The name Meghalaya means ‘abode of clouds’ in sanskrit. It is also known as the Scotland of the East. Meghalaya has abundant rainfall and sunshine around the year and is considered to be one of the richest botanical habitats in Asia. The state has a number of valleys, highland plateaus and lush green hills and is speckled with big waterfalls. The state has an international border with Bangladesh and also borders Assam.

Places to Visit

Laitlum Canyon

Located in the East Khasi Hills, Laitlum Canyons is still an unexplored place of Meghalaya. As the names suggest Laitlum means “end of hills” and it actually feels like the end of the world. Lush valleys, gorgeous gorges, sprawling meadows and an abode of clouds, this place is a trekker’s delight.

Mawlynnong

Termed as the ‘Cleanest Village in Asia’ or also regarded as God’s Own Garden, this little village located on the East Khasi Hills is known for its cleanliness and natural beauty. This village also promotes community-based eco-tourism. Remarkable Sky View platform created from bamboo on the top of the highest tree offers a panoramic view of the village extending up to Bangladesh forest. You can also fulfil your fantasy of living in tree-houses which are actually built by the locals for the tourists.

Dawki

Nestled between the Indian and Bangladeshi border, Dawki town is a travellers’ delight. Take a dip in the pristine and clean water of Umngot River. You can plan to go on a boat ride and on the way explore the glorious Bophill Falls.

Sacred Groves of Mawphlang

Interestingly, the local communities have preserved a smaller part of the forest area which is full of medicinal herbs, orchids and insect-eating pitcher plant Nepenthes khasiana. It is utilized to burn the bodies of their dead and also perform animal sacrifices. These forests are protected due to their beliefs but it is open for tourists who want to spend their time amidst nature.

How to reach:

By Air: Nearest airport located at Guwahati at a distance of 128 kms from Shillong

By Road: You can also drive down to Meghalaya if you have your own vehicle. If you are planning to come here from Guwahati, you’ll have to begin in Guwahati’s Bara Bazaar from where you will reach NH37. Following this, you will come across Kamrup District and then NH40. Another 65kms from here, you will enter Meghalaya through Nongpoh. 

By Car: Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) is well connected to several cities within the state as well as neighbouring states. You can also drive to Meghalaya if you own a vehicle.

By Bus: Tourist buses are available at your expense which are economical and convenient.

If you are looking for the most affordable and cheapest transport services you can simply visit here Travenjo Cabs and Car Rentals

Sukanya Sen

Literally translating into an ‘abode of clouds’, Shillong is a breathtaking hill station which is nestled amidst the paradisaical Garo and Khasi hills. With sparkling waterfalls, manicured gardens, azure lakes, and distinct culture, this alluring hill town beckons you to witness the natural charm of Northeast at these 15 mesmerizing places to visit in Shillong. Referred as the ‘Scotland of the East’, the natural scenery of Shillong has a striking similarity with the mountains in the east. 

Best Time To Visit Shillong In 2020

The best time for Shillong tour is from the months of September to May. During these months, the weather is extremely pleasant with moderate rainfall. Shillong looks beautiful and invigorating during the monsoon season, but torrential rain may disrupt travel plans. So, June to August is certainly the best time to visit Shillong for those who wish to embrace the magic of rainfall.

25 Best Places To Visit In Shillong In 2020

Here are some of the best tourist attractions you must visit in Shillong to witness the ethereal beauty of the hill station.

• Umiam Lake: The Land Of Thick Vegetation
• Shillong Peak: Mystical Hill
• Elephant Falls: Serentity All Around
• Laitlum Canyons: Beauty Spread As Far As The Eye Can See
• Mary Help for Christian Cathedral: Peaceful Spot
• Ward’s Lake: Perfect For Soaking In Trnaquility
• Don Bosco Museum: Revisit The History
• Lady Hydari Park: Embrace The Mother Nature
• Air Force Museum: For The Patriotic Souls
• All Saints Cathedral: The Colonial Era Structures
• Phan Nonglait Park: Exotic Wildlife
• Sweet Falls: Escape The Hustle Bustle 
• Sohpetbneng Peak: Witness The Miniature Version Of Town
• Mawphlang Sacred Forest: A Treasured Trove
• David Scott Trail: Ideal For Thrill Seekers
• Spread Eagle Falls: Natural Marvel For Relaxing
• State Museum: Get An Insight Into The Culture
• Mawphlang Village: That Fairytale Countryside
• Mawjymbuin Cave: Unfold The Mysteries
• Rhino Heritage Museum: For The Most Special Specie
• Botanical Garden: Peaceful Vibes
• Bishop Falls: The 22nd Highest Fall 
• Lumpongdeng Island: For Some Idyllic Views
• The Grand Madina Masjid: Essence Of Spirituality
• Ever Living Museum: One-Of-Its-Kind 

1. Umiam Lake

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Surrounded by thick coniferous forests and East Khasi Hills, Umiam Lake is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Shillong. Popular as Badapani, this is a sprawling man-made water body, formed by damming Umiam River. The lake is dotted with few small islands and the adjoining Lum Nehru Park is an ideal place for strolling and picnic.

Along with natural beauty, Umiam Lake is famous for thrilling water sports and fun activities like kayaking, boating, water cycling, scooting, and is an important part of Shillong sightseeing itinerary.

Location: Umiam Lake, Shillong

Distance From The City Centre: 16.5 Kilometers

Timings: All days – 9 am to 5 pm

How To Reach: Hire a private cab from Police Bazaar to reach Umiam Lake

Suggested Read: North East Trip: Exploring The Soul-Stirring States Of Seven Sisters, One Brother, And A Neighbor In India

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2. Shillong Peak

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For a stunning view of the surrounding hills and valleys, visit Shillong Peak which happens to be the highest view point and one of the best places to visit in Shillong. Located at an elevation of 6449 feet and mostly surrounded by fog, Shillong Peak offers 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the distant hills, waterfalls, Shillong city, and plains of Bangladesh. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers and trekkers, this place is undoubtedly one of the best tourist attractions in Shillong.

Location: Shillong View Point, Shillong,793004

Distance From The City Centre: 4 kms

Timings: All Days – 9 am to 3:30 pm

How To Reach: One can take a bus or a private cab from the city centre and reach within 20 minutes.

Tip: Carry a valid ID proof for entry beyond the check post

3. Elephant Falls

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Counted as one of the most scenic places to visit in Shillong, Elephant Falls is a three-tier cascading beauty and the most spectacular waterfall of the city.The Britishers named it so because of a huge adjoining rock, that has an uncanny resemblance with that of an elephant. However, the rock is no longer seen ever since it was destroyed in an earthquake.

