Shillong travel guide: Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is one of the most popular hill stations in Northeast India. Surrounded by pine-covered hills, waterfalls, lakes and viewpoints, it is widely known as the "Scotland of the East". This guide covers the best places to visit in Shillong, the best time to visit, how to reach the city, hotels in Shillong, restaurants in Shillong, local food, day trips and a short FAQ.
Shillong is also the base for Cherrapunji (Sohra), Mawsynram, Mawlynnong, Dawki and the living root bridges, which is why many visitors plan a Shillong tour package or itinerary around it.
For more ideas, see our A–Z guide to tourist places in India.
- State: Meghalaya (East Khasi Hills), Northeast India
- Known as: Scotland of the East; Abode of the Clouds is Meghalaya's nickname
- Best time: October to May for sightseeing; June to September for waterfalls and rain
- Nearest major airport and railhead: Guwahati (about 100 km, roughly 3 hours by road)
- Ideal trip length: 2–3 days for Shillong; 4–6 days with Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong and Dawki
Places to Visit in Shillong (Tourist Attractions)
Shillong has lakes, pine forests, parks and busy bazaars where you can buy local handicrafts, bamboo and cane products and Khasi shawls. The main tourist places in Shillong include lakes, waterfalls, viewpoints, museums and churches:
- Shillong Peak – the highest point in the area, with views over the city (about 10 km away)
- Umiam Lake (Barapani) – a large reservoir with boating and water sports, roughly 15–17 km from the city
- Ward's Lake – a landscaped lake and garden in the city centre
- Elephant Falls – a three-tiered waterfall about 12 km from the centre
- Laitlum Canyons – dramatic valley views and a popular trek
- Shillong Golf Course – one of the oldest golf courses in India, set among pines
- Don Bosco Museum – a museum of indigenous Northeast cultures
- Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians – a landmark church in the city
Mountain Peaks and Viewpoints in Shillong
Shillong sits on the Shillong Plateau, so scenic peaks and viewpoints are never far away:
- Shillong Peak
- Sohpetbneng Peak (a sacred site for the Khasi people)
- Laitkor Peak
- Diengiei Peak
Visit early in the morning for the clearest views.
For more scenic regions, see our guide to the most picturesque valleys in India.
Museums in Shillong
If you enjoy history, culture and nature, these museums are worth a visit:
- Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures of the North East
- Wankhar Entomology Museum (also called the Butterfly Museum)
- Air Force Museum (Eastern Air Command)
- Rhino Heritage Museum
- Meghalaya State Museum
Waterfalls in and around Shillong
- Elephant Falls
- Spread Eagle Falls
- Beadon Falls and Bishop Falls (close to each other)
- Crinoline Falls
- Sweet Falls
Elephant Falls is the best known of these. Sweet Falls and Spread Eagle Falls are also popular stops. Water flow is strongest in the monsoon, but access and safety can vary, so follow local guidance. Nohkalikai Falls and the Seven Sisters (Nohsngithiang) Falls are near Cherrapunji, not Shillong, and make an excellent day trip.
Churches in Shillong
Shillong has many churches with distinct architecture. Notable ones include the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, All Saints' Church, Shillong Baptist Church and Jaiaw Presbyterian Church. They are peaceful places to appreciate the architecture.
War Cemeteries in Shillong
Shillong has war cemeteries on its hill slopes, including the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery. Local folklore links them with ghost stories, but there is no evidence that they are haunted.
Nearby Places to Visit from Shillong (Day Trips)
Shillong is a convenient base for these destinations. Distances are approximate and travel time depends on road and weather conditions, so avoid packing too many places into one day.
- Cherrapunji (Sohra) – about 55 km; waterfalls, caves and viewpoints
- Mawsynram – about 60 km; famous for extreme rainfall
- Mawlynnong – about 75–90 km depending on route; a tidy Khasi village once named among Asia's cleanest
- Dawki and Umngot River – about 80–95 km; clear river and the India–Bangladesh border
- Double-decker living root bridge (Nongriat) – near Cherrapunji, reached by a trek down many steps
Best Time to Visit Shillong
Shillong can be visited year-round, and the best time depends on what you want to see.
- October to November (post-monsoon): clear skies, green hills and comfortable weather. This is a popular season, so book early.
- December to February (winter): cold and dry, with temperatures that can fall close to freezing at night in the hills.
