
Places to visit in Shillong
Shillong Tourist Places
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:
Popular Shillong Packages
Following are the best places to visit in Shillong
1 Umiam Lake

It is one of the best places to visit in Shillong and easily accessible as it is located on the National Highway 6, commonly known as G.S Road (Guwahati – Shillong Road). You will find this awesome place on the road side before reaching Shillong.
Tourists often stop to click photographs and catch this spectacular view of this famous Umiam Lake. The lake is surrounded by hills on all the sides. Tourists enjoy sitting for a long time in the garden beside the lake and there is also an island in the middle of the lake. Umiam Lake is one of the most striking Shillong Tourist Places and because of which the state tourism department has taken different measurements and steps to beautify it and present it in the best way to the tourists across the globe.
Honeymoon Packages for Shillong
2 Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls have been named after a rock resembling an elephant, which got destroyed in the earthquake of 1897. The Elephant Falls comes under the must visit Shillong tourist places, and is the most popular falls in the entire North East. The local name of the Elephant Falls is ‘Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew’, meaning ‘The Three Step Waterfalls’, as the falls consist of three amazing falls in the sequence.
The alluring beauty of the Elephant Falls makes it one of the best places to see in Shillong and is the best preferred place for people who love photography. You can click numerous pictures at this destination and of the surroundings. You can spend around 30 to 45 minutes to see the place completely. Due to its spectacular surroundings, the Elephant Falls tops the list of attractions in Shillong. The climate of this place is rejuvenating and revitalising.
Best time to visit is in the months of March to October. However, it is open throughout the year for visitors and it looks equally mesmerising, but when the water flow is more, the falls look even more pleasant. This place is undoubtedly among Shillong’s best places to visit.
Entry fees: Rs.20 per Head
Parking Fees: Rs.20 per Vehicle
Opening time: 10:00 AM To 6:00 PM in Summers and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Winters
3 Police Bazar

Police Bazar, also locally known as Khyndailad is the most favourite destination for shopping lovers among the locals and the tourists alike. Varieties of local, traditional as well as foreign products are available here. The market is mostly known for urban lifestyle products including ethnic and western outfits. Police Bazar also holds an entertainment hub for the kids and the adults. For the entertainment of kids a gaming zone is available on the top floor of Reliance Trends (Muda Complex).
Tourists as well as the locals mostly prefer to visit Police Bazar to eat food as it is the hub of different kinds of restaurants with almost all varieties of food and this is what makes it one of the perfect places to visit in Shillong.
4 Don Bosco Museum

Visiting the museum you will get to know the rich culture of northeast which is beautifully showcased by handmade statues and ornaments and a wide collection of regional artworks, attires, equipment, photographs of old days (glories) and weapons used in olden days by the tribals of North East.
If you get to visit here do try the Skywalk present on the seventh storied of the building for the scenic view of the surroundings.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 4.30 PM
Open: Monday-Saturday (Closed on Sunday)
5 Ward’s Lake

The cherry timber blossom between the last week of October and second week of November and Cherry Blossom festival is also celebrated during this time of the year which is organised within the premises of the lake, making it one of the best places to visit in Shillong.
The best time to visit Ward’s Lake is during the spring season, although it looks beautiful throughout the year.
Opening Time:
November to February: 8:30 AM-5:30 PM
March to October: 8:30 AM-7:00 PM
6 Shillong Peak

Here you can buy souvenirs and artefacts from the shops available out there and local traditional tribal attires are available on rent to wear. If you want to experience the attire of the tribes you can take the traditional dress on rent and click picture by wearing it. Children enjoy wearing these traditional dresses.
Timings: Open throughout the year from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
7 Nongjrong

