13 Captivating and Magical Places to Visit in Shillong

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Shillong is one of the loveliest cities of North East. This is one of the popular destinations of the region too. Due to its stunning similarity along with Scottish highlands, Shillong is referred to as “Scotland of the East”. The place is blessed along with the pleasant climate all year long. The striking beauty and enjoyable environment make the place a favourable holiday destination for all the travel buffs. The beauty here is not only restricted to its locales but also well-connected with its people. Occupied mostly with the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia tribes, Shillong is almost the face of the northeast. There are numbers of exquisite places to visit in Shillong, which will leave you awe-struck.

1. Umiam Lake

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As there are numbers of places to visit in Shillong, Umiam Lake is one of the most preferred holiday destinations. The place is surrounded by the dense coniferous forests and East Khasi hills. The lake is actually dotted with small islands and the adjoining Lum Nehru Park. The dreamlike beauty of the lake will entice you and make you think to visit again.

• Distance from airport: distance between Shillong airport and Umiam Lake is 14 km. You can hire a can from Police Bazaar to reach the place
• Must have experience: You can do some fun-filled activities over there like kayaking, scooting, boating, water cycling as well
• Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
• Best time to visit: March and June

2. Shillong Peak, One of the Best Places to visit in Shillong

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For a striking view of valleys and hills, visit Shillong peak and this happens to be one of the exquisite places to visit in Shillong. It is a famous tourist spot of the place providing the stunning view of the natural splendours around the city and also a glimpse of the majestic Himalayas. The place is a perfect recreation spot for the tourists, as it is a convenient 10m km drive from the City Centre. It offers ‘not-to-be-missed view’ of the brightly lit valley as Sun goes down the city’s periphery.

• Distance from airport: distance between Shillong airport and Shillong Peak is 42 km. You can take a bus ride to reach the place.
• Must have experience: Amongst all the Shillong attractions, viewing the beautiful falls and trekking is the must-have thing to experience.
• Timings: 9 am to 3:30 pm
• Best time to visit: March to June

Read this: 13 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In North East

3. Elephant Falls

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As you know, there are numerous of Things to do in Shillong and amongst them, being a witness of striking elephant falls is the exhilarating experience. The lofty treasure of Shillong, Elephant falls represents the name as well. Columns of water can be seen over there by sliding down the lavish green mountains right through the valleys. The place is counted as one of the best places to visit in Shillong. You will surely admire the beauty of its foamy water.

• Distance from airport: distance between shillong airport and Elephant Falls is 38 kms. Travelling on a board-run bus or hiring a cab from police bazaar will take you on your destination.
• Must have experience: You can enjoy shopping from the local shops that is located at the entrance and having some tasty corn is also an experience
• Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
• Best time to visit: September to May

4. Laitlum Canyons

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While talking about Shillong tourism, our travel agents offer you some extraordinary services. They will make you visit the most extraordinary places of Shillong, which will leave you mesmerized. Amongst several places to visit in Shillong, this one is the most offbeat name in your list of Shillong trip. Laitlum Canyon is the perfect place for the nature admirers and peace seekers. Our agents will make you visit the hilltop viewpoint, and then relish the striking views of distant hills, gorges, valleys, and hilly roads.

• Distance from airport: distance between Shillong airport and Laitlum Canyons is 77 kms
• Must have experience: You can experience an adventurous trekking over there
• Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
• Best time to visit: September to May

5. Mary Help of Christian Cathedral

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The high arches, as well as stained glass windows, add some extra beauty of this Church. It is certainly the most popular places to visit in Shillong. The stunning white marble building along with Mother Mary statue looks absolutely elegant and grand as well. Once you step into the church, you will be a witness of some amazing terracotta works, which display the life events of Jesus.

• Distance from airport: distance between shillong airport and Mary Help for Christian Cathedral is 33 kms. Take a cab and reach the Cathedral via the Don Bosco Road from Police Bazaar.
• Must have experience: do not miss the superb panorama of Brahmaputra River and Himalayan Peaks from the Cathedral
• Timings: Monday to Saturday – 7 am to 6:30 pm; Sunday – 8 am to 6:30 pm
• Best time to visit: March – June

Also read: Best Season to Visit Northeast India: Our Complete Guide

6. Ward’s Lake

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Our travel agents offer the excellent North East tour packages, which make each and every visitor enthralled. Wards Lake is the well-known shoe-shaped lake of Shillong. One can relish an extensive variety of fishes playing in the crystal clear waters, from the arched bridge. The opulent green lawns of the place and also the diamond-studded sparkling lake under the sun’s rays with Shillong’s Botanical Garden and Shillong Club situated at a close proximity makes the place a hot favourite amongst the visitors and travellers.