Here at Elephant Falls, Shillong, you can admire the beauty of foamy water dropping in layers, surrounding dense vegetation, and enjoy shopping for souvenirs from local shops located at the entrance.

Location: Upper Shillong, 793009

Timings: All days – 9 am to 5 pm

Distance From The City Centre: 11 Kilometers

How To Reach: Hire a cab or board a state-run bus from Police Bazaar.

Suggested Read: 10 Best Hotels And Resorts In Shillong That Will Entice You To Explore Meghalaya!

4. Laitlum Canyons

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Perched in the Khasi Hills, Laitlum Canyons is the most offbeat name in the list of Shillong tourist places. Literally translating into the “end of the hills”, Laitlum Canyon is an ideal place for trekking enthusiasts, nature admirers, and peace seekers. Visit this hilltop viewpoint, and enjoy stunning views of gorges, distant hills, valleys, and zigzagging hilly roads.

Owing to the surrounding beauty and tranquility, this is surely one of the perfect places to visit near Shillong for honeymoon couples.

Location: East Khasi Hills, Shillong

Distance From The City Centre: 4 Kilometers

How To Reach: From Police Bazaar, drive for about 10 to 15 minutes towards Mawpat

road to reach Laitlum Canyons.

Tip: Since the destination comprises of a steep trek for a few kilometers, people with vertigo and breathing issues should be more careful while exploring the canyons.

5. Mary Help for Christian Cathedral

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Featuring high arches and stained glass windows, Mary Help of Christian Cathedral is one of the most famous churches in Shillong. The white marble building along with Mother Mary statue looks grand and elegant. This is certainly the most famous Shillong tourist spot.

Inside the Cathedral, there are some beautiful terracotta stations of the cross that showcases life events of Jesus. Perched high on a hill, one can also visit the Grotto Church which carved out the same hill and is located right below the Cathedral.

Location: Lachumiere, Shillong

Timings: Monday to Saturday – 7 am to 6:30 pm; Sunday – 8 am to 6:30 pm

Distance From The City Centre: 2 Kilometers

How To Reach: Take a cab and reach the Cathedral via the Don Bosco Road from Police Bazaar.

Tip: If you are visiting on a clear day, do not miss to enjoy the superb vista of Brahmaputra River and Himalayan Peaks from the Cathedral.

Suggested Read: 13 Gorgeous Homestays In North East India That’ll Transport You To Another World

6. Ward’s Lake

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During Shillong sightseeing, it is impossible to miss the Ward’s Lake. Located at the heart of the city, this is another famous lake in Shillong, also known as Polok Lake. The lake is encircled by cobblestone walkway, ideal for evening strolls. People visit this Shillong tourist spot, to enjoy the natural beauty, day picnics, watch dancing fountain shows or relax at the cafeteria, located by the lake. The wooden bridge on the lake and sprawling lotus beds on both sides make the place look immensely scenic.

Location: Police Bazaar, Shillong

Entry Fee: INR 5 per person; boating and camera charges extra

Timings: All Days – November to February – 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; March to October – 8:30 am to 7 pm

Distance From The City Centre: NA

How To Reach: Ward’s Lake is conveniently located at the heart of city near the Raj Bhavan.

Tip: Buy puffed rice from the entrance gate in case you plan to enjoy feeding the fishes.

Suggested Read: 10 Things To Do In Gangtok To Experience North-East Like Never Before

7. Don Bosco Museum

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As one of the best places to visit in Shillong, Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures welcomes every tourist, art enthusiasts, and history buffs with open arms. Featuring art galleries, wide collections of handicrafts, artefacts, attires, ornaments, and weapons used by various tribes of North-east India, one can witness panoramic views of the entire Northeast India. The museum is located in the premises of Sacred Heart Church and is a seven storey building with seventeen different galleries.

Location: Mawlai, Shillong

Entry Fee: INR 50 per person

Timings: Monday to Saturday: 9 am to 5:30 pm; Closed on Sundays

Distance From The City Centre: 5 kilometers

How To Reach: From the Police Bazar, embark on the Buddhist Temple Road or Camels Back Road to reach the museum easily.

Tip: Once you have seen all the galleries, walk up to the sky walk on the top to enjoy the jaw-dropping vista of Shillong city.

Suggested Read: 25 Places To Visit In Winter In India That Will Ensure You Give Your Quilt A Miss

8. Lady Hydari Park

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Named after the first lady of the province- Lady Hydari, this park is one of the most popular Shillong tourist places. The park comprises of a sprawling and manicured garden including beautiful rose beds and children’s play area. There is a mini zoo inside the park housing more than 73 species of birds and 100 species of reptiles.

Location: East Khasi Hills, Shillong

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 9 am to 5:30 pm; Closed on Mondays

Distance From The City Centre: 2 kilometers

How To Reach: Drive for 5 to 10 minutes via MG road to reach Lady Hydari Park

Tip: Visit the park during the mornings as the local flock to the park in the evening and it will be difficult to find parking space for those who are traveling by car.

9. Air Force Museum

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Located within the complex of Eastern Air Command, Air Force Museum in Shillong is yet another sight of beauty and wonder that makes it one of the most popular places to see in Shillong. With galleries displaying various rockets, missiles, miniatures of fighter planes, badges, rank medals, and awards, this museum attracts all types of travelers throughout the year.

Location: 7th Mile, HQ, EAC, Shillong

Timings: 9 am to 2 pm; 2:30 pm to 5 pm; Closed on Wednesdays & Sundays

Distance From The City Centre: 12 Kilometers

How to Reach: Embark on the national highway numbered 106 to reach IAF museum from the Police Bazar.

Tip: Carry valid ID proof which is required to enter the museum.

Suggested Read: 15 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India To Have A Gala Time With Your Favorite People!

10. All Saints Cathedral

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Considered to be one of the oldest churches in the city, All Saints Cathedral is certainly one of the best places to visit in Shillong. The building reflects a colonial style architecture along with wooden roofs whereas the internal structures add to the beauty and elegance of the Cathedral. Daily masses are organised here, but most footfall is seen during Sundays.

Location: Kacheri Road, Lachumiere, Shillong

Timings: The church is open on all days of the week from 8:30 Am to 5:30 Pm.

