feeling a bit desolate. Once the tourists have gone away, the local gear up for the monsoons and those who choose to come here at this time of the year get to experience a number of things that others missed out on. It is advisable to keep in mind that it is always good to have some sort of a back up while going to the mountains in the monsoons because landslides can be hazard. In an event of a major landslide, roads can be shut off for days. So is the case with Shillong. While the main city is well taken care of, in case of a land slide out of the city, your stay journey could still be put on halt while ascending or descending from the hills, and so it is advisable to have some buffer.

Once you have taken care of these practicalities, you will get to enjoy the full impact of greenery once the Monsoons set it. The hills turn the most vibrant shade of green that you have ever seen. It can be promised that you have never seen so much green before and it is truly awe inspiring. This is the best place to get close to nature. Naturally, the adventure activities are put on hold most of the camping trails are also close down. Nevertheless, this is the time to take a backseat from all that adrenaline and simply take in the marvels of nature. Rain in the hills is very different from rains in the plains and so you will have a very new experience. Be sure to carry raincoats and waterproof boots with extra grip if you plan to venture out of your rooms while it is raining. The footwear is especially important because you will need extra grip to climb the hills which are slippery from all that rain. If you are planning an extended stay in Shillong during the monsoons, then the first few days might take some getting used to. Rains tend to come down suddenly in sheets, but there are occasional bursts of sunlight as well. Drainage is Shillong is quite good, but during very heavy showers there are possibilities of water logging and flooding and this is the time tourists have to be careful because they are not used to such circumstances. Once you get used to it, with the rains falling outside, and you getting cozy under the covers with a book and a mug of steaming coffee, you will not want to leave

Cherrapunji

A trip to Shillong would be incomplete without visiting Cherrapunji, a place that receives the second-highest rainfall in the world! The best time to visit Cherrapunji is in the monsoons – when the skies pour down generously, the land is bursting in green, and you find yourself surrounded by misty bliss. Located 53 km away, it is best to plan an overnight stay to make the most of one of the best destinations close to Shillong. 

The famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge is located close to Cherrapunji. A wondrous living structure, where the roots of trees have been artfully trained by the villagers to grow as bridges. 

The Nohkalikai waterfalls are located at a distance of 5 km from Cherrapunji. Gushing down from a height of 1100 feet, the waterfalls are at their glorious best during the monsoon! The viewing gallery is a perfect vantage point to enjoy the panoramic views of the waterfalls and its surroundings.

Find Best Hotels In Cherrapunji

Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the city. Its cascading waters flow down three tiers of rocks, converging into a tranquil pool at the bottom. The waterfall was named by the British after a massive rock nearby with uncanny resemblances to an elephant. The rock was destroyed in an earthquake, but the name lives on.

Autumn in Shillong

Mellow, light, chills in the air, and infinitely charming. Shillong does Autumn exceedingly well. The purple Jacaranda of summer is replaced by sprinklings of pink Cherry Blossom across the city. But with all things too beautiful to be true, the pink blossoms are there one minute and gone the next. Autumn is a short season in Shillong, usually beginning in October. There’s no telling when Autumn ends and Winter begins in Shillong.

Autumn is the best time to visit Shillong for festivals. NH7 Weekender and Shillong Autumn Festival are two major events that happen during the season. Numerous other festivals pop up across the city, from wine and food festivals to quaint farmers’ markets. The Nongkrem Dance is a festival of harvest thanksgiving that takes place every November. 

Winters in Shillong

Winters in Shillong are cold but certainly not debilitating. The temperatures stay between 2 to 22 degrees Celsius. It begins to look a lot like Christmas starting early December. The aroma of cakes and cookies fills the air. Markets and shops in the city are beautifully lit for Christmas and New Year. Shillong is always a magical place but even more enchanting in the winter.

The winters in Shillong are again another pleasant time of the year and it lasts from about November to February. October is the autumn season here and tourists from West Bengal especially come here because of the vacation of the Durga Puja, which is also celebrated with great pomp in the hills. The weather starts clearing and the first nip of the cold in the air starts to set in. After the Durga Puja and the Diwali, the majority of the tourists start going back but those who want to experience the cold and the surreal winters in the mountains start coming here. November draws tourists because of the Cherry Blossom festival, which are in full bloom at this time of the year. Experts from Japan, where cherry blossoms grow in huge numbers, have also come here and remarked on their beauty. The streets of Shillong look all bright and pink and it creates the perfect ambience. The trekking routes and camping trails also start to open up for a while, before they are shut down again in event of heavy snowfall, which often happens in the upper regions of Shillong. However, it is during the Christmas and the New Year that all the fun starts to take place. The churches in Shillong are brightly lit up and coffee, hot chocolate and cookies and breads puddings are made in huge numbers. Moreover, Shillong is known as the Rock Capital of India, and a number of bands come here to perform at this time of the year, also international ones. Rock music festivals are held and naturally a great number of youngsters descend upon the hills. Good food, great music, lovely weather and a great crowd define Shillong during the winters. When Christmas arrives, the mountains seem to resonate with the choirs and the bells from the various churches and it is quite an experience. In fact, it is quite easy to imagine that you are not even in India!

A guide to food in the city

Shillong has numerous restaurants that cater to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian palates. But the best food trail will lead you to the small Jadoh stalls that serve traditional Khasi food. These tiny Jadoh stalls can be found in major markets such as Laitumkhrah, Police Bazaar, and Iewduh. There are also many stalls along the highways and main roads in the city.

The food at Jadoh stalls is a carnivore’s paradise. Vegetarians will find options too but it’s slim pickings. Those who are easily squeamish should probably avoid local food or exercise respectful caution. From rice cooked in chicken blood to fermented soya beans that taste divine but smell like hell. A trip to the Jadoh stalls is a sensory and culinary adventure unlike any other.

• Jadoh: A Khasi dish which is a mixture of rice and pork, with onions, garlic, turmeric, and ginger. A Khasi biryani if you will, only lighter on spice.
• Ja Stem: A dish made of rice, turmeric powder, and black sesame paste
• Tungrymbai: An epic pungent-smelling side dish made with fermented soya beans, black sesame paste, and a mixture of spices. The smell some would say is to die for – both literally and otherwise. But the taste is unparalleled!
• Dohneiiong: A delicious pork curry with a black sesame seeds base.
• Dohkhlieh: A simple but delicious salad made with boiled pork, onions, chilies, and ginger

Restaurants in the city

Some of the best restaurants in Shillong are Café Shilong, City Hut Dhaba, Dylan’s Café, Barbeque Restaurant, Munchies, The Grub by Sam & Bee Oliver, Jadoh, and The Lounge at Tripura Castle.

The restaurants serve a range of cuisines from Khasi, Chinese, Indian, Continental, to Italian.

Getting there

By Air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati By Train: Guwahati Railway Station By Road: Numerous buses and cabs ply from Guwahati to Shillong regularly

Wrapping up

Visit Shillong for the best hill station holiday in the country! Gorgeous, untouched beauty for nature lovers. Fascinating historical treasures for culture vultures. Blending hip and contemporary, elegant fine lines of history, and rich indigenous cultures – Shillong is definitely where you need to be!

• SHARE THIS ON:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Book a hotel

• City Select Cities Agra Ahmedabad Alwar Amritsar Aurangabad Autumn Badrinath Bangalore Bathinda Bhopal Bhubaneswar Bihar Chandigarh Chennai Coimbatore Coorg Darjeeling Dehradun Delhi Dhanushkodi Dharamshala Dwarka Gangtok Garba Ghaziabad Goa Gujarat Gurgaon Guwahati Himachal Pradesh Himalaya Hyderabad India Indore Jaipur Jamshedpur Jodhpur Karnataka Kashmir Kedarnath Kerala Kochi Kodaikanal Kolkata Kotagiri Kullu Leh Ladakh Lonavala Lucknow Madhya Pradesh Madurai Mahabaleshwar Maharashtra Manali Manesar Mathura Mount Abu Mumbai Munnar Mussoorie Nagpur Nainital New Delhi Noida Odisha Ooty Patna Pondicherry Pune Puri Raigad Raipur Rajasthani Ranchi Rishikesh Shillong Shimla sikkim Siliguri Srinagar Surat Tamil Nadu Tawang Trivandrum Udaipur Ujjain Uttar Pradesh Uttrakhand Vadodara Varanasi
• Guests 1 Guest 2 Guest 3 Guest

Recent Posts

Best Places to Grab a Dessert in Noida

10 Cool Accessories for a Smart Traveller in 2024

Cold-Weather Hacks: 10 Ways To Keep Yourself Warm and Healthy

Top 7 Tricks for Capturing Stunning Travel Photos

Travel Hacks for Solo Explorers

• Cultural Tour
• tour and travel

Please rotate your device

Please go back to portrait mode for the best experience

• Fireflies Special
• Leh Ladakh Tour Packages
• Customized Tours
• INTERNATIONAL TRIPS
• Why the name HikerWolf ?
• HikerWolf Core Values
• Other Activities
• Get In Touch
• Search for:

Top 25 Places to Visit in Shillong

Away from the mainland, Northeast India is a hidden treasure of unparalleled beauty waiting to be explored. Shillong, a quaint hill station in Meghalaya, is definitely one of its brightest jewels. Famously known as the Scotland of East , Shillong is not merely the Capital of Meghalaya but also the Rock Capital of India . An abode of tranquil and serene valleys, waterfalls, parks, caves, and awe-inspiring landscapes, it also grooves to the loudest and most happening musical festivals in the nation.

Away from the scorching heat and chaos prevalent in the cities, Shillong, with its misty drizzles and pleasant gashes of wind, will wake your senses to hidden life. Brimming with modernity and a house of some of the oldest tribes at the same time, Shillong is a rare amalgamation of the past and the present. Come and experience what paradise on earth feels like in the “ Abode of Clouds ”.

Shillong is a celebration of culture, history, nature, and life; a celebration that you just cannot miss being a part of. There is no dearth of heart-capturing places to visit in Shillong. If you are waiting for a sign to take that leap of faith, cancel all your deadlines, and treat yourself with a rejuvenating and soulful retreat in the valleys, this is it.

Shillong is not just a place but rather a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will make you have a long and silent conversation with your solitude. Shillong tourist places definitely need to be on the top of your bucket list!

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Shillong: March to June

Shillong in summer.

The pleasant and moderate climate of summers (18-22 degrees Celsius) makes the months of March to June the best time to visit Shillong. You can enjoy the lush greenery of the blossoming valleys in this season. From boating to trekking to Shillong sightseeing, there is perhaps no better climate to explore Shillong tourist places than the summer season. You can also enjoy the summer annual tribal thanksgiving festival, Shad Suk Mynsiem , by visiting this gem of place between the months of March to June.

Shillong in Winter

While the chilly weather and unpredictable winter showers make winters an off-season in the town, adventurers and nature lovers find their way to explore this beautiful place even in the biting cold. Months from October to February stand as the best time to visit Shillong if you want to enjoy Wangala , Autumn , as well as Nongrem Dance Festivals . The frosty valleys and trekking trails bring out a unique glory when it comes to Shillong sightseeing.

Shillong in Monsoon

The gods of rain are a bit too generous on Shillong. The area receives around 3300 mm of rainfall every year. While this makes the down prone to floods and blocked roads, the monsoon might be the best time to visit Shillong for you if you are a lover of rains. Brimming with greenery and serenity, Shillong is a romantic spectacle to treasure during the months of July to September . It brings out an unseen sight of picturesque Shillong tourist places.

From a plethora of mesmerizing Shillong tourist places, HikerWolf has chosen 25 best places to visit in Shillong for you:

1. Elephant Falls

Situated 12 km away from Shillong, Elephant Falls, one of the most alluring Shillong tourist places, will leave you spellbound by its astoundingly beautiful sight. It is named after an elephant-shaped rock at the foot of the fall. The rock, however, eroded and withered out of shape after an earthquake occurred in 1897.

It is popularly known in the Khasi tribe as the ‘ Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew’ , translating to ‘ The Three Step Waterfalls’ . With three consecutive crystal waterfalls in the backdrop of earthy rocks, the falls stand as a renowned Shillong tourist spot.

The first layer of falls, nestled between evergreen trees, mark a wide area by its flow. The second waterfalls are rather bleak and trace a narrow stream, especially during winters. The third waterfalls, with its unhindered flow of pristine water from the mouth of dark rocks, become the central attraction of the place. All three layers of waterfalls join together to form a stellar sight of refreshing and blossoming beauty. A natural delight tucked in emerald greenery, it is one of the best places to visit in Shillong.

Highlights:

The three-tier falls in fern rocks

INR 20 per person

10 A.M. to 6 P.M. (remains open throughout the week except on Sunday)

Best Time to Visit:

July to September

3. Umiam Lake

A gorgeous by-product of the construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Umiam River, Umiam Lake is a serene man-made reservoir that forms the perfect picnic spot for tourists from across all geographies. This makes it one of the best Shillong places to visit.

Spreading across 222 square kilometres of land, the lake is surrounded by lush green Gulmohar trees and is nestled amidst lofty valleys. Bustling with exquisite flora and fauna as well as indigenous locals, the lake will give you a kaleidoscopic view of the natural beauty and rural and tribal lifestyle of the region.

An absolute paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts, it is a delight when it comes to Shillong sightseeing. The sunset and sunrise views on the periphery of this lake are sights to behold. Along with its picturesque setting, it also offers tourists an array of water sports and adventures. This makes it one of the most prominent Shillong tourist places.

