Shillong Tourist Places
Shillong isn’t just a destination but an experience of misty hills, cascading waterfalls and a culture that feels both vibrant and soothing. A thoughtfully planned Shillong sightseeing tour allows you to soak in its natural beauty, from serene lakes to panoramic viewpoints. Whether you’re exploring the best of Shillong tour or discovering offbeat Shillong tourist places, every corner of the city has something unique to offer. With so many incredible places to visit in Shillong, this hill station promises a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure and unforgettable memories.
Shillong has abundance to offer its visitors: for the travellers looking for adventure and thrill, our Guwahati Shillong Cherrapunji Tour Package can cater to their adventure spirit. For the ones looking for a private tour or honeymoon tour can book our Awesome Shillong Tour or Romantic Shillong Cherrapunji Tour Package.
Shillong tourist attractions isn’t just about waterfalls and hills; it’s a city that beautifully blends nature with culture. Along with its scenic charm, you’ll find museums and old churches that tell the story of the tribal traditions and vibrant heritage of Northeast India. The handcrafted items made from natural materials add a personal touch, giving you a glimpse into the creativity and lifestyle of the local people. Tourists flock to Shillong throughout the year to explore its top attractions and enjoy memorable moments with friends and family amidst peaceful natural surroundings. The breathtaking beauty of Shillong’s tourist spots captivates visitors, offering a perfect mix of scenic charm and natural charm. From scenic viewpoints to peaceful lakes and vibrant local spots, the many places to visit in Shillong offer experiences that stay with you long after your trip ends. No matter you seek peaceful moments or a break from the everyday routine, Shillong leaves you with memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Places to Visit In Shillong
1. Laitlum Canyons
Trekking enthusiasts can engage in an adventurous and thrilling trek along the rocky and luxuriantly thick verdant slopes in this one of the top adventure places in Shillong. Some popular trekking trails include the Smit Village Trek and the Rasong Village Trek. The time of sunrise and sunset is the most favourable time to witness the charisma of the Laitlum Canyons, with mornings mostly being blurry due to thick fog.
The spectacular views of Laitlum Canyons are a delight for photographers to capture the best of this destination. Visitors often stop by to capture amazing pictures with their loved ones, friends, and families. Spending time amidst the prolific emerald and jade valleys with superb weather is a perfect escape from the rush of city life. Thus, this astonishing destination never fails to amaze visitors and is undoubtedly worthy of exploration.
2. Shillong Peak
The peak provides an aerial view of Shillong city as a whole. It is one of the remarkable places to visit in Shillong. It is advised to carry binoculars in order to witness this picturesque site. Visitors can buy a lot of things of interest from the nearby shops available.
It is a boon for photographers to capture this stretching green beauty from different angles and shots. Visitors can even indulge in a photo session with their loved ones while taking in the beauty of this vibrant peak. Therefore, it’s a must-visit destination in Shillong that offers an abundance of natural allure to its visitors.
Shillong Peak can be visited on all days except Wednesdays of every week. The visiting hours to the peak start from 9 a.m. in the morning until 5 p.m. in the evening, with a charge of Rs. 50 per person for entrance. Therefore, Shillong Peak is worth exploring and a must-visit spot among the various Shillong tourist attractions.
3. Cathedral Church
Sand fills rock trenches to make the Cathedral Catholic Church earthquake-proof. Its base stands strong. It sits on a verdant hill with fancy blemish glass and soaring arches. The first archbishop of the city, Hubert D’Rosario, rests near the altar. The art inside the church showcases the stories and lives of the saints from the sacred scriptures. A subterranean grotto church, dug into the hill, honours Our Lady of Lourdes. On clear days, you can see the Brahmaputra River and the snowy Himalayas from up there.
The church is open to visitors from 7 a.m. in the morning until 6:30 p.m. in the evening. Therefore, it is considered as one of the significant Shillong tourist places.
4. Nohkalikai Falls
You can get the best views of the waterfall, surrounding vegetation, and the lovely valley from the viewing gallery. This is among the top Shillong tourist places which should not be missed by the visitors. For the tourists looking for the best places to visit in Shillong, Nohkalikai Falls is among the must-visit destination in the region.
5. Double Decker Living Root Bridge
This place is also ideal for trekking. The entanglement of roots forms two bridges, transforming into a double-decker root bridge. It amazes and astonishes travellers, making it a unique spot for them to visit. It is among the top and best Shillong tourist places. Travellers never miss visiting this unique Double Decker Living Root Bridge while in Cherrapunjee. This natural marvel is one of the must-see attractions in Shillong and is often included in the top lists of places to visit in Shillong.