Distance From The City Centre: 1.4 Kilometers

How to Reach: Drive for about 5 minutes via MG Road from Police Bazar and once you reach the State Central Library, you can spot the church right opposite to it.

Tip: Plan well in advance so that you can explore other tourist attractions like Lady Hydari Park, State Museum, and Butterfly Museum that are located in close proximity to the Cathedral.

11. Phan Nonglait Park

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One of the best Shillong tourist places, Phan Nonglait Park is located right in the heart of the city. The beautiful Japanese style park attracts a huge flock of locals and tourists every day. You can spot animals like Himalayan Black Bear, Porcupine, Jackal, Leopard, etc, in the zoo. The rich flora and fauna and numerous pretty ponds inside the park will win you over. You can even enjoy boating in the lake with enthralling scenery in the background.

Location: Lachumiere, Shillong

Timings: 8 Am – 5 Pm, Monday closed

Distance From The City Centre: 4 Kilometers from Shillong Bus Stand

How to Reach: It is located in the city and can be reached by cab.

12. Sweet falls

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Located in the serene location, Sweet Falls is a perfect place to get away from the hustle bustle of the fast-paced city life. One of the top places to visit in Shillong, this place offers you scenic views of nature. The picturesque roaring waterfall will make you forget about all your problems in life. Bathing under the waterfall is not allowed due to the intense velocity and height of the fall. However, you may wish to visit Mini Zoo and Butterlfy Park in the vicinity.

Location: East Khasi Hills, Shillong

Timings: Open 24 hours

Distance From The City Centre: 12 Kilometers from Shillong City

How to Reach: The only way to reach here is to hire a taxi or rental car.

Suggested Read: 7 Reasons Why Shillong Is Called Scotland Of The East

13. Sohpetbneng Peak

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If you are looking for ideas for places to visit in Shillong Meghalaya , then you should definitely add Sohpetbneng Peak to your itinerary. Located on the outskirts of the city, the peak offers you the most thrilling views of the city. Its divine, tranquility, peace, and aura make it a must-visit attraction. The Khasi Tribe even regard as the ‘Naval of Heaven’. Do not forget to bring your camera along.

Location: Lum Sohpetbneng, Shillong

Timings: Open 24 hours

Distance From The City Centre: 24 Kilometers from Shillong City

How to Reach: Take a taxi to reach the point. You may have to walk a bit to reach the pinnacle.

14. Mawphlang Sacred Forest

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Shillong is blessed with an abundance of nature. Its lush forests are its treasure and this is what makes Mawphlang Sacred Forest one of the top places to visit in Shillong. If you are a nature lover or wish to get into nature’s lap, you have got to devote your time to a forest trip on your North East vacation. You will be surprised to find a wide array of species of plants and trees. Some of them are even as old as 1000 years. You are not allowed to take anything from the forest since it is revered.

Location: Lum Sohpetbneng, Shillong

Timings: 9 Am – 4:30 Pm

Distance From The City Centre: 26 Kilometers from Shillong City

How to Reach: It takes about an hour to reach here. Take a cab or taxi.

Suggested Read: 8 Hotels In Shillong For Couples That Promise A Blissful Stay

15. David Scott Trail

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Do you enjoy hiking? Then you must head out on David Scott Trail which is one of the most amazing Shillong tourist places. The 16-km adventurous trail not only offers you the best views of nature but also bestow upon a number of adventure activities. This trail is named after a British administrator, David Scott, who used this path as a horse cart track. If you are looking for an unlimited adventure, make sure you visit this place. It takes about 4 hours to cover 16 km of trail.

Location: Mawphlang, East Khasi Hills District

Timings: 6 Am – 8 Pm

Distance From The City Centre: 24 Kilometers from Shillong City

How to Reach: The start point is Mawphlang where you can reach by car.

Suggested Read: 12 Tourist Places In Assam: Unveiling The Hidden Charm Of The North-East

16. Spread Eagle Falls

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Shillong is a land of numerous mesmerizing falls and Spread Eagle Falls is one of the best places to see in Shillong. It is an idyllic spot where nature lovers and water babies can come to spend some time in nature and serenity. The sound of flowing water is the only therapy you will need to calm the chaos in your mind.

Also known as Sati falls, it is a great place for photographers. The wing like shape of the cascading waterfall is not only astounding but also a fine example of nature’s artistry.

Location: Laitumkhrah, Shillong

Distance From The City Centre: 3 km

Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM

How To Reach: Take a private cab.

Suggested Read: Shaibal’s Tour Of Meghalaya With Kids Became An Unexpectedly Adventurous Journey

17. State Museum

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State Museum is a modest cultural museum that will give you a short information tour about the various tribes in Meghalaya. Also, known as Captain Williamson Sangma State Museum, this place is a must-visit for those who want to delve right into the cultural diversity of Shillong. Find a collection of traditional tools, music instruments, antiques, jewelry, and dinosaur models on display.

If you are a history buff, then you should definitely not miss this place. You may think that museums are boring but if you have nothing else to do, visiting this place might actually turn out to be fun. It is a

Location: Secretariat Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001

Distance From The City Centre: 3 km

Timings: 10 AM-4 PM, Sat-Sun closed

How To Reach: The only way to get around Shillong is by foot or hiring a private taxi.

Suggested Read: Visiting Meghalaya In June? Take Tips From Manogna’s Thrilling Escapade To Plan Yours Right

18. Mawphlang Village

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Have you heard about the wild and beautiful Mawphlang Forest? The sacred forest is located in the village of Mawphlang. Once you are done with wandering in the forest, then you should take a tour around the heritage village that will give you an insight about the tribal life.

The village is located in the East Khasi hills and is surrounded by lush greenery and lofty mountains. The breathtaking landscapes will make your jaw drop in awe. The undulating meadows and layers of mist look so dramatic as if it is right out from a book.

Location: East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

Distance From The City Centre: 25 km

Timings: NA

How To Reach: Hire a private taxi from Police Bazaar for a day.

Suggested Read: Our Tranquil Friends Trip To Meghalaya In May 2020 Gave Us Countless Memories

19. Mawjymbuin Cave

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Meghalaya is full of surprises and one of the most fascinating thingsthat exists in the north-eastern state is caves. The best part is that you can visit a few of these caves and wonder at the stalagmite and calcite formations. One such place is Mawjymbuin Cave.

Surrounded by lush greenery and majestic scenery, Mawjymbuin Cave is located near Mawsynram village. There is not even a single reason why you should visit this place except you are claustrophobic. The most prominent attraction inside the cave is a giant Siva Linga made from stalagmites.