Kayaking, cruising, boating, and other water activities.

INR 20 for Kayak/ Pedal Boat/ Canoe

INR 50 for Scooter

INR 50 for River Bus

INR 100 for Yachting

INR 200 for Skiing

9 A.M. to 5 A.M. for water sports

March to June

3. Laitlum Canyons

Laitlum Canyons, nestled in the East Khali Valleys, is a well-kept secret of the town and is thus amongst the treasured Shillong tourist places brimming with tranquillity and peace. Literally translating to ‘ The End of Hills’ , Laitlum Canyons gives a panoramic view of the hills. Away from the mayhem of city life, this unexplored hilltop in lush green meadows will be the perfect spot to dwell into the deepest parts of your solitude. It is one of the best places to visit in Shillong. The bird view of the beautiful city will make you forget all your problems and will make them appear so small in front of the majestic valleys. Come and lose yourself in the silences of nature, perhaps you’ll hear them talking back to you!

The bird view of Khasi Valleys- a cherished Shillong tourist spot

No entry fee

Remains open throughout the day

4. Don Bosco Museum

Shillong is an abode of indigenous culture and traditions practiced by many diverse ancient tribes. If there is a place that captures the majestic history and heritage of Shillong, it is the renowned Don Bosco Museum, one of the most famous Shillong tourist places. Famously known as the largest museum of indigenous culture in Asia, it stores important relics and artifacts that tell a tale of the cultural history of Northeastern India.

Constructed in a hexagonal style with seven floors and over 17 art galleries, this museum has been visited by eminent personalities such as the princess of Thailand as well as notaries from the Rajya Sabha. Adorned with sculptures, paintings weapons, figures, as well as other artifacts and relics, it also hosts various recreational events and competitions inviting historians, scholars, writers, lyricists, as well as musicians from across the world. One of the most prominent places to visit in Shillong, it is a renowned Shillong tourist spot.

Snippets of north-eastern communities

INR 100 for an Indian Adult and INR 200 for a Foreign Adult

INR 50 for an Indian Student and INR 150 for a Foreign Student

9:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. in summers and 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. in winters (remains open throughout the week except for Sundays and national holidays)

Throughout the year

5. Shillong Peak

If you want to get a kaleidoscopic bird view of the beauty that Shillong entails, perhaps there is no better hilltop than the majestic Shillong Peak to serve your needs. Perched at an altitude of 1965 meters above sea level, Shillong Peak stands as the highest point in Shillong. Covered with misty fog, it definitely is a major reason behind the naming of Shillong as an abode of clouds and is thus amongst the best Shillong places to visit.

According to a popular legend, the peak is said to be the home of ‘ Leishyllong ‘, the supreme patron deity revered in Shillong. It is believed that the deity overlooks and protects the city from the hill peak. Attracting devotees, spiritualists, as well as nature lovers, Shillong Peak is a slice of heaven that will give you an unparalleled experience of serene divinity. It thus is a prominent stop for Shillong sightseeing. Located at the Air force base, it also hosts the radar station of the Indian Air force. Undeniably, it bags a position in the list of Shillong tourist places.

The radar station of the Indian Airforce- a renowned Shillong tourist spot

9 A.M. to 5 P.M. (remains open throughout the week)

6. Ward’s Lake

Named after Sir William Ward, the chief commissioner of Assam who played a central role in commencing its construction, Ward’s Lake is a renowned Shillong tourist spot. Famously known as the Pollock’s Lake by the locals, Ward’s Lake is adorned by rich flora and vibrant flowerbeds. Constructed in 1894, this 100-year-old lake still stands as the unblemished and untouched jewel of Shillong.

Boating in this horseshoe-shaped lake will bring you in the close proximity of diverse fishes that make this lake beam with life. From feeding the colorful fishes to taking a stroll around this crystal mirror-sheet lake, Ward’s lake is a perfect retreat into the prime bounty of nature. A prominent destination for Shillong sightseeing, Ward’s Lake is one of the best places to visit in Shillong.

Paddle boating in the lake

INR 10 per person

8:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. (November to February) and 8:30 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. (March to October).  It remains open throughout the week.

June and July

7. Air Force Museum

Shillong is a hub of eminent museums that bear testimony to the rich culture, heritage, history, as well as technologies that the country possesses. One such exquisite museum that tells the brave tale of India’s defense history is the Air Force Museum located in the Upper Shillong region.

From the snapshots of Indo-China and Indo-Park Wars to uniforms of air force pilots to microscopic models of air crafts to rockets, missiles, and other items, the Air Force Museum will educate you about the Indian Air force and its brave flying warriors and glorious history. Also encapsulating a souvenir shop and a cafeteria, the air force museum complex is amongst the renowned places to visit in Shillong.

The python skin on display

9:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (remains open throughout the week)

8. Shillong Golf Course

Perched in the East Khali district at a height of 5200 feet above sea level, Shillong Golf Course stands as the largest, finest, as well as a most ancient golf course in the whole wide world! It was constructed in 1898 as a 9-hole golf course and was later transformed into an 18-hole golf course in 1924 by Captain Jackson and C.K. Rhodes. Ever since 1924, this golf course is renowned with the title – Gleneagles of the East.

Adorned with dense rhododendron and pine trees, it is not just a haven for golf enthusiasts but also for nature and peace lovers. Its picturesque and enormous sight is one to treasure and thus it stands as the pride of Meghalaya. A delight for a playful, fun, and sporty retreat, it is one of the best places to visit in Shillong.

Flowering Pine and Rhododendron trees

8 A.M. to 6 P.M. (remains open throughout the week)

9. Mary Help for Christian Cathedral

Located between Dhanketi and Laitunkhrah, Mary Help for Christian Cathedral is one of the most picturesque churches in the city and is also amongst the most sacred Shillong tourist places. Constructed on a steep plateau to be earthquake resistant, it is decorated with grand glass windows and towering arches.

Established in 1980, it stores the grave of Hubert D’ Rosario, the first Archbishop of Shillong. An affirmation of Gothic revival architecture, the church is adorned with Holy Scriptures and artworks that depict biblical tales as well as the lives of renowned holy saints.

Glimmering with spirituality and serenity, the church is named after Holy Mary, the mother of Lord Jesus Christ. Standing as a divine abode in the backdrop of grandiose snow-covered mountains and pious Brahmaputra River, it is a treasured spot for Shillong Sightseeing and thus is one of the best places to visit in Shillong for a divine and spiritual retreat.

The grave of Hubert D’ Rosario

7 A.M. to 6:30 P.M. (remains open throughout the week)

10. Police Bazar

If you want to get a vivid view of the bustling life in Shillong, there is no better place than Police Bazar for you. One of the liveliest market centers in Shillong, Police Bazar has got something for everyone. From modern stores to ethnic, traditional, and classic handicraft stores to a flea market, Police Bazar captures the soul of Shillong with all its varied diversities.

Built around the main circle, it is connected to the city by 7 roads that branch out from the central chowk. The flea market is renowned to be a pocket friendly experience if you want to treasure traditional handicrafts and ethnic junk jewelry of Meghalaya.A colourful, vibrant, and lively market, it is not just a popular destination for shopaholics but also foodies as it is an abode of some of the most delicious local cuisines and delicacies of Meghalaya. Come and get lost in the fervour of tradition, culture, and life beaming in this market of Shillong. Without a doubt, it is one of the most stellar places to visit in Shillong.

The flea market- a favorite Shillong tourist spot

8 A.M. to 7 P.M. (remains open throughout the week)

Also, read about the 15 Best Places to Visit in Meghalaya

11. Sweet Falls

Imagine the musical sound of thrashing water amidst dense green forests reverberating with the mellifluous chirping of birds. Sweet falls is an ethereal destination for nature lovers and enthusiasts and is thus amongst renowned Shillong tourist places. One of the most stellar waterfalls with astounding beauty, it also is one of the most dangerous and accident-prone waterfalls in Shillong. Situated at a height of 96 meters, it has been a witness to a number of tragic deaths and suicides. It thus stands unfit for directly bathing under its fast rushing water.

To add to its mystery, it is also believed to be a haunted place by the locals. According to a popular legend, groups visiting in odd numbers are often found to return with lesser members in even numbers. A picturesque and sublime site, it is located in the close earshot of Butterfly Museum and mini zoo. With its haunted reputation and dangerous eventualities, it is less visited. With a scarce crowd, however, you can make the most of the serene greenery and sublime beauty that envelops this place. As suggested by its name, it is a sweet and refreshing getaway and thus, is bags its name in the list of eminent Shillong places to visit.

The cloudy view of majestic falls

INR 70- Vehicle Entry Fee

10 A.M. to 5 P.M. (remains open throughout the week)

12. All Saints Cathedral

In the close proximity of Police Bazaar (a prominent Shillong tourist spot) and opposite to the Central Library in Shillong, All Saints Cathedral stands as one of the most ancient and yet one of the most beautiful and well-maintained churches in the city of Shillong.

Constructed around 1902, it was built by the British Empire and thus bears testimony to Victorian architecture and designs. With its wooden architecture and intricately carved religious symbolisms, it holds great value for history and beauty lovers as well as devotees from across all geographies. All Saints Cathedral is a treasured stop for Shillong sightseeing. Shimmering with tranquil spirituality, this quaint abode of unparalleled divinity is one of the best Shillong tourist places.

The wooden architecture and religious carvings

8:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. (remains open throughout the week)

Throughout the Year

13. Wankhar Entomological Museum

Owned and maintained by the members of the Wankhar family, Wankhar Entomological Museum is also famously known as the Butterfly Museum. One of the most renowned Shillong tourist places, it is located on Riatsamthiah Jaiaw and in close proximity to the Christian Academy School.

Housing more than 1600 species of butterflies, moths, beetles, and other insects, it is a colorful sight to behold and is a unique destination for Shillong sightseeing. To promote the awareness for conservation of exotic and endemic insects, Wankhar Entomological Museum also hosts recurrent special breeding programs for the conservation of the insects. A one of its kind traveling destination, it is one of the best places to visit in Shillong.

exotic specimens of moths, beetles, butterflies, tarantulas, and millipedes from different countries.

INR 50 per adult (national), INR 30 per student (national), and INR 100 per foreigner

11 A.M. to 4 P.M. (remains open throughout the week excluding Sunday)

14. Lady Hydari Park

Brimming with ducks and wishes, Lady Hydari Lake is an exceptionally picturesque lake that stands as the favorite picnic spot for nature lovers and as a renowned name amongst Shillong places to visit. It gets its name from Lady Hydari, the wife of the Governor of Assam and thus famously revered as the first lady of the state.

Built-in Japanese style, it is dotted with orchid, willow trees, as well as rhododendrons trees. With beautiful ponds, enamoring lawns, and a mini zoo and museum, it is an ideal recreational destination to enjoy with family. Boating in the ponds of this park will give you an astoundingly beautiful view of greenery blossoming with life. A treasured place for Shillong sightseeing, it is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Shillong.

Boating and other recreational activities

INR 10 per adult, INR 5 per child below 5 years of age, and INR 5 per senior citizen

8 A.M. to 5 P.M. (remains open throughout the week excluding Monday)

15. Bishop Falls

The highest waterfall in Shillong and the 22 nd highest waterfall in India, Bishop Falls flows from a height of 443 feet. This three-tier waterfall merges into the pristine Umiam River making its way through the dense valleys. With a hydroelectric powerhouse at its base, it is a beautiful sight with foamy water streams traversing through dark rocks.

The twin brother of Beadon Falls, Bishop Falls is the second of two waterfalls falling into the same water base.  Stranded away into prime remoteness of nature, it is not connected to any motorable road and can only be viewed from the Beadon-Bishop View Point. A refreshing getaway from the chaos of city life, it will make you experience the sublimity of nature like never before. A door into your spirituality, Bishop Falls is a charming destination for Shillong Sightseeing and is one of the best Shillong places to visit.

Beadon-Bishop ViewPoint- a favorite Shillong tourist spot

8 A.M. to 6 P.M.

16. Rhino Heritage Museum

Rhino Heritage Museum is a renowned war museum that tells the stories of wars fought by the brave soldiers of the nation as well as of the highly developed defense weapons that the nation has employed in the past wars.

From the relics of uniforms of martyred soldiers to their medals to the weapons produced by Japan in World War II, it houses various historical and war artifacts. First constructed in 1928, it is said to have been a prison for Japanese prisoners of war. It was transformed later into a war museum by the director-general of Assam Rifles, Lt. Gen Shokin Chauhan.

Its galleries house displays of not just war relics but also local and tribal heritage and culture. The central attractions of the museum are the multiple photographs of soldiers and army personnel, weapons employed by the Japanese army during the Second World War, rifles made in Iraq and China, as well as the great Caribou fighter plane employed in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Encapsulating tales of gory wars, grand weapons, and brave soldiers, it attracts history lovers, students, as well as tourists from across all geographies. A profound conversation with the past, it stands amongst the most famous Shillong places to visit.

The weaponry of the Japanese Army- a central attraction for Shillong sightseeing

Paid for all visitors. Special discount for senior citizens, students, as well as retired army men.