It is roughly 47.3 kilometres from Shillong. Nongjrong’s picturesque beauty is enchanting, helping you forget about your concerns for sometime and provides a revitalising experience. You won’t be disappointed if you go all the way to the corner of the hilltop to get a better look at the clouds.
The best time to visit Nongjrong is during the dawn. You can start early from Shillong and reach Nongjrong before dawn to capture the perfect beauty of this major attraction of Shillong.
8 Lady Hydari Park

The view of the park is very vivid, green and colourful with flowers all around. Pathways are well maintained to walk through the park. Sheds with sitting arrangements are available inside wherein you may rest if you get worn-out during your visit.
Overall, Lady Hydari Park is rightly considered to be one of the wonderful and best places to visit in Shillong to spend some quality time with the near and dear ones. This park remains open every day throughout the year except on Monday.
Opening Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
9 Shillong Golf Course

Golf has been played here since the time of the British. Shillong Golf Course is also known as “Gleneagles of the East” by the United States Golf Association and Museum because of its lush surroundings and stunning views.
Shillong Golf Course also serves as a picnic spot as there are lots of open spaces to stroll around and play games.
10 Mawphlang Sacred Forest

Mawphlang Sacred Forest is densely covered in around 80 hectares of land filled with lots of natural wonders. There are some areas where no tourists are allowed to pluck branches. Best time to visit Mawphlang Sacred Forest is during October to April. Though it is open throughout the year for tourists.
Opening Time: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Entry fee: Rs.50 per person and Rs.300-350 for an English-Khasi speaking guide for one-hour.
11 Laitlum Canyons

From this place one can get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding hills which are covered with greenery and with clouds hovering just above the head during monsoon. It is the best place to rejuvenate and refresh yourself from all the hustle and bustle of city life. It is also one of the best places for picnics and to have some leisure time with nature.
It is open throughout the year and the best time to visit is in the morning and afternoon as at these times the real beauty of this place can be seen and you will get the best chance to click some amazing pictures of this astounding spot of Shillong.
Adventure Activities in Shillong
12 Air Force Museum

This museum is maintained by the Eastern Air Command, Shillong. Here you can visit to see some of the artefacts of the Indian Air Force. Things worth seeing in the museum are the picture gallery, war memorials and the dummy aircraft. As the Museum is situated at the Airforce Base Station security is the main concern out there. While visiting there, one is required to take an Identification Card. It remains open throughout the year.
13 Bishop Falls

One can get a full view from the opposite side of the falls which can be accessed by foot after a trek of around 1 kilometre. This falls looks more beautiful during the rainy season as the water gushes to its full strength and makes it one of the most attractive spots of Shillong, Meghalaya.
Bishop Falls View Point is open throughout the year from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
14 Captain Williamson Sangma Museum

It showcases the livelihood of all the tribes of Meghalaya, their villages, their past history, some musical instruments, handicrafts, clothes, baskets and lots more which makes it one of the best and must visit Shillong Tourist Places.
It is open throughout the year from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM except Saturday and Sunday.
15 Mawkdok Dympep Valley

16 Mawsmai Cave

These are limestone caves of Meghalaya. It does not take much time to move around and come out of the cave. Mawsmai cave is a pretty popular spot of Cherrapunji where you will witness a large number of tourists. The natural limestone cave will surely fascinate you, as inside the cave, you will see water dripping regularly from the roofs and even there is formation of stalagmites and stalactites. Getting inside the cave is an adventurous experience.
The cave’s floor and the roof are naturally joined together forming pillars. There are some places inside the cave where one has to kneel down and lower their heads. Exploring Mawsmai Cave will be an experience of a lifetime. It remains open throughout the year.
Opening Time: 9:30 AM -5:30 PM
17 Seven Sisters Falls

