Shillong Tourism: An Absolute Travel Guide

Shillong Tourism: An Absolute Travel Guide

The Meghalayan state capital and hill town of Shillong is located in northeastern India. Shillong, in the state of Meghalaya, is situated at an altitude of 1496 metres above sea level. Prior to the creation of Meghalaya in 1972, Shillong remained Assam’s capital. Shillong, Meghalaya, is a great vacation spot all year round because of the location, the people, and the climate, which all worked together to create a friendly atmosphere. Shillong is located 56 kilometres from Cherrapunjee, the wettest region on Earth. Shillong is surrounded by green mountains, pine woods, and stunning lakes and waterfalls. Popular highland town that the British used to refer to as the Scotland of the East.
Shillong is a beautiful, clean city with a lot to offer. Meghalaya is known for its numerous caves in addition to its breathtaking waterfalls, which draw visitors from both India and outside. A couple of the state’s caverns have been ranked as some of the world’s longest and deepest.
Shillong metro’s overall resident population considerably surpasses 3.5 lakhs, while the town itself has a population of more than 1.4 lakhs. And Shillong town is roughly 64.4 square kilometres in size overall. Shillong Peak, which rises to a height of 6,449 feet and provides panoramic views of the town and its surroundings, is the highest point in this area and a well-liked tourist destination. Additionally, this is where Meghalaya’s highest point is located.
This pleasant hill town has a lot to offer visitors, including a lot of beautiful viewpoints, spectacular waterfalls, picturesque lakes with boating opportunities, museums, excellent hotels & restaurants of all kinds, and a tonne of activities in addition to shopping. In addition, the inhabitants are endearing and hospitable, and the climate is cool all year round, making it an alluring destination.

What Makes Shillong so Famous?

The only hill station in the nation that is reachable from every direction is Shillong, which is also the capital of Meghalaya. Shillong, which is 1,491 metres above sea level, gets its name from U-Shyllong, a powerful deity. The city is surrounded by valleys and is located in the centre of a plateau. This lovely city is 103 kilometres away from Guwahati. Due to its unspoiled beauty and the rolling hills of lush greenery that perfectly envelop it, Shillong is known as the Scotland of the East. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Meghalaya and the entire North-East is Shillong, which is adorned with stunning waterfalls, emerald fields, and hills.
There are many sites to explore in Shillong if one wishes to experience the natural beauty of the North East. Shillong is the ideal vacation spot because of its tumbling waterfalls, clear lakes, floral gardens, stunning scenery, swinging pine trees, and museums that showcase the rich culture of the Khasis.
Shillong is the centre of education for the entire north-east thanks to the existence of numerous highly regarded educational institutions, many of which were founded by different missionary groups. Along with its natural beauty, Shillong serves as a gateway to Meghalaya, a region known for its incredible people, tallest waterfalls, caves, and gorgeous scenery. Additionally, Shillong is quickly becoming the Northeastern region’s centre for education.

History, Language, and People of Shillong

History
Yeddo, or “Iewduh” as the locals call it, was Shillong’s previous name. Later, because the new town was situated beneath the Shillong Peak, the name “Shillong” was chosen. Additionally, the city’s name has a little history. According to the locals, a virgin gave birth to a beautiful stillborn child, which she buried in her garden. The child was resurrected in a supernatural form years later, grew up, and reached such beauty and power that the people worshipped him as a deity and gave him the name U-Shyllong (meaning one who grows naturally). Shillong was thereafter given his name in his honour. The phrase “Khot Shyllong,” which translates to “Call Shyllong,” is still recited by the locals during times of extreme tragedy or catastrophe. Shillong is only a short drive from Guwahati, which can be reached by car along NH 40. The drive takes about 2 hours 30 minutes and passes through verdant hills and the Umiam lake. Shillong has been chosen as the 100th city to receive money under the center’s flagship Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation AMRUT “Smart Cities Mission.”
Language
Shillong’s primary language of communication is Khasi, despite the fact that English is the state’s official tongue. The city also has a significant English, Hindi, Bengali, Assamese, and Nepali speaking population. Because they are fluent in both Hindi and English, the locals encourage tourists.
People
Shillong, which served as the capital of composite Assam under British administration, has kept some of its colonial elegance despite being thoroughly contemporary. One of the main tribes in Meghalaya, the Khasis, make up the majority of the population in the city. A limited number of Garos, Jaintias, and members of the Bengali, Assamese, Nepali, and Hindi-speaking populations have merged with the Khasi community. Shillong is a predominantly Christian state with sizable populations of Muslims, Seng-Khasis, Hindus, etc. Shillong residents prefer wearing western clothing, while the younger generation also occasionally dons traditional garb. But among the elders, the traditional clothing of the Khasis, the “Jymphong” for men and the “Jainsem” or “Dhara” for women, is very common. On important occasions, the women furthermore don a crown made of silver or gold that has a spike or peak attached to the back. The Khasi culture is a matrilineal one, which is a significant fact.