9 A.M. to 5 P.M. (remains open throughout the week excluding Thursday)

17. Mawjymbuin Cave

Imagine walking through a dark cave marked with a quiet flow of bleak water streams and wonders of sandstones and geological formations. Mawjymbuin Cave will enrapture you in the beauty of natural wonders and unseen treasures. Located in Mawsynram (the wettest place on earth), Mawjymbuin Cave is an alluring sight that holds great significance to religious devotees, geologists, as well as nature lovers.

The cave contains a rock structure resembling Shiva Linga that arose from the earth. The Shiva Linga is worshipped by devotees from all geographies who revere this cave as a holy abode of a great deity and thus consider it a pilgrim. With a height of 209 meters, it has many entrances and passages, some of which are very narrow and bleak. Adorned with sandstones and multiple stalagmites, it is a sought-out destination for geologists and researchers from across the world.

With a quiet and tranquil aura, this quaint cave will take you into the depths of your spirituality and thus will surely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A marvelous site for Shillong sightseeing, it also is one of the most stellar tourist places in Shillong.

The rock shaped like Shiv Linga

Entry Fee :

8 A.M. to 8 P.M. (remains open throughout the week)

Post monsoon as the passage of the cave is prone to get blocked in heavy rains.

18. Spread Eagle Falls

A waterfall that looks like a mighty eagle spreading its wings? Spread Eagle Falls is a delightful wonder of nature and thus is a scenic sight to devour. The widest waterfall in the city and also amongst prominent Shillong tourist places, Spread Eagle Falls is also known as Urkaliar or Sati Falls. It is nestled in the steep hills of the East Khali District. According to a popular legend, Ka Liar slipped and fell into this waterfall and thus it got its name as Urkaliar falls. With water gushing out of the crystal rocks and the thunderous flow breaking the profound silence of the hills, Spread Eagle falls is a paradise for nature lovers as well as photography enthusiasts as a quintessential Shillong sightseeing destination. Beaming with beauty and fervor, it is one of the most pristine places to visit in Shillong for a soulful retreat into nature.

The eagle-shaped waterfalls- One of the most majestic Shillong tourist places

10 A.M. to 6 P.M. (remains open throughout the week)

May and June

19. Mawphlang Sacred Forest

Imagine wandering through the wilderness of a tropical, evergreen, dense, and unexplored forest. The crunch of autumn leaves crushing beneath your feet and the echoing silence of the majestic distant valleys. Mawphlang is one of the most beautiful forests in Meghalaya and also one of the most mysterious Shillong places to visit. It is a forest enveloped with sacred beliefs. It holds great religious value to the Khasi Tribe. They bury the dead members of their tribe in this forest.

One can spot monoliths and stones in the forest used to offer animal sacrifices to holy deities. Labasa is revered as the prime deity of the village and tribal people belonging to the Khasi Tribe offer the sacrifice of roosters and goats as a ritual to worship the deity. They believe that the deity can appear in the form of a tiger. It is also not allowed for visitors to not take anything out from this village.

According to a famous legend, the attempt made by the Indian Army to take logs out of the forest for construction work despite repeated warnings from the tribal villagers was turned futile by some invisible force. Despite multiple attempts, the Indian Army was unable to take the logs out from the village and thus the age-old legend has continued and no one dares to move anything in this primitive and sacred forest. Adorned with rich flora and fauna and biodiversity, it is also a picturesque spectacle. One of the best tourist places in Shillong, it is a fascinating adventure to entail!

The Mystic Forest Trail- An eminent Shillong tourist spot

9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

September and October

20. Mawphlang Village

Situated 26 kilometers away from Shillong, Mawphlang Village, one of the most primitive Shillong places to visit, is an unexplored jewel that holds the rich rural heritage of Meghalaya. Nestled in the East Khali Hills, it literally translates to “grassy stone” used by the tribal people for animalistic sacrifices and rituals. It was a famous center for medical activities and dispensaries and was also the abode of Presbyterian Church of Wales missionary during the 1890s.

Marked by rivers, valleys, forests, and ponds, Mawphlang Dam and the sacred forest groves remain the central attractions of this village. It is an eminent destination for Shillong Sightseeing to get an insight into the unknown rural culture of Meghalaya. It thus stands as one of the best tourist places in Shillong.

Mawphlang Dam and Mawphlang Sacred Forest- Cherished places to visit in Shillong

9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M

October to April

21. State Museum

Perched in the state Library Complex at Laichumiere, the Meghalaya State Museum, also famously known as Captain Williamson Sangma State Museum, is a reservoir of the rich tribal and ethnic culture of the nation. Established in 1975, the museum gives a detailed account of the age old civilizations as well as their unique cultures from both western and eastern parts of India.

Galleries containing traditional musical instruments, jewelry, traditional tools, weapons, and other antique artifacts adorn the museum. This ethnographic museum gives a unique insight into the exquisite cultures and traditions of the Jaintia, Garo, and Khasi tribes. It also encapsulates the dinosaur’s model acquired from the Geological Survey of India, Kolkata to the replica of Ashok Pillars and anthropological life-size model acquired from National Museum, Delhi, and Gauhati respectively.

Beaming with socio-cultural ethnicity, it is a favorite Shillong tourist spot for anthropologists, researchers, historians, students, as well as other visitors. A perfect site for Shillong sightseeing, it will acquaint you with the hidden and unknown lives of the ancient tribes and their sentiments. A hub of culture and profound stories, it is one of the best Shillong Places to visit.

Dinosaurs model

INR 5 per person

10 A.M. to 4 P.M. (remains open throughout the week)

22. David Scott Trail

A breath-taking trek through forest covers, rushing rivers, steep rocks, emerald green meadows, mountains, woods, and expansive grasslands, David Scott Trail is a dream for every trekker and thus is amongst the best Shillong places to visit.

Getting its name from David Scott, a British officer of the region, this 16 kilometers long trek connects two villages brimming with an unparalleled culture and unique ways of life. Wandering through this trek will make you stroll through the tribal culture and heritage embedded in the soul of Shillong.

Stretching from Mawphlang to Lad Mawphlang, David Scott Trail is one of the oldest trekking trails in Meghalaya. It was established in the 19 th century as a pathway connecting Assam and Bangladesh. From the ancient Khasi Villages to the dangling bridge at River Umain to the tomb of Camilla to the Ka Kor Ka Shonmai resting spot, the trek entails alluring places and experiences and is thus quintessential for Shillong sightseeing in order to explore its hidden beauty and culture. A relaxing retreat in the natural meadows, it is one of the best tourist places in Shillong.

Ka Kor Ka Shonmai point- Eminent Shillong tourist spot

6 A.M. to 6 P.M.

23. Sohpetbneng Peak

On the outskirts of Shillong and at an altitude of 1343 meters above sea level, there lies one of the most auspicious peaks in the city as well as one of the best Shillong tourist places, Sohpetbeng Peak. It gives an alluring bird view of a city covered in dense forests. Revered as the “ Navel to Heaven ” in the Khasi mythology and Folklore, it holds great religious and sacred value for the people belonging to the Hinniewtrep Tribe.

With sublime and breath-taking views of the city as well as the profound divinity, the peak is a favorable location for both tourists as well as locals. A perfect spot for Shillong sightseeing, it will make you experience the grandiose city among the clouds. It thus attracts nature lovers as well as photographers from across the world. One of the best places to visit in Shillong, it is a sight to behold.

The panoramic view of the city

24. Mawsynram

Your trip to Shillong cannot possibly be complete without visiting the wettest place on the earth! Mawsynram, located 61 kilometres away from Shillong, is a tropical town marked by generous and wondrous showers. Cuddled in East Khali Hills, at a height of 1400 meters above sea level, it gets its name from the Khasi word “Maw” meaning stone. Dotted with stalagmite formations and earthy stone structures, it is one of the most prominent Shillong tourist spots. Most famous for a rock resembling Shiv Linga in Mawjymbuin Cave , it houses various wonders of nature. The village houses in Mawsynram are covered with thick grass shields in order to protect the inhabitants from the noisy and thunderous rains. A spectacle to treasure, this quaint little town encapsulates the hidden beauty of northeast India and thus deserves to be on your travel list! Undeniably, it is one of the best Shillong places to visit.

Mawjymbuin Cave- One of the most renowned Shillong tourist places

Remains open throughout the week

September to November

25. Lewduh Bara Bazar

Famously renowned as the largest traditional and ethnic market in Northeast India, Lewduh Bara Bazar captures the soul of the city of Shillong and is thus a bustling Shillong tourist spot. Beaming with the culture of the Khasi tribe, one of the most prominent tribes inhabiting Shillong, the market sells Khasi weapons such as Khasi knives and Khasi bow and arrows.

From handicraft items to bamboo artifacts to Scottish Check and handwoven shawls, the market is a hub of exquisite heritage. It also witnesses religious rituals and ceremonies conducted to worship U Blei Shillong , the revered deity of Shillong. Owing to a strong lineage of matrilineal culture, most of the shops are run by women.

Along with housing ethnic, religious, and tribal culture, it also bustles with stores of modern brands. Thus, a perfect amalgamation of modernity with culture, it captures the soul of a society in flux, leaning towards the new ways of the world, yet rooted beautifully in the indigenous life. From traditional souvenirs to lip-smacking delicacies, it has got something for everyone. Bustling with life and a diverse crowd, it is one of the best places to visit in Shillong.

Khasi knives, bows, and arrows

8 A.M. to 5 P.M. (remains open throughout the week)

North East India still remains an unexplored mystery. Cut off from the mainland, it houses various well-kept secrets of unseen beauty. One such lesser-known jewel of North East India is the charming hill station of Shillong. From primitive forests, mountains, lakes, caves, and waterfalls to lively music festivals, Shillong is a profound story of the union between nature and culture. Come and listen to the ancient fables of primitive tribes and the modern tales of renowned rock bands at the same time in this mesmerizing town. Some stories, after all, are worth hearing!

1. What is the best time to visit Shillong?

   The pleasant months from September to May are considered the best time to visit Shillong. Monsoons are generally avoided to travel to Shillong as the heavy rains in Shillong often lead to blocked roads and floods.

2. Where is Shillong located?

  Shillong is located at a height of 4,990 meters above sea level in the east-central region of Meghalaya.

3. How to reach Shillong?

  You can reach Shillong both via air and road. If you are traveling by air, you can easily reach Shillong airport which is well-connected with other major cities. You can also avail of bus services available for travel from Guwahati to Shillong.

4. Is Shillong a safe place to visit for tourists?

  Shillong has a low crime rate when compared to other major cities in India and is a safe place for tourists.

5. What are the various tribes situated in Shillong?

  The most prominent tribes in Shillong are the Khasi tribe, Garo tribe, and Jaintia tribe.

6. Does one require any special permits to visit Shillong?

  Everyone, except the natives, needs to obtain a special permit to visit the northeastern states of India. You need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Shillong. The permit is issued by the state government.

7. What are the most famous hotels to stay in Shillong?

  Some of the most famous and luxurious hotels to stay in Shillong are Ri Kynjai, Hotel Polo Towers, The Heritage Club, The Pear Tree, and Hotel Alpine Continental.

8. What is Shillong famous for?

  Shillong, prominently known as the Scotland of East, is one of the most beautiful hill stations in north-eastern India. It is known for its picturesque waterfalls, caves, valleys, and lush green grasslands. There is no dearth of tranquil places to visit in Shillong. Away from the mainland, Shillong offers a pleasant cultural retreat as it is inhabited by the indigenous Khasi tribe.

9. How is the internet facility in Shillong?

  You can easily get a fairly stable internet connection in Shillong. Places such as Mawphlang Village, however, have a low internet connection.

10. What are the best mobile networks that provide stable connectivity in Shillong?

  Jio, Vodafone, as well as BSNL are known to provide stable connectivity in Shillong.

11. What is the famous food of the region?

  Khasi food is the most prominent cuisine of Shillong. Pork and rice are considered the staple food of the region. Jadoh is a lip-smacking Khasi delicacy that is a must-try dish for all food enthusiasts.

12. Can I get vegetarian food in Shillong?

  While vegetarian food is not common in Shillong, it has been recently made available at various food joints due to the growth of the tourism industry.

13. Is liquor readily available in the region?

  While there are 10 liquor-free zones in Shillong, there are several government shops and wine shops where you can buy alcohol.

14. How are the medical facilities in Shillong tourist places?

  The largest and most well-equipped hospital in Shillong with over 400 beds is the Shillong Civil Hospital. Many primary health care centers are also located in different parts of the city.

15. What is the type of clothing recommended in Shillong?

  If you are traveling during summers, you must carry light clothes made of cotton material to provide you relief from the scorching heat of Shillong. For winters, you must carry woolen clothes to keep yourself warm in the biting cold. The rains are quite unpredictable in the region, hence, you should also carry umbrellas and rainwear for your Shillong trip.

16. What are the essential things to pack for the Shillong trip?

  You must carry your identity cards, documentation required to obtain the ILP, light clothes, medications, and basic first aid, as well as an umbrella and rainwear.

17. What are the famous markets in Shillong?

  Some of the most famous and busy markets in Shillong are the Police Bazaar, Bara Bazaar, Khasi Emporium, Bhutia Market, and Polo Bazaar.

18. What are the famous souvenirs to buy from Shillong?

  Shillong is famous for its Khasi products, organic fruits and produce, as well as traditional fabrics, shawls, and jewelry.

19. What is the most famous music festival organized in Shillong?

  NH7 Weekender Shillong is India’s most happening music festival organized annually in Shillong. Shillong is popularly known as the Rock Capital of India.

