Dawki River

Things to Do in Shillong

Located in the lap of the Himalayas, Shillong is one of the most elegant and popular tourist destinations of Meghalaya. Often referred to as the ‘Abode of Clouds’, Meghalaya is well-known among travel enthusiasts mainly for the wide range of surprises which it offers to the visitors at every corner of the state.

From exploring the serene lakes to enjoying the picturesque views of the foggy mountains and gorgeous waterfalls, there are a lot of things to see and enjoy in this city. Shillong is also home to a number of well-preserved museums which ideally portray the cultural beliefs and history of its inhabitants. Even the adventure enthusiasts are going to fall in love with this place instantly as there are innumerable varieties of thrilling activities to try out here.

Along with all these, there are a number of local restaurants all over the hill station and some of the mouthwatering dishes are definitely a must-try even if you are not a foodie. Be it angling at Dawki or boating in Umiam Lake, there are a lot of things to do in Shillong which will let you earn some remarkable memories.

Once you step on the land of Shillong, quite often, you will feel that this city shares an intense and soothing connection with nature and its tribes. The peaceful vibe of the valleys, misty and captivating hills, and the mesmerizing sky, all of it is what makes Shillong a perfect place for the tourists to unwind and enjoy amidst its overwhelming greenery and water bodies.

1 Splash into Adventure with Water Sports Activities at Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake
Commonly referred to as Barapani Lake, Umiam Lake is one of the most well-known places to visit in Shillong which is located in close proximity of the city along the Shillong-Guwahati highway. Covered with thick coniferous trees on one side and the Sylvan Hills on the other, Umiam Lake is one of the best picks for photographers and nature lovers mainly for its captivating location. This magnificent man-made lake is home to a number of small islands and its breathtaking views make it to be one of the most savored picnic spots of Shillong.
Anyone looking to indulge in a varied range of water sports will be in complete awe after visiting this place as it offers a wide range of exciting water sports activities like fishing, cruising, water skiing, kayaking and water scooter rides. Taking a boat ride and enjoying the picturesque views of the mountains and lush greenery all around will definitely rejuvenate your soul to the fullest! Hence, Umiam Lake Tour comprises everything one can expect and it is completely worthwhile to spend some amazing time amidst nature with your family and loved ones here.

2 Enjoy a Perfect Boat Ride at Dawki

Dawki Shnongpdeng River
Each and every turn of Shillong is filled with surprises and magnificent natural beauties, Dawki is one such peaceful village located at the foot of the Jaintia Hills. This place is mainly popular for the crystal clear water of the Umngot River which offers a stunning view of the rocks and pebbles located on the river bed.
The boating experience on this river is undoubtedly charming as it really does feel like floating on a transparent piece of a glass sheet. Besides that, the picturesque views of the Jaintia Hills on one side, and the green forestry on another, and vibrant colored fishes flowing in the emerald blue color will definitely detoxify your spirit and offer a splendid encounter.

3 Experience Serenity with Riverside Camping at Shnongpdeng

Camping at Shnongpdeng, Dawki
It’s not just the lush green hills and elegant waterfalls, Shillong is home to a number of scenic lakes and rivers too. Umngot River is one such beautiful river that is widely popular for its crystal clear water. Like the crowded town of Dawki, the Umngot River flows through Shnongpedeng too which is around 7.4 km away from Dawki.

The primary importance of Shnongpdeng is that from this village the water of Dawki River reaches Bangladesh. Spending a night in a tent by the Umngot River below a clear sky and enjoying the bonfire is going to be one of the most loved memories from your entire trip!

One can enjoy an exciting boat ride at Dawki, however, the tranquil environment of Shnongpdeng makes the encounter more splendid. There are a number of water sports options along with boating in which one can take part and create some vibrant memories to cherish endlessly.

