Shillong — Travel Guide
Shillong (universally celebrated as the *"Scotland of the East"*, the *"Rock Capital of India"*, East Khasi Hills district headquarters, and the romantic hill capital of Meghalaya, majestically situated on a lush pine clad plateau amidst the Khasi Hills at an elevation of 1,525 meters (5,003 ft) above sea level), is an unmatched hill destination.
Umiam Lake (Barapani) — Emerald Water Reservoir and Pine Clad Hills in Shillong
smoothly uniting rolling pine hills and cascading waterfalls (anchored by the three tiered Elephant Falls and the expansive emerald waters of Umiam Lake / Barapani) with the 1,965 meter highest summit at Shillong Peak, the world class 7 story ethnographic museum at Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC), the serene colonial horseshoe waters of Ward's Lake (Nan Polok), the vibrant street food and live music culture at Police Bazar, dramatic cliff canyons at Laitlum, and the primary launchpad to Cherrapunjee (Sohra — 54 km), Dawki crystal clear river (85 km), and Mawlynnong clean village (78 km), Shillong provides an extraordinary highland journey.
The city is famous globally for its colonial British architecture, indie rock bands, pine scented breezes, and Khasi matrilineal culture: the emerald water expanse Umiam Lake (Barapani — 15 km) (a massive water reservoir offering speedboating, kayaking, water skiing, and luxury island resorts), the scenic Elephant Falls (12 km in Upper Shillong) (a three tiered waterfall crashing over dark fern draped boulders), the highest panoramic summit Shillong Peak (1,965 m / 6,449 ft) (offering 360 degree panoramic views over the city, rolling hills, and the distant plains of Sylhet Bangladesh), the world renowned 7 story ethnographic repository Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC — Mawlai) (showcasing weapons, attire, language galleries, and rooftop skywalks representing Northeast India's indigenous tribes), the colonial garden lake Ward's Lake (Nan Polok) (featuring a charming 100 year old wooden bridge, blooming cherry blossoms, and pedal boating), the bustling shopping hub Police Bazar (Khyndailad), the dramatic abyss at Laitlum Canyons (23 km — the End of the World), the sacred Mawphlang Sacred Grove (25 km — ancient preserved forest), the historic Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians (Laitumkhrah), the century old Shillong Golf Course (Asia's natural 18 hole gleneagles), and Shillong's seamless 4 lane highway connections along NH-6 to Guwahati (99 km), Kaziranga (250 km), and Tezpur (215 km).
Located smoothly just 30 km south of Shillong Airport (SHL — Umroi), 99 km south of Guwahati Railway Station (GHY), and 54 km north of Cherrapunjee (Sohra), Shillong is the crown jewel of Meghalaya.
Best Time to Visit Shillong:
- September to May (Autumn, Winter & Spring / Best Season): Mild, sunny, and delightful weather (8°C to 24°C), ideal for exploring waterfalls, boating on Umiam Lake, trekking Laitlum Canyons, and sightseeing.
- November (India International Cherry Blossom Festival): Entire city blooms in pastel pink Himalayan cherry blossoms with live indie music concerts and fashion shows.
- March / April (Shad Suk Mynsiem): Khasi traditional dance thanksgiving festival.
- June to August (Monsoon): Roaring waterfalls and romantic mist (heavy rains average 2,300 mm).
- December / January (Winter): Crisp, sunny days (4°C to 16°C).
Famous Shillong & Khasi Highland Culinary Specialties:
- Jadoh: Aromatic short grain rice slow cooked in rich pork broth with wild Khasi ginger, bay leaves, and black pepper.
- Dohneiiong: Tender pork chunks simmered in a thick, fragrant roasted black sesame seed paste and green chillies.
- Dohkhlieh: Refreshing boiled pork salad tossed with finely chopped onions, ginger, and local green chillies.
- Tungrymbai: Traditional fermented soybean paste sautéed with crushed pork bits, black sesame, and garlic.
- Pumaloi & Pukhlein: Steamed and fried Khasi rice flour cakes served with piping hot red tea (Sha Saw).
By Air:
- Shillong Airport (Airport Code: SHL Umroi, 30 km north): Operational domestic airport connected with direct daily flights to Kolkata, Guwahati, and Imphal. Pre paid cabs take 50 minutes to Police Bazar.
- Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Airport Code: GAU Guwahati, 120 km north): Major international hub operating direct flights across India. Pre paid AC cabs and shared Tata Sumo shuttles reach Shillong in 2.5 hours via 4 lane NH-6.
By Train:
- Guwahati Railway Station (Station Code: GHY - 99 km north): Major broad gauge terminal connecting to New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Shared taxis and luxury coaches operate continuously from Paltan Bazar directly to Shillong.
By Road:
- From Guwahati (~99 km / 2.5 hours): Via 4 lane expressway NH-6 through Nongpoh and Umiam Lake.