20. Why is Mawjymbuin Cave so famous amongst Shillong tourist places?

  Mawjymbuin Caves are naturally formed caves dotted with stalagmite formations. The natural rock formation shaped like Shiv Linga attracts devotees from across geographies and thus forms the central attraction of the caves.

21. How is the availability of electricity in Shillong tourist places?

   Shillong receives 492.47 MW units of electricity 24*7. The power supply is provided by both the state government as well as CGS.

22. Is Shillong clean?

  Shillong is one of the cleanest cities in India. Following the guidelines of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Shillong has maintained strict no pollution policies prohibiting plastic waste in the state.

23. Is India’s first 18-hole golf course located in Shillong?

  Yes, the Shillong golf course is the nation’s first 18-hole golf course renovated in 1924. Located at a height of 5200 feet above sea level, it is one of the most picturesque and scenic golf courses in the world and is thus sought out by golf enthusiasts from across geographies.

24. What is the amount of annual rainfall received in Shillong?

  Shillong receives an average rainfall of about 88.60 inches every year. Located near Cherrapunji, Shillong is considered one of the wettest places in the world.

25. What are the most famous museums to visit in Shillong?

  Shillong is known for its exquisite museums that provide an insight into the indigenous tribal lives, cultures, as well as their unique histories.  This quaint hill station in Meghalaya has interesting stories to tell for all history enthusiasts, researchers, and anthropologists. Some of the most famous historical places to visit in Shillong are the Don Bosco Museum, Air Force Museum, Butterfly Museum, Rhino Heritage Museum, as well as the Forest Museum.

26. What is the nearest airport to Shillong?

  The Umroi airport is the nearest airport to Shillong city. It is located 25 km away from the Shillong city center. You can book a taxi or cab ride to reach Shillong from Umroi.

27. What currency is in use in Shillong?

  Indian currency, both in cash and card, is in use in Shillong.

28. What are the famous festivals celebrated in Shillong?

  Shillong beams with enthusiasm and zeal as it hosts various cultural, religious, tribal, as well as music festivals throughout the year. The Wangala Festival, Nongkrem Dance, Shad Suk Mynsiem, Behdienkhlam, and the Shillong Autumn Festival are some of the most famous festivals celebrated in Shillong. Famously known as the Rock Capital of India, Shillong also hosts NH7 Weekender Shillong, India’s most happening music festival, every year.

29. What are the prominent languages spoken in Shillong?

  The prominent languages spoken in Shillong are Khasi, Pnar, Garo, as well as the English language. Dominated by the Khasi tribe, Khasi is the most prominently spoken language in the region.

30. What is the condition of roads in Shillong?

  Shillong is marked by unruly roads in various parts of the state. Often blocked by debris and floods during monsoon, the roads become slippery for tourists to travel and thus require careful and steady driving. The Guwahati Shillong road of NH 40 (also known as the G.S. Road) has been recently upgraded to avoid accidents in the region.

Himani Wadhwa

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

Username  *

Email address  *

Let's Chat

The Best Travel & Tourism Blog of India

India Tours

• International Tours
• Destination Wedding
• Medical Tourism

Plan Your trip

10 best places to visit in shillong meghalaya for a memorable trip.

Shillong, the quaint hamlet in Northeast India, is the capital of Meghalaya , which is also called “The Abode of Clouds.” It is also the district administrative centre for East Khasi Hills. The town’s surrounding hills are claimed to have given the British a Scottish impression. As a result, they would also call it the “Scotland of the East.” During the British occupation and later till the formation of the independent State of Meghalaya, Shillong served as the capital of composite Assam. Shillong is about 100 kilometres from Guwahati, which can be reached by car along NH 40. The drive takes around two and a half hours and passes through verdant hills and the Umiam lake.

Shillong is an important part of any North East India tour which includes the best tourist destinations to explore in Meghalaya. In this blog, we will discuss the places on the Shillong itinerary, which will help you in making a perfect Shillong tour plan. Treat this article as a Shillong travel guide and start planning a trip to this wonderful hill station. Let’s read now.

Summary of the 10 Most Famous Places to Visit in Shillong

Popular Shillong Meghalaya North East India Tour Packages

• Best of Meghalaya Tour Package
• Meghalaya Tour with Kaziranga
• Best of North East India Tour

Umiam Lake – Places for Water Activities

Umiam Lake is one of the most picturesque locations and the top tourist destination to visit in Shillong. It is surrounded by dense coniferous trees and the East Khasi Hills. This huge man-made lake body, also known as Badapani, was created by damming the Umiam River. A few little islands dot the lake, and Lum Nehru Park, which is nearby, is a great area to wander and have a picnic. Umiam Lake is a key stop on the sightseeing tour of Shillong since it offers exhilarating water sports and entertaining activities like kayaking, boating, water cycling, and scooting in addition to its natural beauty.

Top Things to Do in & around

• Water Scootering

Distance from Shillong City: 17 Km

Laitlum Canyons – Deep Gorges with Stunning Views

The Laitlum Canyons, located in Shillong’s East Khasi Hills, may be the most amazing and enjoyable tourist destination. It represents “The End of Hills” or “The End of the World” symbolically. The Laitlum Canyons, which are nestled in the embrace of majestic slopes and valleys, are one such location from which the vast, verdant, and alluring show of Meghalaya could be seen and admired. For lovers of hiking, the countryside, and those looking for peace, Laitlum Canyon is the perfect location. Enjoy breathtaking views of gorges, far-off hills, valleys, and winding mountain roads when you visit this high viewpoint. This is undoubtedly one of the best places to explore in Shillong because of the natural beauty and peace of the area.

Top Things to Do in & Around

• Village Walk
• Sightseeing
• Watching sunrise and sunset

Distance from Shillong City: 21 Km

Elephant Falls – Crystal Clear Cascading Water

Elephant Falls, the city’s most impressive waterfall, is a three-tiered cascading beauty and one of the best places to visit in Shillong throughout the year. Because of a large nearby rock that bears an uncanny resemblance to an elephant, the British gave it the moniker “elephant rock.” The rock was demolished in an earthquake, thus it can no longer be seen. The Elephant Falls are actually “three step waterfalls,” with the first one being a big one tucked away among the lush greenery, the second one being thin water threads, and the third one being the most stunning and clear falls rushing against the background of a dark colour.

Top Things to Do in and Around

• Photography
• Village walk

Distance from Shillong City: 11 Km

Shillong Peak – Witness The Stunning Views of Shillong City

Visit Shillong Peak, the highest viewpoint and one of the top tourism sightseeing places in Shillong for a breathtaking perspective of the surrounding hills and valleys. At 1,961 metres above sea level, this summit provides amazing views of the surrounding landscapes. You must present identification documents at the gate because the IAF is responsible for managing the area. Given that the air can become hazy, you should always have a good camera with you. To gain close-up views of the town, a telescope has been set up. Shillong Peak, one of the top tourist attractions in Shillong sightseeing tour offers views of Bangladeshi lowlands, waterfalls, and Himalayan ranges nearby.

• Birdwatching

Distance from Shillong City: 4 Km

Don Bosco Museum – Extensive Collection of Indigenous Tribal Culture

The Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures is one of the top tourism places in Shillong and extends a warm invitation to all visitors, art lovers, and history buffs. One may see panoramic views of the entire Northeast India in addition to art galleries and large collections of handicrafts, artefacts, clothing, decorations, and weapons utilised by diverse tribes in North-East India. The museum is a seven-story structure with seventeen separate galleries that is housed on the grounds of Sacred Heart Church. This is unquestionably one of Shillong’s top tourist destinations. This museum has 17 galleries spread over its seven levels, including the Agriculture Gallery, the Basketry Gallery, the Ornaments and Jewellery Gallery, the Fishing and Hunting Gallery, and others. These exhibit relics, paintings, and sculptures that provide you with a deeper understanding of the past.

• Museum tour
• Exploring artefacts

Distance from Shillong City: 3.3 Km

Phan Nonglait Park – Japanese Style Park with Flora and Fauna

Phan Nonglait Park, one of the top Shillong tourist places, is situated in the very centre of the city. Every day, thousands of locals and visitors go to the lovely park, which is built in Japanese style. There is a zoo inside the park where you may see creatures like the Himalayan Black Bear, Porcupine, Jackal, and Leopard, among others. You will be charmed by the park’s abundantly beautiful ponds and diverse, lush flora and wildlife. Even boating in the lake is enjoyable when the beautiful landscape is around. As Phan Nonglait Park is located in the city it can be reached by cab. It has an entry fee of Rs. 10 which is doubled if carrying a camera.

• Witnessing Flora and Fauna
• Museum Visit
• Exploring Butterfly Park

Distance from Shillong City: 2 Km

Sweet Falls – Birdwatching and Haunted Lore

Sweet Falls is the ideal destination to escape the rush of hectic city life because of its tranquil setting. This location offers you beautiful views of nature and is one of the top tourist places in Shillong. Although there are some dangerous sections and slick stones on the trail leading to these falls, the effort is well worth it. These falls are the subject of a ghostly lore. The locals think the odd-numbered groups always come back in even-numbered groups! A peaceful setting for a picnic is frequently produced by the sounds of birds chirping, fresh water running, and the tranquillity emanating from the lush greenery. Many Shillong residents go to Sweet Falls, which is 94 metres high and known for its lush flora.

Distance from Shillong City: 12 Km

Spread Eagle Falls – Ultimate Place for Photographers in Shillong

One of the best things to do in Shillong is to see Spread Eagle Falls, one of the city’s many captivating waterfalls. It is a perfect location where water babies and nature enthusiasts can go to relax and spend some time in the great outdoors. The only therapy you will require to quiet the restlessness in your thoughts is the sound of flowing water. It is a fantastic location for photographers and is also known as Sati Falls. The falling waterfall’s wing-like design is not only amazing, but also a superb illustration of nature’s artistry. When searching for the popular points of interest in Shillong, take this one into consideration.

• Water activities
• Nature Walks

Distance from Shillong City: 3 Km

Rhino Heritage Museum – Historical Artefacts and Their History

One of the most well-known war museums in North East India is the Rhino Heritage Museum. It is rumoured that Japanese World War II captives were held here. One of the best places to visit with family in Shillong hill station, the Rhino Heritage Museum was founded in 1928. Lt. Gen. Shokin Chauhan, director general of the Assam Rifles inaugurated the renovated building of the museum. Both military-related historical images and items relating to the local culture are shown in the museum. The rich history of the HQ 101 area and its units will be on display at the recently refurbished Rhino Heritage Museum. Additionally, it will give audiences insight into Headquarters 101’s involvement in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. The museum remains open throughout the week except on Thursdays.

• Museum Tour
• Nature Walk
• Exploring historical artefacts

Meghalaya State Museum – Best Place for History Buffs

One of the top things to do for history lovers is to make a trip to Meghalaya State Museum, Shillong, one of the best visiting places. The museum houses a large collection of tribal-era items as well as a significant collection of ancient writings. Visitors can learn more about the tribes of Meghalaya at this cultural museum. The museum, also known as Captain Williamson Sangma State Museum, is housed within the State Central Library complex at Lachumiere and is run by the state government. Visit the museum, which is one of the top-rated places of interest in Shillong to see antique tools, jewels, instruments of music, and dinosaur replicas.

• Learning about tribal tools

Distance from Shillong City: 2.7 Km

Hope this article will serve you the best knowledge in knowing how to plan a perfect trip to Shillong. We also included the details of activities you can do in each place, so that you can spend your holidays in Meghalaya as per your wish to visit places. However, we also have customised Shillong tour packages/Meghalaya tourism packages that you can take into consideration. Lastly, we want to suggest that you not miss any of these places in Shillong if you are willing to exploring North East India from Meghalaya. Every place is worth visiting.

Other Interesting Blogs to Read

• Top Tourist Destinations in Meghalaya
• Must Visit Waterfalls in Meghalaya
• Best Hill Stations to Explore in North East India
• Best Snow Tourist Places in Northeast India
• Natural Wonders of North East India
• Offbeat Treks in North East India

Like & Follow our social media accounts at Twitter , Facebook , Linkedin & Instagram for getting the latest updates & offers on holiday packages.

Disclaimer: This content is written by our team of expert Travel Writers with deep research. In case you find any incorrect information or missing information, please do send your valuable inputs at [email protected]. We will update the content as soon as possible with respect to your inputs.

We do not take credit for some of the licenced paid images used in our blogs, whether from Google Images, Fotolia & Shutterstock. All such images are the copyrights of their respective owners and we try to provide credit for them wherever we can. If, however, any copyright image has been used on our blog, the concerned person can either mail us directly to remove the image or provide credit to whomsoever the image may belong to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which month is best for a shillong holiday trip.

March to June is the best time to visit Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. Tourists can enjoy visiting the places in summer as the weather remains pleasant and rainfall is minimal.

What is Shillong famous for?

Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya is famous for its natural beauty, waterfalls, lakes, natural caves, heavy rainfall, sacred forests, living root bridges, indigenous tribes, culture and breathtaking landscapes all around.

What is the famous food of Shillong?

Jadoh, is the famous food of Shillong, as well as Meghalaya. It’s a dish of rice cooked in a flavourful mix of spicy and sour along with ginger flower, mint leaves and mixed with pork and meat.

What is the name of the statue?

The statue is referred to as 'Viswas Swaroopam,' which means ‘Statue of Belief.’

How many days are required to explore the best of Shillong tourism sightseeing tours?

