Best Places to Visit in Shillong

Shillong is a hill station in northeast India and capital of the state of Meghalaya. It’s known for the manicured gardens at Lady Hydari Park. Nearby, Ward’s Lake is surrounded by walking trails. North, the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures features displays on the region’s native people. Waterfalls include the Elephant Falls to the southwest. East of here, forested Shillong Peak offers city views.

Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls is a sight to behold and can be visited with family on a picnic or with friends for a weekend outing. The waterfall got its name from a rock at its bottom that appears like an elephant. Three separate cascades from these wonderful waterfalls enveloped in lush greenery that the surrounding area features.

Umiam Lake

One of the most iconic sites in the entirety of Meghalaya, Umiam Lake is a perfect spot for leisure and rejuvenation. It is a reservoir that was built on Umiam River in the 1960s and has been a treat to visitors’ senses ever since.

Shillong Peak & View Point

If you love heights for the panoramic views they offer, Shillong Peak will easily become your favourite spot once you stare at the unending green expanses from up here. The peak has an altitude of 1962 meters which makes it an amazing mountaintop overlook point from where you can relish some magnificent views of the entire city of Shillong.

Laitlum Canyons

Just a 45-minute drive away from the city of Shillong, Laitlum Canyons is one of the priceless gems bestowed upon the region by nature. Laitlum literally means ‘The End of Hills’ and the panoramic vistas you can enjoy from here justify the name given to it.

Police Bazar

A visit to Police Bazar is a must when you are in Shillong, especially if you are a shopaholic. Whether you want to try some tasty local and international delicacies, you want to shop clothes, you want to buy some local handicrafts, or you are looking for a budget hotel to crash in, Police Bazar is the place which will cater to all your needs.

Don Bosco Museum

One of the best places to learn about the tribal culture and cultural history of Meghalaya is the Don Bosco Museum. The museum features an impressive collection of indigenous articles and artefacts that depict the cultural richness of the region which gives overlook to the whole of North East India.

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.

Ward’s Lake

The city of Shillong is dotted with quiet places, ideal for relaxation. One of the major ones among those is Ward’s Lake. This horseshoe shaped lake is locally known as Pollock’s Lake and is surrounded by a garden where you can enjoy exploring a variety of flora.

Phan Nonglait Park

Once known as Lady Hydari Park, Phan Nonglait Park is among the major tourist attractions in the pretty city of Shillong. It is a Japanese style park that is beautiful and verdant enough to entice fauna and flora lovers.

Air Force Museum

This unique museum, built in the honor of the country’s defense forces, must be a part of your itinerary on your visit to Shillong. A visit to this museum can impart you some valuable and interesting information about the India Air Force.

All Saints Cathedral

Despite being one of the oldest churches in Shillong, All Saints Cathedral is one of the most excellent examples of fine craftsmanship in the city. The church was built during the British rule and its construction was completed around 1902.

Sweet Falls

As the name suggests, Sweet Falls is a perfect location for a sweet escape from the humdrum affairs of city life with your loved one and family. A magnificent waterfall, set amidst the lush green jungles of Shillong, Sweet Falls is a scenic location, perfect for some moments of peace.