Location: Mawjymbuiñ Rd, Meghalaya 793113

Distance From The City Centre: 58 km

Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM

How To Reach: Hire a private taxi from Police Bazar. You may even take a bus from Shillong to Mawsynram.

Suggested Read: The Ever Growing Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya – A Nature’s Marvel In The Northeast

20. Rhino Heritage Museum

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Rhinos are in important part of Shillong’s heritage and culture. So, the people of Shillong have dedicated to an entire museum to the mighty animals. It is one-of-its-kind museum and, hence, an interesting place to visit in Shillong.

Apart from the sculptures and preservations of rhino, you will also find exhibit weapons and photographs of military operations inside the museum.

Location: Zigzag Rd, Ïewduh, Bara Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya 793004

Distance From The City Centre: 5 km

Timings: 9am–1pm, 3–5pm, Thursday closed

How To Reach: You can hire a taxi.

Suggested Read: 10 Scenic Waterfalls in Meghalaya That’ll Leave Your Mesmerized

21. Botanical Garden

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Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful attractions in Shillong known for its impressive collection of special and rare orchids. It is a nice place to take a stroll in the afternoon when you want to spend some quality time with your spouse. If you are visiting Ward Lake, then you should definitely put this on your list too.

It is not necessary that you should be doing something all the time on your vacation. Have a few moments of respite and spend some amidst nature and peace at Botanical Garden in Shillong. .

Location: next to Ward Lake, Shillong

Distance From The City Centre: 3 km

Timings: 9:30 AM – 6 PM

How To Reach: Take a private taxi to drop you at the Botanical Garden.

Suggested Read: 15 Places To Visit Near Shillong In 2020 For Experiencing Meghalaya’s True Beauty

22. Bishop Falls

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In case you didn’t know, Bishop Falls are the 22nd highest fall in the country. So, that should pique your interest for visiting this waterfall. Surrounded by lush greenery, the waterfall drops from a height of 443 ft. The cascading waterfall is also accompanied by Beadon Falls. So, it is a double treat.

If you are coming to see the waterfalls from all the way, then it is best you pack a picnic with you. It is one of the best places to spend some time in nature with your family and loved ones. It gets more crowded on the weekends where locals come to take a respite.

Location: Mawprem, Shillong

Distance From The City Centre: 5 km

Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM

How To Reach: Tale a private taxi or a cab to the waterfalls.

Suggested Read: Breaking Records: World’s Longest Sandstone Cave Just Got Discovered In Meghalaya!

23. Lumpongdeng Island

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Lumpongdeng Island is on idyllic spot in the Umiam Lake ideal for boating and enjoying mesmerizing views of nature. Disconnect from the rest of the world and enjoy a stay on a houseboat if you like. The lake also provide opportunities for camping and trekking.

One cannot get enough of the astounding views of the lake and surroundings. You must capture shots of the island and lake in your camera to save it for a lifetime. The island is truly a getaway for peace seekers and photographers.

Location: Umiam Lake, Shillong

Distance From The City Centre: 17 km

Timings: NA

How To Reach: Hire a private taxi from Police Bazar to take you to Umiam Lake.

Suggested Read: 10 Best Hotels And Resorts In Shillong That Will Entice You To Explore Meghalaya!

24. The Grand Madina Masjid

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The GrandMadina Masjid in Shillong is had to miss because of its remarkable architecture. The largest mosque in north east India, it can accommodate upto 2,000 people at a time. You won’t be able to stop yourself from gazing at the glass dome and glass minarets. Wait till the evening when it is spectacularly lit.

There is even an orphanage and library inside the mosque where you can do some goodwill on your trip to Shillong. The museum is one of the most illustrating places to visit in Shillong

Location:

Distance From The City Centre:

Timings:

How To Reach:

Suggested Read: Ketan’s Trip To Assam And Meghalaya: An Adventurous Escapade Into An Untouched Paradise

25. Ever Living Museum

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A one-of-its-kind-museum, Ever Living Museum is where you will get an insight to the culture of Gairo, Khasi, and Jaintia tribes. You will find coins, instruments, jewelry, utensils, handicrafts, and weapons on display in the museum.

Apart from that, there is even a stone collection in the museum where you find a unique collection of fossils, crystals, seashells and other items on display.

Location: Mawshbuit, Shillong

Distance From The City Centre: 9 km

Timings: 11 AM – 5 PM

How To Reach: Take a private taxi or cab from Police Bazar.

Further Read: 6 Trails That’ll Allow You To Experience Trekking In Shillong At Its Best

Planning a trip to Shillong anytime soon? Then make the most of your trip by including these mesmerizing places to visit in Shillong, that will spice up your whole holiday experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shillong

Q. Which are the best things to do in Shillong?

A. Trekking, Angling, Rafting, Horse Riding, and Kayaking are some of the best things to do in Shillong.

Q. Which are the best restaurants in Shillong?

A. City Hut, Qzine Restaurant, Munchies, and Jiva Sizzlers are some of the best restaurants in Shillong.

Q. Which are the best shopping places in Shillong?

A. OB shopping mall, Glory’s Plaza, Raps Mansion, and Paltan Bazar are some of the best shopping places in Shillong.

Q. Which are the most popular local dishes of Shillong?

A. Jadoh, Tungrambai, Kyat, Ktung, and Ki Ktu are some of the best local dishes that one must try when in Shillong.

Q. Which are the best places to visit in Shillong in December?

A. Though December is the coldest month in Shillong with minimum temperature as low as 6 degrees Celsius. If you still wish to explore Shillong, you can visit Don Bosco Museum, Shillong View Point, and Laitlum.

Q. Which are the best places to visit in Shillong in June?

A. June is the best time to visit the waterfalls in Shillong. The rainfall washes away the city producing scenic vistas for you. Elephant Fall and Spread Eagle are two of the beautiful falls in Shillong.

Q. Which are things that you should not do in Shillong?

A. Not making reservations before you arrive in Shillong and not carrying enough cash are two of the things you should not do in Shillong. ATMs here are scanty. Also, do not forget to carry your ID proofs.

Q. What is Shillong famous for?

A. Shillong has earned its fame because of numerous reasons with its vicinity to the wettest place on earth, quirky guest houses, many natural wonders, and the serene vibes topping the list.

Q. What is the best time to visit Shillong?

A. The best time to pay a visit to Shillong is anywhere between September to May. For those who wish to experience the monsoon season should visit Shillong from June to August.

