February 13, 2025
The North East is home to some of the country's most unique and mesmerising natural gems. Many of these natural wonders are located in Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. Be it amazing waterfalls, traditional markets, lush green hills or scenic lakes, this tiny capital city has got it all!
As one of the best places to visit in North East India, Shillong offers a peek into the unique small-town lifestyle. This little town stands out with its cool climate, less pollution, traditional shops run by women, and welcoming local population. But don't let its size fool you; there is a lot that you can explore in Shillong to make your stay memorable.
If you are planning on visiting, do your best to explore these places of interest in Shillong during the summer months. Starting in March and ending in June with the onset of the monsoon, this is the perfect time to experience the city at its best.
But before you pack your bags, make sure you take a look at some of the best places to visit in Shillong. Continue reading as we explore and learn more about these scenic destinations!
The word "Meghalaya" literally translates to the abode of clouds. This should be an indication enough that this hill station has some of the most amazing natural wonders in store. Thanks to the unique geography, there are countless natural beautiful places in Shillong that you cannot miss out on:
The unique topography of Shillong puts it in an elevated position, making way for countless waterfall formations. Millions of years of active geological activities have made way for some of the most stunning must-visit places in Shillong with waterfalls. Some of the most noteworthy of these destinations include:
Most Shillong tour packages start with a visit to the iconic Elephant Falls, located quite close to the town. This fall gets its name from a natural rock formation that resembles an elephant, but sadly, it does not exist anymore. However, the natural wonder still retains its awe-inspiring charm with its three-tiered waterfall and cascading effect.
The Sweet Falls is another popular Shillong tourist destination. Its humbling beauty and steepness are the perfect example of how nature can be amazing and dangerous simultaneously. This straight-pencil vertical drop of water from a height of 315 feet is a view that will stay with you even at the end of your tour.
The Bishop & Beadon Falls is one of the less famous places in Shillong, but it is a sight to behold. Here, you see two waterfalls located near each other, with water dropping from a height of over 100 meters. The monsoon season is a great time to explore this fall in its full glory.
Once done with exploring the amazing waterfalls, you can proceed to explore the lakes and parks in Shillong. While most of the lakes here are man-made, they still bring out the best in terms of nature's beauty. So make sure you don't miss out on these unique Shillong tourist attractions:
The Umiam Lake, locally known as the Barapani, is a man-made reservoir with a well-equipped dam that generates power for the little town. The lake along the iconic Shillong picnic spot was created in the 1960s while Meghalaya was still part of Assam. This lake is the first thing you will see on your way to Shillong, so make sure to pay attention.
Ward's Lake is by far one of the best tourist places in Shillong and a remnant of British colonialism in the region. While the colonists have left long ago, the man-made lake still holds its unique charm. The iconic wooden bridge over the lake with ducks swimming along the water below is as fulfilling as an experience gets.
If you are looking for the best place to visit in Shillong for couples, Lady Hydari Park is an excellent choice. Now known as Phan Nonglait Park, this is the ideal destination to spend some quality time with your loved ones. While there, make sure to try out the local cuisine right outside the park since these dishes are exclusively unique to Shillong.
While Shimla and Manali get most of the credits, even Shillong is not far behind with the best honeymoon destinations in India in low budget. The city is home to some of the most iconic romantic getaways that rejuvenate your connection with nature. Some of the best-known of these destinations include:
Laitlum Canyons means the end of the hills, and no other place deserves a title as good as this. It is one of the best places to see in Shillong, and you can catch a panoramic view of rolling hills and a deep gorge. If you need to seek solace amid nature, then this canyon is a must-visit.
The Shillong Peak is by far one of the best honeymoon destinations in India in February. This is one of the few hilltops from where you get a bird's eye view of the entire town below. The peaks hold spiritual significance for the locals and offer a glimpse of the giant Kanchenjunga on clear winter mornings.
There is a lot more to this little town than stunning hills and amazing waterfalls. The city also houses historical and cultural places to visit in Shillong city. These sites highlight the city's uniqueness, religion, history, and heritage, highlighting them in the best light.
If you are looking for the best places to visit in Shillong in 3 days, museums are a great place to start. These attractions highlight the region's unique culture and diversity, with countless traditional handicrafts and artefacts. If you are keen on learning more about this unique culture, then this should be a great start for you.
The Don Bosco Museum is the perfect treasure trove for all history buffs and cultural fanatics out there. This seven-story museum has 17 galleries filled with traditional attire, artifacts, tools, and crafts. It gives you a peek into the culture of this place and the tribes who have called it home for centuries.
The next pick on the list is the Air Force Museum, which gives a glimpse of the history of the Indian Air Force in the Northeast. This is one of the best tourist places in Shillong, and it displays aircraft, historical weapons, and uniforms. The museum is very educational about the military in the region.
Religion has always been a major part of shaping Shillong's culture and society. While the majority of the state's population are Christians, there are other religious minorities residing here as well. So, here are some of the best places to visit in Shillong for families.
The Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians is the largest Catholic church in the city. The unique church stands out with its gothic structure, which will leave you humbled. Any Meghalaya tour package will remain incomplete without a visit to this iconic site.
