A state that was formed by carving out two districts of the state of Assam on 21st of January 1972, Meghalaya is formed of two districts – a. the United Khasi and Jaintia Hills and b. the Garo hills. Bordered in the the south by the districts of Mymensingh and Slyhet of Bangladesh, west by Rangpur in Bangladesh and east by the state of Assam of which it is born, its capital is Shillong which was nicknamed as the “Scotland of the East” by the British. And the state’s official language is English!!
Yes!! You read that right!
Since there are ample of sights and places to visit, it is impossible to cover all the places at one go so in this article we will focus on places to visit in and around Shillong and trust me even that’s a lot to cover!
How to Reach?
There are various means to reach Shillong.
By Air
Direct flight to Shillong Airport which is 31 kms from Police Bazaar which is the centre of the city.
CCU (Kolkata) -> SHL (roundtrip) = INR 9,440 (dependent of the dates)
By Train
There is no direct train to Shillong so you have to reach Guwahati by train and take a private or shared cab. Guwahati Railway Station is around 3 hrs from the city centre.
• Saraighat Express (12345): Runs all days - Starts from Howrah Station
• Kanchanjunga (13175): Runs on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday - Starts from Sealdah Station
• Kamrup Express (15959): Runs of Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday - Starts from Howrah Station
Best Time to Visit:
You can go there anytime, except the monsoons! The best time, however is from September to April.
Places to Visit
Places that are within 10 kms have been considered.
Elephant Falls
One of the most popular waterfalls in the Northeast that I around 8 km from the city centre. This waterfall is located on Elephant Falls road that diverges from Mawsynram-Shillong Rd.
Shillong Peak
Located at a distance of 10 km from the city centre and at a height of 6449 ft above sea level, this peak offers an uninterrupted panoramic view of the entire city, the Himalayas (on a clear day), its waterfalls and also the lower Gangetic plains of Bangladesh.
Police Bazaar
This is literally the heart of Shillong that is the major market and a popular shopping destination. In fact all the pubs, restaurants, shops and even the private taxi stand is there. Quite a lot of street food like fried pork and noodles are sold in the evening.
Lailum Canyons
Literally meaning “The End of Hills” or “The End of The World”, nestled in the lap of the magnificent hills and valleys, this place provides a verdant panorama of Meghalaya.
Don Bosco Museum
A gallery that houses indigenous art in separate sections like weapons, agriculture, religion, language etc and a place to visit if you are interested to know the culture of Meghalaya.
Check the website for more details.
Sweet Falls
The sound of the gurgling water, the lush green cover and the chirping of the birds around is what best describes Sweet Falls, which is one of the steepest falls in the country and just 5 km from the city centre.
Spread Eagle Falls
Considered to be the widest waterfall in all of Shillong and located in the East Khasi district, this water gushes down from all three sides and filling the pool at the bottom.
Rhino Heritage Museum
A place that attracts historians, students and tourists alike. Built in 1928 and located 4 km away, Bara Bazaar is dedicated to army men, military weapon, including combat missiles.
Ward’s Lake
Also known as Pollock’s Lake (Nan Polok), Ward’s Lake is hardly 2 kms from city centre. Surrounded with cobble-stone path and flower beds, this is a popular tourist attraction that is believed to be a century old.
Malki Forest
Locally known as Khlaw Malki, this forest is popular both among the locals and tourists for hiking and exploring the flora and fauna.
Crinoline Falls
Also known as the Blue Heaven, this stunning cascade is just 2 km from the city centre and close to Lady Hydari Park.
Ever Living Museum
Established in 2015, Ever Living Museum is a private museum owned and maintained by retired Maghalaya government engineer Kyntiewbor War and is located in the Mawshbuit area of Shillong. This museum is a testament of one’s sheer love for nature, culture, tradition and history. The museum houses handicrafts of various types like miniature fish traps and filters made of bamboo, miniature tree huts that are synonymous with Garo and Khasi tribe, also ancient dresses and jewellery.
Entry Timing: 11 am to 5 pm (Closed of Good Friday, Easter and Christmas)
Entry Fee: INR 50 for adults
INR 20 for Children
Places to Stay
There are few places whose locations could not be tagged but they will be shared by the owners once the place is booked.