- March to May (spring and early summer): pleasant weather and a good time for sightseeing before the rains.
- June to September (monsoon): very heavy rain and full waterfalls, but landslides and travel disruptions are possible.
Festivals such as Shad Suk Mynsiem (April) and the Nongkrem dance (autumn) add to the cultural experience, and the Shillong Autumn Festival and Cherry Blossom Festival are held in the cooler months. Check dates before you plan, as they change each year.
How to Reach Shillong
- By air: The nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, about 100 km away. Shillong Airport (Umroi) handles limited flights from only a few places, such as Kolkata, Imphal, and so on. If you're planning to visit Shillong by air and want to land in the Shillong Airport, check current schedules.
- By rail: Shillong has no railway station. The nearest railheads are Guwahati in Assam and Jorabat in Meghalaya, with Guwahati being the main one.
- By road: Shared taxis, cabs and buses run from Guwahati to Shillong, a drive of about 3 hours via NH6 past Umiam Lake.
Getting Around Shillong
Local buses, shared taxis and cabs are available. For attractions outside the city, hiring a taxi for the day is usually the most convenient option. Traffic around Police Bazar can be heavy, so allow extra time.
Hotels in Shillong: Best Hotels, Resorts and Homestays
Shillong offers luxury hotels, heritage stays, resorts near Umiam Lake, budget hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and homestays. Staying near Police Bazar is convenient for shopping, restaurants and taxis, while Laitumkhrah and Lower Lachumiere are quieter and have cafes. Umiam Lake suits travellers who want a peaceful lakeside stay.
| # | Name | Type | Location | Why stay here | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LUXURY AND 5-STAR HOTELS | |||||
| 1 | Courtyard by Marriott Shillong | 5-star hotel | Jail Road, Police Bazar | Hill-view rooms, pool, spa, gym and several dining outlets. Walkable to Ward's Lake and the botanical garden. | marriott.com |
| 2 | Vivanta Meghalaya, Shillong | 5-star hotel (Taj group) | Police Bazar | Luxury hotel with 101 rooms and suites, spa, restaurant, bar and banquet space, right in the tourist and shopping district. | vivantahotels.com |
| 3 | Hotel Polo Towers | 4-star hotel | Polo Grounds, Oakland Road | Central address near Ward's Lake and the Golf Links, with spa, gym, rooftop grill and bar. | hotelpolotowers.com |
| 4 | Windermere Hotel | Upscale hotel | Lumheh, Umpling | Hilltop setting with city views, indoor pool and garden; close to Spread Eagle Falls and Sweet Falls. | Book via OTAs. |
| HERITAGE HOTELS AND BOUTIQUE LODGES | |||||
| 5 | The Heritage Club – Tripura Castle | Heritage hotel | Cleve Colony | Former summer retreat of the Tripura royal family, a few minutes from the city centre, with spa and two restaurants. | tripuracastle.com |
| 6 | Lakkhotaa Lodge | Boutique lodge | Edge of Shillong Golf Links | Quiet upmarket lodge beside the golf course with its own restaurant. | lakkhotaalodge.com |
| 7 | The Habitat Shillong | Boutique guesthouse | Laitumkhrah | Calm residential stay with breakfast, near cafes and restaurants. | Book via OTAs. |
| RESORTS (UMIAM LAKE AND OUTSKIRTS) | |||||
| 8 | Ri Kynjai – Serenity by the Lake | Luxury resort | Umiam Lake, Ri Bhoi | Khasi-style cottages overlooking the lake, with spa, trekking and boating. The city is about an hour away in traffic. | rikynjai.com |
| 9 | Orchid Lake Resort | Government-run resort | Umiam Lake | Run by Meghalaya Tourism beside the lake; reviews mention uneven upkeep, so check current status before booking. | meghalayatourism.in |
| 10 | Nalari Resort | Lakeside resort | Umiam | Quiet break near the Guwahati–Shillong road with lake-facing balconies. | Book via OTAs. |
| MID-RANGE AND BUDGET HOTELS | |||||
| 11 | Hotel Centre Point | Hotel | Police Bazar | In the busiest shopping and food area, with a top-floor bar and easy access to taxis. | Book via OTAs. |
