Shillong Travel Guide
City City in Meghalaya known for its natural beauty
Cloud-topped ridges and pine-lined streets bring visitors to Shillong for lively music venues, Police Bazaar markets, Shillong Peak and nearby waterfalls. Day trips to Cherrapunji’s cliffs, living-root bridges and limestone caves make it a base for adventure and craft shopping.
Why Visit Shillong? #
Set among the rolling hills of Meghalaya, Shillong draws visitors for its mountain scenery, lively music culture and distinctive Khasi traditions. Umiam Lake and Shillong Peak offer outdoor scenery, while Police Bazaar is the center for shopping and local foods such as jadoh (rice with meat). Live music venues and local festivals showcase Khasi dances and songs, giving travelers a strong sense of regional identity and creative life.
Who's Shillong For?
Shillong sits amid rolling hills with easy access to Shillong Peak and Elephant Falls; day trips to Cherrapunji and Nohkalikai Falls are straightforward. Lush valleys and misty viewpoints suit nature-focused stays and short treks.
Friendly guesthouses, budget homestays and reliable shared taxis from Police Bazar make Shillong an accessible base. Night buses and local guides connect to living root bridges and nearby hill villages for multi-day backpacking.
Police Bazar and local cafés serve Khasi specialties-jadoh, momos and smoked meats-alongside lively tea shops. Street stalls and weekend markets are affordable and flavorful, perfect for curious eaters.
Cozy hilltop cafés, sunsets from Shillong Peak and quiet guesthouses near Lake Umiam combine for romantic short breaks. Choose lodges on the outskirts for privacy and scenic valley views.
Shillong’s nightlife centers on live-music pubs and college-town gigs-Police Bazar has bars with regular performances and late-night cafés. The scene is spirited and locally focused rather than club-heavy.
Gentle walks, accessible waterfalls and educational museums make Shillong child-friendly. Family-run hotels near Police Bazar offer easy access to markets and short excursions to nearby natural attractions.
Top Things to Do in Shillong
All Attractions ›
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- Don Bosco Museum - Ethnographic museum showcasing Northeast India's cultures with immersive displays and panoramic rooftop views.
- Umiam Lake (Barapani) - Expansive reservoir north of Shillong popular for boating, picnics, and lakeside sunsets.
- Elephant Falls - Three-tiered waterfall set within tropical gardens, an easy short drive from town.
- Shillong Peak - Highest point nearby with sweeping city and valley panoramas on clear days.
- Police Bazaar - Bustling market street for local handicrafts, street food, and daily Shillong life.
- Lady Hydari Park - Small botanical garden with manicured lawns, local birdlife, and a toy train.
- Shillong Golf Course - Historic nine-hole course set on a grassy plateau, enjoyed by walkers too.
- Laitumkhrah neighbourhood - College-town neighbourhood filled with cafes, bookstores, and a lively student atmosphere.
- Ward's Lake - Popular urban lake with walking paths, lotus beds, and a carved wooden bridge.
- Polo Grounds (Maidan) - Open green frequently hosting local sports, festivals, and impromptu picnics.
- Cherrapunji (Sohra) - Ancient limestone caves, cliffs, and dramatic waterfalls including famous Nohkalikai Falls viewpoint.
- Dawki (Umngot River) - Crystal-clear Umngot River with glass-bottom boat rides to the Bangladesh border.
- Mawphlang Sacred Forest - Protected sacred grove offering guided walks and traditional Khasi cultural insights.
- Laitlum Canyons - Dramatic canyon ridges overlooking deep valleys, ideal for short hikes and viewpoints.
- Mawsynram - Claimed world's wettest village with monsoon-fed waterfalls, misty landscapes, and trekking options.
Where to Go in Shillong #
Police Bazaar
Police Bazaar is Shillong’s energetic shopping and nightlife spine: street stalls by day and packed cafés by night. It’s the place to find local handicrafts, cheap eats and live music venues. Ideal for visitors who want to be in the thick of local life and easy transport links.
Top Spots
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- Police Bazaar Market - The main shopping spine with clothes, electronics and eateries.