Q. How many days are enough for Shillong?

A. For those who wish to travel around and cover all the major places in Shillong should visit this destination for at least 5 days.

Capital city of the state of Meghalaya, Shillong offers a perfect mix of old world and modern charm. Tucked away in East Khasi Hills, this city offered a much needed respite from continuous travelling, through gruelling road conditions in much of the rest of north-east. Shillong travel circuit can easily boast to have best roads, connectivity and tourist amenities and hence probably more people travelling to this state than any other out of our lovely seven-sisters.

Being a popular destination, much has already been written about Shillong, so I kept wondering what is it that I should cover that might be unique about this done-to-death destination in north east. I spent about a week in Shillong and my experiences were not as marvellous or spell binding as in rest of north-east. Not because of anything else, but just because Shillong is well touched by tourists and didn’t offer an awe moment to me. Yet there was something everyday that I was learning about it – things very familiar yet giving feelings ranging from amusement to sadness. And that is also important sometimes, when travelling. I decided to write things to do/see based on these experiences- some popular from guidebooks & totally worth it while some based on my own observation.

1. Barra Bazaar

If you think Police Bazaar (PB, as called locally) , the central business district of Shillong is where all the action is, then wait till you visit Barra Bazaar. Often dismissed by cab drivers or guides as ‘just a place to buy wholesale vegetables’, this huge local market place, characterised by criss-crossing narrow alleyways, often allowing only one person to pass at a time, is a world in itself. Its a street photographer’s dream come true ! One can easily get lost in this labyrinth selling all things under the sun for everyday needs, and there are whole alleys specialising in one single product- from obvious fruits, vegetables to kitchen utensils, cane furniture, fish, all kinds of meat, grocery, cloth, sweets. Morning hours is the best time to see all the buzz, consider having breakfast in one of the alleys serving quintessential poori-bhaji.

2. Elephant Falls

Occupying one of the top positions in things-to-do in Shillong guides, it definitely is worth it. The unique feature of this fall is that it gushes out water in three different steps. The name ‘Elephant’ was given by British after a rock bear the fall which had the shape of an elephant, it later got destroyed in 1890s in an earthquake. Proper steps have been made for tourists to get down to the falls and watch it up close. Here are the pictures.

3. Take a drive to Cherrapunji and visit Mawsmai Caves.

Even though a day- trip to Cherrapunji might involve 7-8 sight-seeing stops, but I feel Mawsmai caves are the best or perhaps the only thing worth doing in the whole trip other than of course enjoying the spectacular valleys and scenery around. The drive is so good that so-called tourist spots stand irrelevant. And yeah, one can well enjoy some street food on the way, like these giant veg momos (pic below) we found on our way ! 🙂

4. Stay in Laitumkhra

It doesn’t matter how much you are coaxed into staying at one of the hotels in Police Bazaar, promising good connectivity etc, do not opt for it. PB is just way too busy and it just doesn’t matter how good or luxurious the hotel is. Its always a better choice to stay at places little off from the city centre, say Laitumkhra, which was much quieter in the nights. Laitumkhra has couple of really good cafés (the best one too ) and eating joints and is connected to PB by shared taxi at Rs. 20/head. The place is a hangout zone for most school and college students of Shillong owing to several educational institutions in the vicinity. I stayed in Hotel Yalana which offered good rooms and facilities at very competitive rates. Another good option is to stay at Café Shillong B&B or if you have more budget then opt for Aerodene Cottages.

4. Chill out at Café Shillong

Located in Laitumkhra, ambience wise this café has everything you need in a typical upmarket coffee house, from comfortable lounge style seating to wooden table chairs to outdoor compact terrace seating.  Menu is limited and offers a much needed change to other wise very ‘chinese’ dominated food in rest of Shillong. It has a selection of authentic coffees which tasted really really good. Food was just about okay, not close to what one might expect after tasting their yummy coffee. What else? They have live gigs every Sunday evening. Not to be missed 🙂

5. Try food at Munchies

Yet again located in Laitumkhra, this little discreet (no signboard) café- restaurant is going to surprise you! Well located on the main road, just a few steps away from Café Shillong, this little eatery has everything on offer what you don’t get otherwise in Shillong commonly. Absolutely yummy freshly made thin crust pizzas to just perfectly cooked juicy burgers to pastas. And guess what ? They don’t have chinese or any rice item. The owner is frank enough to tell us he has refrained from keeping any rice item, because pretty much all eateries boil rice on one day and keep reusing it by frying it, for next 3-4 days. In fact he was the one who took us to by lanes of Barra Bazaar on one of his early morning shopping spree for his outlet. They genuinely use fresh ingredients and one can taste that well in their food. Just that one needs some patience, because fresh cooking on order can take some time. Easy on pocket, this little eatery also offers an open air patio seating along with cozy bamboo structure built on a level up which can pretty much give you a feeling of climbing up a tree house. 

6. Drinks at Pinewood Hotel Bar

Visit this bar on a weekend evening for that perfect old-school feel. Hotel is an English style bungalow and the bar holds an old world charm about it with heavy wooden tables and chairs, windows opening to spectacular views of Shillong valley through the manicured garden. And all this at prices which are far more competitive than say the more popular sister in Police Bazaar, Cloud 9. 

Photo: Direct Hotels

7. Street Food in Shillong

Best avoided in Police Bazaar- However, if you feel tempted to try out, after looking at a hoard of street food stalls, neatly placed next to each other in a row, you may, as it is not going to cost more than Rs. 10/- for any item. But my recommendation would be to try some outside Ward’s Lake or on your drives out of city. 

8. Visit Mawlynnong

A two-hour drive away lies village of Mawlynnong, once claimed to be Asia’s cleanest village. It might not necessarily be the cleanest, because I wondered what were the standards set when Discover India magazine claimed it so back in 2003, but certainly extremely clean and one of the very few well tended village I have ever been to. Apart from the village, one can visit the world famous living root bridges with just a 10 minute hike.

9 Treks in Meghalaya For When You Need A Break From The Himalayas

Often overlooked by many tourists, Meghalaya is a gem of a place waiting to be explored – pristine waterfalls, flourishing forests, and majestic sceneries as far as your eyes can see. Owing to its beauty, the British nicknamed it Scotland of the East. Meghalaya is best traversed on foot. And trekking across wonders like Shillong, Mawphlang, Cherrapunjee, among others is a soothing and soulful experience you shouldn’t miss. Here’s an ultimate guide to treks in Meghalaya, for the adventurer in you.

