Police Bazar Shillong: A Complete Guide to the City’s Shopping Hub

If you are looking for a place where you can find everything from traditional handicrafts to trendy fashion, from mouth-watering delicacies to musical instruments, then look no further than Police Bazar Shillong. Police Bazar, also known as Khyndailad or Iewduh, is the oldest and largest market in Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. It derives its name from the police station that was built there during the British rule. It is situated in the heart of the city and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

In this article, we will give you a complete guide to Police Bazar Shillong, covering everything you need to know before you visit, such as what to buy, where to eat, how to reach, where to stay, and what to do.

What to Buy in Police Bazar Shillong

Police Bazar is a treasure trove of items that cater to different tastes and budgets. You can find products ranging from clothes and accessories to electronics and gadgets, from handicrafts and souvenirs to books and music. Here are some of the categories of items that you can buy in Police Bazar:

1. Handicrafts and Souvenirs

Police Bazar is a great place to buy handicrafts and souvenirs that showcase the rich and diverse culture of Meghalaya. You can find items made from bamboo, cane, wood, metal, clay, etc. that are crafted by skilled artisans from various tribes and communities of the state.

2. Clothes and Accessories

Police Bazar is a fashion paradise for shoppers who want to buy clothes and accessories that range from traditional to modern styles. You can find items made from silk, cotton, wool, etc. that are woven or embroidered by local weavers and designers. You can also find items imported from other states or countries that offer variety and quality.

3. Electronics and Gadgets

Police Bazar is a hub of electronics and gadgets that cater to different needs and budgets. You can find items such as mobile phones, laptops, cameras, speakers, headphones, etc. that are branded or unbranded, new or second-hand, original or duplicate.

What to Eat in Police Bazar Shillong

Photo of Police Bazar Shillong 1/1 by — (c) Holidify.com

Police Bazar is a food lover’s delight that offers a variety of dishes and beverages that reflect the cuisine and culture of Meghalaya. You can find dishes made from rice, meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, etc. that are cooked or fermented by local chefs and vendors. You can also find dishes that are influenced by other cuisines such as Chinese, Tibetan, Nepali, etc. that add diversity and flavor to the food scene. Here are some of the categories of dishes and beverages that you can eat in Police Bazar:

1. Local Delicacies

Police Bazar is a great place to eat local delicacies that reflect the cuisine and culture of Meghalaya. Some of the most popular and unique local delicacies that you can eat in Police Bazar are:

Jadoh: Jadoh is a rice dish cooked with pork or chicken and flavored with spices such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, etc. It is one of the most common and staple dishes in Meghalaya. It is usually served with dohkhlieh (pork salad), tungrymbai (fermented soybean curry), or chutney (sauce).

Dohkhlieh: Dohkhlieh is a pork salad made with boiled pork pieces mixed with onion, ginger, chilli, etc. It is one of the most refreshing and appetizing dishes in Meghalaya. It is usually served with jadoh (rice cooked with pork or chicken), or bread (bun).

Tungrymbai: Tungrymbai is a fermented soybean curry made with soybeans cooked with pork fat or blood and seasoned with spices such as ginger, garlic, pepper, etc. It is one of the most distinctive and pungent dishes in Meghalaya. It is usually served with jadoh (rice cooked with pork or chicken), or roti (flatbread).

Momos: Momos are steamed dumplings with meat or vegetable filling wrapped in a thin dough. They are one of the most popular and delicious dishes in Meghalaya.

2. Cafes and Restaurants

Police Bazar is a great place to visit cafes and restaurants that offer different types of food and beverages. You can find cafes and restaurants that serve Indian, Chinese, Continental, Italian, etc. cuisines that cater to different palates and preferences. Some of the most popular and unique cafes and restaurants that you can visit in Police Bazar are:

Cafe Shillong: Cafe Shillong is a cozy cafe that serves coffee, tea, snacks, etc. It is one of the most charming and relaxing places in Police Bazar. You can enjoy the ambiance, music, and service of the cafe while sipping your favorite drink or munching your favorite snack.

