PLACES TO VISIT IN SHILLONG

Shillong is the charming capital of Meghalaya and is a beautiful hill station in Northeast India. Surrounded by wavy hills, lavish greenery, and spanning misty landscapes, It is an ideal escape for nature enthusiasts. Known as the ‘Scotland of the East,’ Shillong offers a pleasant climate, friendly and helpful locals, and a mix of modern and traditional cultures. Places in Shillong can be properly visited by booking Shillong Tour Packages.

Visitors from all over the globe visit Shillong for its unique attractions, from charming lakes to majestic waterfalls, there are numerous places to visit in Shillong which makes it the most popular and loved tourist destination.

Shillong is widely known for its lively and bustling markets, like Police Bazar, Bara Bazar where the needs of shopping enthusiasts are fulfilled. The city is also home to few of the best educational institutions which increases the charm of the region. Whether you wish to relax by a lake, engage in adventure like trekking or explore the local culture and tradition, Shillong has something or the other for everyone. Among the many places to visit in Shillong, some of the most popular are Laitlum Canyons, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Ward’s Lake, Don Bosco Museum and the bustling Police Bazar.

Shillong offers pleasant weather throughout which makes it a great place to visit at any time of the year. The city is also famous for its lively and unique festivals, with music and culture playing a vital role in daily life. Adventure lovers can explore the various long and deep caves and wavy, stony trekking trails, while food lovers can enjoy and explore delicious local Khasi cuisine. With so many amazing and breathtaking places to visit in Shillong, it is truly a destination that promises unforgettable experiences and memories.

Shillong is a hub of various attractions that must be explored by its visitors. Below listed are some of the must visit places in Shillong.

Laitlum Canyons

Among the various destinations to explore in Shillong, Laitlum Canyons is one amazing spot not to be missed by any chance. Located at a distance of 22.6 km from Shillong, it translates to the ‘End of the Hills’ or ‘End of the World’. It requires a hike of a minute or two to reach and witness this spanning beauty.

Trekking enthusiasts  can engage in trekking on some popular trekking trails like Smit Village Trek and the Rasong Village Trek. It is a paradise for adventure lovers to engage in thrilling treks along the rocky and wavy paths. It is a boon to watch this beauty early in the morning, all covered in fog and in the evening during sunset when the sky appears in beautiful shades of red and orange.

Therefore, visiting Laitlum Canyons is a perfect escape from the daily hustles of life and is among the must visit and explore Shillong tourist places.

Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls is among the many beautiful destinations to witness in Shillong. The name of the falls is inspired by a large rock at the bottom which resembles an elephant from the British during the Colonial Rule. However, this rock was destroyed in the earthquake of 1897. Elephant Falls is also known by another name, ‘Kshaid-Lai-Pateng’ which refers to its three levels.

There’s a barrier adjacent to the waterfall which lets the visitors enjoy the little water splashes on their face while also ensuring safety. Also, there are boards present at each tier of the falls, giving the historical information. Reaching the first and second tiers, visitors can witness sitting arrangements and witness the beauty of the falls. Tourists can also engage in photography at the falls, snapping some good pictures of the falls, surroundings and themselves as a memory of a lifetime. It is suggested to walk slowly as the path is a bit abrupt, especially for children and senior citizens.

One can also visit the Mattilang Park along with many nearby destinations. Among the many places to visit in Shillong, Elephant Falls is one of the perfect weekend getaways to relax and have a good time in the midst of nature.

Timings: 10am-6pm

Shillong Peak

Shillong Peak is undoubtedly a noteworthy destination to visit in Shillong. It is located approximately 10 km from the city centre and lies at an elevation of 6,433 feet. Visitors are often mesmerised by the charm offered by this destination. It serves as the Indian Air Force Station in the Khasi Hills.

There are a few shops nearby from where visitors can buy some souvenirs. Tourists can engage in photography sessions at this amazing spot and capture the spanning beauty of this place.

Shillong peak is accessible to its visitors on all the days except Wednesdays of every week with a small entry fee of Rs.50 per person.

Timings: 9am-5pm

Don Bosco Museum

Don Bosco Museum is another must-visit attraction of Shillong. This museum restores the rich heritage and culture of the various tribes of Northeast and is a hub of information and education for history enthusiasts. The artwork of these tribes are represented here in the form of handmade statues, traditional attires, ceremonies and achievements, shields and so on. The museum showcases the traditions of various tribes of Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and many more on the list. This seven storey museum has a skywalk on the seventh floor which lets the visitors have an enchanting bird eye view of the Shillong city.

Don Bosco Museum is one of the best places to visit in Shillong to dive into the history of the Northeast and the tribes of the region. It's no less than a paradise for history enthusiasts and is even beneficial for the children to enhance their knowledge in an enjoyable way. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday for visits.

Timings: 9:30am-4:30pm

Ward’s Lake

Ward’s Lake is the most loved tourist destination of Shillong. It is located about 2.2 km from the main city, near Police Bazar. This lake is also known as ‘Nan Polok’ or ‘Pollock’s Lake’ since the Pre- Independence time and is believed to be 100 years old. This lake got its name after Sir William Ward, who was the Chief Commissioner of Assam at that time and planned the formation of the lake. However, the construction of the lake was done by Colonel Hopkins in the year 1894.

There is a wooden bridge on the lake which is surrounded by verdant greenery and a pebble made path that surrounds the lake giving it an enchanting look. A walk on the bridge, feeding the fish or ducks, relaxing in the shade of tall trees and spending time around the flower garden is all one needs to rejuvenate oneself.

Visitors can also engage in paddling activities and can enjoy snacks in the nearby restaurant. A popular festival, ‘Cherry Blossom Festival’ is celebrated between October and November around the lake which marks the region turning completely into the many shades of pink. It is no less than a delight to witness this festival.

Ward’s Lake is open to its visitors all through the year except Tuesdays of every week.

Timings: 8:30am- 5:30pm (November to February) & 8:30am-7:00pm (March-October)

Therefore, If you plan a trip, be sure to explore these fantastic places and experience the charm of Shillong.