Scotland of the East- Shillong

Also referred to as the “Scotland of the East”, Shillong is a beautiful hill station in the north-eastern part of India and the capital of Meghalaya. Loaded with lush greeneries and pine trees, it is a peaceful and serene place. The area receives heavy rainfall during the monsoons and so the state of Meghalaya has some of the wettest places on the earth. Being located in- between the Bhrahmaputra and Surma valley, the panoramic mountain view along with crystal lakes reflecting the intense blue sky instills enthusiasm and life in oneself. With desirable and cozy weather during the summers and winters, Shillong is the one among the perfect places to visit in India.

Places to Visit in Shillong

Plan to visit this place with your friends, family or solo and explore Shillong like never before. With a plethora of adventurous activities like mountain trekking, paragliding, bungee jumping and skydiving, one is sure to get an adrenaline rush. To ease your trip to Shillong, we have listed a few exquisite and beguiling sites that must be a part of your itinerary.

To visit Shillong in the most comfortable way, go for the taxi service in India.

1. Elephant Falls

Named after a rock that had the shape of an elephant, the Elephant Falls is a two-tier waterfall. The soothing sound of the crystal clear waters gushing down the rocks, relaxes your nerves and gives you a sense of peace. Being one of the best places to visit in Shillong, it is a beholding site to watch with your loved ones.

Location: Upper Shillong, Shillong

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fee: INR 20 per person

2. Umiam Lake

Locally known as Dam Sait, Umiam Lake is a reservoir in the hills created by damming the Umiam River. Being a perfect spot for leisure and rejuvenation, this place gives you a bajillion of jaw-dropping photos and reels. In the midst of its tranquility, here you can indulge in a number of thrilling water activities like kayaking, boating, and cruising.

Location: 15 km north of Shillong

Timings: Water sports are available from 9 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: INR 20 per person

3. Laitlum Canyons

Lying in the lap of East Khasi Hills of Shillong, Laitlum Canyons means “The End of Hills”. With just a 45- minute ride from the city of Shillong, you can explore this lesser known place and find your desired solitude here. With the hills touching the clouds, this place is popular among photographers and tekkers.

Location: East Khasi Hills, Shillong

Timings: Open 24 hours

Entry Fee: Entry is free

4. Police Bazaar

Being one of the busiest places in Shillong, you will get to taste the real Shillong and its culture in Police Bazaar. A perfect place for shopaholics and food lovers, you can buy yourself clothes and local handicrafts while munching on some warm and delicious dishes. You can do here some budget shopping and can also crash in some budget hotels for your stay.

Location: East Khasi Hills, Shillong

Timings: 8 AM to 10 PM

Entry Fee: Entry is free

5. Phan Nonglait Park

Also known as the Lady Hydari Park, the Phan Nonglait Park is a Japanese style park with soft green grasses and lakes. Phan Nonglait was the first Khasi woman to revolt against the British for freedom and so the Khasi students alleged the Meghalaya government to honour her. The park also houses a mini zoo that includes animals like Himalayan Black Bear, Jackal, Porcupine, Leopard, and deer among many others.

Location: Lachumiere, Shillong

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: INR 10 per person

6. State Museum

Commonly known as Captain Williamson Sangma State Museum, the State Museum depicts the rich culture and tradition of Meghalaya. With various paintings, artefacts, models, antiques, jewelleries and tools the museum gives a glimpse of the history of the state and its indigeneous people.

Location: Secretariat Hills, Shillong

Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM

Entry Fee: INR 5 per person

7. David Scott Trail

Built by a british administrator named David Scott, this 16 km trekking trail is sure to give you the adrenaline rush with its treks and adventure. Not only for the sport lovers, but this place also fascinates the photographers and videographers who show their videography skills using the beauty and location of this place. With cascading waterfalls, clear and young streams, exquisite valleys and dense green forests, walking on this trail gives a heavenly experience.

Location: Mawphlang, East Khasi Hills District

Timings: No information available

Entry Fee: No information available

8. Mawjymbuin Cave

Situated in Mawsynram Village, the wettest place on Earth, near Shillong, the Mawjymbuin Cave can be quite curious for you to visit. The scenic location of the cave makes it all the more interesting as it is shrouded by lush greenery all round. The cave also has a ShivLing, which makes it a religious site for the followers of Hinduism.

Location: Mawsynram Village, Near Shillong

Timings: 8 AM to 4 PM

Entry Fee: INR 20 per person

9. Mawphlang Sacred Forest

Among many forests of Meghalaya, the Mawphlang Sacred Forest enjoys a distinctive reverence in the region. Housing a wide range of flora, fauna and plant species that are believed to be older than 1000 years, removing anything from the forest is prohibited. As the forest is sacred, there are various stone temples inside the forest where sacrifices of animals are offered to please the deity.

Location: Synrang Kaban, Nongru

Timings: 9 AM to 4:30 PM

Entry Fee: INR 20 per person

10. The Grand Madina Masjid

The largest mosque in northeast India, and the only glass mosque of India, the Grand Madina Masjid is an architectural marvel in itself. Apart from its religious significance, the surreal beauty of the glass dome and the glass minarets of the mosque bathe in the illuminating green at night. With an accommodation capacity of upto 2000 people, the mosque has a separate section for women and a library.

Location: Laban, Shillong

Timings: No information available

Entry Fee: Entry is free