Umiam Lake

Places to visit in Shillong

Shillong Tourist Places

Shillong, also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’ is the capital of Meghalaya and a beautiful hill station in the Northeast Region. There are various places to visit in Shillong like the Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Shillong Golf Course, Ward’s Lake, Lady Hydari Park, etc. Apart from these, the other attractions that lie in the outskirts of Shillong like Nongjrong, Umiam Lake, Laitlum Canyons and Mawkdok Dympep Valley.

Though Shillong Tourist Places are not limited to nature only but the city also withholds many museums and basilicas which represent the northeast tradition and the culture of the tribe like the handmade items made of natural things. Throughout the year, tourists come to visit the best places in Shillong and spend quality time with friends and family in the lap of nature. Visitors get mesmerised by the stunning beauty of Shillong Tourist Places which are not only beautiful but very attractive due to their natural beauty.

There are various tourist attractions in and nearby Shillong like waterfalls, caves, natural parks and lakes which can be explored. The other best places to see in Shillong, are the culture, heritage, lifestyle of the local tribes like the Don Bosco Museum, Air Force Museum , Mawphlang Sacred Groove which are not only famous among tourists but also among locals.

Major Shillong Tourist Places include:
  • Umiam Lake
  • Ward’s Lake
  • Elephant Falls
  • Shillong Golf Course
  • Mawphlang Sacred Forest
  • Laitlum Canyons
  • Shillong View Point

Other Best Places to Visit in Shillong are:
  • Seven Sisters Falls
  • Nohkalikai Falls
  • Nongjrong View Point
  • Mawkdok Dympep Valley

The weather of Shillong is very pleasant and cool throughout the year owing to its geographical location nearby the plains of Bangladesh and the surrounding mountains. During summers, travellers from all over the world come to visit Shillong in large numbers to enjoy the pleasant weather and get relief from the dazzling heat of the plains.

Get the chance to experience the cool breeze of the lakes, greenery and pine trees by visiting the Umiam Lake which is one of the best places to visit in Shillong, situated on the way from Guwahati to Shillong. Visitors can go for a walk in the serene environment of Ward’s Lake and Shillong Golf Course and can get the exclusive handicrafts and other local items in the Police Bazar which is in the main city of Shillong.

Offbeat Places to Visit in Shillong

Shillong is famous for its natural beauty, the green mountains, waterfalls and caves, yet there are many offbeat places which are not much explored by the tourists and will make you spellbound. From trekking to waterfalls, exploring traditional villages, and experiencing the local culture, this breathtaking experience is a lifetime opportunity. So, when you visit Meghalaya do check these amazing offbeat places in Shillong.

Some offbeat spots include:
  • Mawsawdong Waterfall: It is also known as Diengdoh Waterfall and is located in Mawkama village in the outskirts of Sohra district.
  • Sohkhmi Village: It is located about 3 kilometres from Sohra and is a wonderful spot for trekking and adventure.
  • Whistling Village: Also known as Kongthong Village, this village is known for its unique tradition of using melodic tunes to call each other.
  • Mawlyngbna: With its stunning natural beauty, river canyoning, and many other exciting activities, Mawlyngbna is undoubtedly worth a visit.
  • Krem Chympe: Located in East Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, it is a hidden cave known for its limestone formations, clean pools and naturally built dams.
  • Markham Valley: This valley gives a viewpoint from the top of the hill that offers a wide view of the low-lying slopes.

Shillong Picnic Spots

Shillong is famous for its various picnic spots where a bunch of people get together. Tourists can enjoy food with full joy, play games and have a great time in these amazing picnic spots. Umiam lake, Ward’s Lake, Shillong Peak, Thyllong are the names of the few famous picnic spots in Shillong.

Here we have curated a list of Shillong tourist places for travellers visiting Shillong:

Weather of Shillong

Shillong is Meghalaya’s magnificent capital city. It is 1,520 metres above sea level, and has a different climate than much of tropical India, which is why it is known as the “Scotland of the East”. The rains always put on a show and tend to stay a little too long. It’s beautiful to see how the local architecture, design, and culture coexist with these circumstances in their own particular way.
This city has cooler temperatures throughout the year. The wet season in Shillong is pleasant, muggy, and mostly cloudy, while the dry season is cool and mostly clear. The average temperature throughout the year is between 25°C and 22°C, with lows of 2°C and highs of 17°C.

SeasonTemperature
Summer(March-June) 25°C-15°C
Monsoon(July-September) 18°C-12°C
Winter(October-February) 17°C-2°C

Frequently Asked Questions about Places to visit in Shillong

1. Is Shillong a tourist place?

Yes , Shillong is a famous tourist place as it is surrounded by mesmerising mountains and lush greenery everywhere. Shillong’s most loved Tourist Spots are Ward’s Lake, Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls and Laitlum Canyons. Other tourist places nearby are Seven Sisters Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, Dainthlen Falls and many more.

2. What is popular about shillong?

Shillong is a well known place in India for its lovely tourist destinations. Some of Shillong’s famous places to visit are Cherrapunji, Dawki, Mawsynram and Jowai. It is also famous for its longest caves, tallest waterfalls and its unique culture.