| 12 | Hotel Barbareek | Budget hotel | Police Bazar | Well-known budget option close to food and transport. | Book via OTAs. |
| 13 | Travellers Bed and Breakfast | Budget B&B | Police Bazar | Good value in a central location. | Book via OTAs. |
| BED AND BREAKFASTS AND HOMESTAYS | |||||
| 14 | Cafe Shillong Bed and Breakfast | B&B (restored bungalow) | Lower Lachumiere | Refurbished bungalow with wood-finished rooms, tea-garden views and breakfast included. | cafeshillongbandb.com |
| 15 | Blueberry Inn | B&B | Lower Lachumiere | Homely stay in the quiet old European quarter. | Book via OTAs. |
| 16 | Rock Cliff Homestay | Heritage homestay | Central Shillong | 1930s bungalow with antique furnishings and a garden. | Book via OTAs. |
| 17 | Aerodene Cottage | Heritage guesthouse | Lower Lachumiere | Old family home with orchid garden and home-cooked meals; the owner can customise Meghalaya trips. | Book via OTAs. |
| 18 | Sha Ri Loum Homestay | Homestay | Umshing-Mawkynroh | Four bedrooms with balconies and garden; good for groups. | Book via OTAs. |
| 19 | Breeze Vale Homestay | Homestay | Lumdiengsoh, near Shillong Peak | Ideal for early mornings at Shillong Peak. | Book via OTAs. |
| NEARBY STAYS: CHERRAPUNJI AND MAWLYNNONG | |||||
| 20 | Polo Cherrapunjee Resort | Resort | Cherrapunji, about 55 km | Base for waterfalls, caves and root bridges; suits a one or two-night side trip. | polohotelsandresorts.com |
| 21 | Mawlynnong village homestays | Village homestays | Mawlynnong | Simple bamboo-style rooms with local meals and a look at Khasi matrilineal culture. Call ahead to confirm availability. | Call to book. |
Restaurants in Shillong and Local Food
Food is a big part of any Shillong trip. Most restaurants and cafes are around Police Bazar, Laitumkhrah and Lower Lachumiere. Khasi cuisine is built around rice, pork, chicken and fish, with little oil and few spices.
Best Cafes and Restaurants in Shillong
A category-wise guide to where to eat in Shillong, Meghalaya, with each place's location, its trademark food and what to order. Details checked in October 2026.
| # | Name | Type | Location in Shillong | Trademark Food | Must Try | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LOCAL KHASI AND NORTHEAST FOOD | ||||||
| 1 | Trattoria | Local Khasi eatery | Police Bazar | No-frills, authentic Khasi home-style meals, popular with locals. | Jadoh with pork curry, Khasi pork thali, Dohneiiong (pork in black sesame paste), Tungrymbai. | Official site not confirmed. |
| 2 | Rynsan | Contemporary tribal restaurant | 36 Boyce Road, College area, Laitumkhrah | Seasonal dishes from Garo, Khasi and Jaintia traditions, using produce from local organic farms. | Pork Bomb, crispy shoots, putharo sliders, bitchi (Garo rice beer). | Official site not confirmed. |
| 3 | Kai Nung | Tribal and Northeast kitchen | Nongrim Hills | Small-batch cooking drawing on Manipuri, Mizo, Garo and Ao cuisines. | Manipuri-style snails in fiery gravy, tribal cuisine thali. | Official site not confirmed. |
| 4 | Bei Synshar's Stall | Home-style food stall | Iwduh (Bara Bazar) | Long-running stall known for variety and quality of home-cooked Khasi meals. | Jadoh, pork curry, fried fish, wild greens. | No website. |
| 5 | Jadoh Restaurant | Khasi rice-dish specialist | Laitumkhrah | Khasi rice and meat dishes. | Jadoh, Jadoh with chicken liver, Pumaloi (steamed rice-flour cake). | Official site not confirmed. |
| 6 | You & I – Arts Cafe | Arts cafe, Khasi food | Mawroh-Mawtawar Road, Umshing-Mawkynroh | Authentic Khasi dishes, served on banana leaves in an artsy setting. | Doh Khleh (cold pork salad), fusion versions of traditional dishes. | Official site not confirmed. |
| POPULAR CAFES AND COFFEE SPOTS | ||||||
| 7 | Cafe Shillong | Cafe and restaurant | LP Building, Main Road, Nongkynrih, Laitumkhrah | Local pork dishes, tribal cuisine, coffee and pastries; live music on some evenings. | Bastenga (steamed chicken with fermented bamboo shoots, very spicy), local pork dishes, pastries. | Official site not confirmed. |
