Shillong is a dream destination for the nature lover and adventure enthusiast. Located at an average altitude of 1500 meters above the sea, it is famous for its enchanting waterfalls, hills, stunning lakes and distinct culture. Also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’, due to its scenic natural beauty and picturesque landscapes.
Further, there are many churches and museums in Shillong that display the rich heritage and culture of this beautiful state. The tourist spot is just 8 hours drive from Silchar, so you can also add this location in Assam tour package. Now here is the list of top tourist places to visit in Shillong that gives you an uninterrupted holiday experience in the lap of nature. So check below-mention famous sightseeing in Shillong and enjoy a memorable and adventurous holiday vacation.
Best Time To Visit – The tourist has a pleasant climate all through the year but the ideal time to visit Shillong is between the months of September to May. Further, monsoon season another best time to visit this location when you can see waterfalls in its fullest from due to heavy rainfall. If you are planning a honeymoon vacation in Shillong then must visit this location in the winter season.
Shillong Peak
Located at an altitude of 6450 feet above sea level, it is the highest peak in entire Shillong. The location offers a panoramic view of the entire city as well as Bangladesh plains. Surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque landscapes, it offers many magnificent views that makes it an ideal destination for the nature lover.
Apart from that, it gives you an amazing experience of trekking thus it attracts all adventure enthusiast. According to the Legend, it is an adobe of patron deity ‘Leishyllong’ which protect the city from evil spirits. One can also take the majestic view of Himalayan Mountain ranges from the top point of the peak. There is also a radar station of the Indian Air Force. So being a popular tourist destination among all travellers we placed it on top of the list of places to visit in Shillong.
- Things to Do At Shillong Peak – Photography, Trekking, Sightseeing and Visit Indian Air Force Base
Umiam Lake
Umiam Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Shillong hence visited by lots of travellers every year. Located on the confluence of East Khasi Hills, the beautiful lake is just 15 km away from Shillong. The mesmerising man-made lake was formed after a dam was constructed to generate hydroelectric power.
Dotted with small Islands, it is an ideal place for strolling and picnic. Surrounded by picturesque natural beauty and beautiful landscapes, it is a perfect delight for all nature lovers. Apart from that, the lake offers many water sports activity like kayaking, boating, water cycling and cruising. Further, taking a sunrise and sunset view here a treat to the eyes and shouldn’t be missed.
- Things To Do At Umiam Lake – Kayaking, Boating, Water cycling and Photography
Elephant Falls
Elephant Falls is the most popular waterfalls in Shillong and among one of the most scenic places to visit in Shillong. It is a three-tier cascading waterfall and named after an Elephant like a stone at its foot. Surrounded by lush greenery and enchanting natural beauty, it is an ideal destination for all scenic lovers and photographers. Further, the waterfall cascade from a great height and its look like a sheet of milk which is really amazing to watch. Apart from that, there are many souvenirs item for shopping at the entrance of this waterfall.
- Things To Do At Elephant Falls – Swimming, Shopping, Photography and enjoy natural sightseeing
Wards Lake
The beautiful Wards Lake is always on top of the list of leading tourist attraction in Shillong. The artificial lake is very popular among all couples, picnickers and families. Also known as Polok Lake, it offers many recreational activities like boating, nature walk and fountain dancing. Surrounded by lush green gardens, it is an ideal place to relax and unwind your mind.
There is also a wooden bridge in the middle of the lake from where one can get the mesmerizing view of the entire region. Apart from that, one can also spot various colourful species of fishes inside the lake. There is also a cafeteria which has several beverages for refreshment. So being a famous tourist hot spot in this region, it must be added into the itinerary of places to visit in Shillong.
- Things to Do At Wards Lake – Boating, Picnic, Evening Stroll and Relaxing at Botanical Garden
Don Bosco Museum
If you want to know about tribal culture and cultural history of Meghalaya then Don Bosco Museum is a perfect tourist spot to visit in Shillong. The museum welcomes all art enthusiast and history buffs with great zeal. It houses a wide collection of handicrafts, artefacts, attires, ornaments, and weapons used by various tribes of North-east India.
Located in the premises of Sacred Heart Church, it is a seven storey building which has seventeen different galleries. The tourist site depicts the cultural richness of the entire North-East region including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.
