Shillong Tourism | How to Plan a Trip to Shillong

Shillong gets its name from Lei Shyllong, an idol worshiped at Shillong Peak. Located at an elevation of 1,469 meters, this hill station attracts tourists from across India who want to escape the scorching heat during summer and monsoon. It is also known as the Scotland of the East. If you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, Shillong is the perfect place to visit.

A Shillong tour allows you to explore lakes, waterfalls, peaks, landscapes, apparent crystal leaks, golf courses, museums, and other endless attractions. All of these Shillong attractions make it one of the best places to visit in India, and there are numerous adventure activities to engage in.

On your visit, interact with the locals, who are very kind and pleasant. Explore this comprehensive Shillong Travel Guide to plan your unforgettable trip.

Tourist Attractions in Shillong

Being a popular destination to visit in northeast India, Shillong has a lot of places to see. Be it quaint monasteries, rolling hills, or famous waterfalls. This place is enriched with natural beauty and tourist spots. Here are some of the best places to visit in Shillong on your tour –

Elephant Falls: The majestic Elephant Falls is surrounded by verdant foliage and rugged terrain. Due to their elephant-like shape, the falls have earned the name “Elephant Falls.” Its cascading waters are mesmerizing, especially during the monsoon season.

Umiam Lake: Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani Lake, is an attractive reservoir surrounded by hills. It offers a variety of water sports, including kayaking and boating. It’s one of the best places to visit in Shillong for water enthusiasts.

Shillong Peak and ViewPoint: Shillong Peak provides panoramic views of Shillong City and the distant Himalayas. It is an ideal spot to take in the region’s sprawling cityscape and lush greenery.

Shillong Valley: This idyllic valley is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. Surrounded by rolling hills and pine forests, it offers a variety of activities, including trekking expeditions, village explorations, and relaxation.

Laitlum Canyons: At the top of East Khasi Hills, the Laitlum Canyons offer spectacular views of valleys and gorges. Due to its tranquil atmosphere, it is ideal for trekking and nature photography.

In addition to these best tourist attractions in Shillong, you can also explore the Police Bazaar, Don Bosco Museum, Ward’s Lake, and Phan Nonglait Park.

Activities to do in Shillong

Shillong is a paradise for nature lovers, adrenaline junkies, shopaholics, and peace seekers. Thus, there are ample things you can indulge in and spend your time doing on your Shillong tour. For the best experience, here are some of the best things to do in Shillong –

Boating in Umiam Lake: Floating on Umiam Lake is a serene experience amidst lush greenery and scenic landscapes. When you visit the lake, try boating with your partner or family.

Angling at Dawki: Catch a variety of fish in the crystal-clear waters of Dawki River while enjoying the picturesque surroundings.

Horse Riding: Discover the region’s natural beauty on horseback, an exhilarating way to explore the scenery. Never tried horse riding before? You should at least give it a try while you’re in Shillong.

Camping: Enjoy a night under the stars, surrounded by nature, with the soothing sounds of the wilderness and a cozy campfire. Anyone who wishes to spend time in nature should try camping in Shillong.

Indulge in golfing, rock climbing, etc.: Play golf amidst stunning scenery or explore rugged cliffs with exhilarating rock climbing excursions.

These are the famous Shillong activities you can experience. However, there will be crowds during peak season, so advance reservations are recommended. You can include all of these activities in your Shillong tour packages, so you won’t have to difficulties during your trip.

Best Season to visit Shillong

The summer season begins in Shillong in March and lasts until June. The average temperature during this time ranges from 24°C to 15°C in pleasant weather. It is the best time to trek and take a boating expedition.

On the other hand, the best time to visit Shillong is in the winter, i.e., from November to February. Lastly, if you love rain, visit Shillong in the monsoon and enjoy the views of the rain. Click here to know more.

How to get to Shillong?

By Air: Shillong has its own airport, so flying to the hill station is the fastest way to get there. You can get flights from major cities in India, and upon reaching the airport, bus services are available to get you to your desired location.

By Train: The second way to reach Shillong is to take a train to Guwahati railway station. To reach Shillong, take a cab or bus.

By Road: Besides air and train, you can also take an interstate bus operated by Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) or Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) to reach Shillong. Know more here.

How to get around Shillong

Shillong’s bus services are the most convenient way to get around the hill station. Taxis and car rentals are also great options. Or you can always explore the nearby places by trekking.

Accommodation in Shillong

Before planning a trip, every traveler looks for the best hotels in Shillong. So, many hotels, guesthouses, and resorts are available in Shillong for different budgets and requirements. So you can choose from 5-star properties to budget-friendly hotels and have a comfortable stay with great amenities.

Some of the best places to stay in Shillong are The Heritage Club, Hotel Polo Towers, Cafe Shillong Bed and Breakfast, Quinton Enclave, Hotel Woodland Hill Stay, and more.

Where to eat in Shillong?

While tourist attractions are the reason that lure tourists to Shillong, the food of this hill station is better. The restaurants here exhibit colorful heritage through the cuisines they serve. From local items to Chinese, Assamese, to Bengali food, you will find a variety of cuisines to treat your taste buds. For a delightful culinary experience, here are some of the best restaurants in Shillong City: Hut Family Dhaba, Dejavu, Cafe Shillong, Dylan’s Cafe, Ginger Restaurant, and more.

Travel tips for Shillong

• Weather: Bring waterproof clothes, sturdy shoes, an umbrella, and warm clothes.
• Health and Safety: Stay hydrated, avoid altitude sickness, and carry basic medicines.
• Cash and Payments: Keep enough cash on hand; ATMs are not available everywhere.
• Internet and Connectivity: If you want better connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card.
• Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local police and hospitals.
• Power Supply: Keep a power bank and a flashlight handy in case of frequent power outages.

Why Choose Indian Holiday for Your Shillong Tour?

Many people dream of a trip to Shillong, and Indian Holiday can help make that dream come true. To suit your needs, we offer customized Shillong tour packages. These packages include transportation, accommodations, meals, and other amenities.