Things to Do in Shillong
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a picturesque hill station nestled in the northeastern part of India. Known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and pleasant climate, Shillong is often referred to as the “Scotland of the East.” Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or someone seeking tranquility, Shillong has something to offer for everyone. In this blog, we’ll explore the best things to do in Shillong, including itineraries for 2-day and 3-day trips, activities for different times of the day, and unique experiences to make your visit memorable.
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1. Explore Elephant Falls
- Location: 12 km from Shillong
- Highlights: Three-tiered waterfall, lush greenery, serene ambiance
- Things to Do: Photography, nature walks, picnic
2. Visit Umiam Lake
- Location: 15 km from Shillong
- Highlights: Man-made reservoir, scenic beauty, boating facilities
- Things to Do: Boating, kayaking, water sports, picnic spots
3. Stroll Through Lady Hydari Park
- Location: Central Shillong
- Highlights: Japanese-style garden, mini zoo, children’s playground
- Things to Do: Leisure walk, picnicking, bird watching
4. Discover the Don Bosco Museum
- Location: Mawlai, Shillong
- Highlights: Cultural museum, North East India artifacts, panoramic views
- Things to Do: Museum tour, learning about local culture, rooftop view of Shillong
5. Visit the Ward’s Lake
- Location: Central Shillong
- Highlights: Man-made lake, flower beds, boat rides
- Things to Do: Boating, relaxing walks, feeding fish
Things to Do in Shillong in 2 Days
Day 1
- Morning: Visit Elephant Falls and enjoy the serene ambiance.
- Afternoon: Head to Umiam Lake for a picnic and some water sports.
- Evening: Stroll through Lady Hydari Park and relax in the Japanese-style garden.
Day 2
- Morning: Explore the Don Bosco Museum to learn about the rich culture of North East India.
- Afternoon: Visit Ward’s Lake for a peaceful boat ride and a leisurely walk around the lake.
- Evening: Explore the local markets in Police Bazaar for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Things to Do in Shillong in 3 Days
Day 1
- Morning: Start with a visit to Elephant Falls.
- Afternoon: Spend time at Umiam Lake for boating and water sports.
- Evening: Relax at Lady Hydari Park.
Day 2
- Morning: Discover the artifacts at Don Bosco Museum.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride and a walk at Ward’s Lake.
- Evening: Visit the Shillong Peak for panoramic views of the city.
Day 3
- Morning: Trek to Laitlum Canyons for breathtaking views and a serene environment.
- Afternoon: Explore the botanical diversity at Mawphlang Sacred Forest.
- Evening: End the day with a visit to Police Bazaar for shopping and local cuisine.
List of Top 10 Things to Do in Shillong
- Explore Elephant Falls
- Visit Umiam Lake
- Stroll Through Lady Hydari Park
- Discover the Don Bosco Museum
- Visit Ward’s Lake
- Trek to Shillong Peak
- Explore Laitlum Canyons
- Visit Mawphlang Sacred Forest
- Shop at Police Bazaar
- Enjoy local cuisine at traditional Khasi restaurants
Things to Do in Shillong at Night
- Explore Police Bazaar: Shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and enjoy street food.
- Visit Cloud 9: Experience the nightlife at Shillong’s popular nightclub located at the Centre Point Hotel.
- Take a Night Walk: Enjoy a peaceful walk around Ward’s Lake under the starlit sky.
- Dine at Cafes: Visit local cafes like Dylan’s Café and Café Shillong for live music and a cozy ambiance.
Things to Do in Shillong for Couples
- Boat Ride at Umiam Lake: Enjoy a romantic boat ride surrounded by scenic beauty.
- Stroll Through Lady Hydari Park: Walk hand-in-hand through the lush gardens and enjoy the serene environment.
- Visit Shillong Peak: Watch the sunset together and take in the panoramic views of the city.
- Dine at Romantic Restaurants: Enjoy a candlelit dinner at restaurants like The Wok and La Galerie.
Things to Do in Shillong Early Morning
- Visit Shillong Peak: Catch the sunrise and enjoy the panoramic views of the city.
- Morning Walk at Ward’s Lake: Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful surroundings with a morning walk around the lake.
- Explore the Local Markets: Visit Bara Bazaar or Police Bazaar early in the morning to experience the local hustle and bustle.
- Bird Watching at Lady Hydari Park: Spot various bird species in the early hours at this tranquil park.
