Shillong, capital of Meghalaya, is a beautiful hill destination in Northeast India. Known as the “Scotland of the East” by and for the rolling green hills, waterfalls, lakes, old buildings from the colonial days, markets alive with color, and the Khasi culture. There are a number of places to visit in Shillong, regardless of whether you plan a weekend trip or a tour around other parts of Meghalaya.
Whether you want to enjoy the scenic beauty at popular sites like Ward’s Lake and Elephant Falls or want to explore the museums, view points or un-crowded natural sights of Shillong; you will find everything here.
Top Attractions in Shillong City
1. Ward’s Lake
Situated right in the middle of Shillong, Ward’s Lake is one of the most accessible sites to incorporate into a sightseeing program while in the city. Surrounded by manicured gardens, pathways and vibrant blooms this horse-shoe shaped lake provides for a serene morning or evening stop.
Boating is the most popular activity in this place. The gardens nearby are perfect for photography. Shillong cultural sightseeing circuit recommended by Meghalaya Tourism includes kayaking at Ward’s Lake and botanical garden near it.
Best for: Families, couples, photography and leisurely walks.
2. Shillong Peak
Shillong Peak is one of the best-known viewing points in Shillong offering panoramic views over Shillong and its hills. Positioned at a high altitude, the view from Shillong Peak can be breathtaking on a clear day.
Cloud and mist can alter the experience at times giving the hills a little more dramatic feel to it. The view point is very attractive for those seeking a view of Shillong from the Top.
Best for: Views, photography and nature lovers.
3. Elephant Falls
Elephant Falls is one of the top tourist attractions in Shillong and is situated just a few miles from the main city. It cascades down a number of rocky terraces with thick rainforests standing all around.
Visitors can continue down the steps to the various parts of the waterfall. It can be slippery in the area, especially in and after the monsoon season, so please wear comfortable shoes.
Best for: Families, nature lovers and waterfall photography.
4. Don Bosco Museum
The Don Bosco Museum, also called the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, is one of the most important cultural attractions of Shillong. The museum displays the culture of the indigenous people of Northeast India, presenting their traditions, dresses, music, art, and way of life.
The seven-storey museum is indeed handy for visitors seeking more information about the place than the scenic views. The museum along with the botanical garden on the same campus forms part of the Meghalaya Tourism recommended museum-botanical garden tour.
Best for: Families, students, history enthusiasts and culture lovers.
5. Police Bazar
Police Bazar is the prime commercial and shopping center of Shillong and also a great place to get the urban feeling of Shillong. Markets have clothes shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants, souvenir shops and native products.
Convenient stopovers for having food in the heart of Shillong. Police Bazar is an obvious choice for those visiting Shillong and wishing to discover it beyond sightseeing hours.
Best for: Shopping, food and evening walks.
Waterfalls Near Shillong
Shillong and its surrounding hills are known for waterfalls, particularly during the rainy season.
Sweet Falls
Sweet falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in and near Shillong and is scenic in its wooded setting. Visitors should exercise caution at certain places on the edge of the falls as well as around steep and slippery sides and risky approaches to the water.
Elephant falls
Elephant falls is the most straightforward waterfall to add in to a typical city sightseeing trip.
For those able to travel a bit further, the wider Meghalaya region has some stunning waterfalls including Nohkalikai, Wei Sawdong, Kynrem and others. These are best done as day trips rather than short visits while in Shillong.
The monsoon is a blessing for the state making it lush and green, but huge rains can also play havoc on the roads and sights outside. For a wider itinerary, watch the local conditions before traveling.
Lakes & Nature Spots
Umiam Lake
The Umiam Lake is one of Meghalaya’s most famous landscapes. Situated north of Shillong, it is one of the state’s huge reservoirs and is famous for its vast green hills. When the weather is fine, the lake is even more breathtaking.
A good stopover point for travelers coming to Shillong from Guwahati, or can be included in a sightseeing circuit. Amongst the attractions listed for Meghalaya Tourism’s Shillong museum-and-botanical-garden itinerary are scenic views from the lakeshore and lakeside activities at Umiam Lake.
Best for: Scenic drives, photography, picnics and families.
Phan Nonglait Park
If you are seeking a more tranquil green area in Shillong then Phan Nonglait Park is a possible option. The park is a landscaped setting and there is a less hectic feel to the park than the commercial streets of the city.
More for the restless types! Great for families with children or those just looking for a stopover in between sightseeing.
Shillong Golf Course
The Shillong golf course is situated with the open greens in the valley as well as the unique environment of the hills surrounding it. A fascinating inclusion in the journey for travelers with a penchant for nature and photography; even if golf is not a part of your travel plans.
Laitlum Canyon
Laitlum Canyon may be just beyond the periphery of central Shillong but it remains one of the most popular natural sights to add to a comprehensive Shillong Meghalaya tourist places to see itinerary. The striking ridges and blackish valleys offer some of the area’s most picturesque vistas.
Please allow additional time to your journey if you include Laitlum in your plans, particularly at peak times and in adverse conditions.