• Distance from airport: distance between Shillong airport and Ward’s Lake is 31.9 km.
• Must have experience: Amongst the entire places to visit in Shillong, this is one of the beautiful places, where you can do boating
• Timings: November to February – 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; March to October – 8:30 am to 7 pm
• Best time to visit: June to August

8. Don Bosco Museum

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As one of the stunning and famous places to visit in Shillong, Don Bosco Museum welcomes each and every visitor, history buffs and art enthusiasts. Featuring the extensive collections of handicrafts, art and crafts and art galleries used by the various tribes of North-east India, you will be a witness of panoramic views. Our travel guides will make you visit the entire museum and they will introduce you with some beautiful historic culture.

• Distance from airport: distance between shillong airport and Don Bosco Museum is 29 kms. From the Police Bazar, board on the Buddhist Temple Road or even Camels Back Road to reach the museum easily.
• Must have experience: Once you are done by visiting the entire museum, go for the sky walk on the top to enjoy the jaw-dropping vista of Shillong city
• Timings: Monday to Saturday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM; Closed on Sundays
• Best time to visit: September to March

9. Lady Hydari Park

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A lovely park, named after the wife of ex-Governor of the State, is an ultimate place for rest and recreation. This is one of the exquisite places to visit in Shillong that preserves a striking Japanese garden abundant with the rich collection of roses and other flowers. It also has the small zoo housing the innate creatures of Meghalaya’s forests containing Leopard cats and Hornbills.

• Distance from airport: distance between shillong airport and Lady Hydari Park is 32 kms. Drive for 5 to 10 minutes through MG road to reach Lady Hydari Park
• Must have experience: You can visit the place in the evening to experience the extraordinary scenic beauty
• Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM; Closed on Mondays
• Best time to visit: September to June

Recommended: North East – The land of undulating scenic beauty

10. Air Force Museum

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Amongst the best places to visit in Shillong, this one has gained a huge popularity as it has the scenic beauty. Our travel agents will make you visit the entire place. With the galleries displaying missiles, various rockets, miniatures of fighter planes, rank medals, badges, and awards, the place attracts all kind of travelers and tourists throughout the year. But whenever you visit the place, make sure that you have your ID card with you.

• Distance from airport: distance between Shillong airport and Air Force Museum is 12 Kilometers
• Must have experience: You will be able to see various types of missile and rockets
• Timings: 9 am to 2 pm; 2:30 pm to 5 pm; Closed on Wednesdays & Sundays
• Best time to visit: October to March

11. All Saints Cathedral

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This has been considered as one of the oldest churches of Shillong, which is also one of the places to visit in Shillong. The entire buildings reflect the beautiful colonial style architecture with the wooden roofs whereas the internal structures also add some elegance and beauty of Cathedral. Apart from being oldest, the entire structure and tranquil beauty makes you think of coming back again and again. Our tour guides will let you know about the entire place with detailed information.

• Distance from airport: distance between shillong airport and All Saints Cathedral is 32 kms.
• Must have experience: You will get to see some beautiful architecture inside the church
• Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Best time to visit: October to March

12. Mawsynram

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When you are talking about the famous places to visit in Shillong, Mawsynram is one of the stunning places that entice each and every tourists and visitors with its scenic beauty. The place is actually known as the place to record the highest amount of rainfall on the earth. This is an enchanting little village, which is famous for the opulent greenery and captivating flora and fauna. The village is absolutely appealing and it brings out the suppressed feelings in you, which get buried in the everyday corporate work.

• Distance from airport: distance between shillong airport and Mawsynram is 87 kms.
• Must have experience: You should visit the beautiful rock formation called Dwarksuid
• Timings: As this is an open location, you will be able to go anytime
• Best time to visit: September to May

13. Sweet Falls

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Sweet falls is one of the famous places to visit in Shillong and it has gained a huge popularity for its serene beauty. The exquisiteness of the waterfall with some gargling sound of the water, bird chirps and also rich flora are the highlights of this fall. Tourists can witness most attractive diversities of roses in the surroundings along with the distinct species of pelicans. Our tour guides will let you know about the entire place. Water cascades right down from the great height is hardly visible from the foot of falls.

• Distance from airport: distance between shillong airport and sweet falls is 40 kms.
• Must have experience: You can visit the mini zoo and also butterfly museum
• Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Best time to visit: June to August

Suggested read: 12 Tips to Remember Before you plan your Holiday in North East India

FAQs About Shillong

1. What are the fun activities to do in Shillong?

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

2. What are the best shopping places in Shillong?

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

3. How to reach Shillong?

The nearest airport is Umroi Airport near Barapani, which is almost 25 kilometers. Or else, you can go by train and the closest station is Guwahati.

4. What to carry along with you?

Try to keep the ID cards, passports, medicines, water bottles, sun protection and all the necessary documents and stuffs.

5. What are the popular local dishes?

Jadoh, Kyat, Ktung, Tungrambai, and Ki Ktu are the best local dishes of that place.