4 Explore the Underwater World of Umngot River by Scuba Diving

It feels more exciting to get your first experience in Scuba Diving when the river looks extremely tempting and clean. Umngot River is one of the ideal places for scuba diving as it has crystal clear waters and you will relish it more when the fishes and other water animals will swim past you. There are a number of agencies which will provide you the basic training and will give you a brief about the usage of equipment and other details. All over the complete experience of diving into a depth of 9-10 metres is going to feel extremely surreal and delightful!

5 Enjoy Snorkelling in the Pristine Umngot River

If you are a fan of underwater adventures, snorkelling in the Umngot River will definitely be the perfect choice for you. Shnongpdeng can be regarded as the water sports capital of Meghalaya because of the number of activities offered to the visitors. Therefore, try to opt for as many activities as possible because you are not going to regret this decision ever!

6 Indulge in a Thrilling Cliff Jumping at Shnongpdeng

Cliff Jumping Dawki
Are you someone who craves to jump into the water as soon as you see a pool or stream or any form of waterbody? If you are a daredevil and love water and heights, make sure to try out Cliff Jumping in Shnongpdeng. The banks of the river are filled with naturally occurring cliffs all around. However, the higher the cliff is, the more breathtakingly exciting your experience will be. But make sure to choose the height of the cliff depending on your diving skills.

7 Embrace the Thrill With Zip-Lining Adventures in Crystal Waters of Umngot River

Gain pleasant experiences of your life by Zip-lining over the Umngot River in Shnongpdeng. You will get to see the stunning view of the river bed and colourful pebbles, moreover flying high over the river while being surrounded by nature on all sides and getting to see some of the most refreshing scenes of the Jaintia Hills will let you have the best adventurous and thrilling experience.

8 Enjoy Kayaking Through the Paradise at Umngot River

Kayaking in Dawki
The crystal clear water of the Umngot River is the main reason for the kayaking to be enchanting. You will crave to sail through the river automatically once you get the pleasure of viewing the colourful pebbles while floating above the water on a kayak. It will feel extremely amazing to sail on the river while gazing at the greenery and beautiful nature all around you.

9 Engage in the Sightseeing Tour of Shillong

Scotland of the East
Be it the historical bugs or nature lovers, Shillong has a lot more to offer to its visitors than they can imagine. From numerous lakes, mesmerizing landscapes, and hills to dense forests, thrilling caves, fascinating views of the cascades, the capital city of Meghalaya is extremely rich, both in terms of its natural beauty and cultural diversity. From boating at Umiam Lake to enjoying an amazing time in Lady Hydari Park, there is a long list of places in Shillong which you must definitely explore. However, considering the number of days you are going to spend here, you can prepare an outline of the spots which you want to explore.

Maybe covering all of the best places won’t be possible, but one can definitely try to prepare a customizable list of the places considering whether they prefer museums and other places of historical importance over the natural attractions, waterfalls, and parks. Some of the most popular places for sightseeing in Shillong are Ward’s Lake, Shillong Peak, Spread Eagles Falls, Sweet Falls, Butterfly Museum, Ever-Living Museum, Shillong Golf Course, Laitlum Canyons, Elephant Falls and many more!

10 Explore the Cultural Diversity and Traditions at Don Bosco Museum

Don Bosco Museum 3
Even though Shillong is the epitome of natural beauty, it is well-known for preserving its cultural diversity and traditions too. Rising tall amidst Shillong’s skyline, Don Bosco Museum offers a quick glance at the unique lifestyles of the past inhabitants of the north-eastern states of India.

It is extremely admirable the way this city boasts of its native tribal culture in a variety of approaches. Besides that, an extra amazing attraction of this place is a skywalk on the top floor of the museum which offers a panoramic view of the complete city to the tourists. Being a part of the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC), this museum has its own separate research section, publications, and newsletter which is really very impressive! One needs almost 2-3 hours to explore this beautiful museum properly.

Don Bosco Museum is often referred to as the architectural pride of Shillong as its elegant design is really a remarkable one. This museum has separate galleries which give an in-depth overview of the past lifestyles of the communities of the region.