| 8 | Cafe Shillong Heritage | Heritage cafe-restaurant | Near Tripura Castle, Malki | Pan-Asian, continental and Northeast menu with open-air seating and a wine list. | Shillong fried rice with chilly chicken, Tungrymbai (fermented soybean with pork). | tripuracastle.com Hotel site; the cafe's own page not confirmed. |
| 9 | Dylan's Cafe | Music-themed cafe | Tripura Castle Road, Dhankheti, Malki | India's first Bob Dylan tribute cafe, with graffiti walls and live local artists. | Naga Chilli Cheese Toast, chicken burger, milkshakes, hot chocolate. | polohotelsandresorts.com Group site; cafe page not confirmed. |
| 10 | ML 05 Cafe | Vehicle-themed cafe | 5th Mile, Upper Shillong (Mawsynram road) | Garage-style cafe celebrating bikes and road trips, with quirky Northeast-Italian-Chinese mix. | Maggi with mutton keema, Wai Wai thukpa platter, pizzas, fudge brownies. | Official site not confirmed. |
| 11 | Woodstock Cafe | Theme cafe | 8th Mile, Lumdewsaw, NH40, Mylliem | 1969 Woodstock theme, with mountain and paddy-field views from indoor and outdoor seating. | Stuffed parathas, omelettes, full English breakfast (served 7 to 10 AM). | Official site not confirmed. |
| 12 | Grub's Cafe | Cafe and dessert spot | Laitumkhrah Main Road, Nongkynrih | Sweet treats, cheesecakes and snacks. | Cheesecake and the sweet treats. | Official site not confirmed. |
| 13 | The Living Roof | Rooftop cafe | Bomfyle Road, near Shillong College | Sunset views with local artist performances. | Coffee and snacks at sunset. | Official site not confirmed. |
| 14 | Bread Cafe | Cafe and bakery | Main Road, Nongkynrih, Laitumkhrah | Big glass windows with scenic views; known for desserts. | Desserts and baked goods with coffee. | Official site not confirmed. |
| 15 | Munchies | Casual cafe shack | Rani Villa, Laitumkhrah Main Road, near Don Bosco Square | Global fusion with local ingredients at affordable prices; outdoor seating. | Meaty burgers. | Official site not confirmed. |
| 16 | Cherry Bean Cafe | Coffee shop | GS Road, Police Bazar | Central coffee stop for shoppers. | Coffee and cheesy burgers. | Official site not confirmed. |
| 17 | Open Up Cafe | Cafe | Mawlai Mawroh, Pdengshnong | Bright interiors, varied menu and board games. | Snacks and coffee with games. | Official site not confirmed. |
| 18 | Zest | Cosy cafe | Nongkynrih, Laitumkhrah | Small cafe with karaoke sessions. | Ham and bacon burger. | Official site not confirmed. |
| BAKERIES AND DESSERTS | ||||||
| 19 | Reen's Bakery | Bakery | Laitumkhrah | Old-style bakery using a recipe from the 1960s. | Lamington (vanilla sponge with chocolate and coconut). | No website. |
| 20 | The Shillong Baking Company | Hotel bakery cafe | Courtyard by Marriott, Jail Road, Police Bazar | Freshly baked breads and coffee, open 9 AM to 8 PM. | Fresh bread, pastries and a hot coffee. | marriott.com |
| MOMOS, CHINESE AND TIBETAN | ||||||
| 21 | That Momo Guy | Momo stall | Rynjah | Oversized momos with fatty pork, ginger and cabbage filling. | Big Momo, thaipo (giant dumpling-bun with egg), butter tea. | No website. |
| 22 | Momo & Noodles | Tibetan and Bhutanese eatery | Happy Valley (Assam Bazaar) | Homespun Tibetan and Bhutanese cooking. | Pork datshi, thukpa, momos, tingmo (steamed bun). | No website. |
| 23 | Great Wall Chinese Restaurant | Chinese restaurant | Police Bazar | Family-run for nearly four decades; wok-fired noodles. | Special fried chow, hot and spicy chicken wings. | Official site not confirmed. |
| 24 | Hong Kong Restaurant | Chinese restaurant | Police Bazar | No-frills Chinese with momos as the star. | Pork fried momos, chicken steamed momos. | Official site not confirmed. |
| 25 | La Galerie | Restaurant | Hotel Centre Point, Police Bazar | Chinese and continental menu with vegetarian options. | Pork and chicken momos with spicy chilli-vinegar sauce. | Official site not confirmed. |