City Hut Family Dhaba: City Hut Family Dhaba is a family-friendly restaurant that serves Indian cuisine. It is one of the most spacious and hygienic places in Police Bazar. You can enjoy the variety, taste, and quality of the food while dining with your family or friends.

Bamboo Hut: Bamboo Hut is a bamboo-themed restaurant that serves Chinese cuisine. It is one of the most exotic and authentic places in Police Bazar. You can enjoy the decor, aroma, and flavor of the food while experiencing the culture and hospitality of the restaurant.

Also read: Heard A Lot About Chor Bazaars In The Country. But Do You Know About India's Only "Police Bazaar?"

How to Reach Police Bazar Shillong

Police Bazar is well-connected by air, train, and road to various cities and towns in India and neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Nepal. You can choose from different modes of transport according to your convenience, budget, and preference. Here are some of the ways to reach Police Bazar:

By Air

The nearest airport to Police Bazar is Shillong Airport, which is located about 30 km away from the city center. You can take a flight from major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc. or from neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh or Bhutan to Shillong Airport. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Police Bazar.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Police Bazar is Guwahati Railway Station, which is located about 100 km away from the city center. You can take a train from major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, etc. to Guwahati Railway Station. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Police Bazar.

By Road

Police Bazar is well-connected by road to various cities and towns in India and neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Nepal. You can take a car, a bike, a bus, or a cab to Police Bazar from places such as Guwahati, Siliguri, Kolkata, Dhaka, Kathmandu, etc. The road conditions are generally good and scenic, but you may encounter some traffic jams or landslides during peak seasons or monsoons.

What to Do in Police Bazar Shillong

Police Bazar is not only a place to shop and eat but also a place to explore and enjoy various aspects of Shillong’s life and culture. You can find attractions and activities that appeal to different interests and moods in Police Bazar. Here are some of the things that you can do in Police Bazar:

Visit Waterfalls: Shillong is known as the Scotland of the East for its scenic beauty and natural wonders. You can visit some of the most beautiful waterfalls in and around Police Bazar such as Elephant Falls,

Sweet Falls, Crinoline Falls, etc. You can admire their splendor, listen to their sound, and feel their spray. You can also take pictures, have picnics, or go for treks near the waterfalls.

Visit Museums: Shillong is also known as the Rock Capital of India for its music scene and history.

You can visit some of the most interesting museums in and around Police Bazar such as Don Bosco Museum, Butterfly Museum, Rhino Heritage Museum, etc. You can learn about their exhibits, stories, and collections. You can also interact with their displays, activities, and guides.

Visit Parks: Shillong is also known as the Abode of Clouds for its pleasant climate and greenery.

You can visit some of the most relaxing parks in and around Police Bazar such as Ward’s Lake, Lady Hydari Park, Golf Course, etc. You can enjoy their beauty, serenity, and freshness. You can also walk, boat, play, or relax in the parks.

Visit Markets: Police Bazar is also known as the Shopping Hub of Shillong for its variety and vibrancy. You can visit some of the most bustling markets in and around Police Bazar such as Bara Bazar, Laitumkhrah Market, Police Bazar Market, etc. You can shop for different items, bargain for the best deals, and mingle with the locals. You can also taste some of the street food, watch some of the street performances, and experience some of the street culture.

Visit Churches: Shillong is also known as the City of Churches for its faith and architecture. You can visit some of the most beautiful churches in and around Police Bazar such as Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, All Saints’ Church, St. Edmund’s Church, etc. You can admire their design, history, and atmosphere. You can also pray, sing, or meditate in the churches.

Visit Pubs: Shillong is also known as the Party Capital of Meghalaya for its nightlife and entertainment. You can visit some of the most happening pubs in and around Police Bazar such as Cloud 9, Tango, Platinum, etc. You can enjoy the music, drinks, and crowd. You can also dance, chat, or chill in the pubs.