11 Indulge in the Adventurous Trek at David Scott Trail

David Scott Trail
Untouched by the urban lifestyle and industrialization, the David Scott Trail trek is one of the most suited adventures for nature lovers. With a touch of enriched historical background, this trek offers an amazing adventure-filled tour through the lush greenery, stone bridges, scattered fields, charming streams and rivers, natural pools, picturesque valleys, and hills.

Considering the fact that it was built during the British era and got its name after the British administrator, David Scott, this trail is one of the most preserved attractions of Shillong. The trail course is a part of a 100 km trade route that was constructed between India and Bangladesh by the British administration of India.

Stretching in between two elegant Khasi Villages of Mawphlang and Lad Mawphlang, this trek route is one of the most beautiful and captivating ones among the northeastern parts of India. Besides that, the most satisfying fact about this trail is that people of all ages, be it beginners, kids, or elderly people can go for a shorter route of this natural hike smoothly.

12 Trek the Nature’s Stairways at the Double Decker Living Root Bridge

Double Decker Living Root Bridge
One of the most fascinating and exotic destinations of Meghalaya is the Double Decker Living Root Bridge located in the small village of Nongriat. This root bridge is one of its kind and the village itself is located deep down within the forest of the East Khasi Hills. Therefore, there is no transportation available which will take straight to the village. That is why Tyrna village is the point till where it is possible to go by road.

From Tyrna village, a 2.5-3 hours long trek will take you to the famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge. However, the complete trail is filled with green bushes, old and huge trees, and short streams flowing down from everywhere around.

After crossing some lovely small villages, you will reach the footsteps of the Double Decker Living Root Bridge and a tempting pool. On reaching the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, it will be worth taking a refreshing dip in the fresh and clear water of the pool.

13 Explore Bara Bazar (Iewduh) Traditional Market

Iewduh is one of the oldest traditional markets of Northeast India and is commonly referred to as the Bara Bazar by the locals. Even though a majority of the shops are owned by native Khasis of Meghalaya, there are a number of migrants from other states who have set up their own businesses here, for years.

The exciting fact about this market is that most of the shops here are run by women and this unique system has been going on for generation after generation. Even though the entire market area is exceptionally clumsy and cramped, the brighter part is that there are no such items that are not available here.

From handmade clothes, handicrafts made by the locals to a varied range of tools, fruits, vegetables, and groceries, everything is available at a decent price here. Bara Bazar is the perfect one-stop solution for everything you need to buy. One must definitely visit this place when they visit Shillong and grab varieties of souvenirs to cherish forever.

14 Go in for Shopping at Police Bazar

Police Bazaar Shillong
Police Bazar is an extremely lively place that houses a number of shops and local restaurants. Even though the area is quite small and overcrowded, one can still manage to get the best and cheapest items with some swift bargaining. Be it elegant shoes, sneakers, a variety of comfy clothes, or stylish dresses, one can manage to get all the items here with ease and at a cheaper price. After getting done with exploring and shopping, sneak into any of the restaurants and try out the local cuisines and mouth watering dishes. Besides that, most of the cabs and bus stands are located here and hence, one can easily plan their next day sightseeing tour.

15 Lakefront Nature Camping at Mawsynram

Mawsynram is a beautiful village in Meghalaya, widely known for the heavy rainfall which it receives throughout the year. Not only the rain lovers but even the ones who are not a huge fan of rain will also feel instantly mesmerized by the beauty of this place.

Staying overnight at the Weiing campsites in the southern slopes of Khasi Hills surrounded by the dense greenery of Phlangmawsyrpat community forest on one side and the serene Weiing Lake on the other will definitely rejuvenate your soul and strengthen your spirit to the fullest.

From trekking through the lush verdant forests to caving through the nearby caverns along with opting for the numerous water activities in Weiing Lake, you will feel amazing while exploring this peaceful village in countless ways. Take back a bag full of splendid memories from the camping experience in the wettest place on the planet.