Minimum five days are required to explore the best of Shillong tourism sightseeing tours.

What are the best places to visit for couples in Shillong?

Some of the best places to visit for couples in Shillong are:

• Elephant Falls
• Laitlum Canyons
• Ward’s Lake

What are the top places to visit near Shillong?

Some of the top places to visit near Shillong are:

• David Scott Trail
• Nohkalikai Falls
• Cherrapunjee

Published: 08 Nov, 2022

About the author

Nandini Bhattacharya

From the ‘City of Joy,’ Kolkata, Nandini Bhattacharya is a Travel Writer by profession and traveller by passion. She loves to explore places around the world, new cultures, different cuisines and all new things that one can learn outside the home. She also loves to document her journey so that people can be inspired and travel more. Nandini is a nature lover and talks about sustainable tourism. She wants to make this world a good place where people can live healthy and happily.

Recent Trending Posts

April 5,2024

7 Best Places to Spend Your Summer Break in North India

April 1,2024

Now an Intangible Cultural Heritage Under UNESCO, Gujarat’s Garba Shares the Global Stage

March 27,2024

10 Best Bird Watching Destinations in India

• Hill Stations
• Travel Deals
• Amazing Facts
• Travel Experience
• Travel Tips
• Travel Alerts
• Travel Videos
• Edu-Tourism
• Inspirational People

Popular Posts

May 30,2014

20 Highway Dhabas that You Must Stop By

February 12,2014

Top 15 Places for Honeymoon in North East India

September 6,2014

12 Best Beaches in Maharashtra

October 31,2013

Top 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Kerala

August 27,2014

Best 15 Destinations in India for Solo Women Travellers

International posts.

November 8,2023

10 Best Beaches in Thailand

November 3,2023

Tourism Update – Enjoy Visa Free Holiday Travel in Sri Lanka

Thailand Tourism Update- Indian Travelers Now Get a Visa-Free Entry to Thailand!

Explore best places to visit in india by month.

Best Places in January

Best Places in February

Best Places in March

Best Places in April

Best Places in May

Best Places in June

Best Places in July

Best Places in August

Best Places in September

Best Places in October

Best Places in November

Best Places in December

India tourism important information resources, north india.

• Uttarakhand
• Jammu & Kashmir

South India

• Pondicherry
• Andhra Pradesh
• Mahararashtra
• Dadra Nagar Haveli
• Daman & Diu

Luxury Trains

• Maharaja Express
• Palaces on Wheels
• The Golden Chariot
• The Deccan Odyssey
• Majestic Tourist Train

Quick Links

• Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2021
• MICE Tourism

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Shillong Trip Planner

Top attractions in shillong.

Other notable attractions

Top searches in Shillong

Popular road trips from shillong, all road trips from shillong.

• Shillong to Bangkok drive
• Shillong to New Delhi drive
• Shillong to Siem Reap drive
• Shillong to Hanoi drive
• Shillong to Kolkata (Calcutta) drive
• Shillong to Kathmandu drive
• Shillong to Jaipur drive
• Shillong to Mumbai drive
• Shillong to Agra drive
• Shillong to Gangtok drive
• Shillong to Darjeeling drive
• Shillong to Pattaya drive
• Shillong to Chiang Mai drive
• Shillong to Yangon (Rangoon) drive
• Shillong to Phnom Penh drive
• Shillong to Bengaluru drive
• Shillong to Hyderabad drive
• Shillong to Varanasi drive
• Shillong to Thimphu drive
• Shillong to Luang Prabang drive
• Shillong to Krabi Town drive
• Shillong to Bagan drive
• Shillong to Udaipur drive
• Shillong to Dhaka City drive
• Shillong to Pokhara drive
• Shillong to Mandalay drive
• Shillong to Chennai (Madras) drive
• Shillong to Chiang Rai drive
• Shillong to Hua Hin drive
• Shillong to Mysuru (Mysore) drive

Explore nearby places

• Laitmawsiang
• Cherrapunjee
• Sonapur Pathar
• Kaziranga National Park
• Nameri National Park
• Sylhet City
• Manas National Park

All related maps of Shillong

• Map of Shillong
• Map of Mawlynnong
• Map of Jowai
• Map of Mukhla
• Map of Laitmawsiang
• Map of Nongpoh
• Map of Sohra
• Map of Cherrapunjee
• Map of Jakrem
• Map of Dawki
• Map of Jaflong
• Map of Bataw
• Map of Sonapur Pathar
• Map of Nongstoin
• Map of Dispur
• Map of Kaziranga National Park
• Map of Nameri National Park
• Map of Guwahati
• Map of Sunamganj
• Map of Sylhet City
• Map of Hajo
• Map of Marigaon
• Map of Karimganj
• Map of Mangaldai
• Map of Nalbari
• Map of Nagaon
• Map of Sibsagar
• Map of Barpeta
• Map of Manas National Park
• Map of Hailakandi
• Map of Silchar

Shillong throughout the year

• Shillong in January
• Shillong in February
• Shillong in March
• Shillong in April
• Shillong in May
• Shillong in June
• Shillong in July
• Shillong in August
• Shillong in September
• Shillong in October
• Shillong in November
• Shillong in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Shillong?

Get inspired for your trip to Shillong with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Shillong Itinerary
• 2-Day Shillong Itinerary
• 3-Day Shillong Itinerary
• 4-Day Shillong Itinerary
• 5-Day Shillong Itinerary

Weather in Shillong

Add places from guides with 1 click, collaborate with friends in real time, import flight and hotel reservations, expense tracking and splitting, checklists for anything, get personalized suggestions.

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

A visit to Shillong and around

Last Updated on: May 20, 2021  

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya is a picturesque and peaceful city located amid mountains. Surrounded by pine trees, it has many enticing waterfalls, enchanting forests, dreamy landscapes, ancient megaliths, and beautiful lakes, all justifying its popular nickname ‘Scotland of the East’. The city follows Meghalaya’s ancient heritage and culture and is a fascinating place to travel to.

Amazing attractions like Umaim lake, Ward’s Lake, Shillong Viewpoint, Lady Hyadri park, and Don Bosco Museum attract tourists all over the world. But Meghalaya has much more to offer. If you wish to truly feel the essence of Meghalaya and see its real beauty, you should definitely spend some time exploring the offbeat places in Meghalaya.

To travel to Shillong from Guwahati, you can get a cheap and comfortable cab in Guwahati . Make sure the taxi has a commercial license and the taxi driver is well trained and experienced to navigate the s-bends and tricky roads of the mountains. There are shared sumo service and buses also from Guwahati towards Shillong.

On the way to Shillong

The chauffer will be at your doorstep at the requested pick-up time to start the journey to Shillong. Do start early in the morning as roads around Guwahati get extremely congested during peak hours. But as you leave the city of Guwahati, the journey becomes blissful with scenic views. The road signboard indicating to turn right for Shillong is prominently displayed, and the actual journey to Meghalaya begins from here. All roads in Meghalaya are smooth and with visible and accurate signs to ensure the driver gets the correct road information.

The sights are impressive and the beautiful lush green mountains of Meghalaya make the trip unforgettable. You can halt along the way to enjoy the scenic views and take pictures. Many roadside shops sell lip-smacking chutneys and pickles. Do take some time out to taste them.

On the route, you can see the stunning man-made Umaim lake created by damming the Umiam river. From this point, the road to Shillong is well-designed with proper banking and is a dual-carriage road. The climate is pleasant in Shillong.

Places to visit in Shillong and around:

Visit the Elephant falls, Wards lake, and also the Police bazaar to experience the local market. Laitlum Canyons is another offbeat tourist destination with natural grandeur, valleys, and green hills. You can enjoy a picnic at Sweet Falls with birds chirping and rich flora all around.

From Shillong, drive towards Cherrapunji. The place is one of the most beautiful places in Meghalaya. Waterfalls, living root bridges and crystal clear pools make the place look simply breathtaking. Visit the Seven Sisters Falls, Nohkalika Falls and Dainthlein falls. Another place to visit is the Mawsmai Caves. They are magnificent stalagmite caves and are appropriately called the king of caves in India.

And the enchanting village of Mawsynram that enjoys the highest rainfall on the planet is definitely a must visit. It has numerous attractions like the botanical garden, Dwarksuid – magnificent rock formations, and a beautiful pool. And the Mawjymbuin Cave is a lovely visit when there’s a small drizzle from the skies.

Asia’s cleanest village Mawlynnong is famous for its pleasant ambience, picturesque beauty, and breath-taking mountain views. The Mawlynnong waterfall here is bordered by beautiful orchids and forests, making it an angelic place. This village is fittingly called, ’God’s own Village’ because it most certainly feels like heaven with its beautiful scenes.

How to reach Shillong from Guwahati:

There are only two ways to travel from Guwahati to Shillong. Either by bus or car as there are no trains.

If you are planning to book a car for the trip, then make an informed choice. The mountain roads are not very easy to handle, so it’s best to book a cab with a driver who has mountain driving experience. There are many car rental services in Guwahati providing cabs/taxis to Shillong. Look for rental services that has well trained and mountain road expert drivers with commercially licensed cars. Affordable packages with transparent billing system with zero cancellation charge should also be looked into. Always make sure to get a trusted and top-rated cab from Guwahati to Shillong . The doorstep pickup and drop facility is quite convenient for passengers. And these days you can easily book a cab, both online and offline.

Shared Sumo and cars to Shillong are available from Guwahati Station and Khanapara bus stand. Buses also leave from Guwahati ISBT, but they are very few in number.

Shillong is approximately 99 km away from Guwahati and the estimated time for the trip is three hours. This is because the roads come with many curves and turns, which add to the extra time taken to travel the distance. But there are also quite a few tea stalls where you can enjoy hot tea and snacks next to gorgeous mountains.

Like the roads less travelled, offbeat places are the most beautiful one. So plan your trip to the mesmerising Meghalaya right now.

Agni Amrita

Related posts.

Phe Phe Falls – Most Jaw-dropping Waterfall in Meghalaya

Siju Cave & Rock Formation – Nature’s Play at Garo Hills Meghalaya

Wari Chora – Hidden Paradise in Garo Hills of Meghalaya

Krem Chympe & Waterfall – A Hidden Cave in Meghalaya

GUWAHATI TO SHILLONG TO CHERRAPUNJI (SOHRA)- A Quick Guide

Cherrapunjee or Sohra – What to expect?

hi can u share your mail id or number i am backpacking megahlaya from 1 nov till 30th nov from there planning to go to nagaland. need some info on stay and travel.

I will surely visit with my darling P.

Yes, you must. Thank you for reading.

Woow so nice place Like Cherapunji

Yes, it is. Thank you!

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Pin It on Pinterest

Best Time To Visit Shillong

Top hotel collections.

Near Shillong Airport

5 Star Hotels

What is the best time to visit Shillong?

The best time to visit Shillong is between September and May as the weather remains pleasant during these months. It does occasionally rain, but it is relatively lesser than in the monsoons season, i.e. between June and August. During the season, the region experiences heavy rainfall, and it might be tough and inconvenient to explore the tourist attractions. The beauty in monsoons is at its peak as the terrain turns into a scenic paradise with lush greenery, lakes, ponds and waterfalls coming to life. It, therefore, can be an off-season location worth a visit for some.

Weather in Shillong

Upcoming Shillong Weather

Monthly weather in shillong, shillong travel packages.

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Shillong Cherrapunji Meghalaya Tour Package - Shillong Peak & Elephant Falls

Kaziranga Meghalaya Tour Package - Brahmaputra River Cruise

Mesmerising 5 nights meghalaya tour package - trek to nongriat, enchanting meghalaya exploration - explore mawphlang's sacred forest.

Guwahati Meghalaya Tour Packages with Mawsmai Cave Exploration

Meghalaya Tour Packages for Couple - Honeymoon Edition

More about best time to travel to shillong, shillong in summer (march - june).

Shillong in Monsoon (July - September)

Shillong in Winter (October - March)

Events in Shillong

Fun activities at wards lake.

Throughout the year

Activity: Trekking at David Scott Trail

October - November

Related Posts

Best Time to Visit Meghalaya

Best Time to Visit India

Places To Visit In Shillong

Elephant Falls

Laitlum Canyons

Don Bosco Museum

Police Bazar

Meghalaya State Museum

Nearby Places

Shillong Photos

+ 48 photos

Browse Package Collections

Nearby destinations for packages.

Cherrapunji

Top Listed Packages

Meghalaya Tour Package 7 Days with Shnongpdeng

Guwahati Shillong Tour Package - 4 Nights 5 Days

Guwahati Shillong Meghalaya Tour Packages

Assam Meghalaya Arunachal Pradesh Tour Packages

Browse Hotel Collections

By hotel type.

Resorts in Shillong for a Memorable Staycation

Homestays In Shillong

Holiday Homes In Shillong

Resorts Near Shillong

Lodges In Shillong

Villas In Shillong

By Budget Category

Cheap Hotels In Shillong

Luxury Hotels In Shillong

By Star Category

5 Star Hotels In Shillong

3 Star Hotels In Shillong

With Specific Facilities

Hotels In Police Bazar

Pet-Friendly Hotels In Shillong

Near Landmarks

Hotels Near Shillong Airport

Resorts Near Umiam Lake

Hotels Near SHL Airport

Hotels Near Umiam Lake

Hotels Near Police Bazar

Similar Places

Sightseeing

Things to do in Shillong for a Fulfilling Vacay Experience

Food & Drink

12 Best Cafes in Shillong for Perfect Coffee and Snacks!

Experiences

Why Visit Japan When you Can Experience The Cherry Blossom In Meghalaya!