3. What are the famous tourist spots of Shillong?

Some of the best tourist places to explore in Shillong are:
Umiam Lake (Barapani): Umiam Lake is one of the most famous spots for tourists visiting Shillong because of its lush green mountains on each edge and a beautiful island in the middle of the lake.
Police Bazar: It is one of the central markets of Shillong famous for its handicraft items and clothes.
Shillong Peak: It is one of the most scenic spots situated at a higher altitude from where you can see the entire Shillong City.
Elephant Falls: A beautiful waterfall falling through the rocks, the three layers of this falls makes it really a breathtaking spot.

4. What are the best places for visiting in Shillong City?

Best Places to Visit in Shillong are:
Ward’s Lake: It is a popular place for tourists visiting Shillong, because of its tall trees and different species of flowers planted in its surroundings. Visitor’s can also go boating at the lake.
Lady Hydari Park: A mini park contains varieties of flowers and animals like deer, monkey, bear, birds, fishes etc. This mini zoo is an ideal place for kids and family outings.
Don Bosco Museum: A museum showcasing lifestyle and culture of north eastern people with seventeen art galleries.

5. How many days are enough for visiting Shillong?

Generally, 5 Days and 4 Nights duration is required for visiting Shillong in order to cover the major tourist spots like Shillong, Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong and Dawki, Krang Suri and Laitlum, etc. You can view our best package for an amazing excursion in Shillong: Awesome Shillong Tour. This customizable package includes excursions of Shillong and its nearby destinations and is worth availing. 

6. What will be the cost for a shillong tour package?

The cost for a Shillong tour package may vary according to your choice. For a 5 Days and 4 Nights Shillong tour package, it may tentatively cost you Rs.16,750/-; a 4 Days and 3 Nights package would cost around Rs.13,350/- and a 3 Days and 2 Nights can roughly cost Rs. 9,900/-. Our Shillong Tour Packages offers you to explore more amazing, affordable and customizable packages suiting your preferences.

7. How can one communicate in Shillong?

Communicating in Shillong is easy, as the people in Shillong generally understand English. Apart from English, people can also speak in Hindi inside the city.

8. What are the best places to stay in Shillong for tourists? 

We have different hotels available for visitors as per their budget. Visitors can book standard hotels, deluxe hotels and super deluxe hotels according to their needs. Hotel Holiday Hills, Hotel Island Park Residency, Relyn Suite are the names of the few best places to stay in Shillong  which are in the main city with beautiful interiors and are budget friendly. 

9. Is visiting Shillong economical?

Yes, you can plan a budget tour of Shillong. In Shillong you can find budget homestays and hotels in almost all places. Budget stays will cut your costs and make your tour economical.

10. How should I plan a shillong trip?

Your ideal Shillong Trip can be as follows: 
Day 1: Guwahati-Shillong: Arrive in Guwahati and visit Umiam Lake (Barapani) and thereafter visit Don Bosco Museum. Reach Shillong and in the evening visit the Police bazar market for shopping and chilling. 
Day 2: Shillong Sightseeing: Visit Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Wards Lake, Lady Hydari Park and other beautiful places. 
Day 3: Cherrapunji Tour: Visit Nohkalikai Falls, Wei Sawdong Falls, Seven Sister Falls, Mawsmai Cave and Eco Park among other attractions. 
Day 4: Dawki and Mawlynnong Tour: Visit Dawki River, Mawlynnong Village and also the India-Bangladesh border. 
Day 5: Krang Suri Falls, Laitlum Canyons – Guwahati: Visit Laitlum Canyons (one of the largest canyons in India) and Krang Suri Falls (the biggest falls of north east). Thereafter leave for Guwahati for your onward journey.

11. Which season is best for visiting shillong?

Every season is best for visiting Shillong but If you’re a nature lover then monsoon season is the best time for you to visit Shillong because monsoon allows you to see the waterfalls nicely. If you are an adventure lover then visiting Shillong in winters will be the best season for you.

12. Is visiting Shillong safe for tourists?

Yes, visiting Shillong is safe for tourists because Shillong has a low crime rate and it is much safer than many other places in India. Even for female travellers. Shillong is a safe place to travel.

13. What is the best time to visit Shillong?

The best time to visit Shillong depends on the choice of travellers. If you are a nature lover then you can visit Shillong during monsoons. During monsoons the real beauty of the waterfalls can be admired and also the green mountains look beautiful. If you are an adventure enthusiast and love activities like trekking, kayaking and scuba diving you can visit Shillong during non monsoon seasons when the place is dry and river water is clean making it ideal for adventure sports.

14. What are the places to visit near Shillong?

The best places to visit near Shillong are:
-Cherrapunji
-Dawki
-Mawlynnong
-Jowai
-Guwahati

15. What are the famous tourist places near Shillong?

Popular tourist places near Shillong are waterfalls and caves of Cherrapunji, cleanest river at Dawki, cleanest village at Mawlynnong, Krang Suri Falls and Laitlum Canyons. All these tourist places near Shillong are worth visiting.