12 Best Places to visit in Shillong in 2025

Explore Various Places To Visit in Shillong- Where Clouds Meet the Hills

Take a break from your daily hustle and imagine a place where the air is fresh, the hills are wrapped in lush greenery, and every path invites you to a new adventure. Welcome to Shillong, the charming capital of Meghalaya — fondly known as the ‘Scotland of the East.’

Nestled in the heart of Northeast India, Shillong captivates travellers with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm, welcoming people. Whether you’re drawn to misty mountains, rich heritage, or tranquil moments in nature, this city has something magical for everyone. To explore it all effortlessly, consider booking a Meghalaya tour package that showcases the very best of Shillong and beyond — an experience that promises to stay with you forever.

How​​ To Reach Shillong

The journey to Shillong is full of scenic views and exciting travel options, especially when explored through a well-planned tour package. Even if you’re travelling alone, a curated Meghalaya solo trip package ensures you’re never truly alone. 

Wondering how to reach Shillong? Here are the top travel options you can choose from :

• By Air: Air travellers have the closest option at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam, which is about 100 km from Shillong. You can hire a taxi or ride in a shared cab from Guwahati to Shillong, and it will take you about 3 hours. 

• By Train: The nearest station is Guwahati Railway Station, which links this city to other towns and cities in India. If you are at the station, you can catch a taxi or a bus to get to Shillong.

• By Road: The National Highway 40 leads directly to Shillong from other places. There are buses, shared taxis and private cabs available that let you travel from Guwahati to Shillong, showing the beautiful surroundings of the area.

Top 12 Places To Visit in Shillong

Let’s take a look at the best places to visit in Shillong and what they have to offer.

1. Umiam Lake 

Located about 15 km from Shillong, Umiam Lake is also called Barapani. The place lets you see Meghalaya’s natural beauty in the best way. Its blue water and green hills come together to make it look like a paradise, making it one of the best places to visit in Shillong. Spending time at the lake is great for quiet hours close to nature. 

• Things to do: Boating, kayaking, yachting, and photographing nature.
• Best time to visit: From March to June and September to November.
• Cost: It’s free to enter; boating charges start at ₹100 to ₹500 for different boats.

2. Elephant Falls

The beautiful three-tiered waterfall is a short 12 km trip from Shillong. Named after a rock formed like an elephant (but now fallen), Elephant Falls is a popular place to visit. The water rushing from black rocks onto a green scene looks breathtakingly beautiful. Every level of the sculpture has a staircase to reach for a closer view.

• Things to do: Take the stairs, admire the surroundings and take pictures.
• Best time to visit: July to September.
• Cost: Ticket price per person is ₹20.

3. Shillong Peak

The top of Shillong Peak in Shillong is among the best places to visit in Shillong and its adjacent valleys. Air Force Station’s base gives people more than a beautiful view. On some clear days, you can catch sight of the Himalayas. You can almost hear the sky calling to you when there’s a quiet, cool breeze and clouds drift slowly past.

• Things to do: Take photos, see the sights and go on short hikes.
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Cost: Admission is free; you must present your ID because the place is on a military base.

4. Ward’s Lake

Right inside the busy city of Shillong, Ward’s Lake offers a calm retreat from the noise of traffic. The lake is great for peaceful walking and boating because of its paved trail, gardens and wooden bridge. People often visit the lake in the evening, which is especially romantic after the lamps are turned on.

• Things to do: Boating, taking a paddle boat, going for walks and trying delicious street food.
• Best time to visit: March to June.
• Cos: Entry costs ₹10 per person, boating ₹20-₹50

5. Don Bosco Museum in Malut

You won’t find this museum falling into the standard gallery structure. You can experience North East India’s culture through the vast exhibition at the Don Bosco Centre, which is the biggest museum dedicated to Indigenous people in Asia. Seven floors filled with tribal items, clothing and art make this a journey into South African culture. Looking down from the skywalk gives you a bird’s-eye view of the whole city.

• Things to do: Visit the museum, take pictures and gain cultural knowledge.
• Best time to visit: Any time of the year.
• Cost: The ticket price for adults is ₹100, and for students it is ₹50.

6. Octavia Hydari Park

Called after the wife of a British Governor, this lovely park in Shillong combines sightseeing with amusement. There are flower beds, a lawn, a mini-zoo and a play area for kids, which makes it good for families. Because of its Japanese-style garden, trees and orchids, it is a delightful spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of Shillong’s flowers.

• Things to do: Enjoy a picnic with your family, go on walks and pay a visit to the zoo.
• Best time to visit: February to April.
• Cost: ₹10 per person.

7. Laitlum Canyon

The “End of Hills” is what Laitlum Canyon is called, and it’s a great place for people who want a sense of the world stretched out below. This place is dramatic, with deep gorges, thunderous clouds and lots of amazing vistas. You have to hike just a short distance to reach this untouched nature, and passing through nearby villages adds to the experience.

• Things to do: Hiking, taking pictures, having a picnic, and exploring villages.
• Best time ot visit: March to November.
• Cost: Free

8. Police Bazaar

Shopping, eating and enjoying the atmosphere are all best done at Police Bazaar in Shillong. There are street food stands and also popular brand stores here. Tourists and local people are always visiting the place. The buzz and flavours come alive best during the evening hours.

• Things to do: Visiting shopping markets, tasting foods, and observing local people.
• Best time to visit: The best time to appreciate the place is in the evening, all year long.
• Cost: Admission is free, and items range in price for shopping.

9. Marian Cathedral

This peaceful Roman Catholic cathedral in Laitumkhrah shines for its lovely white and blue walls. This is one of the most religious places in Shillong. Praying and thinking become easy in the calm space created by the stained-glass and the high arches. If you are spiritual or not, the serene environment feels peaceful to all.

• Things to do:  Spend a peaceful time, take pictures, go to mass
• Best time to visit: Christmas is the best time to visit.
• Cost: Free

10. Mawphlang Sacred Forest

About an hour’s drive away from Shillong is this ancient forest guarded by tribal traditions for centuries. There are many big trees, mushrooms and sacred stones in the Mawphlang Sacred Grove. The guides show you through the forest and explain both the history and the benefits of nature to the area. It seems mysterious, quiet, and it showcases pure beauty.

• Things to do: Nature hikes with leaders, bird watching
• Best time to visit: March to June.
• Cost: Between ₹20 and ₹100 (a guide must be hired).

11. Sweet Falls

Sweet Falls, among the biggest waterfalls near Shillong, drops steeply through thick forest. Since the area is very slippery, people shouldn’t swim there or get too near the water. The main attraction is looking at its rushing flow from a distance while in the stillness of the forest.

• Things to do: Photography and listening to bird calls.
• Best time to visit: August to October.
• Cost: Free

12. Air Force History Museum

In Upper Shillong, the museum shares the heritage and history of the Indian Air Force. With its large number of aircraft, war uniforms and medals, the museum should be visited by those who love history. A MiG-21 fighter and a detailed look at IAF actions in the North East are also exhibited. It is informative as well as fun.

• Things to do:  Museum tour and learn more about air missions.
• Best time to visit: October to March.
• Cost: Each person needs to pay ₹20.

Conclusion

Shillong goes beyond being a place; it gives you an unforgettable experience. Shillong’s waterfalls, calm lakes, exciting markets and unique culture all have something to share about the city. If your goal is excitement, calming moments, or to learn about other cultures, Shillong is happy to have you. Put your bags together and let the various places to visit in Shillong, Meghalaya, win your heart.