Top Tourist Attractions in Shillong

“Scotland of the East,” Shillong is one of Meghalaya’s most well-known tourist destinations in the Northeast and a location that is on everyone’s travel wish list. Visitors from all over the world who want to escape the bustle of daily life are attracted to the region by its forested hills, pleasant ambiance, and stunning natural surroundings. The following locations are worth seeing in Shillong.

Shillong Peak

A picnic at the Shillong Peak in Shillong, Meghalaya, would be a lot of fun. From this point, you may get an incredible aerial view of the city spread out against the lovely hill slopes. The highest point in the state is Shillong Peak in Meghalaya, which rises to a height of 1956 metres. It is regarded as one of the state’s most picturesque regions and is well-known for its thick tropical vegetation and enormous chasms that abruptly end at the road. It is regarded as a popular vacation destination.

Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls, one of Meghalaya’s natural beauties, is near the stone in the shape of an elephant. The name “Ka Kshaid Lai Patang Khohsiew,” which translates to “The Three Step Waterfalls,” is given to the stunning Elephant Falls by the local Khasi people because it refers to a series of three gorgeous falls that follow one another. Behind two massive trees sits the first waterfall, which is the largest of the three.

Ward’s Lake

This renowned lake can be found smack dab in the midst of Shillong. Visitors and locals alike go there. The lake seems beautiful because of the dense flora surrounding it. The lovely and serene surroundings of the lake are a wonderful place to spend time.

Don Bosco Museum

A seven-story historical building, the Don Bosco Museum has 17 rooms with exhibits that take visitors on a tour of life in Northeast India. It’s in Shillong, where it is. Also included in these galleries are a wide range of artistic expressions, antiquities, outfits, tools, and labor-intensive crafts that depict the customs and way of life of the different tribes and people of Meghalaya.

Umiam Lake

If you think manufactured lakes can never be as beautiful as natural ones, all it will take is one visit to Umiam Lake to make you reconsider. The lake is vast with a surface size of 221 square kilometres. The best place to take beautiful images and appreciate how amazingly creative nature and people can be is in Umiam. You’ll want to keep in mind this breathtaking image of the sun setting for the rest of your life. One of Meghalaya’s most gorgeous tourist spots is this reservoir, which is encircled by lush hills. Umiam Lake also offers other fun water sports including skiing, boating, and yachting.

Lady Hydari Park

The park in Shillong, which honours Lady Hydari, the province’s first lady, is a very famous tourist destination. This large park, which is in the centre of the city, contains a variety of plants as well as a small zoo that is home to 73 bird species and more than 100 reptiles. The park’s centrepiece is the lovely flower bed.

Laitlum Canyons

Nothing will adequately prepare you for the breathtaking panorama you will get to see from the Laitlum Canyons; you will undoubtedly be taken aback. The majority of the Meghalaya Vista can be seen from The Canyons, which are located on top of the Eastern Khasi Hills. Although the ascent to the Laitlum requires some effort, hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts all seek it out in equal measure. It continues to be one of Meghalaya’s most popular destinations.

Sohpetbneng Peak

Sohpetbbneng is arguably Meghalaya’s most stunning peak, despite not being the state’s tallest mountain. The summit is located 20 kilometres to the north of Shillong, and on the second Saturday of February every year, thousands of Khasi devotees hike more than 7 kilometres upwards from the highway to the peak. The journey includes native dances, religious rites, and chants as the passengers pray to U Blei (the creator, according to the Khasis) for the welfare of the planet and all life on it.

All Saints Church

One of Shillong’s oldest churches, this one was constructed under the British Raj. A new Church was constructed in 1902 after the former Church on the Kacheri Road was entirely destroyed by an earthquake in 1897. This gorgeous chapel in colonial style is made of wood and has excellent architectural features. In order to have a spiritual experience, the Sunday Mass is also worthwhile to attend. The Church is very well maintained and is an excellent location for amazing photos. The two-story Church’s spectacular stained glass windows are the focus.