Places Near

21 Tourist Places to Visit near Shillong

View All posts about Shillong

Get the best offers on Travel Packages

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

The Best Time to Visit Shillong, India for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Shillong for ideal weather are

November 5th to March 18th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Shillong Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Shillong Travel Info

Weather in shillong.

Average temperatures in Shillong vary somewhat. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. The area is less temperate than some — in the 33rd percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Shillong, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally early to mid August where highs are regularly around 93.7°F (34.3°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 78.8°F (26°C) at night.

Shillong Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Shillong temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Shillong Perceived Temperature (F)

Shillong perceived temperature (c), average shillong temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Shillong are December, November, and then January. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early to mid January. For example, on the week of January 8th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in late June with an average of 4 days of significant precipitation the week of June 25th.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Shillong.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Shillong (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Shillong has some extremely humid months, with other comfortably humid months. The least humid month is March (56.9% relative humidity), and the most humid month is September (82.1%).

Wind in Shillong is usually extremely calm . The windiest month is April, followed by May and March. April’s average wind speed of around 3.2 knots (3.7 MPH or 6 KPH) is considered “light air.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early April where average top sustained speeds reach 7.9 knots, which is considered a gentle breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Shillong.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to shillong.

Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe, but with extra warnings in a few regions. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are travel warnings and regional advisories for India; exercise a high degree of caution and avoid some areas. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Dec 01, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Shillong, India is July, followed by May and November. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Shillong in January. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall shillong travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Highs range from 91.9°F (33.3°C) and 84.9°F (29.4°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 3 to 12 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see the most precipitation with 11 to 15 days of precipitation per month. June – August is fairly slow season for tourism in Shillong, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 92°F (33.3°C) and 82.5°F (28.1°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a significant amount: 1 to 9 days per month. Tourism is the busiest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be higher priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is somewhat cool this time of year in Shillong to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 84.9°F (29.4°C) and 73.6°F (23.1°C). On average, it rains or snows a very small amount: 0 to 1 times per month. These times of year are the slowest with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › India › Shillong, India

Similar Destinations

• Cherrapunji, India
• Jaintapur, Bangladesh
• Guwahati, India
• Sylhet, Bangladesh
• Moulvibazar, Bangladesh
• Moulvibazar Sadar, Bangladesh
• Sreemangal, Bangladesh
• Tura, India
• Bagori, India
• Bhairab Bazar, Bangladesh

Popular Destinations

• Kissimmee, FL, US
• Dubai, the United Arab Emirates
• Langkawi, Malaysia

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• 31 Popular Places To Visit In Shillong In 2024

23 Mar 2023

Literally translating into an ‘abode of clouds’, Shillong is a breathtaking hill station that is nestled amidst the paradisaical Garo and Khasi hills. With sparkling waterfalls, manicured gardens, azure lakes, and distinct culture, this alluring hill town beckons you to witness the natural charm of the Northeast at these 31 mesmerizing places to visit in Shillong . Referred to as the ‘Scotland of the East, the natural scenery of Shillong has a striking similarity with the mountains in the east. 

31 Best Places To Visit In Shillong In 2023

Are you looking for the best places to visit in Shillong? A trip to Shillong is not restricted to scenic beauty rather there are numerous adventurous excursions that make your vacay a perfect one! Here are some of the best places visit in Shillong to witness the ethereal beauty of the hill station. Each place listed below will ensure a memorable trip to this majestic city of Meghalaya. Make sure you visit most of them, as it will give you a great idea about the culture and heritage of Meghalaya.

1. Umiam Lake

Image Source

Surrounded by thick coniferous forests and East Khasi Hills, Umiam Lake is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Shillong . Popular as Badapani, this is a sprawling man-made water body, formed by damming Umiam River. The lake is dotted with few small islands and the adjoining Lum Nehru Park is an ideal place for strolling and picnic. Along with natural beauty, Umiam Lake is famous for thrilling water sports and fun activities like kayaking, boating, water cycling, scooting, and is an important part of the Shillong sightseeing itinerary.

Location: Umiam Lake, Shillong Distance From The City Centre: 16.5 Kilometers Timings: All days – 9 am to 5 pm How To Reach: Hire a private cab from Police Bazaar to reach Umiam Lake Tip: When planning your stay in Shillong, do consider booking a room in one of the hotels located near the lake

North East Trip: Exploring The Soul-Stirring States Of Seven Sisters, One Brother, And A Neighbor In India

Sikkim-Gangtok-Darjeeling Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour Package 5D/4N @ Rs 13,000

Plan your trip today!

Scintillating North-East Family Tour 6D/5N @ Rs 16,065

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

Fun-Filled Gangtok & Darjeeling Family Tour 6D/5N @ Rs 18,000

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

Darjeeling Gangtok Family Package 7D/6N @ Rs 20,783

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

Gangtok & Darjeeling Family Tour 7D/6N @ Rs 41,265

Best prices guaranteed. EMI option available.

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

2. Shillong Peak

For a stunning view of the surrounding hills and valleys, visit Shillong Peak which happens to be the highest view point and one of the best places to visit in Shillong . Located at an elevation of 6449 feet and mostly surrounded by fog, Shillong Peak offers 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the distant hills, waterfalls, Shillong city, and plains of Bangladesh. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers and trekkers, this place is undoubtedly one of the best tourist attractions in Shillong .

Location: Shillong View Point, Shillong,793004 Distance From The City Centre: 4 kms Timings: All Days – 9 am to 3:30 pm How To Reach: One can take a bus or a private cab from the city centre and reach within 20 minutes. Tip: Carry a valid ID proof for entry beyond the check post

3. Elephant Falls

Counted as one of the most scenic places to visit in Shillong in December , Elephant Falls is a three-tier cascading beauty and the most spectacular waterfall of the city. The Britishers named it so because of a huge adjoining rock, that has an uncanny resemblance with that of an elephant. However, the rock is no longer seen ever since it was destroyed in an earthquake. You can find more information about this place at the Shillong Tourism center. Here at Elephant Falls, Shillong , you can admire the beauty of foamy water dropping in layers, surrounding dense vegetation, and enjoy shopping for souvenirs from local shops located at the entrance.

Location: Upper Shillong, 793009 Timings: All days – 9 am to 5 pm Distance From The City Centre: 11 Kilometers How To Reach: Hire a cab or board a state-run bus from Police Bazaar.

10 Best Hotels And Resorts In Shillong That Will Entice You To Explore Meghalaya!

4. Laitlum Canyons

Perched in the Khasi Hills, Laitlum Canyons is the most offbeat name in the list of Shillong tourist places . Literally translating into the “end of the hills”, Laitlum Canyon is an ideal place for trekking enthusiasts, nature admirers, and peace seekers. Visit this hilltop viewpoint, and enjoy stunning views of gorges, distant hills, valleys, and zigzagging hilly roads. Owing to the surrounding beauty and tranquility, this is surely one of the perfect places to visit near Shillong for honeymoon couples. Also, trekking around these canyons is one of the top things to d0 things in Shillong .

Location: East Khasi Hills, Shillong Timings : Anytime Distance From The City Centre: 4 Kilometers How To Reach: From Police Bazaar, drive for about 10 to 15 minutes towards Mawpat road to reach Laitlum Canyons. Tip: Since the destination comprises a steep trek for a few kilometres, people with vertigo and breathing issues should be more careful while exploring the canyons.

5. Mary Help For Christian Cathedral

Featuring high arches and stained glass windows, Mary Help of Christian Cathedral is one of the most famous churches in Shillong . The white marble building along with Mother Mary statue looks grand and elegant. This is certainly the most famous Shillong tourist spot . Inside the Cathedral, there are some beautiful terracotta stations of the cross that showcases life events of Jesus. Perched high on a hill, one can also visit the Grotto Church which carved out the same hill and is located right below the Cathedral. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Shillong .

Location: Lachumiere, Shillong Timings: Monday to Saturday – 7 am to 6:30 pm; Sunday – 8 am to 6:30 pm Distance From The City Centre: 2 Kilometers How To Reach: Take a cab and reach the Cathedral via the Don Bosco Road from Police Bazaar. Tip: If you are visiting on a clear day, do not miss to enjoy the superb vista of Brahmaputra River and Himalayan Peaks from the Cathedral.

13 Gorgeous Homestays In North East India That’ll Transport You To Another World

6. Ward’s Lake

During Shillong sightseeing , it is impossible to miss Ward’s Lake. Located at the heart of the city, this is another famous lake in Shillong, also known as Polok Lake. The lake is encircled by a cobblestone walkway, ideal for evening strolls. People visit this Shillong tourist spot , to enjoy the natural beauty, day picnics, watch dancing fountain shows or relax at the cafeteria, located by the lake. The wooden bridge on the lake and sprawling lotus beds on both sides make the place look immensely scenic.

Location: Police Bazaar, Shillong Entry Fee: INR 5 per person; boating and camera charges extra Timings: All Days – November to February – 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; March to October – 8:30 am to 7 pm Distance From The City Centre: NA How To Reach: Ward’s Lake is conveniently located at the heart of the city near the Raj Bhavan. Tip: Buy puffed rice from the entrance gate in case you plan to enjoy feeding the fish.

7. Don Bosco Museum

As one of the best places to visit in Shillong , the Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures welcomes every tourist, art enthusiast, and history buff with open arms. Featuring art galleries, wide collections of handicrafts, artefacts, attires, ornaments, and weapons used by various tribes of North-east India, one can witness panoramic views of entire Northeast India. The museum is located in the premises of Sacred Heart Church and is a seven-storey building with seventeen different galleries. This is certainly amongst the best tourist places in Shillong .

Location: Mawlai, Shillong Entry Fee: INR 50 per person Timings: Monday to Saturday: 9 am to 5:30 pm; Closed on Sundays Distance From The City Centre: 5 kilometres How To Reach: From the Police Bazar, embark on the Buddhist Temple Road or Camels Back Road to reach the museum easily. Tip: Once you have seen all the galleries, walk up to the skywalk on the top to enjoy the jaw-dropping vista of Shillong city.

47 Places To Visit In Winter In India That Will Ensure You Give Your Quilt A Miss

8. Lady Hydari Park

Named after the first lady of the province- Lady Hydari, this park is one of the most popular Shillong tourist places . The park comprises of a sprawling and manicured garden including beautiful rose beds and a children’s play area. There is a mini-zoo inside the park housing more than 73 species of birds and 100 species of reptiles.

Location: East Khasi Hills, Shillong Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 9 am to 5:30 pm; Closed on Mondays Distance From The City Centre: 2 kilometres How To Reach: Drive for 5 to 10 minutes via MG road to reach Lady Hydari Park Tip: Visit the park during the mornings as the locals flock to the park in the evening and it will be difficult to find parking space for those who are travelling by car.

9. Air Force Museum

Located within the complex of Eastern Air Command, Air Force Museum in Shillong is yet another sight of beauty and wonder that makes it one of the most popular places to see in Shillong . With galleries displaying various rockets, missiles, miniatures of fighter planes, badges, rank medals, and awards, this museum attracts all types of travellers throughout the year. This is amongst the most interesting tourist places in Shillong .

Location: 7th Mile, HQ, EAC, Shillong Timings: 9 am to 2 pm; 2:30 pm to 5 pm; Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays Distance From The City Centre: 12 Kilometers How to Reach: Embark on the national highway numbered 106 to reach IAF museum from the Police Bazar. Tip: Carry valid ID proof which is required to enter the museum.

60 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India To Have A Gala Time With Your Favorite People!

10. All Saints Cathedral

Considered to be one of the oldest churches in the city, All Saints Cathedral is certainly one of the best places to visit in Shillong . The building reflects a colonial-style architecture along with wooden roofs whereas the internal structures add to the beauty and elegance of the Cathedral. Daily masses are organised here, but most footfall is seen during Sundays. It is one of the most boosted places by Shillong tourism.

Location: Kacheri Road, Lachumiere, Shillong Timings: The church is open on all days of the week from 8:30 Am to 5:30 Pm. Distance From The City Centre: 1.4 Kilometers How to Reach: Drive for about 5 minutes via MG Road from Police Bazar and once you reach the State Central Library, you can spot the church right opposite to it. Tip: Plan well in advance so that you can explore other tourist attractions like Lady Hydari Park, State Museum, and Butterfly Museum that are located in close proximity to the Cathedral.

11. Phan Nonglait Park

One of the best Shillong tourist places , Phan Nonglait Park is located right in the heart of the city. The beautiful Japanese style park attracts a huge flock of locals and tourists every day. You can spot animals like Himalayan Black Bear, Porcupine, Jackal, Leopard, etc, in the zoo. The rich flora and fauna and numerous pretty ponds inside the park will win you over. You can even enjoy boating in the lake with enthralling scenery in the background. These is the most loved tourist places in Shillong .

Location: Lachumiere, Shillong Timings: 8 Am – 5 Pm, Monday closed Distance From The City Centre: 4 Kilometers from Shillong Bus Stand How to Reach: It is located in the city and can be reached by cab. Tip: At the entry, you’ll be asked to pay INR 10/- and if you’re carrying a camera then you’ll be charged INR 20/-; make sure you’re carrying change

Explore These 9 Mesmerizing Places To Visit In Shillong In May On Your Next Vacay!

