Shillong is slowly rising to be one of the most preferred tourist destinations in Northeast. Also known as the Scotland of the East, it gets its name from its rolling hills, beautiful green scenery and its chilly and rainy weather which are reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. Located at the foothills of East Khasi Hills, at about 4909ft Shillong is a beautiful hill station and capital city of Meghalaya. It is also one of the seven sister states, and it hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna as well as lifestyles and cultures. Shillong could perhaps be one of the best honeymoon spots in the country for it boasts countless tourist activities ranging from hiking, trekking, swimming, sight-seeing as well as cultural and miscellaneous activities that would keep you thrilled and delighted. For starters, a trip to Shillong is mostly seasonal as it mostly relies on its weather and seasons which dictate its activities as well as festivals. So, depending on the seasons:
Best Season to Visit
Summer (March-June)
This period is the peak season to visit Shillong as the city is embalmed in pleasant and cool weather. The average temperature in the city during this time is around 15–26 °C. Activities like trekking, hiking and especially swimming are most favourable during this time. But being the peak season to visit also means a price hike and limited availability. Booking in advance would be the best way to ensure a smooth trip.
Off Season (July-September)
Waterfalls and especially lush greeneries will be the most recommended spots to visit during this time of year. Rivers and lakes can be experienced in all their glory during this season. Though the outdoor activities will be limited, there are still locations like Ward’s Lake, Shillong Peak, Motphran and more to visit and experience. Prices will mostly be at an all-time low during this season but due to rainy weather, discretion is advised.
Moderate Season (October-February)
Festivals will be the highlight of this season, especially festivities like the Wangala Dance, Autumn Dance as well as the esteemed Cherry Blossom Festival which brings out the vibrant colours of the city overall and merges it into a singular cultural artform for everyone to witness and celebrate. Prices will mostly be moderate around this time however, it is important to note that festivities and their charges may differ and can rise.
Places of Interest/To Visit
Shillong boasts a wide range of locations of different varieties catering to all types of people.
Mary Help of Christians Cathedral
Mary Help of Christians Cathedral is one of such locations, located at Laitumkrah near Don Bosco Square and welcomes visitors with its peaceful atmosphere, tall arches, and beautiful stained-glass windows from Grenoble, France (1947). Inside, the Stations of the Cross, which was crafted in Munich, tell the story of Christ’s suffering. The cathedral is also home to lovely religious artworks and the grave of Archbishop Hubert D’Rosario. In front of his resting place is an altar where special nine-day prayers are held each month, making this sacred spot not only a piece of history but also a living center of faith and devotion.
Ward’s Lake
Another tourist destination and perhaps one of the most underrated ones in Shillong, the lake was planned by the then chief commissioner of Assam, Sir William Ward. It was designed by Fitzwilliam Thomas Pollok and built by Colonel Hopkins in 1894. The lake lies close to the Raj Bhavan of the Governor of Shillong and also has a small botanical garden right by its side. Tourists can easily rest in the shades of the trees at the lake as they enjoy the serene view of the lake and the natural beauty of the place. Sohra, which was previously known as the wettest place on Earth (now replaced by the nearby Mawsynram) earlier known as Cherrapunji, is a beautiful hill town in Meghalaya with a name that comes from the local Khasi language. The British once mispronounced it as “Cherra,” and later it became “Cherrapunji” before its original name was officially brought back. Sohra has been home to the Khasi people since the 16th century, ruled by their traditional chiefs (Syiems) until the British took over in 1833. Known worldwide for its record-breaking rainfall, Sohra is full of breathtaking views, deep valleys, and unique biodiversity, but it still faces water shortages due to soil erosion and deforestation. Sitting 1,430 metres high on a plateau with sweeping views of the Bangladesh plains, it is surrounded by lush forests and is famous for its extraordinary living root bridges, like the Double Decker bridge in Nongriat village. With its rich culture, matrilineal traditions, and history marked by landmarks such as the David Scott monument, Sohra offers visitors a mix of natural wonders, heritage, and unforgettable experiences.
Cherry Blossom Festival
A little-known fact, asides from being the named The Scotland of the East, Shillong is also called The Rock Capital of India for it hosts many musical festivities and events alike. The Cherry Blossom Festival for example is a huge musical festival hosted in the city, started in 2016, the festival now attracts more than 50,000 people each year. World famous artists like Akon, Ne-Yo, Jonas Blue, Boney M, and R3HAB along with amazing Indian artists like Arjit Singh were invited to perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival. Ed Sheeran and Bryan Adams also performed at Shillong last year. Everywhere you go, there’s music, laughter, tasty food stalls, fashion shows, cultural dances, and colourful art. In 2024, the festival became even more special with a Japan Zone, thanks to a partnership with Japan. Here you can enjoy Japanese food, traditions, and activities—like a small trip to Japan without leaving Meghalaya. The festival has also gone global, holding its first event in Thailand.
Lady Hydari Park
Lady Hydari Park which is a favourite spot for locals and tourists was named after Lady Hydari, the wife of the Governor of Assam, the park contains a museum dedicated to butterflies and animals as well as a small pond beside the park with ducks floating. The park also has a small zoo featuring bears, monkeys, birds and some deer as well. The beautifully carved stone paths along with elegantly trimmed hedges in a Japanese styled layout, with different collections of orchids and flowers is also a delightful sight for many. Lady Hydari Park is the perfect place to toss your worries asides and relax as the park offers an ideal peace of mind and caters to every type of aesthetic that one may seek for.
Mathilang Park
Mathilang park located at the outskirts of the city hosts an amazing scenery as well as a beautiful picnic spot for families and tourists alike. The park was built beside another attraction named Elephant Falls. The waterfall was named so during the British Colonial Era when the British mistook a huge rock sitting beside the waterfall for an Elephant, hence giving its name Elephant Falls. Although, the rock was destroyed during an earthquake in the 1800s, Elephant Falls still retains its natural and scenic beauty and offers travellers an opportunity to witness its beauty. Tourists can relax near the beautiful and clean gardens beside the fall and enjoy the scenic view of the area while listening to the calming and satisfying sounds of the nearby waterfalls. Another location that is also slowly growing up to be one of the best tourist spots of Meghalaya.
Mawlynnong
Mawlynnong which is also named as Asia’s Cleanest Village by Discover India Magazine. The village offers a peaceful retreat for visitors and is particularly famous for its sustainable living as well as its clean streets and roads. Villagers have maintained this cleanliness for generations. The waste is collected in bamboo dustbins and directed to the pit and used as manure.
Travelling to Shillong
By Air:
Guwahati Airport should be the preferred way of arrival however flights to Shillong Airport (Umroi) can also be taken but flights are highly limited.
By Rail:
Guwahati Train Station is the arrival point since there are no railways connecting Shillong directly.
By Road:
A Bus ride can be taken from the NH6 route where the beautiful sceneries and the Umiam Lake itself can be witnessed during the ride.
Conclusion
Shillong as a city is filled with multicultural attractions of the northeast and provides countless options and opportunities for people to see and experience. Its attractions from a bustling Police Bazar to natural and breath-taking locations like Cherrapunjee and Umiam Lake adds to its appeal. Fooding options range from local tribal cuisines to Indian and authentic Chinese cuisines passed down by the Chinese minorities that once loved in Shillong before moving out. From the friendly and helpful locals to its clean streets and misty hills, Shillong leaves a lasting impression on its visitors.
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