Welcome! In this article, you’ll explore the best 19 places to visit in Shillong.
Shillong is an evergreen tourist destination in North East India that lets you fall in love with the salubrious weather and incredible scenic beauty all around.
The journey to Shillong might be a bit hectic for certain tourists because of the lack of direct flights from several parts of the nation, but once you reach there, the splendid view of roadside waterfalls, deep blue lakes, lush green canyons, and vivid vegetation must offer you a pleasant experience than ever. Every year, thousands of foreign travelers choose Meghalaya to enjoy peaceful holidays and extreme activities in the serine nature full of the aroma of pine trees.
Today, let’s uncover the top of attractions of Shillong, the heart of Meghalaya.
Best Places to Visit in Shillong
There is a long list of things to do in Shillong that includes lake viewing, boat riding, river rafting, hiking, and climbing. The place is rich with natural and architectural wonders; you can experience waterfalls, canyons, deep forests, churches, museums, and parks in Shillong. However, it’s not really possible to cover everything in a single trip unless you spend there for at least 8-10 days.
On a 5-6 days Meghalaya trip, most of the tourists prefer to cover every corner of Meghalaya in a hurry, including Shillong, Cherrapunji, Mawsynram, Dawki, Mawlylong, and more; meanwhile, they forget to explore the beauty of Shillong. However, I also met several people who book an apartment or homestay in Shillong to spend 7-10 days of peaceful holidays.
There are 100s of places to visit in Shillong, but that doesn’t mean you are gonna like each of those, and I suggest visiting everywhere. Based on my personal experience, I’m specifically introducing here the best places in Shillong that you shouldn’t be missing under any circumstances. I personally realized, at least a 3 nights stay in Shillong is necessary to explore these places without any hurry.
1. Umiam Lake
Umiam Lake is situated just outside Shillong city (approx. 28 km from Police Bazar, Shillong) beside Guwahati-Shillong highway into the lap of East Khasi hills. Not fully natural but it’s a mesmerizing man-made reservoir completely supported by nature, which was formed after the construction of a dam to generate hydroelectric power.
However, the scenic beauty of Umiam Lake is irresistible, especially on a sunny morning or afternoon. The lake is encircled by the lush green pine forest of East Khasi hills and offers a great panoramic view from different angles.
The beauty of Umiam lake blooms from the early morning when the first sunrises, but not everyone can experience the magnificent sunrise view mainly because of two reasons,
- The place is away from the city center and limited stay options nearby.
- Frequent rain or cloudy morning often restricts the glorious view.
However, if you can cross the above barriers, definitely you’ll be a gainer. However, sunset in Umiam is more affordable and you can easily experience it after enjoying a full (or half) day at Umiam.
Apart from experiencing the lake’s beauty, you can enjoy a lakeside picnic and boat ride. Overall, Umiam offers you a day full of joy, so keep this at the top of your list as almost every tourist does.
- Location: Umiam, Shillong
- Distance From The City Centre: 28 km (from Police Bazar)
- How To Reach: Book a rented taxi from your stay at Shillong (if you are not staying beside Umiam Lake).
- Where to Stay: Check here
2. Lumpongdeng Island
Lumpongdeng Island is very much related to the Umium Lake trip; in fact, it’s a lonely spot in the middle of the Umiam Lake, offering you peaceful moments. You can reach there from Umiam by boat.
Lumpongdeng Island is ideal for boating activities and spending hours in the lap of serene nature away from the busy world. You may choose to stay in the houseboat, or even may grab the opportunity to enjoy camping and trekking in this place.
Capturing splendid landscapes is a great addition that immensely attracts photographers to this island.
- Location: Umiam Lake, Shillong
- Distance From The City Centre: 28 km + boat
- Timings: NA
- How To Reach: Hire a taxi from stay to take you to Umiam Lake, and rent a boat from Umiam.
- Where to Stay: Check here
3. Laitlum Canyons
Laitlum Canyons is a relatively less explored place in Shillong, but I rank it #No.1 spot among any other destination in Shillong.
Laitlum is an outskirt destination that is situated approx. 23 km away from the city center into the lap of East Khasi Hills, and most of the tourists don’t even know about this place; I noted, local tour operators also skip this place probably because it’s a bit away. But you must visit this place if you love to spectate something amazing in Shillong. Besides the beauty of this place, the road you’ll cover to reach there is also pictorial.