12. Sweet Falls

Located in a serene location, Sweet Falls is a perfect place to get away from the hustle-bustle of the fast-paced city life. One of the top places to visit in Shillong , this place offers you scenic views of nature. The picturesque roaring waterfall will make you forget about all your problems in life. Bathing under the waterfall is not allowed due to the intense velocity and height of the fall. However, you may wish to visit Mini Zoo and Butterfly Park in the vicinity. This place is also popular among honeymoon couples visiting Shillong .

Location: East Khasi Hills, Shillong Timings: Open 24 hours Distance From The City Centre: 12 Kilometers from Shillong City How to Reach: The only way to reach here is to hire a taxi or rental car. Tip: Make sure you’re carrying your own snacks, as there are no eateries around the attraction

13. Sohpetbneng Peak

Image Source If you are looking for ideas for places to visit in Shillong Meghalaya , then you should definitely add Sohpetbneng Peak to your itinerary. Located on the outskirts of the city, the peak offers you the most thrilling views of the city. Its divine, tranquillity, peace, and aura make it a must-visit attraction. The Khasi Tribe is even regarded as the ‘Naval of Heaven’. Do not forget to bring your camera along.

Location: Lum Sohpetbneng, Shillong Timings: Open 24 hours Distance From The City Centre: 24 Kilometers from Shillong City How to Reach: Take a taxi to reach the point. You may have to walk a bit to reach the pinnacle. Tip: The location of this peak is just at the periphery of Shillong and you’ll have to take a road to the left when you’ll be around Barapani

8 Awe-Inspiring Places To Visit In Shillong In June To Witness The North Eastern Charm At Best

14. Mawphlang Sacred Forest

Shillong is blessed with an abundance of nature. Its lush forests are its treasure and this is what makes Mawphlang Sacred Forest one of the top places to visit in Shillong . If you are a nature lover or wish to get into nature’s lap, you have got to devote your time to a forest trip on your North East vacation. You will be surprised to find a wide array of species of plants and trees. Some of them are even as old as 1000 years. You are not allowed to take anything from the forest since it is revered.

Location: Lum Sohpetbneng, Shillong Timings: 9 Am – 4:30 Pm Distance From The City Centre: 26 Kilometers from Shillong City How to Reach: It takes about an hour to reach here. Take a cab or taxi. Tip: Don’t forget to take a tour guide along

15. David Scott Trail

Do you enjoy hiking? Then you must head out on the David Scott Trail which is one of the most amazing Shillong tourist places . The 16-km adventurous trail not only offers you the best views of nature but also bestow upon a number of adventure activities. This trail is named after a British administrator, David Scott, who used this path as a horse cart track. If you are looking for an unlimited adventure, make sure you visit this place. It takes about 4 hours to cover 16 km of trail.

Location: Mawphlang, East Khasi Hills District Timings: 6 Am – 8 Pm Distance From The City Centre: 24 Kilometers from Shillong City How to Reach: The start point is Mawphlang where you can reach by car. Tip: You can visit here any time throughout the year but the trail gets a little slippery in the monsoon season and therefore one must be careful

33 Tourist Places In Assam: Unveiling The Hidden Charm Of The North-East

16. Spread Eagle Falls

Shillong is a land of numerous mesmerizing falls and Spread Eagle Falls is one of the best places to see in Shillong . It is an idyllic spot where nature lovers and water babies can come to spend some time in nature and serenity. The sound of flowing water is the only therapy you will need to calm the chaos in your mind. Also known as Sati falls, it is a great place for photographers. The wing-like shape of the cascading waterfall is not only astounding but also a fine example of nature’s artistry. Consider this one when looking for the best places to visit in Shillong .

Location: Laitumkhrah, Shillong Distance From The City Centre: 3 km Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM How To Reach: Take a private cab. Tip: Be careful around the pool of the falls, as it is quite deep

17. State Museum

State Museum is a modest cultural museum that will give you a short information tour about the various tribes in Meghalaya. Also, known as Captain Williamson Sangma State Museum, this place is a must-visit for those who want to delve right into the cultural diversity of Shillong. Find a collection of traditional tools, music instruments, antiques, jewellery, and dinosaur models on display. If you are a history buff, then you should definitely not miss this place. You may think that museums are boring but if you have nothing else to do, visiting this place might actually turn out to be fun.

Location: Secretariat Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001 Distance From The City Centre: 3 km Timings: 10 AM-4 PM, Sat-Sun closed How To Reach: The only way to get around Shillong is by foot or by hiring a private taxi. Tip: To make your visit to the museum hassle-free, it is recommended that you book your tickets in advance via their online portal

Visiting Meghalaya In June? Take Tips From Manogna’s Thrilling Escapade To Plan Yours Right

18. Mawphlang Village

Have you heard about the wild and beautiful Mawphlang Forest? The sacred forest is located in the village of Mawphlang. Once you are done with wandering in the forest, then you should take a tour around the heritage village that will give you an insight into tribal life. The village is located in the East Khasi Hills and is surrounded by lush greenery and lofty mountains. The breathtaking landscapes will make your jaw drop in awe. The undulating meadows and layers of mist look so dramatic as if it is right out from a book.

Location: East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya Distance From The City Centre: 25 km Timings: NA How To Reach: Hire a private taxi from Police Bazaar for a day. Tip: To make your visit to the museum hassle-free, it is recommended that you book your tickets in advance via their online portal

19. Mawjymbuin Cave

Meghalaya is full of surprises and one of the most fascinating things   that exist in the north-eastern state is caves. The best part is that you can visit a few of these caves and wonder at the stalagmite and calcite formations. One such place is Mawjymbuin Cave. This is amongst the best caves in Cherrapunjee . Surrounded by lush greenery and majestic scenery, Mawjymbuin Cave is located near Mawsynram village. There is not even a single reason why you should visit this place except you are claustrophobic. The most prominent attraction inside the cave is a giant Siva Linga made from stalagmites.

Location: Mawjymbuiñ Rd, Meghalaya 793113 Distance From The City Centre: 58 km Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM How To Reach: Hire a private taxi from Police Bazar. You may even take a bus from Shillong to Mawsynram. Tip: For a memorable tour, having a local guide accompany you would be a wonderful idea

The Ever-Growing Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya – A Nature’s Marvel In The Northeast

20. Rhino Heritage Museum

Rhinos are an important part of Shillong’s heritage and culture. So, the people of Shillong have dedicated an entire museum to the mighty animals. It is a one-of-its-kind museum and, hence, an interesting place to visit in Shillong. Apart from the sculptures and preservations of rhino, you will also find exhibit weapons and photographs of military operations inside the museum.

Location: Zigzag Rd, Ïewduh, Bara Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya 793004 Distance From The City Centre: 5 km Timings: 9 am–1 pm, 3–5 pm, Thursday closed How To Reach: You can hire a taxi. Tip: For your ease, wear comfortable footwear here and make sure you’re carrying an umbrella and water bottle

21. Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful attractions in Shillong known for its impressive collection of special and rare orchids. It is a nice place to take a stroll in the afternoon when you want to spend some quality time with your spouse. If you are visiting Ward Lake, then you should definitely put this on your list too. It is not necessary that you should be doing something all the time on your vacation. Have a few moments of respite and spend some amidst nature and peace at Botanical Garden in Shillong.

Location: Next to Ward Lake, Shillong Distance From The City Centre: 3 km Timings: 9:30 AM – 6 PM How To Reach: Take a private taxi to drop you at the Botanical Garden. Tip: This is a great place to visit when you have spare time

19 Places To Visit Near Shillong For Experiencing Meghalaya’s True Beauty

22. Bishop Falls

In case you didn’t know, Bishop Falls are the 22nd highest fall in the country. So, that should pique your interest for visiting this waterfall. Surrounded by lush greenery, the waterfall drops from a height of 443 ft. The cascading waterfall is also accompanied by Beadon Falls. So, it is a double threat. If you are coming to see the waterfalls from all the way, then it is best you pack a picnic with you. It is one of the best places to spend some time in nature with your family and loved ones. It gets more crowded on the weekends where locals come to take a respite.

Location: Mawprem, Shillong Distance From The City Centre: 5 km Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM How To Reach: Take a private taxi or a cab to the waterfalls. Tip: This is an ideal tourist attraction for a sunny day

23. Lumpongdeng Island

Lumpongdeng Island is an idyllic spot in the Umiam Lake ideal for boating and enjoying mesmerizing views of nature. Disconnect from the rest of the world and enjoy a stay on a houseboat if you like. The lake also provides opportunities for camping and trekking. One cannot get enough of the astounding views of the lake and surroundings. You must capture shots of the island and lake in your camera to save it for a lifetime. The island is truly a getaway for peace seekers and photographers.

Location: Umiam Lake, Shillong Distance From The City Centre: 17 km Timings: NA How To Reach: Hire a private taxi from Police Bazar to take you to Umiam Lake. Tip: Don’t forget to go for a ride in one of the houseboats

24. The Grand Madina Masjid

The GrandMadina Masjid in Shillong is had to miss because of its remarkable architecture. The largest mosque in northeast India, it can accommodate up to 2,000 people at a time. You won’t be able to stop yourself from gazing at the glass dome and glass minarets. Wait till the evening when it is spectacularly lit. There is even an orphanage and library inside the mosque where you can do some goodwill on your trip to Shillong. The museum is one of the most illustrative places to visit in Shillong.

Location: Laban, Shillong, Meghalaya 793004 Distance From The City Centre: 2 km Timings: 5 am to 8 pm How To Reach: NA Tip: To make your visit memorable, visit the mosque at night when it is beautifully lit up

25. Ever Living Museum

A one-of-its-kind museum, Ever-Living Museum is where you will get an insight into the culture of Gairo, Khasi, and Jaintia tribes. You will find coins, instruments, jewellery, utensils, handicrafts, and weapons on display in the museum. Apart from that, there is even a stone collection in the museum where you find a unique collection of fossils, crystals, seashells, and other items on display.

Location: Mawshbuit, Shillong Distance From The City Centre: 9 km Timings: 11 AM – 5 PM How To Reach: Take a private taxi or cab from Police Bazar Tip: You’ll have to go to the outskirts of Shillong to get here

The Famous Cherry Blossom Festival Is Ready To Paint Shillong With Hues Of Pink & White

26. Mawlynnong

Mawlynnong is a serene village that is located in the outskirts of Shillong, nearly 90 kilometres from the city centre amidst the East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya. It was declared as the cleanest village in Asia in the year 2003 by Discovery India which made it a popular destination in North-East India. The place is known for offering picturesque sights of the lush green valleys. You must surely add this serene place is you sightseeing in Shillong list!

Places to Stay: Pumpkin Kharmawshun Homestay, Ritz Homestay, B.E. KYNMAWLEM HOMESTAY, B.E, Pumpkin Iaikyrsoi Homestay Location: Meghalaya Timings: Throughout the day Distance From The City Centre: 90 Kilometers How To Reach: Hire a cab or board a local bus to Mawlynnong Tip: Do try the local dishes at this village that’ll help you get an insight into its culture

27. Mawsynram

Don’t you want to explore the wettest place in the world on your next trip to Shillong? Yes, Mawsynram has been acknowledged as the wettest site of the world and is known for its exquisite beauty that lures travellers from across the world to this mesmerizing village. If you are looking for a perfect escape on your Shillong trip then this beautiful place will surely enthrall you. The place is known for experiencing the highest rainfall in India .

Location: Meghalaya Timings: Throughout the day Distance From The City Centre: 60 Kilometers How To Reach: Hire a cab or board a local bus to Mawsynram from the city centre in Shillong Tip: For your ease, hire a Khasi guide who speaks English

10 Homestays In Shillong For Travelers Planning A Trip To North East!

28. Nohsngithiang Falls

Nohsngithiang Waterfall is another stunning attraction to visit near Shillong. Located mere 4 kilometres from Cherrapunjee it is the tallest waterfall in India and a major tourist spot. As it is located in the Mawsmai village of Meghalaya, it is also known as Mawsmai Falls. Here, water cascades from a height of nearly 1033 feet making it the epithet of Seven Sister Waterfalls. This is one of the best waterfalls in Cherrapunjee . This is the most beautiful experience of sightseeing in Shillong tours. 

Location: Meghalaya Timings: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM Distance From The City Centre: 97.9 Kilometers How To Reach: You can either hire a cab or take public transport from the city centre Tip: To witness the best sight of the falls, make sure you visit this tourist attraction after the monsoon season

Jakrem is the popular hot spring of sulphur, visited by people from near and far due to its medicinal properties. Apart from being a curative medicinal spot the place is known for offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Currently, it has been transformed into a healthcare resort where travelers from across the globe visit for reviving sessions. It is also a popular picnic spot and you will find numerous tourists having a perfect family time here. 

Location: Meghalaya Timings: Throughout the day Distance From The City Centre: 67.9 Kilometers How To Reach: You can either hire a cab or take public transport from the city center Tip: The route to these hot springs could be bumpy; make sure you’re traveling via car

8 Great Picnic Spots Near Shillong Where You Can Head For An Amazing Time

30. Kyllang Rock

Located on the western side of Khasi Hills at a height of 5,400 feet, Kyllang Rock is a unique and giant rock that is made out of red granite. To reach this location, one has to opt for a hike where you can savor some of the best landscape views. Moreover, as it is surrounded by red Rhododendrons, it attracts several nature lovers to this place. It will take around half an hour to reach the top. If you are a hiker then this is one of the best places to visit in Shillong, India . Make sure that you do not miss it!