This waterfall is referred to as Seven Sisters Falls and locally known as Nohsngithiang Falls. The Seven Sisters Falls derives its name from the seven streams which plunge from the top of the cliffs. It is the fourth highest waterfall in the country. The beauty of the falls can be fully seen during the rainy season as it appears extremely beautiful and attractive during the monsoon and this makes it a must visit spot of Shillong.
In the evening, the waterfalls flow down amid the rapidly setting sun, forming a rainbow which makes the place a great sight to see for the onlookers. There is a platform built for the tourists to have a full view of the falls and also a park to spend some leisure time with nature on the top of the mountain. Therefore, the falls is famous for its name and is one of the best tourist places in Shillong.
It remains open throughout the year. If you want to enjoy the beauty of this falls, visit during the rainy season that is in the months from July-September.
18 Nohkalikai Falls

Below the falls, a plunge pool has also been formed by the cascading waterfalls. Though this waterfall is open for tourists throughout the year, monsoon is the best time to visit Nohkalikai Falls as during this time, the waterfall is at its peak beauty and viewers can have a soothing image of the waterfall. There is a viewing gallery from where you can have the best view of the waterfalls, its surrounding greenery and the beautiful valley.
As Meghalaya is known for its waterfalls and caves, Cherrapunji serves as a hub for all these famous caves and falls. Tourists coming to Meghalaya never miss to visit these top attractions of Cherrapunji and these are the must visit Shillong tourist spots.
19 Double Decker Living Root Bridge

These roots grow in such a way making it in the form of a bridge at the top of a river and creating a path for the local people to cross the river easily. It is also an ideal place for trekking. Two bridges are formed here due to the entanglement of roots transforming itself in the form of a Double Decker Living Root Bridge.
It is a wonder, astonishment and a unique spot for travellers to visit and they never miss out on visiting this unique Double Decker Living Root Bridge while they are in Cherrapunji and planning to visit the tourist spots in Meghalaya.
20 Krang Suri Falls

The most interesting thing about this place is that this falls has deep blue coloured water, flowing throughout the year and the is alluring beauty of the falls attracts tourists visiting Meghalaya from all over the world and is among the list of the must visit Shillong tourist places.
There are a lot of things to do here apart from clicking pictures of the beautiful scenery. One can simply swim in the pool but have to take life jackets on payment basis. There is a small entry fee which is about Rs.50 and around Rs.100 for life jackets. Also there is a boat ride available for the tourists.
It is suggested that if you visit here then keep around 1 to 2 hours in your hand to enjoy the beauty of the waterfalls and its surroundings. Best time to visit Krang Suri Falls is during the rainy season.
21 Umngot River

Here you can go boating and also come for a picnic with your friends and family. The water of the river is so clear that the river bed can be clearly seen while boating in the river. During the sunny days, the greenery of the river shines bright giving it a spectacular view. There is an iconic bridge from where you can get an amazing view of the river.
Best time to visit Umngot River is from October-March. It is open throughout the year.
22 Mawlynnong Village

The villagers here love cleanliness which can be witnessed by the visitors. Dustbins are kept in most of the places in order to maintain the cleanliness of the vicinity of the village.
This site is located around 75.1 kilometres from Shillong. As being the role model of many villages, the village children are given a lesson for cleanliness at a very early age which we get to see here as the kids are very careful about cleanliness of the village. Apart from cleanliness, this village has a vast and densely covered area with varieties of fruit trees, lovely flower garden, etc. There is also a balancing rock in the village where one big rock is placed over the small rock with a perfect balance, known as the Balancing Rock of Mawlynnong.
Although it is open throughout the year, the best time to visit Mawlynnong is during the rainy season when the lush green bushes are dense which makes it more attractive to roam around and feel the freshness of the environment.
23 Dainthlen Falls

This place is also known by the locals as the home of the python, as there are lots of holes (structure) which resemble python, locals believe that python lived there a long time back. There is a story behind the name “Thlen” which means a snake of large size or a python that used to live in a cave. Some men in the area killed that snake during the French Revolution. Dainthlen Falls is adjacent to the place where Thlen was killed, hence getting its name. The waterfalls pass between the two huge rocks making it an amazing sight for the viewers. The river at Dainthlen spreads out and falls into the narrow gorge. You can also visit Saimika Park which is a nearby attraction.
It is open throughout the year and has no restriction nor any charges for visiting this falls but only parking charges are applicable.
Entry Fees: Free
Parking Fees: Rs. 20 for two wheelers and Rs. 50 for heavy vehicles.
24 Butterfly Museum

