Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake, Shillong Peak & View Point, Don Bosco Museum, David Scott Trail, Sweet Falls, Laitlum Canyons, Police Bazar, Ward’s Lake, Phan Nonglait Park, Air Force Museum and many others.
Encircled by lush green hills and pine trees and having a very peaceful surrounding, the places to visit in Shillong are loaded with scenic beauty and a calm aura. Be it the quaint monasteries or the rolling hills, the tourist spots here come in a large variety. If thinking about spending some time in serenity, you can hop to Umiam Lake or Elephant Falls. Both locations boast of having splendid natural beauty. If wishing to indulge in local culinary delights while shopping for handicrafts then you can head to the Police Bazaar and enjoy an evening like never before.
Shillong Tourist Places are not limited to nature only as this city also houses various basilicas and museums as well. Famed for being “The abode of clouds”, the city will bestow you with many beautiful landmarks no matter where you go. Being one of the smallest states in India, Shillong houses many big gems in the form of waterfalls, lakes, age-old monasteries and much more.
Must Visiting Places
1 Elephant Falls
The Elephant Falls are amongst the most popular Falls in the North-East, situated next to Shillong.
The breathtaking Elephant falls were referred to as ‘Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew’ by the local Khasi people, which means ‘The Three Step Waterfalls’, as these falls consist of three mesmerizing falls in succession. The first of the three waterfalls is tucked between the dense trees and is very broad. The second waterfall reduces to thin strands of water and is almost negligible in winter due to the receding water levels. The third and the most visible waterfall is the tallest with clear water flowing like a sheet of milk on the dark rocks in the backdrop. Out of the three, the third waterfall tends to strike the visitors as the most impressive.
2. Shillong Peak
At the height of 6449 ft or 1965 m above sea level, Shillong Peak is the highest point of Shillong. A telescope is available for tourists to get a bird’s eye view. Trekking up to this semi-circular Shillong Peak is highly recommended for the best views but it is often bounded by heavy fog.
3. Umiam Lake
Umiam Lake is a perfect spot for leisure and rejuvenation. It is a reservoir that was built on the Umiam River in the 1960s and has been a treat to visitors’ senses ever since.
In addition to the lake being a popular picnic spot among locals and tourists visiting Shillong, the scenic beauty of the vast lake with azure waters is truly enchanting and makes it an ideal spot for landscape photographers. As Umiam Lake is one of the best tourist places in Shillong for adventure, you can even indulge in thrilling water activities like kayaking, boating, and cruising here.
4. Laitlum Canyons
Laitlum Canyons is one of the priceless gems bestowed upon the region by nature. The meaning of Laitlum is ” The End of Hills”.
One of the lesser-known tourist places in Shillong, Laitlum Canyons is a perfect getaway spot if it is solace and solitude you seek since it is away from the blaring cacophony of the urban spaces. Perched atop the serene hills of East Khasi, this place quite popular among photographers and trekkers.
5. Police Bazar
Police Bazar is the major market of Shillong and a popular shopping haunt for locals and tourists alike. In addition to an array of restaurants, hotels and big brand stores, the Police Bazaar also has a flea market section which is pocket-friendly and draws the maximum number of tourists owing to its traditional handicrafts stores, exquisite Meghalaya merchandise, regional apparel, junk jewelry and the like. The colorful market is thronged by shopping enthusiasts as well as foodies.
Police Bazaar, also known as Khyndailad is the prime shopping hub in Shillong and the ideal place to book a hotel if you are travelling to Shillong. The bazaar is a blend of traditional as well as modern, chic as well as classic. The extensive collection is why people choose it over Bara Bazaar.
6. Don Bosco Museum
The museum features an impressive collection of indigenous articles and artifacts that depict the cultural richness of the region which gives an overlook to the whole of North East India. The museum has seven floors and encompasses a total of 17 galleries that have artifacts, paintings, figures, sculptures, and much more on display. Don Bosco Museum is believed to be Asia’s largest museum of indigenous cultures of its kind and is one of the best tourist places in Shillong for Indian and foreign tourists.
7. Mary Help for Christian Cathedral
Founded in the year 1936, this cathedral is a prominent religious place in Shillong, famous for its unique and striking architecture. The church is an exemplifying example of Gothic Revival Architecture, and thus a great choice for the patrons of architecture.
Perched atop a hill, this church delivers a feeling of serenity along with spirituality. The tall arches, stained glasses, and artwork portraying the scenes from the holy scriptures enhance the overall appearance of the cathedral.
8. Ward’s Lake
Named after Sir William Ward, the chief commissioner of Assam who played a central role in commencing its construction, Ward’s Lake is a renowned Shillong tourist spot. Famously known as Pollock’s Lake by the locals, Ward’s Lake is adorned by rich flora and vibrant flowerbeds.
Boating in this horseshoe-shaped lake will bring you in close proximity to diverse fishes that make this lake beam with life. From feeding the colorful fishes to taking a stroll around this crystal mirror-sheet lake, Ward’s Lake is a perfect retreat into the prime bounty of nature.
9. Air Force Museum
This unique museum, built in honor of the country’s defense forces, must be a part of your itinerary on your visit to Shillong. The museum has a lot of pictures and articles on display, the most prominent ones among which are the pictures from Indo-China and Indo-Pak wars, pilots’ uniforms, missiles, and rockets. There is also a souvenir shop and a cafeteria in the museum complex. The impressive collection at the museum makes it one of the major tourist spots in Shillong.
10. Sweet Fall
The route to the waterfall is not maintained and is quite treacherous, surrounded by slippery stones resulting in some tragic stories. Ironically, Sweet Falls is believed to be haunted by the local populace – they believe that if people visit the site in odd numbers, they return in even numbers.