Location : Meghalaya 793120 Distance From The City Center : 58 kms Timings : 8 am – 4 pm How To Reach : You can take a cab and reach Kyllang Rock. Tip: The company of a local guide to this site will work wonders

31. Butterfly Museum

Planning to explore Shillong with your partner? Here is the Butterfly Museum, also known as Entomological Museum, which is counted among the best places to visit in Shillong for couples . It displays an amazing collection of beetles, butterflies, and other insects. For commercial purposes only, the museum also cultivates several butterflies. Along with this, regular programs are held to conserve butterflies and insects. All of this is handled by the owner of this museum, Wankhar.

Location : near Christian Academy School, Riatsamthiah, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001 Distance From The City Center : 2.8 km Timings : 11 am – 4 pm How To Reach : The place is not located far from the city centre so you can visit this place along with other tourist places.  Distance From The City Centre: 67.9 Kilometers Tip: The museum is closed on Sundays

10 Trails That’ll Allow You To Experience Trekking In Shillong At Its Best

Best Time To Visit Shillong In 2023

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Shillong

What are the most popular things to do in Shillong with children?

Some of the most popular things that you can explore while you are on a trip to Shillong. These include Trekking, Angling, Rafting, Horse Riding, and Kayaking are some of the best things to do in Shillong.

Which are the romantic places to visit in Shillong?

There are many romantic places to explore if you are planning a vacation in Shillong with your loved one. These places include: 1. Laitlum’s Canyons 2. Umiam Lake 3. Ward’s Lake 4. Elephant’s Falls 5. Lady Hydari Park 6. Pioneer Adventure Tour 7. Sweet Falls

What is Shillong famous for?

Shillong has earned its fame because of numerous reasons with its vicinity to the wettest place on earth, quirky guest houses, many natural wonders, and the serene vibes topping the list.

Can I visit Shillong in the upcoming weeks or months?

The tourism industry is slowly reopening, so you can visit most of the above-mentioned places and more in Shillong. But don't take our word for it, just make sure you travel in a small group and keep updating yourself about the latest news and guidelines concerning Covid-19.

What is the best time to visit Shillong?

The best time to pay a visit to Shillong is anywhere between September to May. All those who wish to experience the monsoon season should visit Shillong from June to August.

How many days are enough for Shillong?

Those who wish to travel around and cover all the major places in Shillong should visit this destination for at least 5 days.

Which are the best shopping places in Shillong?

OB shopping mall, Glory’s Plaza, Raps Mansion, and Paltan Bazar are some of the best shopping places in Shillong.

Which are the most popular local dishes of Shillong?

Jadoh, Tungrambai, Kyat, Ktung, and Ki Ktu are some of the best local dishes that one must try when in Shillong.

Which are things that you should not do in Shillong?

Not making reservations before you arrive in Shillong and not carrying enough cash are two of the things you should not do in Shillong. ATMs here are scanty. Also, do not forget to carry your ID proofs.

Places To Visit In Uttarkashi Places To Visit In Panchgani Places To Visit In Thekkady

Recent Posts

10 Fabuleux endroits à visiter en Europe en juillet 2023 pour des vacances que vous n’oublierez jamais.

10 Endroits à visiter au Royaume-Uni qui rendront votre voyage plus classique que vous ne l’aviez imaginé

Top 10 Bucket List For Families In The World That You Must Include

9 Best Camping Sites In Florida That You Must Explore

9 Thrilling Facts About Great Barrier Reef You Must Know Before Visiting

8 Facts About Kruger National Park: A Haven For Wildlife Enthusiasts

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• Places To Visit »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Himachal Tour Packages
• Uttarakhand Tour Packages
• Rajasthan Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kerala Tourism
• Goa Tourism
• Sikkim Tourism
• Andaman Tourism
• Himachal Tourism
• Uttarakhand Tourism
• Rajasthan Tourism
• Hotels in Kerala
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Sikkim
• Hotels in Andaman
• Hotels in Himachal
• Hotels in Uttarakhand
• Hotels in Rajasthan

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy . Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.

New User? Register

• Manage bookings
• Cancellation
• On Behalf Booking

We're unable to sign you in because the password entered incorrect.

Your request for OTP will be sent to registered email id and mobile number, if not registered please do the same.

You exceed the OTP limit. Please try again after some time

Don't have an account?

• Contains between 8-12 alphanumeric characters.
• Can add special character but not mandatory(Only !, @, #,$,%,^,&,* to be used).
• Does not contain White spaces

I would like to be kept informed of special Promotions and offers. I hereby accept the Privacy Policy and authorize Thomascook to contact me.

Already have an account?

• Your existing Google or Facebook Id will be a Thomascook ID
• No need to remember different Ids & Passwords
• One Click login

Fill in the email Address that you used to register or book with Thomascook.

We will reset and send your new password.

Please enter the valid email address

Thomascook Staff / Preferred Agents / corporate's, please enter your Login-id only. E.g. Tcil_aalok / Jaft_prakash / Rc_mumbai

Your request for new password has been accepted.

The new password would be emailed to the registered email address, if not registered please do the same

• india tourism
• best time to visit shillong

Best Time to Visit Shillong

Best time to visit shillong.

Shillong is the wondrous capital city of Meghalaya, whose name literally means “the abode of the clouds”. So, you can only imagine the nature, beauty and scenery that it proudly possesses. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to explore the North-East, acting as a picturesque gateway to the region and all it has to offer. Sitting at a height of 1496 metres above sea level, Shillong experiences a different climate to much of tropical India — that’s why it is often called the “Scotland of the East”. The rains always put on a show and tend to overstay their welcome. It’s lovely to see the local architecture, design and culture co-existing with these conditions, in its own unique way. The town’s colonial legacy remains to this date, adding to its charm. With cooler overall temperatures through the year at this pine circled city, you can plan a visit at your convenience. However, it’s always good to know more about each season so that you get the kind of holiday that suits your interests. Shillong Tourism is indeed spectacular and is a must visit places

This guide on the best time to visit Shillong will simplify your travel planning, while at the same time pre-pare you for what awaits.

Peak Season — Shillong experiences sub-tropical climate, with summers from March to June. This is when tourists flock the city and its surrounding regions, as the idyllic weather offers the perfect environment to enjoy everything the destination has in store. 

Shoulder Season — Winters last from October to March and despite seeing a lesser number of tourists, the season is still a great time to visit. 

Low Season — July to September

Shillong In Summer (March to June)

Temperature - The best season to visit Shillong is undoubtedly summer, when you can bask in day tem-peratures between 18-22°C and enjoy into the night as they never drop below 15°C. 

Weather – A picture perfect summer weather awaits you in Shillong. Find yourself between crisp clear skies and lush green earth, with days long enough to explore till you can’t anymore and cool nights to recharge. There is chance of a slight drizzle, but if anything, that only makes it better. 

Significance - Summers are great for popular activities like sightseeing or hiking — the David Scott’s Trail is beautiful at this time of the year. As is a serene boat ride on Umiam Lake or kayaking at Kynshi River This is also when the local thanksgiving festival called Shad Suk Mynsiem takes place, with amazing dance, food and tradition on display. 

Why you should visit now — Summers are when you can travel around Shillong with most ease and com-fort. It never gets too hot and the chance of rain is low — the kind of perfect outdoor weather needed for a destination such as this. From family getaways to backpacking adventures, this season suits one and all. There are really some amazing places to visit in Shillong ,so make sure to check it out

Things to know before the visit - With summers being peak season to visit Shillong, it’s best to book your tickets and make reservations in advance. 

Tips - Even though it might not be as hot as the summers you’re used to; you must wear sunscreen when roaming around Shillong. Carry sturdy walking shoes so that with changing activities, you remain comfort-able. Carry your personal care products like moisturiser or lip balm, and a light jacket just in case. 

Shillong In Monsoon (July to September)

Temperature - Shillong monsoons see temperatures sit between 12-16°C, day and night. However, the constant rainfall makes this season more challenging. 

Weather - The annual rainfall can go up to as much as 3300 mm, which is especially challenging during monsoons. Heavy downpours are common, wind picks up and the sun is never in sight. 

Significance - It is the cleanest and greenest time to visit the city. The rains are ideal for those seeking a romantic getaway or adventurous escapade — the lakes and waterfalls are in full flow and nature is in bloom. The tribal festival of Behdienkhlam occurs during this time, offering a glimpse into local culture. 

Why you should visit now — Heavy rain doesn’t dampen all plans in Shillong, it just makes them that much more of an experience. Outdoor activities come with an added thrill, meals are elevated by the accompanying sound of rain and the vibrant surrounds provide an endless flow of must-capture moments. 

Things to know before the visit - If you like the rain, you’ll love a monsoon tour to Shillong. While sightseeing might not be the easiest, you can still venture into cafés and markets, observe spectacular views from a cosy hotel room, watch a live music performance and much more. 

Tips - When it rains, it pours — especially in Shillong! Carry all the necessary rain gear including waterproof backpacks, jackets and shoes. Additional Ziplock bags can come handy for your electronics. 

Shillong In Winter (October to February)

Temperature - When the sun is out, the temperature hovers between 12-16°C but that drops drastically once its night — sometimes as low as 2°C. 

Weather - Winters in Shillong can get quite chilly, with only the short days offering a bit of natural warmth. Evenings, nights and early mornings are too cold for the outdoors, unless you’ve layered up enough.  

Significance - There’s not as much of a dip in tourism during this season, with many visitors coming in to enjoy amazing experiences like the Autumn Festival, Nongrem Dance Festival and Wangala Festival. And there are plenty of indoor explorations you can make on the sightseeing trail of Shillong, including the beautiful All Saint’s Cathedral and Don Bosco Museum.  

Why you should visit now — Winters have a charm of their own, especially in Shillong where the festival season picks up and a charmingly warm ambience fills the cool air. Other than all the usual activities, this is the best time to witness local culture in all its glory.

Things to know before the visit - The weather can be quite unpredictable and there is possibility of a win-ter shower or two. 

Tips - Pack for the cold — woollen or fleece is best. Jackets, gloves, monkey caps and socks - you’ll need it all. Also carry essentials like moisturiser and balm to protect against dry skin and lips. Sunglasses do come in handy during the day, as it is not always cloudy. 

From waterfalls to pine covered hills, British-style cathedrals to local ethnic bazaars, great cultural festivals to one-of-a-kind moments — Shillong really has an array of wonderful experiences to quench every level of wanderlust. Now all you need to do is pick from the Thomas Cook Shillong Tour packages and prepare to have the time of your life. Also check out more ways on How to reach Shillong

Recommended shillong Holidays

Best domestic packages.

Best International Packages

Our Featured Blogs

50 Goa Beaches, Including The Ones You Don’t Know

Sentosa Island – Everything You Need To Know About

10 Things You Probably Don’t Know About North East India

Top 5 Magnificent Canadian Cities: You Must Visit

• International Honeymoon Packages
• Popular Tourism Destinations
• Most Trending International Holidays

• SALANTINI JANERA
• TODAY’S PAPER
• INTERNATIONAL
• SUNDAY PULLOUT
• ENTERTAINMENT BUZZ

Leading scientists to visit India as part of Royal Society Yusuf Hamied Visiting Fellowships

The Royal Society has announced five recipients of the Royal Society Yusuf Hamied Visiting Fellowships to India, which supports scientific collaboration across international borders.

The programme was launched in 2017 through a generous donation from the Yusuf and Farida Hamied Foundation, and promotes excellence in science by bringing the Indian and international scientific communities together. Scientists will make visits to partner organisations in India, building and strengthening relationships between their research teams and sharing expertise on topics of vital shared importance.

The scientists who will take up their positions from the 1st of April 2024 to 31st of March 2025, are:

Professor Russell Foster CBE FRSB FMedSci FRS, University of Oxford Partner organisations:

• The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMHANS), Bengaluru
• National Centre for Biological Science (NCBS), Bengaluru
• Delhi University, Delhi
• Ashoka University, Sonipat
• Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut
• Lucknow University, Lucknow
• North Eastern Hill University, Shillong
• Mizoram University, Aizawl

Professor James Jackson CBE FRS, University of Cambridge Partner Organisations

• Indian Institute of Scientific Education and Research, Kolkata (IISERK)

Professor Lakshminarayanan Mahadevan FRS, Harvard University Partner organisations:

• National Centre for Biological Sciences
• International Centre for Theoretical Sciences
• Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) Bengaluru

Professor Philip Maini FMedSci FRS, University of Oxford Partner organisations:

• Indian Institute of Science

Professor Rajeev Varshney FRS, Murdoch University Partner Organisations:

• Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi
• National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi
• Principal Scientific Adviser to Prime Minister of India, New Delhi
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India
• Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India

Dr Yusuf Hamied FRS, said : “My foundation believes that collaboration and knowledge sharing between researchers and innovators is an integral part of scientific innovation. This is why we are delighted to partner with the Royal Society to continue building connections between the Fellows and Foreign Members of the Royal Society and India’s science communities. In order to bring about great scientific discoveries, we must work together, and the work of these esteemed scientists will be vital in achieving this.”

Email updates

We promote excellence in science so that, together, we can benefit humanity and tackle the biggest challenges of our time.

Subscribe to our newsletters to be updated with the latest news on innovation, events, articles and reports.

What subscription are you interested in receiving? (Choose at least one subject)