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- Local cafés - Several small cafés and bakeries popular with locals.
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- Basement clubs - Compact bars and music spots in the area.
Laitumkhrah
Laitumkhrah has a younger, collegiate feel with independant cafés, bookstores and cultural spots. It’s a good place to linger over craft coffee and people-watch, away from the busiest market streets. Travelers who like cafés, small galleries and a laid-back evening will enjoy this neighbourhood.
Top Spots
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- Theatre & cafés - A cluster of college cafés and small performance venues.
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- Bookshops - A couple of well-known local bookstores and artisan shops.
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- Local eateries - Family-run restaurants serving regional food.
Outskirts & Peak
The outskirts and high points around Shillong are all about green views and nature: waterfalls, lakes and the city from above. These are day-trip spots rather than neighbourhoods to stay in; perfect for hikers, photographers and anyone wanting fresh air after city wandering.
Top Spots
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- Shillong Peak - The city’s highest viewpoint with sweeping vistas.
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- Ward’s Lake - Manicured gardens and a central boating spot.
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- Elephant Falls - Popular cascading waterfall a short drive away.
Plan Your Visit to Shillong #
Best Time to Visit Shillong #
Visit Shillong from November through April for the best weather: cool, misty days, comfortable temperatures, and much less rain make hiking and sightseeing pleasant. Avoid the June-October monsoon when heavy rain and landslides can disrupt travel.
Best Time to Visit Shillong #
Shillong's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 24°C. Heavy rainfall (3347 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. The driest month with just 13 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (189 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Heavy rain (399 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (723 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (762 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (454 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (388 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Heavy rain (260 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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How to Get to Shillong
Shillong is usually reached via Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) or by rail to Guwahati (Guwahati Junction) followed by a road transfer. Shillong/Umroi Airport (SHL) has limited regional flights; most visitors travel by road from Guwahati (3-4 hours).
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU): GAU in Guwahati is the main international/regional airport serving Shillong. From GAU you can take a prepaid airport taxi into Guwahati city centre (roughly ₹400-₹700, 20-40 min) and then onward transport to Shillong - shared jeeps/sumos from Paltan Bazaar/ISBT cost about ₹200-₹400 per person and take ~3-4 hours to Shillong; a private taxi direct from GAU to Shillong typically costs around ₹1,800-₹3,000 and takes ~3 hours depending on traffic.
Shillong (Umroi) Airport (SHL): SHL (Umroi) is a small regional airport with limited scheduled flights; check current services before travel. From Umroi to Shillong city centre there are prepaid taxis and hotel transfers (roughly ₹800-₹1,500, ~40-60 minutes) - options are fewer than from Guwahati, so plan connections in advance.
Train: Shillong has no railway station; the nearest major railhead is Guwahati Junction (GHY). Long-distance trains from cities such as Kolkata, Delhi and others terminate at Guwahati - journey times vary widely (e.g., 18-30 hours from eastern/ northern metros depending on service) and fares depend on class. From Guwahati station you can reach Shillong by shared taxi/sumo (₹200-₹400 per person, ~3-4 hours) or by private taxi (₹1,800-₹3,000, ~3 hours).
Bus: Regular buses and private deluxe coaches run between Guwahati (Paltan Bazaar/ISBT) and Shillong; fares are typically around ₹60-₹250 depending on service and take about 3-4 hours. Within Meghalaya there are also local buses and shared jeeps for short hops - prices are low (often under ₹100) but schedules can be irregular, so allow extra time.
How to Get Around Shillong
Shillong is best navigated by a mix of shared taxis for intercity transfers and private hires for flexible sightseeing; the town centre itself is very walkable. Buses are the cheapest option but slower and less frequent for tourist routes, while renting a bike or hiring a car makes exploring surrounding attractions much easier.
- Shared taxis (Sumo) (INR 200-400) - Shared jeeps and sumo taxis are the most common way to travel between Guwahati and Shillong and for many short inter-town trips in Meghalaya. They leave when full, are inexpensive, and a good option if you have light luggage. Expect basic seating and variable departure times - arrive early at the stand (Paltan Bazaar/ISBT in Guwahati) to get a seat.
