Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya is a nice place to visit. People call Shillong the “Scotland of the East”. This place is famous for its weather hills that go up and down water that falls from high places, pretty lakes and the local people are very friendly. What is great about Shillong is that it does not feel crowded like hill stations. Shillong feels calm and green. It welcomes people. Shillong is a place, with a lot of beauty and the people of Shillong make it even more special.
When you are going to Meghalaya this Shillong travel guide is really useful. It tells you about the places to visit in Meghalaya. You will also know what food to try when you are in Meghalaya. The guide has some travel tips for Meghalaya and ideas for sightseeing in Meghalaya. All this will make your trip, to Meghalaya very smooth and a memorable experience.
Why Visit Shillong?
Shillong is a place because it has a lot of natural beauty a rich culture, nice music and delicious food. Shillong is good, for couples who want to spend time families who want to have fun, solo travelers who want to explore and backpackers who want to see new things.
Top reasons to visit Shillong:
Pleasant weather all year
Beautiful viewpoints and waterfalls
Clean city and friendly locals
Amazing local cafés and street food
Easy base for Cherrapunji and Dawki trips
Best Time to Visit Shillong
When you go to Shillong it is an idea to pick the right time of year. This way you can really enjoy Shillong. The right season makes a difference when you visit Shillong. You will have a better time, in Shillong if you choose the right season.
Best Season:
October to April: Pleasant weather, clear views, best for sightseeing
Monsoon Season:
June to September: Lush greenery and waterfalls, but heavy rain
If you do not like getting wet in the rain and you do not like driving on roads then you should try to avoid going out during the peak monsoon season. The peak monsoon season is a time when it rains a lot and the roads are often foggy. So it is better to avoid the peak monsoon if you dislike rain and foggy roads.
Best Places to Visit in Shillong
- Shillong Peak – Best View of the City
Shillong Peak is really the point in the city of Shillong. It is a place to see Shillong and the nearby hills, from. You can see everything from the top of Shillong Peak. The views of Shillong and the nearby hills are very nice.
Best time: Morning or sunset
Entry fee: Minimal
Ideal for photography
- Ward’s Lake – Peaceful City Escape
Wards Lake is a nice place to visit when you are in the city. It is right, in the middle of the city. You can go to Wards Lake for a walk or you can go boating at Wards Lake.
Family-friendly
Clean and well-maintained
Good for short relaxation breaks
- Elephant Falls – Most Famous Waterfall
Elephant Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Shillong.
Easy to reach
Best after monsoon
Surrounded by greenery
- Don Bosco Museum – Culture of Northeast India
This museum is really great for people who want to learn about Northeast culture. It is one of the museums in India, for that. You can go there to understand Northeast culture. The Northeast Indian culture is very interesting. This museum is a good place to learn about it.
Seven-floor museum
Traditional lifestyle displays
Panoramic rooftop view
- Police Bazaar – Shopping & Street Food Hub
Police Bazaar is the busiest area in Shillong.
Local shopping
Cafés and restaurants
Street food and souvenirs
A must-visit in the evening.
- Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
One of the most beautiful churches in Northeast India.
Peaceful atmosphere
Colonial architecture
Great photography spot
- Lady Hydari Park
Perfect for families and children.
Well-maintained gardens
Small zoo
Relaxing environment
Best Things to Do in Shillong
Enjoy scenic viewpoints
Try local food and cafés
Visit waterfalls
Go shopping at local markets
Explore nearby villages
Enjoy live music nights
Shillong is a city that really loves music, the rock music and blues music scenes. People in Shillong are very passionate, about rock music and blues music. The city of Shillong has a lot of rock music and blues music bands.
Shillong Food Guide – What to Eat
Food is really something that people look forward to when they visit Shillong. You can find all sorts of Food in Shillong like the Food that the Khasi people eat Food from street stalls and Food, from modern cafes.
Must-Try Local Dishes:
Jadoh – Khasi rice dish with meat
Dohneiiong – Pork with black sesame
Tungrymbai – Fermented soybean dish
Pumaloi – Steamed rice cake
Popular Cafés & Restaurants:
Café Shillong
Dylan’s Café
Madras Café
Trattoria
City Hut Dhaba
Shillong is also great for coffee lovers.
How to Reach Shillong
By Air:
Nearest airport: Guwahati Airport
The Shillong Airport does not have a lot of flights. You will not find options when you want to fly to or from the Shillong Airport. The number of flights, at the Shillong Airport is really limited. If you are planning to travel to Shillong Airport you should know that the Shillong Airport has limited flights.
By Road:
Guwahati to Shillong: ~100 km (3–4 hours)
You can get around using shared taxis, buses and private cabs. These options are available for people who want to travel. Shared taxis and buses are good for people who do not want to spend a lot of money. Private cabs are also available, for people who want to travel. Shared taxis, buses and private cabs can take you where you want to go.
By Train:
Nearest railway station: Guwahati
Local Transport in Shillong
Shared taxis
Local buses
Private cabs
Bike rentals (limited)
I really like walking in the areas. Walking in these places is a lot of fun. The central areas are great, for walking.
Where to Stay in Shillong
Budget Stays:
Homestays
Guesthouses
Budget hotels
Mid-Range Hotels:
3-star hotels
Boutique stays
Luxury Options:
Hill resorts
Premium hotels
I think homestays are really great if you want to feel like a local. They are highly recommended for an experience. Staying in a homestay is a way to get a local experience. Homestays give you a chance to live with the people and see how they live, which is a nice thing, about homestays.
Shillong Travel Tips
Carry light woolens even in summer
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Start sightseeing early due to fog
Respect local culture and cleanliness
Keep cash for small shops
Avoid littering — Shillong values cleanliness
Shillong as a Base for Day Trips
Shillong is a great base for nearby destinations.
Popular Day Trips:
Cherrapunji (Sohra) – 55 km
Dawki (Umngot River) – 80 km
Mawlynnong Village – 90 km
Ideal Duration for Shillong Trip
2 Days: Quick city sightseeing
3–4 Days: Relaxed travel with nearby spots
5+ Days: Combine with Meghalaya road trip
Shillong Trip Cost (Approx.)
Budget trip: ₹8,000 – ₹12,000
Mid-range trip: ₹15,000 – ₹22,000
Luxury trip: ₹30,000+
(Per person for 3–4 days)
People really love visiting Shillong. Shillong is a place to go to. Many travelers like Shillong because it is so beautiful. The city of Shillong has a lot to offer. Travelers love Shillong for its scenery and nice weather. Shillong is a place that people want to visit again. The beauty of Shillong is one reason why travelers love it much. Shillong is a destination, for travelers.
Shillong is a nice place to get away from everything. It is so calm and quiet. The weather in Shillong is great. The music is nice too. I also like the food in Shillong. The people who live in Shillong are very friendly.
Shillong is not, like cities that are full of tourists. In Shillong you can just. Take your time. You can go out. Explore the place. Shillong is a place to connect with nature.
Final Thoughts
Shillong is really something. It is not a place with hills. Shillong is an experience that you will remember. You can see beautiful views and waterfalls. The food in Shillong is also very tasty. People, in Shillong are very welcoming and friendly. Shillong has everything that you need to have a holiday. You can visit Shillong. See what a wonderful place Shillong is.
If you are planning a Meghalaya trip, make sure Shillong is at the top of your list. Follow this Shillong travel guide to explore the best places, enjoy local food, and travel smart with helpful tips.