It is owned by Mr. Wankhar who is keen for the conservation of these butterflies and moths. This museum is situated in Jaiaw, Shillong. The museum is a real treat for children, so if you are travelling with children you must visit this place and spend some time visiting this unique spot of Shillong.
Opening Time:
Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Closed on Sunday
25 Kharmih Varieties Spot

For picnic lovers, a hut is built for cooking food. Wood and utensils are available on hire here. This spot remains open throughout the year. But the best time to visit is during the rainy season when it rains as the beauty of this spot reveals only when there is ample rain.
26 Wei Sawdong Falls

You have to go down the steep hills to reach the falls. Some of the stairs are made out of bamboo branches and stones on the steep hills, for the ease of travellers. If you have physical strength and are capable of using bamboo stairs and natural stairways along with the strength to climb up, you can visit this place.
27 Borhill Falls

It is a must-visit place for those who are fond of waterfalls as the water passes through the green mountains with a pleasurable sound. Visiting Meghalaya you must see the compelling beauty of this fall. Borhill Falls is mostly visited during the rainy season as the water gushes with its full might during the monsoon.
Location: Mawlynnong-Lynghat, Riwai-Dawki Rd – Meghalaya, 793110
28 Lyngksiar Falls

Lyngksiar Falls should be in your bucket list if you are ever visiting the Cherrapunji region. It is a perfect picnic destination for all age groups.
Lyngksiar Falls is renowned for its crystal-clear and blue-coloured water. It gives a soul-refreshing sense and one should definitely take out some time to explore its astounding beauty and praise the beauty of nature.
There are small tea and snack stalls at the falls and the place also provides adequate parking space. The location near this region provides a feasible water sports like boating and fishing with proper infrastructure. Best time to visit here is during the winters.
Location: Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 793111
29 Janailar Falls

The location is so green and mesmerising and the water is so chill that you will love to drench yourself and feel its coolness. Hence, you should surely visit this best Shillong Tourist place. The path that takes to the Janailar Falls is often used by the locals and the shepherds, so while travelling through you will get to witness them as well. If you are an immense nature admirer this waterfall is a definite place to witness.
Location: Cherrapunji, Meghalaya-793111
Entry Fee: Rs.30
Timings: 6am-5pm
30 Dawki Tamabil Border

31 Thangkharang Park

Another best thing about this place is that the trees are labelled in such a way that helps students and nature lovers study nature. The bushes and lawns have been nicely-maintained which also makes the park a beautiful site for picnics. It has a small playground for kids & youngsters with few shaded areas to relax. Overall, you will get the best experience visiting this amazing Shillong Tourist Place.
The beauty of the place captivates travellers in such a way that it does not allow them to leave early from there. It remains open throughout the year from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM except Wednesday.
32 Ever Living Museum

Entry Fees: Rs.50/- per Adult, Rs.20/- for Children, Rs.30/- for Students, Rs.1000/- for Documentary, Rs.2000/- for Film Shooting, Rs.20/- for Mobile Camera, Rs.50/- for DSLR Camera.
Visiting Hours: 11am-6pm
33 Mattilang Amusement Park

34 Wahniangleng Bulls Trek

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.
Season | Temperature |
---|---|
Summer(March-June) | 25°C-15°C |
Monsoon(July-September) | 18°C-12°C |
Winter(October-February) | 17°C-2°C |
Shillong Travel Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Places to visit in Shillong
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The best places to visit near Shillong are:
-Cherrapunji
-Dawki
-Mawlynnong
-Jowai
-Guwahati
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.