16 Take a Tranquil Day Tour of Mawphanlur

Mawphanlur Village
The land of the seven lakes, Mawphanlur is one of the most lesser-known places located in the outskirts of Shillong. This beautiful spot is not really a part of the usual tourist chain of Shillong, Dawki, and Cherrapunji and that is what has preserved its beauty in such a perfect manner.

A one-day tour will be enough to explore the complete village. Even though there are no such activities to indulge in except kayaking through the calm lakes, you will enjoy taking an endless stroll through the blissful village roads and green valleys and moving from one passage to another while the abundance of fresh air purifies your mind to the fullest!

17 Take a Cultural Tour of Umden, the Eri Silk Village

Meghalaya is filled with amazing destinations with picturesque streams, beautiful lakes, and green pastures of lands and valleys. Even though well-known for the dedicated cultivation of silk in their own orchards and forests, Umden is one such marvellous village that is home to numerous tea estates and an abundance of natural beauty.

Trekking through the village roads while witnessing each step of sericulture followed by the process of weaving, dyeing, and spinning of the yarn and lastly, a glance at the method of the preparation of elegant silk clothes of beautiful and exquisite designs are extremely wonderful to observe. One can also manage to shop for some souvenirs here, if interested.

After getting done with the tour, spend some amazing time in the Rock Garden and staring at the horizon that offers quite an extensive view of the Khasi hills. If you are still having some time in your hands, enjoy the pleasant views of the strawberry fields, bamboo forests, and tea gardens scattered amidst the whole village, while taking a short walk as it is quite an underrated trail indeed.

18 Witness the Majestic Beauty of Laitlum Canyons

Laitlum Canyons
If you are willing to escape away from the main tourist network and spend some time in solitude amidst nature, Laitlum Canyons is going to be the finest choice for you. This place offers a completely different glimpse of the Sylvan Hills and one must not miss this unique piece of beauty by any means. It is just an hour’s drive away from Shillong and , the ambiance of this elegant valley has succeeded in remaining unblemished.

Laitlum Canyons means “End of the Hills” and once you visit this place, you will truly feel that the meaning is completely worthy indeed! The canyons remain covered by dense fogs for the most part of the day. Even though it reduces the visibility, the cloudy weather makes this place look spectacular during the morning hours.

However, the best time to visit this place is during the afternoon as the sky remains comparatively clear at those moments. This place is ideal for adventure lovers and trekkers and if you are one of the nature enthusiasts too, you are unquestionably going to fall for this place at once.

Besides that, make it a point to steal a small glance of the rural life of Rasong Village while going down a steep bunch of about 3000 stairs through orchid groves and bamboo plantations. The whole area of Laitlum Canyons is filled with small and long trekking paths and wandering endlessly through these trails gives an amazingly refreshing feeling. Plan out your day here accordingly and spend some cherished moments in this gorgeous lush green valley.

19 Explore the Waterfalls and Nature’s Wonders at Cherrapunji

Wei Sawdong Falls
Cherrapunji is one of the major reasons for which Meghalaya got its recognition all around the world. It is highly popular as one of the ‘wettest places on the planet’. The roadway from Shillong to Cherrapunji is one of the main attractions of this place as the whole journey will let you get in touch with beautiful waterfalls and viewpoints while travelling through foggy forest roads.

Cherrapunji is home to some of the most pristine waterfalls and the continuous misty and foggy weather of this place adds a magnificent vibe to its eternal beauty. There are innumerable destinations and living root bridges in this mesmerizing town of the East Khasi Hills district. Moreover, it is stuffed with adventures and thrilling places all over.

20 Indulge in Delightful River Canyoning at Cherrapunji

A perfect fit for the risk-takers and trekkers, river canyoning in Cherrapunji offers a breathtaking experience to the tourists. From trekking, water rappelling to swimming, the amalgamated version of these adventure activities is going to let you enjoy the elegant waterfalls, rivers, and ponds completely as you have never done before! If you are an adventure enthusiast, do not miss out on this fun-filled activity by any chance. With all of the adrenaline-rushing moments, the thrilling encounter of river canyoning in Cherrapunji will definitely make your trip an extra memorable one.