- Things To Do At Don Bosco Museum – Explore rich culture & history of Meghalaya, View many ancient artefacts and Visit Sacred Heart Church
Laitlum Canyons
Located on Khasi Hills, Laitlum Canyons is an offbeat tourist destination in Shillong that every tourist has to visit at least once. Laitlum literally means ‘The End of Hills’ and it is a perfect paradise for trekkers, nature lovers as well as honeymoon couples. Further, the location offers a gorgeous view of distant hills, valleys and plains. Simply it is a heaven for nature admirers and peace seekers and you should add this location in the itinerary of places to visit in Shillong.
- Things to Do At Laitlum Canyons – Trekking, Camping, Photography and Famous for Sightseeing
David Scott Trail
For the adventure thrill and trekking enthusiast, David Scott Trail among one of the top places to see in Shillong. The trekking path was founded by a British officer David Scott in the early 1800s. It is a 16 km long trek which used to commute between Assam and Bangladesh. The trek takes around 4 hours to complete and can be best enjoyed in a group. Further, the trail offers splendid views of cascading waterfalls, gushing streams, valleys and dense forest groves that make your trip memorable. The trek has lots more to offer for the nature lover and photographer. If you want to take the best experience of trekking then must visit this location between the month of October to December.
- Things To Do At David Scott Trail – Ideal for trekking, Photography, River crossing and Sightseeing
Mawphlang Village
Mawphlang Village is another popular tourist attraction in the list of places to visit in Shillong. Located in the vicinity of East Khasi Hills, it is famous for its sacred groves. If you want to feel the real essence of Meghalaya culture and its rich heritage then it will be the right choice for you. Surrounded by lush green hills and beautiful meadows, it is an ideal location to relax and unwind your mind. The scenic village is a residence of Khasi Tribes, which is famous for its unique tradition and culture. Further, there is much small trekking route in this region that attracts all adventure enthusiasts.
- Things To Do At Mawphlang Village – Trekking, Nature Walk, Get a chance to explore the rich heritage and culture of Meghalaya
Lady Hydari Park
Lady Hydari Park is one of the most visited tourist spots in Shillong. It is an ideal spot for the picnickers, couples as well as families. The park was dedicated to the first lady of the province, Lady Hydari who was the wife of Governor of Assam. Consisting of a wide range of flora and fauna, it houses a min Zoo where you can spot around 73 species of birds and about 80 species of reptiles. Further, the main highlight of the park is a red rose bed in various colours. There is also a separate playground for the children that make a perfect hot spot for families who travel with their kids.
- Things to Do At Lady Hydari Park – Visit inside Zoo, Relax at the Garden and Picnic
Shillong Golf Course
Known as the Gleneagles of the East, the Shillong Golf Course, is an absolute delight–irrespective of whether you play golf or not. Golf was first played in Shillong way back in 1898 by members of the British Civil Services, who laid down a nine hole golf course here. The game became popular and Shillong saw the inauguration of a full 18 hole golf course in 1924. Surrounded by pine trees and rhododendron bushes, this golf course can challenge both amateurs as well as the professional players.
With its undulating fairways, sand bunkers and tucked away greens, the Shillong Golf Course is as challenging to play as it is beautiful to walk in. Located in a small valley, the course with its lush greenery is a haven for birds, which thrill you with their calls as you walk the fairways.
A road divides the course into two parts and it is not unusual to come across families sitting on the sides of the fairways enjoying the beauty and serenity of the place. Picnics are commonplace here and you will find locals using the area for their morning or evening stroll. For those interested in challenging themselves, a stay in Shillong and a temporary membership of the Golf Course will let you play in the Gleneagles of the East, one of the wettest courses in the world.
- Address: Golf Link 793001 Shillong, Meghalaya
- Visit Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Shillong Catholic Cathedral
Boasting of Gothic architectural style surrounded by lush green sprawling lawns, the Shillong Catholic Church is constructed on the same spot where the first ever church building in Shillong stood. Also known as the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, the church is revered by the faithful. The feature that makes this church unique is that it is built on a bed of sand and not rock as is common practice. The logic to this is simple, in an area prone to earthquake; the sand absorbs the shocks thus keeping the structure safe.
Located on top of a hill, the church with its spires, tall arches and stained glass windows, beckons visitors into its serene and tranquil interiors. The final resting place of the First Archbishop of Shillong, finds place next to the altar. A place that inspires and brings peace, the church also has a collection of paintings that depicts scenes from the Bible. A visit to Shillong is incomplete without a visit to this church.