Brookside Bungalow

Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel Prize-winning author from Bengal, spent his summers in the lovely Brookside Bungalow in Rilbong. The author of “Shesher Kavita,” one of his most well-known novels, was a poet, bard, and novelist who lived in this bungalow in the summer of 1919. In this novel, Shillong serves as the setting for over 13 chapters. Visits to the Brookside Bungalow are definitely worthwhile if you have ever came across Tagore’s writings. The bungalow will reportedly be given the name Tagore Art Gallery and granted museum status, according to the most recent reports.

Air Force Museum

An excellent location for fans of aircraft and the air force, the museum is frequently filled with families with young children. This location is a must-visit if you want to know about the Air Defence Force of our nation or teach your children about it. Along with miniature rockets and aircraft, there are uniforms from the air force on exhibit.

Mawphlang Sacred Forest

You cannot take even a single leaf from the Mawphlang sacred forest, which is like a virtual treasure trove of the priceless gifts of Nature. The forest is absolutely fascinating, drawing throngs of spiritual seekers, travellers, ornithologists, botanists, and photographers. It is also famously known for its spiritual potency and the unique Rudraksh trees. The forests are an unusual example of flora due to the humus-laden grounds, the abundance of pipers, ferns, orchids, and fern allies.

Spread Eagle Falls

One of the most well-liked picnic areas and tourist places nearby is the Spread Eagle Falls, also known as Sati Falls or Umkaliar. The name Spread Eagle was given to this waterfall because of its width, which makes it the widest waterfall in Meghalaya. When it strikes the ground, the Waterfall, which dominates three sides of the pool, makes a frantic splashing noise. an outstanding location for photography.

Crinoline Falls

The fact that the Crinoline Falls is located right in the centre of Shillong contributes to its enormous popularity. At the location of Crinoline Falls, the MTDC (Meghalaya Tourism Department) hosts a number of tourism events and cultural activities. In the nearby three-star restaurant, you can eat while admiring the stunning waterfall.
The Crinoline Falls region is more prosperous because it has a small zoo and a big swimming pool. This location is a must-see if you’re travelling with kids because it has the appearance and atmosphere of a well-known amusement park. Otherwise, if you enjoy waterfalls, Crinoline Falls’ 13-metre height won’t do much to wow you.

Beadon Falls

Beadon Falls in Shillong’s stunning Suna Valley, is only 2 kilometres from the Bara Bazar area, making it simple to explore even if you are staying in the town’s centre.
The waterfall flows through stunningly steep rock formations before joining the Umiam River. The Beadon Falls, which plunge straight down from a steep hill into a deep gorge created by the Umiam river, are famous for their majestic majesty and thunderous noise. This roaring waterfall’s beautiful and serene surroundings, which include miles of lush green trees and enormous boulders, make it even more unique.

Cathedral (Mary Help) Catholic Church

One of the most beautiful churches in this area of the world is the Cathedral of Mary, and its setting atop a hill only enhances its appeal. On a clear day, a location on the church grounds offers views of the Brahmaputra River and the snow-covered Himalayan Peaks. Tall arches and stunning stained glass windows may be found throughout the cathedral. The late Archbishop Rev. Hubert D. Rosario designated it as a site of spiritual pilgrimage in 1980, which increased its significance as a tourist destination. The Eastern Khasi Hills and the Ri Bhoi are home to more than 300,000 devout Catholics who belong to the Shillong Archdiocese.

Police Bazar

Shillong’s main market, Police Bazar, is a well-liked destination for retail therapy. The Police Bazaar features a variety of restaurants, hotels, and big-name retailers in addition to a flea market area where you may find antiques, trash jewellery, fine Meghalayan goods, local clothing, and other items.

Rhino Heritage Museum

The Rhino Heritage Museum in Shillong’s Bara Bazaar neighbourhood is devoted to military men, weapons, including combat missiles and guns. The pink rhinoceros sculpture outside the museum’s doors is where it derives its name. The highlight of the exhibit, among others, is a display of the Japanese army’s weapons.

Butterfly Museum

One of Shillong’s most well-liked tourist destinations is the Butterfly Museum, sometimes referred to as the Entomological Museum. The museum is located on the Riatsamthiah Jaiaw, close to Christian Academy School, and it has a huge collection of beautiful butterflies, moths, beetles, and other insects. For economic interests, the museum also raises butterflies.