- From Cherrapunjee / Sohra (~54 km / 1.5 hours): Via scenic mountain road NH-206 through Mawkdok Dympep Valley.
- From Dawki (~85 km / 2.5 hours): Via NH-206 through Pynursla.
- MTC and ASTC luxury AC Volvo buses run hourly services from Guwahati ISBT and Paltan Bazar to Shillong Central Bus Stand.
Shopping in Shillong features Khasi handlooms, orange honey, and vintage records:
- Police Bazar (Khyndailad), Bara Bazar (Iewduh) & Purbashree Emporium: Authentic **Handwoven Khasi Silk Jainsem & Ryndia Endi Silk Shawls**, handcrafted **Khasi Bamboo & Cane Stools (Muda), Baskets & Umbrellas (Knup)**, certified **Sohra Wild Orange Blossom Honey & Black Pepper**, traditional **Bamboo Shoot & Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) Pickles**, and **Rare Rock Music Vinyl Records, Vintage Leather Jackets & Guitars**.
Must-Visit Places in Shillong
Shillong features emerald mountain lakes, three tiered waterfalls, highest peak lookouts, and 7-story tribal museums:
1. Umiam Lake / Barapani & Water Sports Complex (Scenic 220 Sq Km Reservoir - 15 km)
A mesmerizing 220 square kilometer emerald water reservoir created by damming the Umiam River in the 1960s, surrounded by coniferous pine forests and Khasi hills. The lake features the Umiam Water Sports Complex offering speedboating, water skiing, kayaking, pedal boats, and houseboats.
Umiam Lake (Barapani) — Vast Emerald Mountain Lake and Water Sports in Shillong
2. Elephant Falls (Three Tiered Cascading Waterfall in Upper Shillong - 12 km)
A spectacular three tiered waterfall nestled in lush fern clad ravines in Upper Shillong, named by the British after an elephant shaped rock near its base. Paved stone pathways with handrails lead visitors down to each of the three distinct cascading tiers crashing into emerald plunge pools.
Elephant Falls — Three Tiered Mountain Waterfall in Upper Shillong
3. Shillong Peak & Laitkor Air Force Viewpoint (Highest Point in Meghalaya at 1,965m)
The highest mountain summit in Meghalaya standing at 1,965 meters (6,449 ft) above sea level within the Laitkor Peak Air Force Station. The summit observation tower provides a breathtaking 360 degree panoramic vista of Shillong town, lush valleys, and the southern plains of Bangladesh.
Shillong Peak — Highest Mountain Summit in Meghalaya at 1,965 Meters
4. Ward's Lake / Nan Polok (Historic Colonial Horseshoe Lake & Cherry Blossom Gardens)
A 100 year old artificial horseshoe lake excavated in the 1890s by Sir William Ward, Chief Commissioner of Assam. Features cobblestone walkways, manicured flowerbeds, a central wooden bridge where visitors feed golden carp, and pink Himalayan cherry blossoms blooming in November.
Ward's Lake (Nan Polok) — Colonial Horseshoe Lake and Flower Gardens in Shillong
5. Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures / DBCIC (7-Story Tribal Heritage Museum)
Asia's largest cultural museum dedicated to indigenous tribal communities, spanning seven hexagonal floors with 17 galleries in Mawlai. Highlights include life size tribal dioramas, traditional hunting weaponry, musical instruments, tribal attires, and a panoramic rooftop skywalk.
Don Bosco Museum (DBCIC) — 7-Story Tribal Ethnographic Heritage Center in Shillong
6. Laitlum Canyons / The End of the World (Breathtaking Gorges & East Khasi Hill Cliffs - 23 km)
A breathtaking cliff edge perched on the East Khasi Hills dropping precipitously into deep river valleys and gorges below. Known as the End of the World, Laitlum offers dramatic sunrise trails, drifting mist, and 3,000 steps down to the hidden village of Rasong.
7. Mawphlang Sacred Forest & Khasi Heritage Village (Ancient Protected Grove - 25 km)
A sacred 192 acre ancient virgin forest preserved for over 800 years under strict Khasi religious taboos where nothing, not even a leaf or pebble, may be removed. Guided nature walks reveal ancient monoliths, medicinal trees, and carnivorous pitcher plants.
8. Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians (Laitumkhrah Majestic Gothic Roman Catholic Church)
A high arched Roman Catholic cathedral built in 1936 on an earthquake resistant rock foundation in Laitumkhrah. Features high stained glass windows imported from Munich, bronze crucifixes, and high blue spires soaring into the sky.
9. Police Bazar & Shillong Golf Course (Asia's Oldest 18-Hole Natural Pine Golf Course)
Police Bazar (Khyndailad) is the vibrant pedestrian hub filled with cafes and live indie music clubs, while the nearby Shillong Golf Course is an 18 hole championship natural golf green nestled amidst undulating pine knolls.
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