At Laitlum Canyons, shadows of thousands of curves play together when the sun shines and produces an ever-enchanting view full of greenery. You can spend there for hours sitting on the green carpet at the edge of the highland.
Check HERE for complete details of Laitlum.
- Location: Laitlum
- Distance From The City Centre: 23 km (from Police Bazar)
- How To Reach: Hire a taxi
- Where to Stay: Check here
4. Shillong Peak
If you are planning to head towards Laitlum in the early morning (suggested), you may take a halt at Shillong peak on your return journey. Otherwise, you may visit there any other time as it is close to the city center (only 11 km from Police Bazar).
Shillong peak is the highest point in the entire region which is about 6449 ft (1965 m) above sea level which mainly offers a panoramic view of the entire city. There is a telescope for experiencing the bird’s eye view for which you have to spend a few bucks (INR 20 per head), though you may avoid it on a rainy day because there is no reason to watch a foggy view.
You can have a horse ride there at Shillong peak and decorate yourself as a Khasi king or queen in exchange for a few bucks and have some lifetime pics. Yes, me and my family enjoyed the event as you can watch us below. Isn’t fun!
Note for the foreign delegates: Even though Shillong peak is a tourist destination, the place is also occupied by the Indian airforce, and due to the same reason foreign travelers are not allowed there without prior permission. I hope, you can understand the security issue of a nation. So, foreign travelers are suggested to have permission or skip this place.
- Location: Shillong Peak (Laitkor Peak)
- Distance From The City Centre: 11.7 km (from Police Bazar)
- How To Reach: Hire a taxi
- Where to Stay: Check here
5. Bishop Falls
Bishop Falls is close to the city center; to reach there, you need to drive 4 km followed by a little hike.
Here, the water rolls down from a height of 443 ft, and certainly, Bishop Fall is ranked the 22nd highest waterfall in India. The place is surrounded by a lush green hilly landscape while accompanied by a smaller waterfall, known as Beadon Falls. Indeed, the place is one of the best in Shillong to spend time with your family in the lap of nature.
For the local people, it’s a top-listed picnic spot; so you may experience a bit of a crowd if you visit there at weekends.
- Location: Mawprem, Shillong
- Distance From The City Centre: 4.2 km
- Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
- How To Reach: Take a private taxi or a cab to reach Bishop waterfalls.
- Where to Stay: Check here
- Tip: This is an ideal tourist attraction for a sunny day
6. Elephant Waterfalls
Elephant waterfall is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Meghalaya, easy to access, and thus also very crowded.
Falling water rolls down in a cascade fashion over the black rocks shaped like elephant feet, which is the main reason behind the nomenclature of this fall.
It’s a fine place to spend some time watching the falls, having some memorable snaps. You can hike to the bottom, near the stream, if you have enough time.
- Location: Upper Shillong
- Distance From The City Centre: 11.8 km
- Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
- How To Reach: Hire a cab to reach Elephant waterfalls.
- Where to Stay: Check here
7. Sweet Falls
Sweet Falls is situated in the opposite direction of the Elephant waterfalls, and the distance is almost the same from the city center. Although Sweet Falls is one of the steepest and most mesmerizing falls in the country, not many people know about this one. As a result, visiting this place you’ll get an opportunity to breathe peaceful air away from the tourists’ crowd while listening to the sound of gurgling water and singing birds.
- Location: Mawashbuit, Shillong
- Distance From The City Centre: 12 km
- Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
- How To Reach: Hire a cab to reach Sweet falls and then walk to little to reach the point.
- Where to Stay: Check here
8. Mawphlang Sacred Grooves
Mawphlang is a bit away from Shillong (27 km) but it’s a must-visit place on your Meghalaya trip. You are suggested to visit this place after covering Elephant Waterfalls because both are situated on the same route; alternatively, you may halt at Mawphlang on your way toward Cherrapunji.
Mawphlang is one of the several monoliths in the Khasi Hills; the village itself offers a lot of pictorial landscapes that you’ll experience on your way to the actual spot.
The entrance of the Mawphlang Sacred Forest is surrounded by a huge valley where you may spend some quality time on a sunny morning or afternoon. Also, there are years old architecture, a few food stalls, and a natural roadside garden.