Diengiei Peak

This peak, Shillong Peak, which is 6200 feet tall and located on Shillong’s western side, is only 200 feet shorter than Shillong Peak. This peak’s gradient is quite steep and precipitous for its height of roughly 1000 feet, which provides for great mountain climbing.

Ever Living Museum

Ever Living Museum, a privately owned museum in Shillong’s Mawshbuit Village, showcases the love of nature, culture, tradition, posterity, and history. An ethnographic museum, it is organised into three sections and has artefacts from the hill tribes of the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills.

Jaintia Hills

The Jaintia Hills, which were once a part of the Jaintia Kingdom, are a region of spectacular hills in Meghalaya that are home to abundant natural vegetation and mineral riches. The Krang Suri Falls, one of India’s most stunning waterfalls, and the intriguing Nartiang Monoliths may both be found in the Jaintia Hills.

Sweet Falls

One of the country’s steepest and most captivating waterfalls is Sweet Falls. Your breath is taken away by the sound of flowing water, chipping birds, the sensation of cascading water, and the beautiful surroundings. It is a well-liked picnic location surrounded by lush vegetation.

Best Time to Visit Shillong Tourism

The choice of whether to visit this city is yours, whether you prefer the pleasantly balmy summer days or the stunning cherry blossom trees at their peak in the autumn. When to travel to your preferred vacation destination depends greatly on the weather. You can only choose the most advantageous time to go after assessing the benefits and drawbacks of each season.
March through June
Summer begins in March and April, but the temperature is still pretty good. With temperatures ranging from a high of 24°C to a low of 15°C, summers in Shillong are generally moderate and an excellent time to arrange a trip. Planning adventures and tourism excursions during this time is ideal.
June to September
Shillong experiences average to high rainfall during this time of the year. Visit the waterfalls at this time, and take in the stunning views of the area that have been washed by rain. In Shillong, July is the wettest month. Given that many visitors avoid travelling during the monsoons, it’s not a busy tourist season, but this makes it easier to find affordable lodgings.
October to February
October marks the beginning of the end of the rainy season and the onset of cooler weather. After November, when winter officially begins, the weather can get rather chilly, with the minimum temperature dropping as low as 2°C. The wintertime is a lovely time to visit the town and enjoy outdoor activities.

How to Reach Shillong

The following three modes of transportation describe easy travel to the city.
By Train
Guwahati has the closest train station to Shillong. You may easily catch a taxi from there because it’s only a hundred kilometres distant. There are connections between the Guwahati railway station and New Delhi and other significant cities nationwide.
By Air
There is no airport in the city of Shillong. The Umroi Airport near Barapani, which is located about 25 kilometres from the hill station, is the closest airport. The link to other cities is not very good. Guwahati, which is around 125 kilometres away and has good connections to several places in India, is the closest major airport. From Guwahati to Shillong, you can take a taxi.
By Bus
Depending on their budget, a traveller can select from a variety of Volvo buses, sleeper buses, and conventional buses. Bus travel from Guwahati to Shillong typically takes three hours. It is advised to use alternative mode of transportation until Guwahati before boarding a bus for Shillong.

Travel Advice on Shillong

Among the safest states to go to is probably Meghalaya. Always expect friendly service and a desire to assist you with your needs. Female travellers can feel most safe travelling in Meghalaya. In one of the states, Meghalaya, a solo traveller might feel at home.
In order to watch the coolest attractions in Shillong, your trip should last for at least five days. Though it will be rushed, with careful planning, you can reduce the length of your trip to Shillong to 3–4 days.

Tips for Visiting Shillong

• Understand the local permits.
• Pay attention to the bookings.
• Bring only the bare minimum.
• Organise the itinerary’s preparations.
• Create a budget for your safety as well.
• Try some regional food.
• Respect for regional customs.

Rainfall in Shillong

• The months of April, May, June, July, August, September, and October experience a lot of rainfall (rainy season).
• The months of January, February, and December are dry in Shillong.
• July has the wettest weather on average, with 19.7 inches (499 mm) of precipitation.
• With only 0.4 inches (11 mm) of precipitation on average, January being the driest month.
• There are 89.4 inches of precipitation on average each year (2270 mm)

Things to do in Shillong

Even though Shillong is a stunning location with lots to do, here are some of the attractions that draw many tourists and visitors:

Visit to Bara Bazar

This market, also known as Iewduh Market, is a must-visit if you want to learn more about Shillong’s culture. The streets are lined with a diverse assortment of vendors selling anything from colourful handicrafts to native betel nuts and leaves. You might even find some locally grown produce that is not so common in a few other parts of the country. Purchase one or two to bring a piece of Shillong with you.