Police Bazar Shillong is a place that has something for everyone. It is a place that will make you fall in love with Shillong and Meghalaya. It is a place that will make you want to come back again and again.

Also read: Police Bazar, Wards Lake Shillong Travel Guide| Meghalaya Cinematic Video North East India

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Police Bazar Shillong today and discover its charm and magic.

Police Bazar Shillong Reviews

Rinki Popli

137 Followers

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Next day, I reached the pre-defined spot, i.e. in front of the agency and the bus started right on time. The first stop was Cannyon Valley Viewpoint.The entry ticket was for INR 20/25 and there is a small restaurant for snacks and tea/coffee at the entrance. After that, we headed towards Indo-Bangladesh Borderand were allowed 10-15 mins to take photos, etc. I tried to reach the gate at the border passing by those cops, but one of them stopped me and said "Madam, wahin bhej de kya?" (Should we send you there permanently?). So, I couldn't cross this border on foot. Hopefully, some other one on some other day. The next stop was Dawki riveror Wah Umngot,a river that is shared by India and Bangladesh. We waited in queues for the boat ride. Only 3-5 people were allowed in a boat at once. I waited for 10-15 mins for someone to allow me to join them and, then luckily, a Gujarati family of 30+ people came and I got the chance to finally get the ride. Had I not gotten anyone to share the ride with in next 10 mins, I would have to skip this boat ride in order to respect other people's time. (Such situations make me question my choice of going solo - couples don't want any intrusion and families always want to sit together with no space for outsiders.) We were 5 people in that boat including the staff. The paddler-cum-guide told us that although this river is shared with Bangaldesh, neither Bangladeshis nor Indians try to cross it illegally as we all respect our borders. It is said that the Dawki river is so clean and transparent that you can see across, but sadly it was not the case during that time. The water was murky. The next stop was Mawlynnong Clean Villageand it was indeed very clean. There is a restaurant in that village and we were given ~30 mins for lunch. I skipped the lunch and used the time to wander around the area. After ~30 mins, we left for the next stop - Living Root Bridge.It is a weak bridge, so you are not allowed to stop on that bridge to take photos and only 1-2 people are allowed to cross it at once. Once you cross it, you can sit and take photos around a river body.

Rinki Popli

137 Followers

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Another tour was booked for the next day. So, the boarding point was same and I reached there on time. On that day, the bus was a bit late and we started 15 mins later than the scheduled time. The weather was not clear, thus we were told by the staff that a few of the points would not be worth visiting. The first stop was Mawkdok - the View Point. The bus will drop you at a point and you would have to walk up to the view point. There are few food joints to enjoy snacks and beverages. We were given 15 mins to enjoy the view. I used those 15 mins to go down till the last step of the staircase. It was not at all mesmerizing, so use those 15 mins for a photoshoot. From there, we started for Ramakrishna Mission Museum.It's a very quiet place where you will find students learning in the classroom, antiques kept in the museum area, etc. You will be able to cover the entire place in 10-15 mins, but the stay there is for ~30mins. There are a few snacks places outside the museum. The next stop was Nohkalikai waterfalls.It is supposed to be lush green with a heavy waterfall. We couldn't get the impressive view, nevertheless, we all enjoyed it and took a lot of pictures. There was a viewpoint, Mot-trop Rock, where you need to climb up a very narrow staircase and see Bangladesh from a distance. The entry was for INR 10 but it was not worth the time. You will be able to see only the vast expanse in the neighbouring country. So, feel free to skip it. We went to Mawsmai Cavesafter that. You will be given 45-60 mins there to explore the caves. It's quite an easy and short one. After exploring the caves, I had delicious food outside. We also covered Botanical Garden and Eco Park. They both are picnic spots, so take photos and enjoy the time with families and friends. We were given 5 mins at Seven Sister Fallsbut we couldn't get the view because of bad weather. Normally, you would be given 10-15 mins at the spot to enjoy the view.