Shillong homestay 2
Number of Guests It Can Accommodate: 3
Bedrooms: 1
Beds: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Breakfast: Provided
Pets: Not Allowed
Price: INR 1,999/night for 3 (excluding tax)
Midhill Cottage: Wildrose Suite
Number of Guests It Can Accommodate: 2
Bedrooms: 1
Beds: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Breakfast: Provided
Pets: Not Allowed
Price: INR 2,200/night for 2 (excluding tax)
The InTown Inn | Private Room (2 people)
Number of Guests It Can Accommodate: 2
Bedrooms: 1
Beds: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Breakfast: Provided
Pets: Not Allowed
Price: INR 1,585/night for 2 (excluding tax)
Cosy nook(02)/breakfast/ample parking. - Private room in bed and breakfast hosted by H Katoho
Number of Guests It Can Accommodate: 2
Bedrooms: 1
Beds: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Breakfast: Provided
Pets: Allowed
Price: INR 2,100/night for 2 (excluding tax)
Mimosa Ridge- Tranquil Heritage House
Number of Guests It Can Accommodate: 4
Bedrooms: 2
Beds: 4
Bathrooms: 2
Breakfast: Provided
Pets: Allowed
Price: INR 6,000/night for 4 (excluding tax)
The Garden - Langkyrding, Golf Links ( House) - Entire home hosted by Ibamary
Number of Guests It Can Accommodate: 5
Bedrooms: 2
Beds: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Breakfast: Provided
Pets: Not Allowed
Price: INR6,800 /night for 5 (excluding tax)
Welcome to Stopover@Shillong! - Private room in bed and breakfast hosted by Dasuk Heather
Number of Guests It Can Accommodate: 2
Bedrooms: 1
Beds: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Breakfast: Provided
Pets: Not Allowed
Price: INR 2,499/night for 2 (excluding tax)
Serene Getaway 2 ! central, fast wifi, BUDGET stay - Private room in townhouse hosted by Neiniroi
Number of Guests It Can Accommodate: 2
Bedrooms: 1
Beds: 1
Bathrooms: 1.5
Breakfast: Not Provided
Pets: Not Allowed
Price: INR 1,250/night for 2 (excluding tax)
Camellia Homestay, Nature's Getaway - Private room in bed and breakfast hosted by Shariti
Number of Guests It Can Accommodate: 4
Bedrooms: 2
Beds: 4
Bathrooms: 2
Breakfast: Provided
Pets: Not Allowed
Price: INR 5,000/night for 4(excluding tax)
Armstrong Villa 2 - Private room in bed and breakfast hosted by Wentworth
Number of Guests It Can Accommodate: 2
Bedrooms: 1
Beds: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Breakfast: Provided
Pets: Not Allowed
Price: INR 1,699/night for 2 (excluding tax)
Me La Ai BnB - Your Home in the Hills of Shillong - Entire cottage hosted by Joy
Number of Guests It Can Accommodate: 6
Bedrooms: 3
Beds: 4
Bathrooms: 3.5
Breakfast: Provided
Pets: Not Allowed
Price: INR 6,350/night for 2(excluding tax)
Serene Getaway 3! private room in a guest house. centrally located in a serene and peaceful area. fast wifi perfect for work at home!! - Private room in townhouse hosted by Neiniroi
Number of Guests It Can Accommodate: 2
Bedrooms: 1
Beds: 1
Bathrooms: 1 shared
Breakfast: Not Provided
Pets: Not Allowed
Price: INR 1,250/night for 2 (excluding tax)
April Springs - Private room in cabin hosted by Ador
Number of Guests It Can Accommodate: 2
Bedrooms: 1
Beds: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Breakfast: Provided
Pets: Not Allowed
Price: INR 2,700/night for 2 (excluding tax)
Heritage Club - Tripura Castle
1. The Heritage Wing
Heritage Maharaja Suite
Heritage Queen Room
Heritage Supreme Room
Heritage Deluxe Rooms
2. The Valley View Wing
View Valley Supreme Room
View Valley Queen Rooms
View Valley Cottage Rooms
View Valley Deluxe Rooms
3. The Forest View Wing
Forest View Maharaja Suite
Forest View Supreme Rooms
Forest View Deluxe Rooms
Forest View Cottages
Places to Visit Around Shillong
Umiam Lake
Locally known as Dam sait, that was created by damming the Umiam River in the 1960s and a place you can stop by on the way to Shillong from Guwahati. Although a dam, it is popular among tourists because of water sports and adventure sports like kayaking, water cycling, scooting and boating.
Mawlynnong
Chosen by Discover India magazine as the cleanest village of Asia, this hamlet in the East Khasi Hills is 90 km from Shillong. Banning plastic use and smoking, encouraging rainwater harvesting, ensuring waste is collected in dustbins made with bamboo – this tiny hamlet is promoting sustainable means on living promoting eco-tourism.