Elephant Falls Photography

Shillong Peak is not far from this magnificent waterfall. The waterfall, which has the appearance of a massive elephant, mesmerises with its amazing beauty. The Three Steps Waterfall was the previous name for this waterfall because of the three distinct steps that the waterfalls here descend. The name was eventually modified by the British, though, who believed the neighbouring rock resembled a massive elephant. Since this location is still a very popular tourist site, you will remember it for a very long time.

Camping next to Umiam Lake

You can get an amazing high by camping at the Island in Umiam Lake, which is popular for picnics and adventure sports. There are lots of adventurous things to choose from, like hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, zip line, and many more. The lake is surrounded by stunning, ancient trees that are huge and full of natural beauty. It’s the perfect place for a peaceful, unhurried holiday thanks to the quiet surroundings, the sounds of singing birds, the cool breeze, and the lovely house boats in the lake.

Lunch At Trattoria

The small but popular café Trattoria is located in Meghalaya’s Police Bazar. Despite the cafe’s small size, the food is definitely not lacking! Don’t forget to eat; it’s one of the nicest things to do in Meghalaya. Every food enthusiast will be in culinary heaven. Foods like Jakhaw Khasi, Dohnud, Dohjam, Doh Khelia, Tungtap, and Ja Doh are among the delectable fare that is offered there.

Hiking the David Scott Trail

The David Scott Trail is one of the area’s well-liked hiking trails for both locals and tourists. The trail got its name since it was allegedly discovered by well-known hiker David Scott. Natural beauty and excitement abound on this 16-kilometre trek. On the way up, one may see breath-taking views, lush, majestic woods, cute tribal towns, and stunning waterfalls.

Adventure Activities to do in Shillong

Although Meghalaya offers a wide range of exciting activities. The landscape of Shillong, which is rich in forests, waterfalls, lakes, hills, and plains, makes it the Meghalayan hub for adventure sports. The following comprehensive list includes the city’s most exciting activities.

Trekking

In Shillong, scenic pathways are the way to go. Shillong is a natural wonderland and an explorer’s paradise. On any given walk, you may anticipate seeing rain forests, riverbanks, lush valleys, and of course the renowned live root bridges. Although certain routes may be a little difficult, you’ll discover that the rewards of natural beauty have never been greater!

River Rafting

The North East, with its flowing water and rapids, contradicts the idea that North India is the country’s river rafting capital. For a taste of this exhilarating activity, head over to Umiam Lake, but you’ll need to travel a little further to find one of Meghalaya’s top river rafting locations. Ranikor, which is the preferred location for river rafting, is located just over 2 hours from Shillong.

Kayaking

Kayaking, which is more peaceful than river rafting, is ideal if you want to explore one’s environment and breathe in the beauty of nature. Umiam Lake is the best spot to visit kayaking if you’ve to try it for the very first time. Kynshi River, however, is calling to those with a greater sense of adventure.

Paragliding

The best paragliding locations in Meghalaya is Nongjrong. When you glide at a height of 700 metres, the breathtaking scenery you see below will leave you speechless. No matter how long you stay in the air, you always come back down yearning for more. Paragliding in Nongjrong will be available soon.

Exploring Caves

If you enjoy mysteries, Shillong’s caves will become your new best friend. Cave exploration is a big part of Meghalaya’s tourism sector. Nine of India’s 10 deepest caverns are located in Meghalaya, and they are popular with hikers, geologists, and historians. The mysterious island can be reached through Shillong’s underground exploring.
The top 6 caverns to explore are listed below:
1.Mawjymbuin Cave (Mawsynram Village)
2.Krem Mawmluh (Cherrapunjee)
3.Mawsmai Cave (Cherrapunjee)
4.Krem Umshyrpi (Cherrapunjee)
5.Siju Cave ( East Garo Hills)

Best Places to Stay in Shillong

Weather of Shillong

During the colonial era, Shillong’s cold and pleasant environment drew the British. Typically, winter lasts from December through February. Winters are typically fairly chilly and arid. Shillong is best visited during the months of March and May because the weather is often nice and cool. The monsoon begins in June and can bring on non stop rain. The monsoon continues well into August. Another excellent season to visit Shillong is from October to November.

Frequently Asked Questions on Shillong Tourism