- Private taxis & day hires (INR 250-3,500) - Hiring a private taxi (local driver for point-to-point or a full-day hire) is the easiest way to explore Shillong, Cherrapunji and surrounding sights on your own schedule. Negotiate a day rate (typical day hires often fall in the ₹2,000-₹3,500 range depending on vehicle and itinerary) and confirm fuel/parking terms. Private taxis are pricier but far more flexible than buses or shared vehicles.
- Bus (Intercity & Local) (INR 20-250) - State and private buses link Guwahati and Shillong as well as nearby towns; deluxe coaches are more comfortable for the 3-4 hour Guwahati-Shillong run, while local buses serve short routes inside the state. Buses are the cheapest option, but schedules and comfort vary - reserve or check departure points in advance during peak season.
- Motorbike / scooter rental (INR 400-1,000 per day) - Scooter and motorcycle rentals are available in Shillong for day trips and short commutes - they give you freedom to reach viewpoints and waterfalls that are harder by bus. Roads can be narrow and wet during the monsoon, so rent only if you have experience riding in hill conditions and always wear a helmet. Expect daily rates roughly in the lower hundreds of rupees.
- Walking - Shillong's central neighbourhoods (Police Bazaar, Laitumkhrah, Bara Bazar) are compact and pleasant to explore on foot; sidewalks exist in main areas but can be uneven. Walking is often the fastest way to get between markets and cafés, and it's the best way to soak up local life - carry cash, a rain jacket in monsoon months, and be prepared for short uphill sections.
Where to Stay in Shillong #
- Shillong budget guesthouses (Booking) - Hostels and small hotels in Laitumkhrah.
- Tripadvisor listings - Affordable stays across the city.
- Ri Kynjai on Umiam Lake (near Shillong) - Peaceful lakeside stay.
- Pinewood Hotel Shillong - Comfortable mid-range hotel.
- Ri Kynjai - Serenity by the Lake - Upscale lakeside villas and dining.
- Top-rated Shillong hotels (Booking) - Selective premium properties listed.
- Pinewood Hotel Shillong - Central and easy for sightseeing.
- Ri Kynjai on Umiam Lake - Quiet base for nature day trips.
- Pinewood Hotel Shillong - Family rooms and central location.
- Ri Kynjai - Spacious cottages for family stays.
- Ri Kynjai - Quiet environment and good Wi‑Fi.
- Central guesthouses (Booking) - Options with desks and Wi‑Fi.
Where to Eat in Shillong #
- Police Bazaar stalls - Local Khasi specialties and street snacks.
- Shillong cafés - Comfortable cafés serving local breakfasts.
- City restaurants - Rice-based meals and local meat dishes.
- Hotel restaurants - Continental and pan-Indian menus for visitors.
- City cafés - European-style pastries and coffee culture.
- Nepalese eateries - Momos and thukpa across the city.
- Cafés around Police Bazaar - Vegetarian soups, stews and sandwiches.
- Local markets - Fresh produce and homemade vegetable preparations.
- Tea shops - Light vegetarian snacks with hot tea.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Shillong's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Shillong #
Shopping in Shillong #
Shillong’s shopping revolves around Police Bazaar and nearby streets - that’s where you’ll find everything from fresh produce to handloom shawls and tourist trinkets. Khasi and Jaintia handicrafts, local jams and homemade preserves are good buys; bargaining is common in bazaars, and prices drop if you buy several items from the same stall.
Best Bets
- Police Bazaar - Main commercial street for clothes, electronics and handicrafts.
- Don Bosco Museum shop - Museum shop with curated handicrafts and books about Meghalaya.
- Ward's Lake craft stalls - Scattered stalls selling small handicrafts and souvenirs nearby.
- Laitumkhrah street shops - Independent stores and boutiques popular with locals.
- Local handloom & weaving stalls - Shop for Khasi shawls, traditional textiles and woven goods.
- Weekend markets and seasonal fairs - Best source for regional foods and artisan products.