21 Zip-Lining at Mawkdok Dympep Valley

Mawkdok Dympep Valley
Zip-Lining in Mawkdok Dympep Valley of Cherrapunji will let you unfold the best possible way to enjoy the mesmerizing views of the mountains and forest from a height of about 1,200 feet. With the assistance of a trained expert, you can enjoy the heart-thumping activity freely.

There are two types of zip lines available on the basis of two different heights. One is a shorter course for beginners and another is a longer course which covers the entire valley. Even though each of those activities is of the same duration of 20 mins. Try not to miss out on this enthralling experience. Moreover, make sure to enjoy the bird’s eye view of the whole green valley and verdant mountain ranges while flying high through zip lines.
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22 Unlock the Adventure at Mattilang Amusement Park

Mattilang Amusement Park
A popular tourist attraction that has been drawing attention to Shillong is Mattilang Amusement Park. Located in Upper Shillong, it has a beautiful setting and an abundance of vegetation. Surrounded by lush hills and mountains, it offers a breathtaking view of Elephant Falls. A cottage is beautifully built, adding to the beauty of this place. This park, which was created by the local religious self-help group, is a new tourist attraction in Meghalaya.
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23 Traverse the Nature at Wahniangleng Bulls Trek

Bulls Trek
Wahniangleng Bulls Trek, a lesser-known beauty in the heart of Meghalaya, is around 23.1 km from Shillong. It offers a unique combination of thrilling activities and serene natural beauty. The Wahniangleng Bulls Trek is an amazing journey that takes you through lush hills, winding roads, and gorgeous landscapes. A short 30-minute walk downhill will take you to a beautiful spot, perfect for a picnic or sunset view. One can learn about the rich cultural and heritage of the Khasi people through the Wahniangleng Bulls Trek. Tourists can also visit neighbouring villages to learn about the traditions and customs from the friendly locals.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Shillong

1. What are some water sports activities to do in Shillong?

Some of the prime water activities to do in Shillong are:
➤Yachting
➤Cruising
➤Pedal boating
➤Kayaking
➤Scuba diving
➤Snorkeling
➤Cliff jumping

2. Are there options for Zip-lining in Shillong or in the outskirts of the city?

The options for zip-lining are available in:
➤Shnongpdeng which is around 8 km away from Dawki
➤Mawkdok Dympep valley in Cherrapunjee

3. What are some unique things to do in Shillong at night?

There are several unique things to do in Shillong at night that give visitors a chance to enjoy city's night life.
➤Stroll through Police Bazar, which stays active with street food stalls and local shops.
➤Explore the night local markets in Shillong to pick up souvenirs and taste local snacks.
➤Spend a peaceful evening by Umiam Lake, watching the beautiful sunset turn into night.
➤Enjoy authentic food and live music at popular cafes such as Café Shillong.

4. Which are the best visiting places in Shillong for camping?

There are a number of serene places like Mawsynram, Cherrapunji, and Dawki, for Camping. However, camping overnight by the riverside in Shnongpdeng is going to be the best location.

5. What are the unique things to do in Shillong for the tourists visiting first-time?

If you are travelling to Shillong for the first time, there are many unique things to do in Shillong that will make your trip memorable:
➤Go to Shillong Peak and enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
➤Plan a short trip to nearby attractions like Elephant Falls and Umiam Lake to admire Meghalaya’s natural beauty.
➤Explore Police Bazar or Bara Bazar for shopping and delicious local food.
➤Visit the spanning Shillong Golf Course, famous for its wide green fields.
➤Relax at Lady Hydari Park, a great spot for leisure with family and friends.
➤Spend some peaceful time boating and walking around Ward’s Lake.