- Address: Don Bosco Rd, Laitumkhrah 793003 Shillong, Meghalaya
- Timings: All days of the week except Sunday 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM Sun 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Butterfly Museum
Entomological Museum (Butterfly Museum) a privately owned and managed museum, the Butterfly Museum in Shillong is an amazing place. Wankhar Riatsamthiah, the owner of the museum has on display a collection of butterflies from this region. A visual treat, the differing varieties and colors of these beautiful winged insects, make this museum a must visit place for all ages. With the increase in urbanization, the chances of seeing butterflies has diminished for the youngsters and this museum makes an effort to educate the people on the importance of conserving these magnificent insects. Undertaking different programs to spread awareness as well as working towards their conservation, the museum also has a breeding centre for commercial purposes. A place that must be visited by all when in Shillong.
- Address: Riatsamthiah Jaiaw 793002 Shillong , Meghalaya
- Entry Fee: Rs.5 per person
- Timings: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Sat 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Indian Heritage Manors
Shillong is home to a lot of exquisite houses and manors built in the early days. Protected under the Indian Heritage tag, some of these houses can be visited. As Shillong expanded beyond its British habitation, there was a spurt in building homes by the Indian Royalty, Europeans and the rich families of that era. Houses built by the erstwhile Royal families of Manipur, Nepal, Charkhari and Tripura are fine examples of these Indian Heritage Manors. The Mayurbhanj House is now a part of the North Eastern Hill University and the Tripura Castle has been converted into a heritage hotel. A visit to these houses gives you an insight to the architecture and lifestyles of that era. The Raj Bhavan, though not open for public viewing from the inside, is still an imposing structure when viewed from the outside.
- Address: Shillong, Meghalaya
- Visit Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Bishop and Beadon Falls
A drive to Mawlai and a diversion from there brings you to the twin waterfalls of Meghalaya, a place that is truly enchanting to say the least. Surrounded by lush green hillsides covered with flora of numerous varieties, the Bishop and Beadon Falls, originate from a single gorge and cascade down the rock face. While the Beadon Falls is broken up at its edge by the rocks, the Bishop Falls cascade down in a single flow of water–looking like a white ribbon on the green landscape. The Bishop Falls at 450 feet high is the 22nd highest waterfall in India. An amazing and majestic sight, the area around the falls is a popular place for locals and tourists, with picnics being held here regularly.
The twin waterfalls and its surrounding terrain make a very pretty picture as you soak in the serene and splendid work of nature. A visit to the Bishop and Beadon Falls will make you want to visit Meghalaya again and again.
- Address: 793001 East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
- Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Botanical Survey of India Orchidarium
Resplendent with many species of plants and flowers, the Botanical Survey of India Orchidarium is a haven for nature lovers and horticulturists alike. Known specially for its wide range of orchids, this Orchidarium lies along the tranquil waters of the Ward Lake. Fringed by the flush habitats of the Mawphlang Sacred groves, this famous sightseeing location is a must visit for wanderers and visitors in Shillong.
Here, you come across some very interesting varieties of rare orchids and other rare plantations. The government’s efforts to protect these rapid reducing species are indeed commendable and attract visitors from all over the world. The venue also boasts of a small aviary that has a beautiful collection of colorful birds –chirping across the day. A must visit indeed!
- Address: Police Bazar 793001 Shillong, Meghalaya
Chrysalis Art Gallery
Managed by the local artist, Jaya Kalra, the Chrysalis Art Gallery in Shillong is a showcase for local talent. An amazing collection of paintings, handicrafts, sculptures and others from the different regions of the North East of India, the Art Gallery has over the years nurtured and given exposure to talented artisans from this area. The Chrysalis Art Gallery also hosts exhibitions and workshops throughout the year, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work and connect with the broader artistic community. The gallery’s collection reflects the unique culture and diversity of the region, and visitors can gain insights into the history, traditions, and way of life of the local people through the artworks on display.
- Address: Near Hotel Pegasus Crown, Police Bazar Point 793001 Shillong, Meghalaya
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Air Force Museum
Get an insight into what makes the Indian Air Force at the Air Force Museum in Shillong. With fascinating models on display that showcase the history and development of the defense aircrafts, to missiles, rockets and other warheads, the Air Force Museum is a fascinating place to learn about our air defense history. The museum also features a flight simulator that allows visitors to experience the thrill of flying an aircraft. Overall, the Air Force Museum in Shillong is an excellent place to learn about the history of the Indian Air Force and the important role it has played in the defense of the country.
- Address: Sohra Road, East Khasi Hills 793005 Shillong
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
So these are the famous tourist attraction along with a list of places to visit in Shillong. The tourist spot is a perfect weekend destination for the nature lover, adventure enthusiast as well as honeymoon couples due to its mesmerizing natural beauty.
Also check out: Popular Fairs and Festivals of Meghalaya