1. David Scott Trail

Immerse yourself in history in the David Scott trail. This is a 16km long trek named after a historical British administrator who worked in the Khasi hills from 1802 to 1832. The trek starts from Mawphlang and ends at Ladmawphlang. In between, you’ll be enlightened with the Khasi history, their culture and folklore, along with scenic views of sparkling rivers, cascading waterfalls, lush green landscapes, and bridges. 

Difficulty Level – The trail starts off as an easy descent, followed by a walk on flat land, and moves on to become moderately difficult due to the ascend in the last hour.

Distance – 16km

Duration – 4 to 5 hours

Attractions – Historical tomb in Mawsahep, fresh and clear Umiam river, and Simpanghang Falls.

2. Umden Village Trek

With its acres of forests dedicated to the cultivation of silk, Umden Village is called the land of silk in Meghalaya. Trekking here is getting up close and personal with the village’s unique culture. You’ll also learn a thing or two about Eri silk, and wander through picturesque tea estates, strawberry fields, among other beautiful countryside locations.

Difficulty level – Easy

Distance – The Umden Village Trek is not long in terms of distance but it is time-consuming and educative.

Duration – 9-10 hours

Attractions – Seeing and learning the process of making silk – step by step, CFT rock garden, mountain biking. 

3. The Living Roots Bridge Trek

As the name suggests, the living roots bridges trek involves trekking over bridges made completely out of roots. Meghalaya is filled with such natural yet man-made wonders. These unique bridges were made by the Khasi tribe by ancient rubber trees as it provides more durability than wooden bridges, which are knocked down due to heavy rainfall in the region. Root bridges are spread all over Meghalaya, including Nongriat, which is a splendid trekking location. Starting from the village itself and ending at Rainbow falls, this is a short, yet exhilarating trek. Don’t be scared on the root bridges. They shake a lot but are really sturdy.

Difficulty level – Easy

Distance – 8 km

Duration – 2-3 hours

Attractions – Double-decker living roots bridge and rainbow waterfalls.

4. Mawlongbna Village Trekking

Trekking at Mawlongbna Village is a mix of adventure sports and camping and is usually done with an overnight stay in the village. There’s plenty to do – right from observing fossils of extinct carnivores, walking amidst unique flora, canoeing, and zip-lining amidst the thick jungle. This is an ideal trip for someone who loves nature and adventure equally.

Difficulty level – Moderate

Duration – 1.5 day

5. Mawlyngot Trek 

Nestled at 4800 feet in the Eastern Khasi hills, Mawlyngot village is located at a short distance (75 km) from Shillong. The village is famously known as a tea hub of the state of Meghalaya. The vast stretches of tea estates are a treat to the eyes. This, added with the tranquillity of Umsong River is a calming experience. The hike here starts from the village, passes through a rich forest cover amidst a small hill and ends at Umsong river. It is truly a magical experience. You can also tag along another trail from Umsong river to a nearby town of Pynursla.

Difficulty level – Easy

Duration – 2 hours

Distance – 6 km

Attractions – From soothing tea gardens at Mawlyngot to nearby Smit and Laitlum canyons (famous for Nongkrem festival), you’ll never run out of choices on this trek. 

6. Smit Trek

Smit Trek is undoubtedly one of the most scenic routes to trek on in Meghalaya. Starting from the State Library and ending at crinoline falls, the long yet rewarding trek takes almost 2 days to complete. There aren’t many tough paths on the route and hence, this is the perfect trip to plan with your family. Most of the walking will be done on cemented roads with a plethora of bed and breakfast spots in between to take rests.

Difficulty level – Moderate

Duration – 1.5 to 2 days

Attractions – Wonderful lakes, ponds, and woods.

7. Dawki Trekking

Trek in the border town of Dawki for an unforgettable experience. Dawki is only 2 km away from neighbour Bangladesh and is a major trade hub between the two countries. Notes of Bangladesh’s rich culture is clearly seen in the town. While you’re here you can hike around the town, get to know the locals, learn about the history of the two countries, and picnic at Umngot river, one of the cleanest rivers in India.

Difficulty level – Easy

Duration – Half day

Attractions – Dawki market, Umngot river, and India-Bangladesh border. 

8. Weiloi to Umngi Trek

Located at a distance of around 50 km from Shillong, Weiloi is a village in Meghalaya famous for its scenic natural beauty which stretches till Umngi, a place famous for its natural hot water springs. With over 18 km of walking and tricky routes on the way, the trek may come off a tad difficult but it’s totally worth it once you reach the water springs. If you don’t wish to take up this challenging route, there is another route with its base in Weiloi and going towards Mawblang.

Difficulty level – Difficult

Distance – 18 km

Duration – 5 to 6 hours

Attractions – Umngi hot water springs – they are secluded and less frequently visited by tourists, keeping the water clean and pure.

9. Krem Mawsmai, Krem Mawmluh and Krem Umshyrpi Caves Trail

Meghalaya hides within its secrets of nature. One of them is the labyrinth of natural caves. The Krem Mawsmai, Krem Mawmluh and Krem Umshyrpi Caves are located 6 km from Cherrapunjee. Spread at a 7 km long stretch, halogen lamps light up these dark and mysterious caves. Some areas still remain unexplored and unmapped inside the caves. You are likely to find beautiful crystal deposits and structures built ages ago inside the cave. It’s a trip down to history and the unknown. Krem Mawsmai can be explored by beginners. However, the other two are not for the faint-hearted ones. With closed walls, narrow paths, dim natural light and height of not more than 5ft, these caves are challenging but that doesn’t mean they can’t be conquered.

Difficulty level – Very Difficult

Distance – 7 km

Duration – 5 to 6 hours

Attractions – Natural crystal deposits, creepers, waterfalls inside the cave.

It’s time for Shillong’s cherry blossom festival

The northeastern hill-town will soon be decked in wispy pink and white blooms

Cherry Blossoms in Shillong.

 If you missed the cherry blossom season in Japan, Paris or DC, you won’t have to wait till next year. You won’t have to burn a hole in your pocket on your travels either, or deal with, ugh, visas. Shillong is all set to host the fourth edition of its India International Cherry Blossom festival from 13 November to 16 November 2019. 

Cherry blossoms in Shillong, Meghalaya

And the experience is no less authentic than cherry blossom festivals elsewhere. Pretty-in-pink blooms awash cherry blossom trees and the whiff of barbeque fills the air. 