6. Ward's Lake
A beautifully articulated stony track surrounds the lake and serves as its highlight. The wooden bridge stands on the sparkling lake, encircled by grassy, verdant slopes, making it an enticing destination. A walk on the appealing bridge or simply standing and gazing at the serene beauty of the lake, feeding the fish, and befriending the ducks can be immensely satisfying. Visitors can relax in the shade of the soaring trees and rejuvenate in the flower garden with its immensely wonderful and unique shades.
Ward’s Lake is a perfect travel spot to ease into the charm of nature. It is one of the most loved attractions in Shillong where tourists can indulge in paddling activities and savour delicious snacks in the nearby restaurant. Autumn is a favourable time to visit the lake and witness the fully bloomed-in cherry blossoms turning the region into a mesmerising shade of pink. A famous event known as the ‘Cherry Blossom Festival’, is celebrated during the time between October and November in the lake’s vicinity. Visitors can even witness a few nearby attractions in Shillong, like the Botanical Garden and the Police Bazaar.
This must-visit attraction in Shillong is accessible to visitors all year, except Tuesday of every week. The opening time of the lake from November to February are from 8:30 AM in the morning until 5:30 PM in the evening, and from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. from March to October.
7. Police Bazar
8. Shillong Golf Course
Luxuriant rhododendron and pine vegetation encircle the golf course, which lies in a beautiful valley and is the dearest spot for golfers around the country. Humps like sea waves covered all in green, with the placement of pine trees, add to its charm. The place is not just for golfers, but for everyone to visit. The British officers used to connect and compare the golf course with the golf course in Wales. Also, this place holds the record of a few famous British officials who played golf here around 70 years ago. Presently, the place still hosts important golf events. Among the top attractions in Shillong, Shillong Golf Course is one of the best Shillong tourist places.
Shillong’s Golf Course is a delight for photographers to witness this largely spanning 18-hole golf course, all enveloped in green. Thus, it is a perfect destination to immerse and relax in the charm of the largely stretching green pitch. For those exploring places to visit in Shillong, a visit to the Shillong Golf Course is recommended.
9. Elephant Falls
A barrier close to the waterfalls allows visitors to enjoy the cool sprinkles of water and feel the region’s calmness while ensuring their safety. Boards at each tier of the falls provide historical information, and the steps are abrupt, so it is advised to walk slowly and carefully, especially for children and senior citizens. The first and second tiers of the falls have sitting provisions for resting and gazing at the mesmerising beauty of the falls. Being one of the incredible places to visit in Shillong, Elephant Falls offers the visitors to indulge in photo sessions near the falls, creating and capturing memories for a lifetime.
A children’s park, Matilang Park, connects to Elephant Falls. Known for its verdant beauty, the park is perfect for weekend visits. After enjoying the charm of Elephant Falls, visitors can relax at another destination nearby. Elephant Falls is open to visitors every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
10. Don Bosco Museum
To dive deep into the rich culture and history of the Northeast, Don Bosco Museum is your ultimate destination. For lovers of history, this place is no less than a paradise. The museum is open for excursions from Monday to Saturday, and the visiting hours are from 9:30 a.m. in the morning until 4:30 p.m. in the evening.
11. Seven Sisters Waterfall
On top of the mountain, there is a platform where visitors can get a full view of the falls and a park to relax and enjoy the scenery. It is one of the top places to visit in Shillong and is well-known for its name. You can plan your visit around June and July during the rainy season to fully enjoy the beauty of the falls. They are open all year round. Therefore, the Seven Sisters Falls is among one of the most loved Shillong tourist places and a must-see among the many attractions in Shillong.
12. Krang Suri Falls
Besides taking pictures of the beautiful scenery, there are many other activities to enjoy here. You can swim in the pool, but you need to rent a life jacket for a fee. You can also take a boat ride above the falls. It’s a good idea to spend one to two hours during your visit to fully enjoy the beauty of the falls and the surrounding area. Krang Suri Falls is a must-explore and worth visiting Shillong tourist destination.
13. Dainthlen Falls
The falls are surrounded by lush greenery and rocky landscapes, offering breathtaking views and excellent photography opportunities. The only cost to see the waterfall is the parking fee, which is Rs 20 for two-wheelers and Rs 50 for large cars. There is no other fees, and the best time to visit is June to September for the fullest flow, though it remains scenic throughout the year. Therefore, the falls is among the best Shillong tourist places to explore and is worth a visit.