David Scott Trail
A part of the 100-km trade route that is located at an elevation of 4,892 ft spans over 16 kms meandering through mountains, rivers and valleys. This is one of the oldest treks in Meghalaya that passes through lush green meadows, Khasi villages, rolling mountains, ancient sacred groves, natural pools and stone bridges.
El Waterfall and Natural Swimming Pool
Clear, turquoise water gushing through the rocks into a pool where you can indulge in a dip.
Od-Ringtai / Ot Ringai (Devil Moaning) Falls: Mawten Village : Mawkyrwat
Around 2.5 hrs from Shillong there is one of the most stunning waterfalls of Meghalaya called Od / Ot Ringtai waterfalls. You have to reach Nongna by car and from there you have to hike.
Kyllang Rock
Located 59 kms from Shillong Lum Kyllang is a geological marvel that is a natural monolith right amidst the pine forests of West Khasi Hills. A path encourages you to take a hike and head to the top of the rock from where you can experience the breathtaking sunrise and sunset.
Living Root Bridge
A suspension bridge hand-made by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes of the aerial roots of rubber fig trees. How it was constructed was by guiding the pliable roots of the rubber figs across a stream, then allowing the growth of the roots to strengthen over time until they were sturdy enough to hold the weight of a human being. There are two living root bridges
A. Living root bridge
B. Double-decker root bridge
Mount Sohpetbneng
This is the holy pilgrimage site of “Hynniewtrep” people that is referred as the “Navel of Heaven” according to the Khasi folklore, which is located 27 kms from Shillong.
Dawki River
Right beside the Bangladesh border, and also known as “Wah Umngot” when it flows in the Mawlynnong village, this is one of the cleanest rivers in India due to sustainable tourism. It is so transparent that you can even see the rocks on the riverbed!!
Mawjymbuin Cave
Among the many stunning stalagmite caves, this one is located in Mawsynram which is 62 kms from Shillong. The cave is known for housing a naturally formed “shivlinga”, which is similar to the one in Amarnath and is frequented by people across the country.
Mawphlang
Home to the sacred groves of Meghalaya, this is the soul of Khasi culture. No one is allowed to take away even a pebble or a twig from the hallowed forests. A serene holy place of the Khasis, you should be respectful to their culture.
Nohsngithiang Falls
Also known as the “Seven Sisters Waterfalls” is a seven segmented waterfall located 60 km away from Shillong. The best vista of this waterfall is brought out during the rains when it flows with all its might from all the seven segments.
Nohkalikai Falls
The list of waterfalls in Meghalaya would remain incomplete without the mention of Nohkalikai Falls in Cherrapunji which is the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Located 7 kms from Cherrapunji, this waterfall is about 340 metres in height and is a sight to behold as it cascades to meet its pristine blue pool at the bottom due to its erosional force. A must-visit for all tourists and it gets even better as you hike down to the bottom for an exciting experience.
Jakrem Hot Spring
Around 64 kms away from Shillong, on the Shillong-Mawkyrwat road this is a well-known sulphur hot spring, among the several that are there in Shillong.
Entry Timing: 24/7
Entry Fee: Paid
Diengiei Peak
200 feet lower than Shillong Peak at an elevation of 6,200 ft, this peak that is situated in Ri Bhoi district towards western Shillong is the second highest peak in Shillong that offers stunning view of the plains.
Places to Eat & Local Cuisine to Try
It is advisable to explore the local restaurants and try the local food (Khasi food) instead of the usual fine-dine restaurants.
Some of the Khasi dishes that can be tried in local eateries are listed below:
• Doh shain – pork balls
• Doh syiar kylla – local chicken cooked with indigenous organic spices and oil or fats.
• Dohkha kylla – fish curry
• Dohkha sdieh – fish fry
• Dohkjat – Pork leg with soup
• Muli Khleh – Radish sliced into flat pieces mixed with white sesame seeds
• Tungrymbaai – fermented bean sauce
• Tungtap – Fermented fish ground with chilly and indigenous Khasi pepper
Known for its long winding caves Meghalaya’s beauty and diverse landscape is not restricted. Waterfalls, valleys, rivers, caves – you name it and they have it. But when a place has so much to offer, it is also our duty as tourists to be responsible towards its sustenance.
I am 100% onboard with being a responsible tourist, are you?
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