Shillong, India: travel guide
Pine-scented plateau capital of Meghalaya, lakes and live music
The 'Scotland of the East' — a cool pine-scented plateau capital of living root bridges, Ward's Lake, and a surprisingly vibrant music and café culture.
About Shillong
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, set on a cool plateau in the Khasi Hills among pine trees and small lakes. Its colonial-era buildings, churches and relaxed streets earned it the old nickname Scotland of the East.
Things to do in Shillong include a walk around Ward's Lake, the viewpoint at Shillong Peak, and a drive to Umiam Lake (Barapani), where the water is ringed by hills. Elephant Falls is a short ride away, and the Don Bosco Museum gives a thorough introduction to the cultures of the Northeast. The city also has a lively cafe and music scene.
Shillong is a good base for Cherrapunji and the living root bridges. It suits couples, friends and cultural travellers, and the best time to visit Shillong is from October to May.
- Country
- India
- Currency
- INR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
- Nearest airport
- SHL
Last updated
Top places to visit in Shillong
Umiam Lake (Barapani)
Nature · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A vast man-made reservoir ringed by pine-clad hills just north of the city, prized for its mirror-like waters, kayaking and panoramic viewpoints.
Elephant Falls
Waterfall · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A scenic three-tiered waterfall amid ferns and moss on the city's outskirts, with stepped walkways linking the cascades.
Ward's Lake
Nature · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A pretty horseshoe-shaped lake in the heart of the city with a wooden arched bridge, paddle boats and landscaped gardens — a beloved local stroll.
Police Bazar
Market · 4.2 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The bustling commercial heart of Shillong, a tangle of shops, street food, woollens and cafes that buzzes into the evening.
Shillong Peak
Viewpoint · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The highest point of the Khasi Hills (~1,965 m), offering a sweeping panorama of the city and, on clear days, the plains of Bangladesh.
Don Bosco Museum (Mawlai)
Museum · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · entry ₹150
A seven-storey museum of Northeast India's indigenous cultures — tribes, crafts, weapons and a rooftop skywalk with city views.
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
church · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A graceful blue-and-white Catholic cathedral on a hill, with serene stained-glass interiors and a grotto, reflecting Shillong's strong Christian heritage.
Laitlum Canyons
Viewpoint · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A breathtaking "end of the hills" viewpoint ~25 km out, where green canyons plunge into mist — a dramatic, less-crowded scenic spot.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest
Nature · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
An ancient sacred grove ~25 km away, protected for centuries by Khasi tradition, where a guide leads you among monoliths and rare flora.
Captain Williamson Sangma State Museum
Museum · 4.1 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
A modern state museum showcasing Meghalaya's tribal heritage, natural history and freedom-struggle galleries across multiple floors.
Things to do
- Shillong Viewpoints & Falls Tour Nature · 5 h · from INR 1,200 per person
- Mawphlang Sacred Forest Walk Nature · 2 h · from INR 800 per person
- Umiam Lake Kayaking & Boating Activity · 1.5 h · from INR 500 per person
- Laitlum Canyons Trek Activity · 3 h · from INR 1,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Shillong City Sightseeing 8 h · from INR 1,500
- Cherrapunji & Living Root Bridges 11 h · from INR 2,500
- Mawphlang & Sacred Grove Trip 5 h · from INR 1,300
Where to stay in Shillong
- Police Bazaar about INR 2,500 per night
Main shopping district with mid-range hotels
Hotels
- Ri Kynjai – Serenity by the Lake 5-star · INR 9,000 to INR 16,000 per night
- Vivanta Shillong 4-star · INR 5,500 to INR 9,500 per night
- Hotel Polo Towers 4-star · INR 5,000 to INR 9,000 per night
- The Heritage Club Tripura Castle 4-star · INR 5,000 to INR 9,000 per night
- Hotel Centre Point 3-star · INR 3,000 to INR 5,500 per night
- Hotel Pinewood (MTDC) 3-star · INR 3,500 to INR 6,000 per night
Where to eat
- ML 05 Cafe Continental, Cafe, Khasi · about INR 450 per person
- City Hut Dhaba North Indian, Chinese, Tandoor · about INR 400 per person
- Trattoria Khasi · about INR 250 per person
- Cafe Shillong Continental, Cafe, Khasi · about INR 450 per person
- Delhi Misthan Bhandar North Indian, Sweets, Chaat · about INR 180 per person
- Dylan's Cafe Cafe, Continental, Fast Food · about INR 400 per person
- Jadoh Stall (Bara Bazar) Khasi, Street Food · about INR 120 per person
- La Galerie (Hotel Polo Towers) Multicuisine, North Indian, Continental · about INR 650 per person
Getting to Shillong
Airport: Shillong (SHL)
Getting around
- Shared Taxi
- Taxi
- Walking
More in India
Frequently asked questions about Shillong
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Shillong?
- The highest-rated places in our Shillong guide are Laitlum Canyons, Don Bosco Museum (Mawlai), Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Mawphlang Sacred Forest, Umiam Lake (Barapani).
- Where should I stay in Shillong?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Shillong: Police Bazaar.
- How do I get around Shillong?
- Ways to get around Shillong covered in our guide: Shared taxi, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Shillong?
- The nearest airport to Shillong has the code SHL.