The Best Shillong Travel Guide

Shillong and its surrounding area have much to offer to satisfy your wanderlust. All you need is a proper plan and knowledge of these places. Keep reading to know more about Shillong and what you can expect on your next trip. Are you thinking of going to an off-beat location on your next trip? Well, Shillong in North East India should definitely be on your list. This hidden gem is a paradise with so much to offer to tourists. 

About Shillong

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. It gets its name from Lei Shyllong, a deity worshipped by the locals at Shillong Peak. The 'Scotland of the East' is abundant with waterfalls, hiking trails, and forests. 100 KM south of Guwahati, you can either take a flight to Guwahati and travel by road or take a direct flight to the Shillong Airport, which is about 30 KMs from the main city.

Things to Do in Shillong

From indulging in adventure sports to enjoying a bustling nightlife, there are plenty of things to do in Shillong. Here are some of the favourite things among the tourists that visit this hill station.

1. Nature Camping
2. Trekking
3. Cliff-jumping
4. River Rafting in Dawki- about a 3-hours drive from Shillong

Places to See in Shillong

When it comes to sightseeing, Shillong can spoil tourists with a variety of choices. Following 

is a guide to seven great places of interest in Shillong.

• All Saints Cathedral

One of the oldest churches in Shillong, All Saints Cathedral near Barik point, is famous for its wooden colonial-style architecture. The church was damaged by an earthquake in 1897 and reconstructed in 1902. The elegant internal structure of the building, complete with the wooden roof, is one of its kind and is one of the major tourist attractions in Shillong.

• Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls, located approximately 12 Km from Shillong, is a three-tier waterfall that creates a spectacular scenic beauty around it. Crystal clear water dropping down in a steps-like formation around lush greenery is a sight to behold. 

• Umiam Lake

Also known as Barapani, Umiam lake is one of the best places to visit in Shillong. Apart from the calm and serene view of the lake, you can also indulge in various adventure sports like water skiing, kayaking, etc. If your itinerary permits, you can spend the entire day by the pristine lake in a local houseboat.

• David Scott Trail

Named after its discoverer David Scott, the trail is a must-visit destination for trekking enthusiasts. Beginning at Mawphlang, the trail is about 16 Km long and takes five hours to complete. Hidden waterfalls, tropical trees, and a path less travelled by - David Scott's trail can offer a lot to the true seeker.

• Mawlynnong 

No Shillong sightseeing can be complete without a visit to Mawlynnong. The village is located amidst East Khasi Hills, about 90 km from Shillong. Discovery India declared in 2003 that the village is the cleanest in Asia. Since then, the village shot up in popularity. 

Not just cleanliness, Mawlynnong also offers breathtaking sights of green valleys near its vicinity and a trek to the Living root bridges that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

• Shillong Golf Course

The 18-hole Shillong golf course is one of the highest in the country. The magnificent golf course is surrounded by pine and rhododendron trees, making it one of the most beautiful golf courses in the country. 

• Don Bosco Museum

The Don Bosco Museum is a part of the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC). The museum has a treasure trove of information about different cultures, especially the Northeastern states. You can view various valuable artefacts and paintings in the museum.

Best Time to Visit Shillong

The climate of Shilong usually remains pleasant and pollution-free all around the year. So, both summer and winter seasons can be the best season to visit Shillong, although you may want to avoid the rainy season as the area is known for receiving above-average rainfall. 

Where to Stay in Shillong?

Check into Polo Towers, a Club Mahindra affiliate resort in Shillong. The majestic property is situated in the heart of Shillong and can serve as the perfect base for your Shillong tour diary. 

Shillong is one of those places that stay in your heart for a long time after you leave the place. So, pack your bags and get ready to walk down the unexplored territories of India.