The All Saints Church is one of the oldest structures in the city and among Shillong's best tourist places. The colonial era was initially built in 1877 but was destroyed by an earthquake two decades later in 1897. The present structure was constructed in 1902 and has since stood the test of time very easily.
Shillong is one of the must-visit places for all the adventure and thrill seekers out there. Here, you get some of the best places to visit in Shillong with friends and enjoy the outdoors. So, here are some of the many adventure and outdoor activities for you to do in Shillong:
Shillong is the perfect destination for all the adventure-seekers out there. There are countless trekking and hiking trails around the city for you to experience something different. Some of the popular of these places include:
David Scott Trail is a 16 km long adventurous trekking trail located near Shillong. It is a must-add to an adventurous North East tour package to explore nature through this age-old trekking route. Formerly, this was a horse cart trail, but now it offers a unique adventurous experience you will cherish for years.
The Mawphlang Sacred Forest is one of the best places to visit in Shillong for couples seeking mysticism. It has deep roots in the local belief system and is considered a sacred place where rare plants grow. Legend says that you should not take even a leaf or a stone from this forest, so make sure you keep this in mind.
While Shillong is a land-locked hill station, there are still certain boating and water sports you can enjoy there. Here are the best bloating and water sports-related things to visit in Shillong:
The man-made reservoir Umiam Lake is now a place where you can experience the thrill of water sports and boating. It is one of the best places in Shillong for water-based recreational activities. You can do a lot here, from boating, kayaking, water skiing, and much more.
Shillong is home to vibrant local markets where you can get almost everything you want. Whether your needs are modern or traditional, there is always something for everyone. So, make sure you check out these commercial spaces:
In Shillong, shopping is a hobby for most people, which explains why the markets here are so vibrant. These markets offer the perfectly authentic north-eastern experience that you cannot miss out on. These markets are amongst the best places to visit in Shillong in one day, and they include:
Police Bazaar is the prime hub of Shillong, where you can get a wide range of goods and services. No matter if you are looking for clothing items or amazing handicrafts that remind you of the place, there's everything here. This is one of the best places to visit in Shillong at night and explore the local delicacies along the roadside stalls.
Iewduh market, pronounced as "Yoh doh," is the region's largest and oldest functioning market. The pre-colonial market has stood the test of time and played a major role in making Shillong the thriving capital it is today. It is the perfect addition to tour packages in India while exploring the north-eastern part of the country.
When it comes to food, things don't get any better than they are in Shillong. The hill station offers a wide range of delicacies, including everything from local to international cuisine. There is no shortage of eateries here; regardless of your taste or preference, there is something for everyone here. It is all about looking for the right place and placing the right orders that your taste buds relish.
It is no secret that Shillong is home to a wide range of cafes and restaurants you can find in any hill station nearby. Since the city is a boiling hot pot of different cultures, there are countless choices in terms of keeping your stomach full. So, here are some cafes and restaurants that you cannot miss out on during your visit there.
Trattoria is one of the most preferred choices for tourists looking to get the authentic taste of Shillong. Located conveniently at Police Bazaar, it is a must-visit eatery for anyone looking to get a taste of local Khasi food.
The place is quite popular among locals, which is a good indication of the quality and taste of the food. You can choose from a wide range of dishes and cuisines based on your tastes and preferences.
Must Try Dishes:
The next top pick on the list is Dylan's Cafe. This music-themed cafe is inspired by the legendary American musician Bob Dylan. The ambience of this place does offer a unique vibe that sits well with the music of this legend.
The other great things that make Dylan's Cafe a favourite among the locals are the delicious food and the cosy ambience. You can sample a wide range of food items, from burgers to momo. But the best part of it all is locals performing gigs every day in the evening to keep you engaged.
Must Try Dishes:
While there are many places to eat in Shillong, the City Hut Dhaba stands out as a premium choice. It is conveniently located near Police Bazaar and just a couple of minutes walk from the junction. Whether you are a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, there is something for everyone at this popular restaurant.
This family-owned business has been ruling over the hearts of the locals for years. No matter if you want a taste of Chinese or Indian cuisine, there are countless alternatives and options you can find here. Besides, the aesthetic and pleasing ambience of the restaurant further adds to the amazing experience you have eating there.
Must Try Dishes
When it comes to exploring the north-eastern part of India, your trip will always remain incomplete without a visit to Shillong. This hill station, while tiny, is a great choice for honeymoon packages in India. Apart from romance, it is also a great place to go out with friends and family and explore the less-known parts of the country.
Shillong has everything from lush mountains and hilltops to an amazing climate, hospitable locals, amazing waterfalls, and the list goes on. But exploring all these places in a short span of time is much easier said than done. You need to plan a proper itinerary, book the necessary accommodations, make travel arrangements, and so much more.
Managing all that hassle can be draining for anyone and even ruin their trip entirely with unwanted headaches. Trip Planners India is here with the perfect solution to your problem. We have a comprehensive network of experts and executives to make travel easy for you.
All you need to do is tell our experts about your unique needs and requirements; we will take everything from there. So think no further and eliminate the hassle from your Shillong trip. Only worry about the unique places you wish to visit and the experience you want to have. Reach out to us today and plan the perfect trip to Shillong.