On the other end of the valley, you’ll find the sacred forest. Local guides will not let you in there alone, they will charge you INR 300-600 for a trip inside. Inside the forest, you’ll see many unknown tropical trees and years’ old sacred stones of the Khasi tribe.
Explore more details here: Mawphlang Sacred Forest HERE.
Not every tourist visit this place, because only a few people know about it, but I strongly suggest you not to miss the Sacred Grove.
- Location: Mawphlang village
- Distance From The City Centre: 27 km
- Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
- How To Reach: Hire a cab to reach Mawphlang sacred forest.
- Where to Stay: Check here
9. David Scott Trail
If the double-decker root bridge is the top trekking route in Meghalaya, I’ll keep David Scott Trail just behind it.
In the 1800s British officer David Scott discovered this trek route that you may cover within 4-5 hours depending upon your pace. On the way, you’ll be greeted by cascading waterfalls, narrow streams, stony rivers, sprawling meadows, tropical trees, deep forests, rock bridges, several tribal villages, and breathtaking valley views.
The starting point is near Mawphlang and the trekking route ends at Cherrapunji. If you are an adventure lover, you must keep this trek on your things-to-do list.
- Location: Mawphlang
- Distance From The City Centre: 26 km
- Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
- How To Reach: Hire a cab to reach the starting point of the David Scott trail.
- Where to Stay: Check here
10. Shillong Golf Course
The golf course is located at a corner of the green city Shillong. The green carpet golf area is surrounded by pine and other tropical trees.
Nothing much to do there on the golf course, but it’s a nice place to spend a lazy evening there with your friends and family. In addition, you may take some snacks from the restaurants nearby.
- Location: Shillong
- Distance From The City Centre: 4.7 km (from Police Bazar)
- Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
- How To Reach: Hire a cab to reach there.
- Where to Stay: Check here
11. Lady Hydari Park
Beautifully decorated in Japanese style, Lady Hydari Park is the local hotspot; this place is located right in the heart of the city. Eventually, you may expect a big crowd of local people and tourists every day.
This spot can be skipped unless you want to spend an evening in a relaxing mood.
- Location: Shillong
- Timings: 8 Am – 5 Pm, Monday closed
- Distance From The City Centre: 3 km (from Police Bazar)
- How to Reach: It is located in the city and can be reached by cab.
- Charges: Entry fees INR 10/- per head, Camera: INR 20/-
- Where to Stay: Check here
12. Wards Lake
If you have completed most of the activities in Shillong and get free time on a bright afternoon, just go for a leisurely walk around majestic Wards Lake.
Wards Lake is not fully natural, but manmade renovation into nature’s creation made it a must-visit place in Shillong. Indeed, the place is pretty romantic as wonderfully decorated by encircled lake water, wooden bridge flowerbeds, and innovative grass-made illuminations. You can enjoy some boating onto the lake water and spend some time in the Lakeview café, I swear you’ll love the place.
However, weekends and other holidays are a bit packed there, so as a tourist you should avoid visiting Wards lake on those days.
- Location: Shillong
- Timings: 8 Am – 5 Pm, Monday closed
- Distance From The City Centre: 4 km (from Police Bazar)
- How to Reach: It is located in the city; you may hire a cab, or walk through based on your stay location.
- Charges: Entry fees INR 10/- per head, Camera: INR 20/-
- Where to Stay: Check here
13. Peaceful Vibes at Botanical Garden
If you are fond of gardening or planting, or if you love to uncover new plant species, visiting Shillong botanical garden is a definite pick for you. Here you’ll find a very impressive collection of rare orchids and other plants. It is a nice place to take a stroll in the afternoon session just after you cover Wards Lake.
However, you should consider places like Wards lake, a botanical garden, and a Golf course for respite from the daily activities when you can spend some leisure as well as quality time with your loved ones. Despite adventurous activities, you also need some lazy and peaceful moments during your vacation.
- Location: Close to Ward Lake, Shillong
- Distance From The City Centre: 3 km
- Timings: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
- How To Reach: You may hire a cab or walkthrough based on your stay location.
- Tip: This is a great place to visit when you have spare time
- Where to Stay: Check here
14. Sohpetbneng Peak
This is the second-highest peak in Shillong located on the outskirts of the main city, which offers a breathtaking view of the region including the city itself. Unlike the Shillong peak, this place is much less crowded and offers you a serene, tranquil, and peaceful experience. And for the very same reason, local tribal people regard this place as the ‘Naval of Heaven’.