Shubhanjana Das

653 Followers

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Trattoria-Located right at the heart of Centre-point,Shillong, it is almost never that one finds this place empty. Always bustling with customers who are mostly locals,Trattoria offers an insight to what traditional Khasi food is like. They offer a host of dishes ranging from pork,beef,fish and chicken. Along with every meat dish you order,comes a generous serving of the famous Jadoh which is a staple in the Khasi Hills. Humble ambience,modest setting and the smell of food in the air characterize Trattoria. Be assured of freshly-cooked food,AMAZING service and a very memorable culinary experience,all-in-all. One of the very amazing things about Trattoria is that if you're not aware of the dishes and have no clue what to order,you can get yourself the try-all-plate,as I call it. What is the try-all-plate? Well,its simply the total amalgamation of all the dishes in a particular meat category along with some condiments. So you don't regret not having everything and don't end up having a lot of something you ordered that you had no clue about. The food,as delectable as it is,is always served with a warm smile. Such food in such ambience,what else does a foodie's heart long for? By the way, if you're a vegan,stand aside and watch your friends devour the food and console yourself. On My Plate-So I opted for pork and this is what my plate looked like. 10 different items with condiments like fermented bean sauce,vegetables,raddish chutney and other delectable chutneys. The star of the show,however,was the Jadoh (rice cooked in pork fat or pork blood) and the pork intestine having dense and smoky flavors. No wonder I came out dancing and jumping!

Preetha Vijayan

142 Followers

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Since the time geography textbooks acted as my "lonely planet", visiting the North East has been a dream. So this trip was literally 'dream come true'! We basically covered Meghalaya and North Sikkim as we had just 8 days. Day 1 obviously started with a flight from Pune to Guwahati. Then from the airport itself, we took a cab to Shillong. Word of advice: Deal with cab drivers outside the airport directly. They are very reasonable. Don't involve shady agents waiting to loot you for commission. I must say the lush green route from Guwahati to shillong felt a lot like Kerala. Look out for the slant roofed beautiful houses which is a feature you can find in any region with heavy rainfall. On the way to Shillong, do make a stop at Umiam lake. The place looks extremely picturesque at sunset. We finally reached Shillong around dinner time. Near the taxi stand at Police bazaar, there is a hotel called the Bramhome Guest house. If you don't have a pre booking someplace else, like we did, I would recommend you to stay here. The host, Mr. Mukherjee, could help you a lot. He has a library full of literature related to the north east. Also the stay will cost you Rs. 750/night. (It's a steal!) Hence a mere visit to use the restroom stretched to a full blown one hour conversation with Mr. Mukherjee, a girl from Thailand and a guy from Holland. But isn't that the beauty of travelling? Meeting people from different walks of life, making them a part of your story and being a part of their story!

Shubhanjana Das

653 Followers

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Bread Cafe-Among the numerous bakeries and cafes in Shillong,what was it in Bread Cafe that caught my eye? Well,the banner on the entrance said "Bread Cafe-The Baker's Coffee Shop". And that itself dragged me to it,like a duck to water. Quite,cozy and humble is what can be said about the setting and seating. Ambience is fair as well. Can't say the same about the music,though. But what steals the show is the amazing range and quality of the food they offer. The pies always freshly baked and the coffees always delightful. It is indeed a delectable affair! You can have your breakfast from here,although I prefer to follow it with second and a third breakfast as well. Well,it's sort of tough to eat everything that is on offer just in one shift,right? The Cafe also offers coffees (both hot and cold) that,though congenial in themselves,go perfectly well with the baked goods. Coming to the pocket pinch,looking at my platter one is likely to think that I must've fished out quite a sum for a breakfast that looks so lavish and neat. Well,that's not quite the case. With qualities that can give the costliest and most famous bakeries in my city a run for their money, I would say it's fairly reasonable and absolutely worth the money. No surprise I spent most of my mornings there.