14. Wei Sawdong Falls
To reach it, you need to go down steep hills. Some bamboo branches and stones form the stairs on the steep slopes to help travelers. You can visit this place if you are physically strong, can use bamboo stairs and natural steps, and are willing to climb. Wei-Sawdong Falls is counted among the top Shillong tourist attractions and is worth a visit.
15. Umiam Lake
Being located on the National Highway 6 (Guwahati-Shillong Road), Umiam Lake has an excellent connection that can be accessible from all locations. Various beautiful places can be spotted on the way to Umiam Lake as well. It is one of the most scenic places to visit in Shillong, offering fantastic views and peaceful environment.
Umiam Lake is a part of Umiam Dam, built by the Assam State Electricity Board with the purpose of hydroelectric power generation by storing water. The lake is spread over a major area of about 220 square kilometres and is a very important water source for irrigation, fishing, and drinking water. As far as the eye could see, one could spot a stretch of clear water surrounded by hills on all sides. Visitors love spending time in the garden adjacent to the lake, which is a wonderful picnic spot where visitors can relax amidst nature and engage in activities like boating and kayaking. With the charm that Umiam Lake holds, it is often compared with the clear and enchanting lakes of Scotland which indeed makes this beautiful lake one of the most popular Shillong tourist places.
All in all, Umiam Lake is a perfect destination to begin the excursion in Shillong. Without a doubt, this place entices tourists with its alluring beauty and provides the calm from the fast pace of life. Thus, Umiam Lake truly stands out as one of the most mesmerising attractions in Shillong, making it an essential spot to witness when visiting Shillong.
16. Air Force Museum
It serves as a hub of educational information and hosts interactive sessions for people of all ages. Travellers can learn a lot about various regiments and their responsibilities in protecting the skies. The museum undoubtedly arouses feelings of patriotism and sheer respect. Visitors should carry one piece of identification, which is required at the entrance of the museum. Air Force Museum is among the most significant Shillong tourist places. A visit to this museum is a must, as it stands as proof of the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Air Force.
17. Lady Hydari Park
18. Mawlynnong Village-The Cleanest Village in Asia
Mawlynnong can be reached by undertaking a drive of approximately 77.7 kilometres from Shillong. Cabs and bus services are another possible option to reach Mawlynnong Village and take in the surrounding beauty of the place. It is one of the attractions in Shillong, known for its cleanliness and breathtaking beauty. The village can be visited anytime throughout the year; however, summer and winter are regarded as the best times to witness the local attractions. Monsoons cause a lot of rain, which makes it quite difficult to explore but is a boon for someone who enjoys rain. It is considered to be one of the notable Shillong tourist places and adds to the list of amazing attractions in Shillong.
The Jingmaham Living Root Bridge is the major highlight of Mawlynnong Village. Visitors can indulge in a thrilling trek through the root bridge. The bamboo watch tower is another high spot to witness. Some other famous destinations to visit include Balancing Rock and the Church of Epiphany. Therefore, Mawlynnong Village has a lot to offer its visitors and has the capability to change the mindset of people with its green and clean ambience. A visit to Mawlynnong Village is a must to encounter nature and its wonders.
19. Umngot River (Dawki River)
This place is among the best attractions in Shillong that provides kayaking and boating opportunities to the visitors, and it seems as if the boat is floating on the glass passage because of its ultra-clear surface. Surrounded by lush greenery and cleanliness, spending quality time and kayaking at the Umngot River is all one needs to calm down the nerves and cherish the atmosphere. The visiting hours for the river are from 8 a.m. in the morning until 6 p.m. in the evening. Therefore, Umngot River is among the best Shillong tourist places and a visit here can be a worthwhile experience in itself.
20. Bophill Falls
Visitors can witness the Bophill Falls on their way to Dawki and even indulge in a day’s trip exploring Dawki’s other famous attractions. Visitors are enticed by the view of stretching Khasi Hills on one end and Bangladeshi plains on the other. During monsoons, the place is further adorned with lush green beauty and forms a mesmerising landscape. Visitors can spend quality time here, which will definitely be worthwhile during their Shillong trip.
21. Mawphlang Sacred Forest
22. Mawkdok Dympep Valley
23. Nongjrong
Shillong is about 49 kilometres away from Nongjrong. Nongjrong’s breathtaking scenery mesmerises everyone, and gives a rejuvenating experience. When you walk all the way to the hilltop’s corner to see the clouds more clearly, you won’t be disappointed.