So, it’s worthwhile to visit this place if you can manage some time on your trip.
- 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 and then you need to walk a bit to reach the viewing point.
- Where to Stay: Check here
Other Places to Visit in Shillong
The above-listed places are kind of must-visit spots in Shillong. If you have enough time on your hand, you can visit the following places.
15. Spread Eagle Falls
This place is 6 km away from the city center, known as the widest waterfall in Shillong that rolls down step-by-step into the massive pool.
16. Butterfly Museum, Shillong
Not for everyone, but botanists or those who are interested in Entomology, or specifically those who are interested in butterfly cultivation, can visit this place to explore the extensive collection of vibrant butterflies, moths, beetles, and other insects.
17. Air Force Museum
You can understand it’s related to the defense system of the nation, and for the very same reason, foreign tourists are not allowed there unless they got special permission.
If you are an Indian, enjoy the brilliant display of the nation’s pride including aircraft models, miniature models of rockets and missiles, other machinery, uniforms of pilots, technology, demonstrations, and past war pictures. As an Indian, you’ll definitely feel proud of the exhibition. The place is not far away from the city center, situated at the upper Shillong.
18. Nokrek National Park
If you are planning for a hangout (or a picnic) in the serene green in Shillong, Nokrek National Park is a good pick, which is situated in upper Shillong close to Elephant Falls.
19. Police Baazar (for shopping only)
To be honest, I am personally not a great fan of shopping unless having some unique local handicrafts or clothes. But, not everyone is like me because without shopping many tourists find a tour incomplete.
In Police Bazar, you’ll get a variety of items starting from commercial dresses, exclusive handicrafts, pure honey, souvenirs as well as the unique plants of the north-eastern region. But be careful, they often ask high prices to the tourist, so bargain well before you buy.
More Places to visit in Shillong
At the top I already mentioned, it’s a long list!
Shillong hosts an endless number of tourist places. If you are a frequent visitor or a long term visitor in Shillong, you can cover the following places also.
- Anglican Cemetery
- State Museum
- Cathedral
- Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture
Away Places to visit in Shillong-Meghalaya trip
I guess your Meghalaya trip is not only based on Shillong, but you are willing to cover several other places. The outskirt destinations are even more beautiful. Just check below for the list of places in Meghalaya that you shouldn’t miss during your Meghalaya trip.
- Cherrapunji
- Garden of Caves
- Double Decker Root Bridge
- Mawsynram
- Dawki
- Mawlynong
- Jakrem
- Diengiei Peak
- Jaintia Hills (Adventure Lovers)
- Garo Hills (Adventure Lovers)
- Kyllang Rock (Adventure Lovers)
Where to Stay in Shillong
Due to the high intensity of tourists’ activities, the city is full of a wide range of hotels, resorts, and homestays from all ranges. You also have the option to book your rented flats in Shillong.
However, not all of those are good to stay. When you are visiting a place as a tourist you must expect some sort of views right from your hotel balcony, or at least from the lawn. Some people want to stay away from the city crowd, some prefer to stay nearby specific spots, some people love to stay close to nature by mixing up with the local culture.
This article is already long enough, so I made another article exploring the Top Hotels, Resorts, and Homestays in Shillong.
I hope this will help you out.
>> Best Hotels to Stay in Shillong <<
Caution: I strictly suggest not to book from Oyo for your Shillong trip. They offer hotels at a low budget, but they bluff a lot. During one of my Shillong trips, I personally faced one such situation. I booked my stay near a specific point; but one day before my stay, Oyo canceled my booking in that resort and shifted me to another poor one at a very interior as well as dumb location.
Let’s Wrap Up
Happy to share all information about the best places to visit in Shillong. Hope the information will help you to plan a great trip.
Still, if you have any further queries, don’t hesitate. Just post your question in the comment box below, I’ll get back immediately and help you out.
Happy trip!
Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.
Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.
He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!
Hi there! That looks so amazing! I think my favorite is David Scott Trail. Sounds really amazing trip. Do you know if there would be any change for fishing? That would amazing, specially in such amazing place…
Cheers!
Definitely, David Scott Trail is a great trek route in Shillong, though the beginning point is a bit away from Shillong city center. You can try fishing there, no issues.