That’s not it. There’s more to keep you entertained—music gigs, a beauty pageant and stalls showcasing the cuisine, wine, arts and crafts of the region. Did we mention some sumptuous Korean barbeque and K-pop music? You can also take a walk under the beautifully lit up cherry blossom trees in the night sky and enjoy a fine dining experience at Ward’s Lake, from 4pm to 8pm. Other entertainment will include rock concerts, traditional folk music, unplugged western music, and dance performances by natives of North East India. What’s more, there will be bicycle rallies, taekwondo demonstrations and storytelling sessions. If you own a golf kit, bring it along to participate in an amateur tournament. This year, you can also participate in a cherry blossom photography competition. Photos, both old and new, will be accepted. 

Shillong’s pink bounty is a gift from the Himalayas. The cherry blossoms—or Prunus cerasoides, as they are called—span across the east and west Khasi Hills. The bloom marks the beginning of autumn in northeast India. 

The cherry blossoms have already started to appear in the upper altitudes of Shillong, and will be in full bloom in time for the festival, according to Albert Chiang, scientist, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, a co-organiser of the event. Who’s going?

Getting there: You can fly to Shillong from some major cities through Kolkata, though it’s more convenient to fly through Guwahati and drive 3 hrs to Shillong. If you’re planning to hire a self-drive from Guwahati to Shillong, consider that the bylanes in the town are narrow and steep, and traffic can be maddening—a 2km stretch can take up to an hour at peak times, and there are barely any parking spots in the main area.

BEST SEASON TO VISIT SHILLONG

Shillong Offers seasonal break-up through the months so you can plan your trip better.

Shillong has pleasant climate through the year and can be visited at any time and Every Season has its own charm in Shillong.

Here are the Best Seasons to Visit Shillong, Meghalaya, India.

Cherrapunji is a popular tourist destination of India and is visited by tourists throughout the year. The weather conditions of the town remain pleasant and comfortable for most part of the year. Cherrapunji receives heavy rainfall throughout the year. So, the best time to visit Cherrapunji is between the months of October and May, when the weather remains cool and pleasant. Here is more about the best time to visit Cherrapunji which will help you in planning your tour to Cherrapunji.

SEASONAL BREAK-UPS THROUGH THE MONTHS

March to June: March and April see the advent of summers but the weather is still quite pleasant. Summers are overall mild and a good time to plan a trip in Shillong with the temperature ranging from a maximum of 24°C to a minimum of 15°C. This is the perfect time to plan sightseeing and adventure activities.

June to September: Monsoon months see average to heavy rainfalls in Shillong. This is a great time to visit the waterfalls and enjoy the gorgeous rain washed vistas of the region. July is the wettest month in Shillong. It’s not a popular tourist time given that many tourists do not prefer to travel during monsoons, but that makes it a good time to find reasonable hotels.

October to February: October is when the rainfall stops and the weather begins to cool down. Winters start setting in from November after which the weather can be quite cold with the minimum temperature going as low as 2°C. The town looks beautiful in the chilly months and is a good time to indulge in outdoor activities. It’s a particularly popular holiday destination for honeymooners. Make sure you carry enough woolens, especially for the evenings that can get very cold.

Apart from this if you want to visit Shillong here are list of some tour best packages.Shillong Tour Packages of 2019 at affordable price| Customizable |Travenjo

Many spots have offered ascend to recreations. In India, the Teer diversion would be that amusement that has originated from the indigenous individuals. It has seen a large number of Rupees trade hands each and every year.

It is astounding how the amusement has such fame since time immemorial. The prominence is apparent when you visit the boulevards of Shillong, Meghalaya state; you are welcomed with a bunch of Teer Game slows down along the lanes. When you enter a shop, you discover a permit number composed on the shop’s passage or outside on a writing slate with a bit of chalk. Inside, the room is little and can just give space to a table and seat for the orderly. Pens and papers are on the counter-a beyond any doubt sign that you have come to the Shillong Teer Formula slow down!

Everybody is by all accounts enjoying the amusement since; men, ladies, and kids all indistinguishable buy the Teer Game tickets each day. It is a round of arrow based weaponry that is additionally used to translate individuals’ fantasies. Truth be told, numerous outsiders who visit India allude to it as the round of fortunes and dreams.

Being a session of dreams, the players frequently dream in any event once a day to translate the importance they had always wanted in view of their diversion scores. Fascinating myths encompass this diversion. It is guaranteed that players who keep snakes and love them frequently stand better odds of exactness in the amusement. How genuine that remaining parts a puzzle however it is consistent with say that these myths have all the more attracted more individuals to the diversion, perhaps on account of interest.

Tickets are ludicrously reasonable, and this makes accommodative space for anybody to partake in this mutual diversion. The tickets for the amusement can bring as much as 90 times its underlying worth, making it an exceptionally appealing diversion, subsequently the prominence. Try not to be tricked however. In as much as the profits sound lucrative, it isn’t as simple to understand that much out of your shots.

By and large, individuals assemble at the playing grounds at absolutely 4:00 pm and the recreations start.

Shillong has 5 Teer Game clubs. Ten toxophilite each generally speak to the five clubs in the first round of this engaging diversion. Remaining in a semi-circle, they all shoot 30 bolts at their objectives in now and then a record time of 4 minutes. For the Math lover, to start clarifying how 1500 bolts can discover their way to a spot in 4 minutes is recently exceptional. At the point when time is up for the first round toxophilite, a blind tumbles to guarantee that the bolts quit advancing toward the objective. It is from the bolts that the fortunate number is then chosen. In this amusement, duping is practically outlandish in light of the fact that the multifaceted nature itself in choosing the fortunate number in light of the bolts on the objective is extremely strategic.

Take, for instance; the bolt hits 789, the fortunate number will be 89. They select the last two digits as it were.

For the second round, more toxophilite from the five clubs, say, 50 bowmen, shoot 20 bolts each in a record time 3 minutes. The authorities at that point check the quantity of bolts and the number proclaimed. This outcome is quickly spread out through telephones by specialists inside the initial 5 minutes.

This in fact implies that the fortunate numbers in the Shillong Teer Game shops continue changing as the diversion is played.

This lawful betting diversion must be a standout amongst the most sorted out betting amusements around the globe. In spite of a great deal about its connection to dreams isn’t transparently recorded; Teer Game is one extraordinary shared amusement.