Visiting Nongjrong in the early morning is ideal. You can depart early from Shillong and reach Nongjrong before sunrise to fully appreciate the exquisite splendour of this top Shillong attraction.
24. Mawsmai Cave
Many tourists visit Mawsmai Cave, a famous spot in Cherrapunji. Inside the cave, you have to bow your head and kneel in some places where the ceiling and floor meet to form pillars. Exploring Mawsmai Cave is an exciting adventure you won’t forget. The cave is open all year, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
25. Mawjymbuin Cave
With the unique pairing of the Symper Rock Mawjymbuin cave has perplexed the geologists. The cave consists of many split entries and narrow ways, few of which are pretty difficult to enter. Heavy rains during monsoons, at times block these entries and it becomes a task to explore the cave. So, it is advised to avoid visiting during monsoons, but post monsoons.
Therefore, Mawjymbuin cave has a rich geographical importance which is a cherished trait of the cave and indeed makes it one of the most loved places to visit in Shillong. Surrounded by the enthralling beauty, visit to this cave leaves the visitors with the feeling of spiritual tranquillity and calm.
26. Living Root Bridge – Riwai Village
Located approximately 80 kilometres from Shillong and 2.4 kilometres from Mawlynnong Village, it is regarded as one of the most loved places to visit in Shillong by tourists. The unique entanglement of the roots is a proof of the wonder of nature. The build of the bridge is extremely strong as it dates back to being over 300 years old and is believed to be getting stronger with each passing day.
There are a variety of budget-friendly lodging options available at Riwai. Indulging in interactions with locals provides an insight to the rich Khasi culture to the travellers. Therefore, witnessing this beauty of Meghalaya where nature showcases its creativity to the extent of building bridges is worth a visit.
27. Mawlynnong Waterfall
Summer and the monsoon are regarded as the best times to witness the falls wholeheartedly. Although monsoons add to the beauty of the falls, it is advised to be cautious during this time. Mawlynnong lies about 77.6 kilometres away from Shillong, but it is a worth-visiting place for tourists to witness the amazing Meghalaya. There are numerous other attractions close to the falls, like the Living Root Bridge and many more.
Thus, diving in the charm of Mawlynnong waterfalls is highly recommended when touring Meghalaya.
28. Umkrem Falls
Surrounded by luxuriant hills and verdant valleys with cool waters plunging down and an age-old bridge close by, Umkrem Falls never disappoints its visitors. Located about 4 kilometres away from Dawki and about 79.3 kilometres from Shillong, this waterfall is worth witnessing and spending time at. Hence, Umkrem waterfall is a must-visit tourist spot in Shillong, Meghalaya.
29. Butterfly Museum
30. Bara Bazar (Lewduh)
31. Sweet Falls
Cascading down from the rocky ridge, it ushers in a natural setting that allures tourists from far-off places to slow down from the fast pace of life. Tourists can engage in photography, capturing some worth-capturing moments, and can even dive into the cool waterfalls, rejuvenating their senses. Therefore, Sweet Falls is one of the recommended attractions in Shillong for tourists to explore.
32. Thangkharang Park
Khoh Ramhah Rock stands near the entrance gate and is another famous attraction in Thangkharang Park. The beauty of the place will captivate you, and you won’t want to leave early.
The park is open all year from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
33. Mattilang Amusement Park
Timings: 9am-5pm
Entry Fee: Rs.20-50
34. Bulls Trek Wahniangleng Mylliem
35. Connell’s Park
There’s a nominal entry price of Rs. 50, for children while adults must pay Rs.100. Thus, a visit to Connell’s park would be a worthwhile experience and definitely fun.
Frequently Asked Questions on Places to Visit in Shillong
Few of the best tourist places in Shillong are:
➤Umiam Lake (Barapani): Umiam Lake is the beauty of Shillong and the most preferred destination by tourists. The lush beauty and glistening view of the surroundings are fabulous to take in the natural charm of the place.
➤Bara Bazar: Bara Bazar is a perfect place to shop and buy souvenirs from Meghalaya. People also know Bara Bazar as ‘Lewduh’.
➤Shillong Peak: A noteworthy Indian Air Force station in the Khasi Hills, which lies at the soaring point of Shillong, is famously known as Shillong Peak. The peak provides an aerial view of Shillong city as a whole.