Things to Do in Shillong with Family
- Visit Don Bosco Museum: An educational trip to learn about the culture and heritage of North East India.
- Boating at Umiam Lake: Enjoy a fun-filled day with water sports and a picnic by the lake.
- Stroll Through Lady Hydari Park: Children can enjoy the playground while adults relax in the beautiful gardens.
- Explore Shillong Peak: A family trek to the peak offers stunning views and a memorable experience.
- Visit Ward’s Lake: Feed the fish, take a boat ride, and enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake.
Unique Things to Do in Shillong
- Trek to David Scott Trail: A historical trekking route that offers scenic views and a bit of adventure.
- Visit the Living Root Bridges: Located near Cherrapunji, these unique bridges are a marvel of bioengineering.
- Experience Khasi Culture: Visit local villages like Mawlynnong and Nongriat to experience traditional Khasi culture and lifestyle.
- Attend a Music Festival: Shillong is known for its vibrant music scene. Attend festivals like NH7 Weekender or Shillong Autumn Festival.
- Explore the Mawphlang Sacred Forest: Discover the ancient and sacred forest that holds a variety of flora and fauna.
Shillong, with its natural beauty, cultural richness, and unique experiences, is a perfect destination for all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re planning a short trip or a longer stay, there’s always something new to explore and enjoy in this charming hill station.
How to Reach Shillong
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and pleasant climate. Located in the northeastern part of India, Shillong is well-connected by air, train, and road. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Shillong through various modes of transportation.
By Air
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport)
- Location: 30 km from Shillong city center
- Domestic Connectivity: Limited flights from major cities like Kolkata and Guwahati.
Major Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati Airport)
- Location: 120 km from Shillong
- International and Domestic Connectivity: Regular flights from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore, as well as international flights.
How to Reach Shillong from Guwahati Airport
- Taxi: Pre-paid and private taxis are available at the airport. The journey takes around 3-4 hours.
- Shared Cabs: Available from Paltan Bazaar in Guwahati. These are more economical but might take longer.
By Train
Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station
- Location: 100 km from Shillong
- Connectivity: Guwahati Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
How to Reach Shillong from Guwahati Railway Station
- Taxi: Private taxis and shared cabs are available outside the railway station. The journey to Shillong takes around 3 hours.
- Bus: Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) and private operators run regular bus services from Guwahati to Shillong. Buses can be boarded from the Paltan Bazaar area.
By Road
From Guwahati
- Distance: 100 km
- Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours
- Route: NH6, also known as the Guwahati-Shillong Road, is the primary route connecting the two cities.
From Other Major Cities
- Distance from Kolkata: Approximately 1,000 km (Around 20 hours by road)
- Distance from Silchar: Approximately 240 km (Around 6 hours by road)
- Distance from Agartala: Approximately 500 km (Around 12 hours by road)
Modes of Transport
- Self-Drive: The roads are well-maintained, and the journey offers scenic views of the hills and valleys. Renting a car or driving your own vehicle is a good option for those who enjoy road trips.
- Private Taxis: Available from Guwahati and other nearby cities. They offer a comfortable and flexible mode of travel.
- Bus Services:
- Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC): Offers regular bus services from Guwahati to Shillong. Buses can be boarded from the Paltan Bazaar area in Guwahati.
- Private Bus Operators: Several private operators run buses from Guwahati and other cities to Shillong. These include Volvo, sleeper, and regular buses.
By Inter-State Buses
- Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC): Runs regular bus services from Guwahati and other parts of Assam to Shillong.
- Private Bus Operators: Several private operators provide inter-state bus services to Shillong from cities like Silchar, Agartala, and Kolkata.
Tips for Traveling to Shillong
- Advance Booking: During peak tourist seasons, it is advisable to book your tickets and accommodations in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
- Weather Considerations: Shillong experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (June to September). Plan your trip accordingly, and be prepared for sudden weather changes.
- Local Transport: Once in Shillong, local taxis, buses, and rental cars are available for getting around the city and exploring nearby attractions.
- Permits: Foreign tourists need to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Meghalaya. The ILP can be obtained online or at designated government offices.
With its well-connected transportation network, reaching Shillong is convenient and offers a variety of travel options to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you choose to fly, take a train, or enjoy a scenic road trip, the journey to Shillong is sure to be an enjoyable experience.
