Shillong

Besotted by the charms of its misty mountains, tumbling waterfalls, verdant valleys and gorgeous lakes; the British couldn’t resist comparing Shillong with Scotland. And once they added meandering roads, cobbled streets and beautiful churches to its gorgeous landscape; Shillong rightfully earned the sobriquet of the “Scotland of the East”. Its beautiful blend of colonial charm and vibrant tribal culture with a twist of the modern rock makes Shillong simply exotic.

Major Attractions in Shillong

Umiam Lake
Enveloped by Khasi hills and thick confers, Umiam Lake is an artificial reservoir created by damming River Umiam. A recreational hotspot of Shillong, Umian Lake is a great place for boating amidst scenic panorama, a venue for rock concerts, carnivals, picnics and thrilling water sports like kayaking, water- skiing and riding water scooters.

Shillong Peak
Located at 6449ft, this highest point in the city is believed to be the abode of Goddess Leishyllong who gives the city its name and is the guardian deity of Shillong. Offering stunning vistas of the gorgeous city of Shillong and the sprawling plains of Bangladesh, Shillong Peak is one of the most visited attractions in the city.

Elephant Falls
These three tiered falls, originally known as Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew in the local language were renamed Elephant Falls by the British who found the pronunciation difficult. This new name was based on an elephant shaped rock in the vicinity, now long destroyed by an earthquake.

Ward’s Lake
This horseshoe shaped lake, located in the heart of the city, is a pleasant location for leisure and picnics. It’s charming bridge from where visitors feed the fish abounding the lake, pretty walkways and manicured gardens are an allure for all.

Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures
An extravaganza of northeastern tribal culture & heritage, this 7 storey building houses 17 galleries that showcase history, culture & heritage of the various northeastern tribes. ?

Lady Hydari Park
This beautiful park with its pretty garden, colorful flower beds, and, a mini zoo & kid’s park, is quite popular with the locals & tourists alike.

Mawphlang Sacred Forest
A guided walk through the Sacred Forest of Mawphlang gives you a deep insight into the local legends and tribal lore of the Khasis. This thick forest with ancient monoliths and sacrificial stones is considered sacred by the Khasi tribe. The only rule of the forest is that you do not take out anything from the forest- no leaves, no flowers no twig; simply nothing.

Other Attractions

• Crinoline Falls
• Cathedral Catholic Church
• Marai Caves
• Laitlum Canyons
• Spread Eagle Falls
• Wankhar Entomology Museum
• Air Force Museum

Nearby Excursions
Cheerapunji (54kms) - Its main attraction is the Double Decker Living Root Bridge.

Mawlynnong (77 kms) - Cleanest village in Asia
Dawki (81kms) ? Indo-Bangladesh Border. Its main attraction is the crystal clear Umgot River.

Fairs & Festivals in Shillong

• Autumn Festival- A Tourism Festival
• Shad Suk Mynsiem- A Khasi Festival
• Nongkrem Festival- Khasi Harvest Festival
• Bacardi NH7 Weekender- Rock Music Festival

Shopping in Shillong
Police Bazaar, the main market square of Shillong is loaded with all kinds of stuff including hand woven shawls, stoles & warm clothing, Scottish dress material, Khasi organic scrubs, Meghalaya tea, Sohiong (local fruit wine), bamboo & cane artifacts and fish & pork pickle.

Food in Shillong
Pork is the main delicacy in Shillong. Ja doh (rice cooked in pork or chicken stock), Doh Kleh- pork & onions, Doh Shiar Ngiong and DohNngiong (meat curries with black sesame flavor), Doh kha sdieh (fried fish), and boiled vegetables are some of the traditional delicacies of Shillong.

Best Time to Visit
Shillong’s ambient climate allows for year-round travel. However, peak tourist season is from February to May and then from October to December.

How to Reach Shillong
By Air- Umroi Airport, around 25kms from Shillong, caters to domestic air traffic.
By Rail- Guwahati, at around 100kms from Shillong, is the closest railhead connecting Shillong with all major Indian cities.
By Road- Shillong is well-connected with all major cities in the region with a good network of roads & highways.

Our Shillong Tour Packages are designed for you to explore the amazing attractions and soak in the rich tribal heritage of Shillong. Do reach us for customized packages for your group.