Shillong is a beautiful hill station, nestled in the lush green landscapes of Meghalaya State in India. It is also known as ‘Scotland of the East’. Dotted with picturesque waterfalls and gigantic caves, there are several places to visit in Shillong. It is a popular tourist destination and the center of education, culture, and music. Shillong is home to several renowned institutions, such as the North Eastern Hill University, the Indian Institute of Management, and the National Institute of Fashion Technology.
Shillong is also famous for its rock music scene, hosting several music festivals and events throughout the year the most notable one being the Cherry Blossom Festival which takes place around the last week of November. Shillong is a place that will charm you with its natural beauty and cultural diversity.
Here are the top 5 Places to visit in Shillong:
Umiam Lake
This is a beautiful lake situated on the way from Guwahati to Shillong. It is also called Barapani Lake. This is one of the best places to visit in Shillong, though it is situated at a distance of about 15km north of Shillong. Umiam Lake is manmade that is it was created by building a dam on the Umiam River in the early 1960s for hydroelectric power generation.
The lake covers an area of about 222 square km and is surrounded by lush green hills and coniferous forests. It is among one of the most popular tourist destinations in Shillong for boating, water sports, trekking, camping, and fishing. The lake is an example of ecosystem services such as irrigation, drinking water, and biodiversity conservation. However, the lake faces some environmental challenges such as pollution, silting, and invasive species.
Best time to Visit – October to April is the best time to Visit Umiam Lake since the weather is cool, the skies clear and the water crystal clear. June to September due to heavy rainfall, the water is muddy and the area is prone to landslides. So it is better to avoid a visit in this season.
Elephant Falls
Shillong is known for its waterfalls and a visit to Shillong is incomplete without seeing the Elephant Falls. It is situated at a distance of about 15 km from Police Bazaar on the way to Cherrapunji. The waterfall is unique because the stream falls over multiple levels, down the slope making this a 3 tiered waterfall. It is named after an elephant-shaped rock that was destroyed by an earthquake years ago.
So, the waterfall has three levels, each with a different view and experience. You can walk down the stairs to see each level and enjoy the spray of the water and the sound of the flow. Elephant Falls is a popular tourist place in Shillong, especially for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. You can also find some stalls selling snacks and souvenirs near the entrance
The Best Time to Visit Elephant Falls in Shillong is in monsoon, from June to October when the waterfalls are teeming with water and the surroundings are a resplendent green! You can also visit from November to March when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Ward’s Lake
The Ward’s Lake is not only a popular tourist spot in Shillong but also a favorite of the locals. It is situated in the middle of the city, a stone’s throw away from Police Bazaar. This is also the spot where each year the famous Cherry Blossom Festival is celebrated. Dotted with the famous Cherry Blossom trees, this lake is a calm respite from the hustle and bustle of Shillong City.
This is a huge lake, with a cobbled street and beautified with flower beds over different species. There is also a Cafe here, which is open until the lake is open. The entry fee is Rs. 20 for adults with a concession of Rs. 10 for senior citizens. The locals use the cobbled street as a jogging track for which the monthly rate is Rs. 200. Among the different sights and sounds that this lake has to offer, my favorite is the sight of seeing these beautiful swans gliding across the lake.
If you want to know more, check out this official website.
Laitlum Canyon
Laitlum Canyon is a scenic mountain ridge located about 24 km from Shillong. It is also known as the ‘end of hills’ or the ‘end of the world’ because of its panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills. This is one of the most underrated Shillong tourist places and hence is not very frequented. It is a unique and picturesque tourist spot where blue skies, green hills, and streams of water all have a mindblowing confluence. Time seems to stand still when you look at the panoramic views from above the canyon. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, photographers, and trekkers who want to experience the beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem.
The best time to Visit the Laitlum Canyon is throughout the year. The monsoon is when the landscape is a flourishing lush green. Winter is when the skies are crystal clear and the views are so clear that you can see the horizon blurring with the landscape. This is my favorite tourist spot in Shillong.
Shillong View Point
Shillong Peak is the highest point of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, India. It is located at an altitude of 6449 ft or 1965 m above sea level. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city, the Himalayas, its waterfalls as well as of the Bangladesh plains. A telescope is available for tourists to get a bird’s eye view. You can also find some stalls selling snacks and souvenirs near the entrance.
The best time to visit Shillong Peak is from March to June when the weather is cool and pleasant. You can also visit from October to April when the weather is clear and scenic. However, you may want to avoid the monsoon season from July to September, as the peak may get covered by heavy fog and the roads may become slippery
If you are planning a tour to the Northeast and are confused about how to plan your trip, you may want to check this out for some inspiration.
If you are looking for options in Kashmir, check out my posts on Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Snowfall in Kashmir, and Best time to Visit Kashmir. If you are looking for options in Ladakh, check out Ladakh Weather, Nubra Valley, 5 Days Kashmir Itinerary, Best Packing tips for Ladakh & best tourist places in Ladakh.
If you are looking for places to visit in the Andaman Islands, please check my post on Radhanagar Beach & Ross Island.
If you are looking for other seaside options, check my posts on Murud Janjira, Kashid, and Kihim Beach in Maharashtra or Malshej Ghat. Alternatively, if you are interested in some Religious tourism, please check my posts on Golden Temple, Kamakhya, Trimbakeshwar, and Kashi Vishwanath. If you are looking for North East Adventure tours, check my posts on Shillong, Meghalaya, Dawki, Double Decker Living Root Trek, and 7 Day North East Itinerary.
If you are planning visit to Sikkim, check out Tsomgo Lake.
If you are looking for some spirituality, you can check out Ganga Aarti in Dashashwamedh Ghat or Ghats in Varanasi.
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