How to Reach Shillong

By Air

Shillong doesn’t have an airport within the city. The nearest airport to the hill station is the Umroi Airport near Barapani, which is about 25 kilometres away. This has limited connectivity with other cities. The nearest major airport that is well-connected with multiple cities across India is in Guwahati, which is about 125 kilometres away. You can take a taxi from Guwahati to Shillong.

By Train

The closest railway station from Shillong is in Guwahati. It’s about 100 kilometres away and you can easily take a taxi from there. The Guwahati railway station is connected to New Delhi and other major cities across the country.

Road/Self Drive

You can take a bus from Guwahati to Shillong. There are several private as well as government operated deluxe and regular tourist going at regular intervals. But it’s a better idea to hire a taxi for a convenient and comfortable journey. You can even take a shared taxi to be more economical. The drive is extremely beautiful so you will really enjoy it.

If you are planning to drive down from Guwahati here are directions for driving: Start from Bara Bazar in Guwahati and hit NH 37, also known as the Assam Trunk Road. Continue driving till you hit GS Road on the highway and enter Kamrup District. Go on towards NH 40 and drive for about 65 kilometres till you enter Meghalaya via Nongpoh. You will have to continue driving for about 59 kilometres till you reach Mawlai and then enter East Khasi Hills. You will cross Nongmynsong to reach Shillong. 

Apart from this if you want to visit Shillong here are list of some tour best packages.Shillong Tour Packages of 2019 at affordable price| Customizable |Travenjo

Perfectly placed across the far reaches of our country, the North East is a slightly less frequented and one of the off-beat destinations which nevertheless feature on every ardent traveler’s bucket list. The waterfalls, the lakes, the daunting mountains, the timeless woods caught our fancy when we decided to visit this beautiful city.  And since we are speaking of Meghalaya, it goes without saying that the Shillong experience comes in a cloud-kissed package.

The time of our visit was around second week of June. We were initially discouraged from choosing this time as the monsoons had already set in and Meghalaya during monsoons is, as we know, one of the wettest places on earth! This became all the more a reason for us, rain-lovers to not give the rainy Shillong a miss!

Our journey began with a flight till Guwahati followed by a drive of about 100 KM on NH 40. The road view is fantastic and you can feel the temperatures going down and the winds getting chillier as you ascend into the hills. We reached by evening and decided to spend the rest of the day indoors, mostly making things to do and places to visit

Next day post-breakfast, we headed out into the city. Our first stop was Elephant Falls. This unique fall gushes out water in three tiers, the bottom one being the most spectacular. There are about 150 steep steps that take you down till the bottom of the fall. The crystal-clear stream of water cuts through the protruding rocks vigorously.

We then proceeded to the highly-recommended Shillong peak, situated very close to Elephant Falls. We had heard a lot about the spectacular bird’s eye view of the city that this peak offers. However, while we were on the way, we were greeted for the first time by our hosts, the Meghalaya clouds. It had suddenly started raining. And when it rains in Shillong, it doesn’t just rain, the clouds literally come into your face and embrace you. We went up to the top of the hill and voila, the view was something like the pic below. We could see nothing but fairy-tale-like clouds covering the ENTIRE city. Yes the clouds did play the spoil sport as far as the view was concerned, but none of us regretted being literally INSIDE and on top of the raining clouds.

However, if you visit the peak when it isn’t raining, you can see the Himalayas and the Bangladesh plains from here. The view is something like this

Our next stop was Royal Heritage-Tripura Castle, the first heritage hotel built in the North East. The castle was built in 1920s by Maharaja Bir Bikram and serves as the summer retreat of the Maharajas of the Manikya dynasty of Tripura. The castle has an air of regality with incredible interiors. We stopped here for lunch at their restaurant. The food was sumptuous and the view from our table equally splendid.

Next day in the morning, we left for Cherrapunjee which has held the record for the highest rainfall on earth a number of times. They say it rains almost every day in Cherrapunjee. The town has over a dozen stunning waterfalls and living-root bridges. We also saw a number of seasonal waterfalls which spring up when it rains.

The drive till Cherrapunjee is about an hour and half long and the journey was indeed breathtaking. The incessant rains, the clouds, the wind-chill, the waterfalls, the greenery- together make Cherrapunjee a tropical paradise!  We decided to abandon our umbrellas and wind-cheaters and got drenched in the never-ending rains.

The town also houses a number of limestone caves. Our personal favourite was the Lumshynna cave which flaunts its pre-historic fossils and age-old stalactites. Crazy friends who made spooky noises added to the thrill of the long walk through the dark and dense cave

Next day, we visited the absolutely stunning Barapani Lake which lies about 12 km north of Shillong. We first saw the lake when we were driving from Guwahati to Shillong. The view from the highway came as a sweet surprise and we decided to come back 2 days later to go down to the lake and spend a few hours there. Barapani is a massive manmade reservoir which was made in the 1960’s by damming of the river Umiam. Infact, when you head down to the lake, you can see the old road to the city, now deep under water. The view is absolutely breath-taking with clouds hovering over you and lush green hills all around you.

By the evening as the sun was setting, we saw a dream-like change in the view of the lake within minutes. Luckily we could capture the moment

Next day for breakfast we stopped at the restaurant of Pinewood hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels of the city. It is built in a very classy English style and the interiors, the furniture and the prim and stunning gardens exhibit old-school elegance. The food too is an absolute delight.

We then visited the nearby Ward’s Lake. This horse-shoe shaped lake is situated right in the heart of city and is over 100 years old. A beautiful wooden bridge adorns the lake and one can see beautiful flowers in the garden around and lotuses floating on the lake. It’s the perfect spot to get your facebook DPs clicked

Next we hit the busy and lively streets of Police Bazaar. Watch out for authentic north-eastern handicrafts at the shops. One can also try the local street food here.

When in Shillong, you can try café-hopping and visit places like Café Shillong. The hot chocolate and the shakes here are mouth-wateringly delicious. A must visit! Also one just doesnt leave Shillong without having momos. Our personal favorite was the Veg Momos at City Hut!

As we left from Shillong next day in the morning, a surprising spectacle caught our eyes. On our way back, the skies were so clear and blue that it almost felt like a painting suspended in the air. We had never seen such clear skies in our lives. A bad picture but nevertheless the trip wouldn’t have been complete without seeing this extremely clear sky, the other extreme side of the cloud-studded Meghalayas.

Take our word and plan your next trip to this wonderful piece of India. SAMsafar will be back soon with another inspiring travel story! Till then, keep dreaming, keep travelling, keep living.