➤Elephant Falls: Nestled in the periphery of Shillong lies the mesmerising Elephant Falls. This is the best tourist spot in Shillong to relax in the midst of nature.
There are numerous places to visit in Shillong and Cherrapunji. Some of the best places to explore includes:
SHILLONG
➤Shillong Peak
➤Elephant Falls
➤Laitlum Canyon
➤Ward’s Lake
➤Lady Hydari Park
CHERRAPUNJI
➤Mawkdok Dympep valley
➤Seven Sisters Falls
➤Mawsmai Cave
➤Double Decker Living Root Bridge
➤Wei Sawdong Falls
You can also check our 4 Days and 3 nights Magical Shillong and Cherrapunji Tour which will let you explore amazing places to visit in Shillong and Cherrapunji.
Shillong is a famous tourist destination. Cherrapunji, Dawki, Mawsynram and Jowai are some of the popular places to visit in Shillong. Another highlight of Shillong include its deep caves, soaring peaks, tall waterfalls and rich heritage and culture.
In general, a 5 days trip to Shillong is enough to explore the major travel destinations wholeheartedly. You can also check our Best of Shillong Tour package which covers major Shillong sightseeing places.
Some nearby attractions in Shillong include:
➤Cherrapunji
➤Dawki
➤Mawlynnong
➤Jowai
➤Guwahati
There is never a bad time to visit Shillong, but if you enjoy the outdoors, the monsoon season is ideal for you because it makes it possible to see the waterfalls in a beautiful setting. Wintertime in Shillong is the ideal time of year to visit if you enjoy adventure.
It is true that Shillong is a far safer area to go alone than a lot of other well-known Indian cities and towns. In addition, it offers plenty of transportation options and decent lodging options for independent travellers.
Although, there are numerous places to visit in Shillong. While a few Shillong sightseeing places that are not to be missed include:
➤Shillong Peak
➤Lady Hydari Park
➤Don Bosco Museum
➤Elephant Falls
➤Ward’s Lake
A variety of budget-friendly hotels are available for guests, including standard hotels, deluxe hotels, and super deluxe hotels. Some of the best places to stay in Shillong are Holiday Hills, Hotel Island Park, and Relyn Suite, which are all located in the main city and have lovely interiors at reasonable prices.
If you’re planning a budget trip, there are various places to visit in Shillong in 3 days as well. You can also book our 4-days Laitlum Shillong Tour Package that is curated considering the comfort along with the thrill the tourists can experience. Contact us to get the best deals and discounts on your affordable Shillong vacation.
Also, take a look at our Best of Shillong Tour Package, designed to cover all the top sightseeing spots in Shillong.
The closest railway station to Shillong is in Guwahati, from where you can book a taxi to reach Shillong, located around 100 kilometers away. For larger families or groups, hiring a Tempo Traveller from Guwahati is a good option. If you prefer to travel by air, you can fly to either Guwahati Airport or Shillong Airport.
Summer is considered to be the best time to visit Shillong. The weather is pleasant during this time of the year and visitors are able to witness and explore the places in ease.
Some must-do adventurous activities in Shillong includes:
➤Trekking
➤Camping
➤Boating
➤Scuba Diving
➤Snorkeling
Here are some important travel tips for your Shillong tour:
➤Carry Rain Protection
➤Wear high-quality shoes
➤Pre-Book Your Cab/Taxi
➤Keep Cash Handy
➤Respect Local Culture
It is possible to arrange a budget-friendly trip to Shillong and explore various amazing places to visit in Shillong with family and loved ones. You may find reasonably priced hotels and homestays easily. Budget accommodations might help you save money and have a more inexpensive tour.
When compared to other Indian states, Shillong’s summers are not as hot and muggy. Furthermore, Shillong experiences consistently good summertime weather. During the summer, the average temperature fluctuates between 25°C (Maximum) and 16°C.
Visitors can choose from a variety of hotels here, depending on their budget. Depending on their needs, guests can reserve regular, deluxe, and super luxury hotels and homestays. There are various accommodations in the main city with lovely interiors and amenities at reasonable prices.
Shillong’s population is largely English-speaking, therefore communication is straightforward. Hindi is another language that people in the city can speak.
Absolutely, travellers can feel safe visiting Shillong since it is considered safer than many other parts of India and has a low crime rate. Shillong is a safe destination for tourism, even for female tourists and solo travellers.
No, one does not require a permit in order to enter Shillong, Meghalaya.





