The Sweet Falls of Shillong is a popular picnic spot surrounded by verdant greenery and filled with the sounds of chirping birds. There is also a butterfly museum and a mini zoo near the waterfalls. There is a railing at the site of the waterfall but it is too weak to lean on.
11. Sohpetbneng Peak
To experience the perfect blend of divinity, tranquility, and bounty of nature on your trip to Shillong, you will not find a better place than Sohpetbneng Peak, located on the outskirts of the city. The scenic vistas and the mesmerizing aura of the place attract several tourists all around the year.
Due to its immense religious reverence among the people of the Hinniewtrep Tribe, the peak is also frequented by locals. The Khasi folklore and mythology refer to it as the “Navel to Heaven”. This peak, having an elevation of 1,343 meters, offers breathtaking views of the forest expanses and Shillong, and is a great site for photography enthusiasts.
12. Mawlynnong
Mawlynnong is a small village situated around 90 km from Shillong in the East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya and is also known as God’s own Garden. Mawlynnong offers some of the most picturesque natural beauty with lush green valleys, crystal clear water in the river, an abundance of flowering orchids hanging from the trees and extremely clean roads which makes this small village a worth visiting destination for tourists visiting Meghalaya. Mawlynnong village also offers pleasant weather throughout the year and especially during monsoon, the village tends to extend its elegance which makes the visitors feel like heaven on earth. Apart from its cleanliness, Mawlynnong is also famous for its living root bridges, tribal locals having a 100% literacy rate with exceptional women empowerment and offering warm hospitality to the visitors.
13. Spread Eagle Falls
Among the wide range of waterfalls the city of Shillong houses, Spread Eagle Falls is the widest one and is known as Sati Falls locally. An ideal place for nature and landscape photography, this waterfall is a fine example of nature’s unmatched artistry.
The shape of the cascade appears like an eagle spreading its wings, hence the name. The soft noise created by the cascading stream, hitting the rugged steep terrain is a remedy for those seeking solace in the lap of nature.
14. Nongjrong
Nongjrong is a village belonging to Mawkynrew Tehsil, East Khasi Hills district and is a part of the state of Meghalaya in India. Nongjrong is one of the less explored places of Meghalaya that travelers rarely visit. It is a sunrise point where during early sunrise the valley of Nongjrong is covered with clouds. The river Umngot flows below the valley and the lush greenery over the mountains makes this place a must-visit for people traveling to Meghalaya.
Nongjrong’s picturesque beauty is enchanting, helping you forget about your concerns for some time and providing a revitalizing experience.
15. Lady Hydari Park
Lady Hydari Park is a well-maintained and beautiful park that has become a popular Shillong tourist spot. You will sense the freshness of flowers simply by entering the park. Kids enjoy a lot in the park as there is a mini zoo inside it where you will find different animals and birds. The view of the park is very vivid, green and colorful with flowers all around. Pathways are well maintained to walk through the park. Sheds with sitting arrangements are available inside wherein you may rest if you get worn out during your visit.
16. David Scott Trail
Named after David Scott, a British officer. A centerstage of Khasi culture, Mawphlang is one of the settlements in the Khasi hills named after monoliths and sacred groves. Rivers, woods, massive rock formations, cascading waters, streams gushing down from mountains, expansive meadows, forest groves and bridges connecting villages – the trek has it all. It is a beautiful day hike and one can begin the trek from any point in the quaint Mawphlang village, go through the winding route across the hills and valleys, rest at the popular resting spot called Ka Kor Ka Shonmai, admire the tomb of Camilla, click photographs of the hanging bridge over the River Umain and stop by the few Khasi villages en route to hear from their folk tales.
17. Rhino Heritage Museum
Another site preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region, the Rhino Heritage Museum is a must-visit attraction for any tourist interested in learning about Shillong’s culture. The museum is also dedicated to the military and exhibits weapons and photographs from the military’s various operations.
The building where the museum is located was built in 1928 to shelter the Japanese prisoners during WWII. The modest museum has a gorgeous sculpture of a rhino near the entrance.
18. Kyllang Rock
Some 78 km away from Shillong, a unique giant rock made out of red granite, Kyllang Rock is a giant dome placed in the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. The Rock which is 5400 ft above sea level and has a width of around 1000 ft is a mammoth block of granite which is part of the Khasi folklore and seems beautiful in its shape. A hike to the top of Kyllang Rock allows you to treasure the marvelous landscape of the surrounding area.
Surrounded by age-old Red Rhododendrons, Kyllang Rock is said to have a special magnetic field that makes sure that people don’t fall off it. The mammoth dome is inaccessible from its southern side whereas the northern side is full of rhododendrons and bushes. Rock climbing lovers flock to Kyllang Rock to test their skills and enjoy some unhindered adventure. Trekking to the top of the rock takes around 30 minutes but the view from the top is worth it. You can also climb to the top by the staircase at the site.
19. Botanical Garden
The city of Shillong features numerous attractions for nature lovers; Botanical Garden is a major one among them. The garden offers an impressive collection of some rare species of orchids. You can conveniently include this spot on your sightseeing tour as it is located along Ward’s Lake in the middle of the dense forest of Mawphlang. A stroll in the refreshing atmosphere of the garden is sure to mesmerize your senses. Besides, you can also spot some exotic species of birds on your visit to this garden.
20. Malki Forest
Malki Forest is home to towering trees, especially British pine, which create a covering and provide shade to those exploring it. There are a few trails through the forest which make it ideal for walking or trekking as well as different kinds of flora like wildflowers, mushrooms etc. There are also tiny streams that flow throughout the forest which also act as water sources. One can also set up a picnic here, though it is imperative to keep the surroundings clean and free of litter. It is also a great place for nature photography.