Museums & Cultural Sites
But Shillong is not all about waterfalls and scenic views. The city’s museums and churches offer a good introduction to Meghalaya’s history and various cultures.
The Wankhar Entomology Museum is definitely an unusual point of interest for anyone with an interest in butterflies, moths and insects. According to Meghalaya Tourism, the museum houses specimens of over 1600 different species of butterfly and moth.
Another opportunity to learn about tribal culture and historic artifacts is at The Captain Williamson Sangma State Museum. This can be combined with visiting Ward’s Lake and other local museums for a day out sightseeing.
Another notable sight is the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. The Cathedral stands out in its unique architecture and tranquil surroundings. This is a favorite spot among the people and tourists to explore the religious and colonial history of Shillong.
Travelers can also visit All Saints’ Church, one of the city’s historic churches, adding another dimension to a Shillong city tour.
Markets & Shopping Spots
Markets of Shillong are a major part of travel experience as they reflect local life along with providing souvenirs.
Police Bazar
Many tourists find shopping in the Police Bazar most convenient. This market offers clothing, woollens, handicrafts, cafes, snacks and other daily items. One benefit of the police bazar being located in the heart of the town is that you can easily combine shopping with dinner.
Bara Bazar / Iewduh
If you want to have a more traditional market experience, Bara Bazar, also called Iewduh, would be the place to visit. It is one of the biggest markets in the city and has a considerably more local feel than the shopping areas aimed at tourists.
The market sells fresh produce, food items, traditional clothing and other regional goods.
Handicraft Shopping
For those wishing to purchase Meghalayan crafts you should visit the government emporia and handicraft stores. Traditional handloom products, textiles, cane furniture and other locally made items are good keepsakes.
Offbeat & Hidden Gems
If you have already visited the major Shillong tourist places, consider adding a few less conventional stops.
David Scott Trail allows for walking and colonial history for those wanting a different perspective from city sightseeing in the Khasi hills. It is mentioned in the list of Shillong attractions of the Incredible India.
Wankhar Entomology Museum is another unique option, particularly suitable for families and children with interests in nature and science.
Laitlum Canyon is an excellent alternative to spending the whole day indoors in central Shillong for travelers after impressive scenery. There is also ongoing mention in recent traveler discussions of less visited viewpoints, waterfalls and trekking areas around Shillong and the rest of Meghalaya, although access may be limited.
A good guideline is to separate out Shillong city sightseeing spots from elsewhere and plan it as a day trip. Most of the popular waterfalls in Meghalaya like Sohra, Dawki, Mawlynnong, Jowai are better outside the city planned separately than being included in a local sight seeing day.
How Many Days Do You Need for Shillong?
For the main Shillong local sightseeing places, one full day can really hit them if you leave very early. Two days would give you a more relaxed approach, even allowing time for museums, markets and viewpoints.
If Shillong is a part of a bigger Meghalaya tour, then try to spend a minimum 2-3 days around the city and plan a visit to Sohra, Dawki, Mawlynnong or Jowai as a different trip.
Check out our Shillong travel guide for a complete itinerary and surrounding trips planning.
FAQs About Shillong Tourist Places
1. Which are the best tourist places in Shillong?
The city’s popular sites are Ward’s Lake, Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Don Bosco Museum, Police Bazar, Umiam Lake, Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians and Laitlum Canyon.
2. What are the best Shillong tourist places for families?
On the family-friendly side are Ward’s Lake, Don Bosco Museum, Phan Nonglait Park and certain museums. Elephant Falls is suitable as well, provided some care is taken on the wet stairs.
3. Is there a Shillong tourist map PDF available?
Yes. Official Meghalaya Tourism also supplies downloadable itinerary information and plan type materials but a live directions program is usually more practical for current routes and time estimates.
4. Which Shillong tourist spots are best for photography?
For landscapes and scenic photographs, an excellent option is Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Ward’s Lake, Umiam Lake and Laitlum Canyon.
5. What is the best time to visit Shillong?
September-May tends to be a good time for sightseeing, as the weather is often more pleasant. The rains of the monsoon months will blanket the country in green, and result in spectacular waterfalls, but the rains can also make getting around difficult.
6. Can Shillong tourist places be covered in one day?
All the main city attractions can be done in a day with an optimum route. But traveling to Laitlum Canyon and Umiam Lake might require extra travel time. Places away from Shillong need to be spent as separate days and planned in advance.
Conclusion
Shillong is not just a transit point while traveling Meghalaya. For the waterfalls, lakes, viewpoints, museums, churches, markets and Khasi culture, it deserves to be thoroughly explored.
If you are visiting for the first time, start with Ward’s Lake, Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Don Bosco Museum and Police Bazar. Then use your extra time for Umiam Lake, Laitlum Canyon, museums or quieter local attractions.
By choosing a reasonable list of Shillong attractions and framing a route according to your likes and dislikes, it is quite easy to witness the historical and the offbeat side of Meghalaya’s capital.