| 26 | Lamee Restaurant | Family restaurant | Lovi's Arcade, GS Road, Police Bazar | Chinese and Indian, vegetarian and non-vegetarian, popular with locals and tourists. | Chinese noodles and rice dishes, Indian curries. | Official site not confirmed. |
| NORTH INDIAN AND VEGETARIAN | ||||||
| 27 | City Hut Family Dhaba | Punjabi dhaba | Earle Holiday Home, Oakland Road | Rustic, flower-decorated dining with a family room and straw pavilion. | Chicken korma, nawabi chicken tikka, kadai chicken, naan, barbecue dishes. | Official site not confirmed. |
| 28 | Jiva Veg | Pure vegetarian restaurant | Police Bazar | South Indian dishes, North Indian thalis and Chinese vegetarian options. | North Indian thali and South Indian dishes. | Official site not confirmed. |
| 29 | Tring Tring | Bar and restaurant | Polo Towers, Polo Grounds | Budget-friendly Indian and Chinese, open from early morning to late night. | Local fish curry, pizza, burgers, chicken dishes. | hotelpolotowers.com |
| FINE DINING, LOUNGES AND HOTEL RESTAURANTS | ||||||
| 30 | Deja Vu | Restaurant and lounge bar | Police Point, Branto Complex, Red Hill Road, Laitumkhrah | Dim lighting, live music and the only karaoke station among Shillong restaurants. | Grilled salmon with citrus glaze, Shillong-style chicken noodles, truffle mushroom soup. | Official site not confirmed. |
| 31 | Spectra | All-day dining | Courtyard by Marriott, Jail Road, Police Bazar | International buffet breakfast and interactive cooking stations at lunch and dinner. | Breakfast buffet; Indian, oriental and western dinner stations. | marriott.com |
| 32 | Tavern Club | Poolside bar and restaurant | Courtyard by Marriott, Police Bazar | Poolside cocktails, snacks and live music, open 1 PM to midnight. | Tropical cocktails with bar snacks by the pool. | marriott.com |
| 33 | Sky Grill | Alfresco rooftop restaurant | Hotel Polo Towers, Polo Grounds | Rooftop open-air grill dining. | Grills and barbecue under the sky. | hotelpolotowers.com |
| 34 | Flare Restaurant | Premium restaurant | Hotel Pegasus Crown, Police Bazar | Premium dining with grills, pasta, sizzlers and desserts. | Sizzlers, grilled dishes, desserts. | Official site not confirmed. |
| 35 | Sao Aiom Restaurant | Lakeside resort restaurant | Ri Kynjai, Umiam Lake (outside the city) | Indian, continental and Chinese in a forest setting with views over Umiam Lake. | Chilli pork, smoked pork with bamboo shoots, turmeric fried rice. | rikynjai.com |
Shillong Travel Tips
- Carry a light jacket year-round; winters are cold and nights cool even in summer.
- Carry an umbrella or raincoat in every season, as showers can come anytime.
- Check road and weather conditions before day trips to Cherrapunji and Dawki.
- Carry some cash, as cards and UPI may not work in remote villages.
- Respect local customs and photography rules at churches, sacred groves and villages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shillong Travel
What is Shillong famous for?
Shillong is famous for its hills, lakes and waterfalls, colonial-era architecture, live music culture and Khasi food, and it is called the "Scotland of the East".
What is the best time to visit Shillong?
October to May is best for sightseeing. June to September is best for waterfalls but brings heavy rain. However, if you're interested in the famous Cherry Blossom Festival Shillong, you need to plan your Shillong travel in November.
How many days are enough for Shillong?
Two to three days cover Shillong itself. Add three more days for Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong and Dawki.
Which are the best places to stay in Shillong?
Police Bazar suits first-time visitors, Laitumkhrah and Lower Lachumiere suit cafe lovers, and Umiam Lake suits those wanting quiet.
How far is Shillong from Guwahati?
Shillong, Meghalaya, is about 100 km from Guwahati, the capital of Assam - roughly 3 hours by road, depending on traffic.
If you love mountains, Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a destination you should not skip. Its climate, scenery and culture make for a memorable vacation.