6. What are some of the least explored places in and around Shillong?

Just because Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, it does not necessarily mean that it is the only city that houses the best destinations of the state. There are a number of less-visited spots in and around the outskirts of Shillong, which includes:
➤Spread Eagle Falls
➤Arwah Cave, Sohra
➤Wahkaba Falls
➤Phe Phe Falls
➤Syntung
➤Tyrshi Falls
➤Butterfly Museum
➤Rynji Falls

7. Is it more satisfying to camp overnight at Shnongpdeng or Dawki?

Definitely Shnongpdeng! Even though this place is still unknown for many, and maybe that is why it seems to be much peaceful and better than Dawki. Even though both the places offer a number of adventure activities, opting for camping in Shnongpdeng by the riverside is going to be the best choice.

8. What are some best places for beginners to trek in Shillong?

There are numerous places for trekking and hiking in and around Shillong. However, when it comes to beginners, the Double Decker Root Bridge Trekis going to be the ideal option.

9. How many days are enough for Shillong trip?

To cover all the major Shillong tourist attractions and experiences, a Shillong trip should ideally be planned for 5 days. However, with smart planning, the main highlights of Shillong can also be explored in 3 to 4 days. For a complete experience, you can check out our 6 Days 5 Nights Best of Shillong Tour Package, which allows you to enjoy the best of Shillong in one trip.

10. When is the ideal time of the year to see nature at its best in Shillong?

It’s unquestionably the monsoon. However, if you are not that fond of rains, the months just after the monsoon are quite charming too.

11. What are the best things to do in Shillong for couples?

Shillong is one of the most romantic destinations in Meghalaya, widely known for its scenic charm. There are numerous romantic things to do in Shillong for couples that make it a perfect getaway:
➤ Capture stunning moments while enjoying the wide views from Shillong Peak.
➤ Spend some quiet time at the refreshing Elephant Falls.
➤ Go boating at Umiam Lake, a peaceful spot surrounded by hills and greenery.
➤ Relax together in the beautiful Lady Hydari Park.
➤ Share a candlelight dinner at some amazing cafés in the city.
➤ Plan a scenic drive to Cherrapunji, which is perfect for a romantic day trip.
You can also explore some of our Magical Shillong Honeymoon Trip for 4 Days and 3 Nights or Romantic Shillong Cherrapunji Honeymoon Tour Package for 5 Days and 4 Nights that let couples enjoy the beauty of Shillong in the most memorable way.

12. How can one explore best Shillong tourist attractions on a budget?

Most of the tours in Shillong are planned between 3 Nights 4 Days to 6 Nights 7 Days. However, to cover the whole of Shillong as well as certain hidden gems around the city, 4 Nights and 5 Days are going to be sufficient. You can explore our Mesmerizing Shillong and Cherrapunjee Tour Package for 3 Days and 2 Nights or Shillong Sightseeing Day Tour Package which lets you experience the beauty of Shillong while staying budget-friendly.

13. Which are the best places to visit in Shillong and Cherrapunji?

When looking for the best places to visit in Shillong and Cherrapunji, you will find plenty of natural wonders and popular attractions. Both destinations in Meghalaya are famous for their stunning waterfalls, valleys and rich cultural sites.
Best places to visit in Shillong are:
➤Shillong Peak
➤Elephant Falls
➤Don Bosco Museum
➤Ward’s Lake
➤Lady Hydari Park
Best places to visit in Cherrapunji are:
➤Seven Sisters Falls
➤Nohkalikai Falls
➤Mawsmai Cave
➤Double Decker Living Root Bridge
➤Eco Park

14. Is Shillong safe for solo travellers?

Yes, Shillong is relatively a much safer place to travel alone than many of the other well-known Indian towns and cities. Besides that, it has ample transportation facilities and good places to stay for even solo travelers.

15. Are summers of Shillong bearable?

The summers of Shillong are not that hot and humid compared to the other states of India. Moreover, the weather of Shillong stays quite pleasant all around the summer months. The temperature generally ranges between 25° Celsius (Maximum) to 16° Celsius, in the months of summer.