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Best Things To Do In Shillong

Umiam Lake is a beautiful reservoir fed by Umiam river and sits about 15 km away from Shillong. The lake went quickly from being a mere reservoir to one of the most happening tourist places in Shillong. It is host to numerous water adventure activities, boating being the classic choice! The clean waters of the lake are ideal for boating. 

Choose from a diverse range of cruise boats, sailboats, rowboats, paddle boats and speed boats! The panoramic sprawl of the East Khasi Hills can be viewed spectacularly from the lake. Furthermore, the lake houses a garden called Lum Nehru Park for you to visit. Nested amidst incredible greenery and grasslands, the lake is also compared to the great lakes of Scotland!

Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Elephant Falls is one of the many great waterfalls of Meghalaya and skirts Shillong. This two-tiered waterfall featuring triple cascades offers you plenty of adventure opportunities. Forget your regular rappelling and rock climbing, Elephant Falls brings you something even more exciting! One of the most thrilling things to do in Shillong is waterfall rappelling, and there are few other places that can match the beauty of Elephant Falls. 

If you’re a beginner, begin with a height of about 40 ft. Feel the smashing flow of water hitting you while you struggle to rappel down, seeking sure footing. This can be done throughout the year, but if you’re seeking pure adrenaline, the monsoon is your best bet.

The David Scott Trail is one of the oldest and most popular trekking routes in Shillong. It follows the old trail running from Cherrapunji to Bangladesh, used mostly by mules and horses. The trek wind through the Khasi Hills, and unfolds from Mawphlang to Ladmawphlang, two of the most rustic and beautiful villages of Shillong, both of which are steeped in Khasi history and culture. 

The treks span 16 km over an easy gradient and climb up to a maximum height of 4,892 ft. One section of the trail runs along the serene Umiam river too. Despite being a popular trekking trail, is poorly marked. You may require a guide to navigating through.

After a rough day at trekking, you will crave to relax in a soothing place and Shillong has numerous lavishing resorts to have a splendid holiday. 

One of the most beautiful rivers in Meghalaya, the Umiam river guarded within the northern district of Shillong is the hub of all water adventure sports. Mothering the serene Umiam Lake, there is no shortage of water sports that you can try. Ranging from kayaking and river rafting to speed and row boating, spend a perfect day over the rapids of the Umiam river. 

The clear waters of the lake bear stunning, if somewhat distorted, reflections of the surrounding hills and forests. River rafting over these waves is one of the most unmissable things to do in Shillong, as the magnitude of tourists who flock to the place every year prove. Another great rafting destination is Ranikor, very close to Shillong.

Timings:09:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Kayaking not the calm, crystal blue waters of Kynshi river is one of the most thrilling things to do in Shillong. A classic Meghalayan adventure awaits you at the Kynshi river, strewn with massive rocks and boulders, and a handful of steep sections that make your heart skip a beat. Like Umiam Lake, the Kynshi river can also be seen flooded by tourists who seek pleasures in an adrenaline surge.

Besides kayaking, you can opt for swimming or sliding too! Although, you may want to avoid kayaking or even visiting the riverside during peak monsoons. There are sufficient safety measures for tourists, which means safety is the last thing you have to worry about.

Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Skirting the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, Dawki river, also known as Umngot river, is a beautiful green streak that is flanked by Bangladesh and India on either side. The river hosts boating and rising competitions every year and is the core of tourism in Dawki. Circled by tranquil greenery, the cool waters of Umngot serve as ideal means for boating and fishing. 

Spend a few hours of a beautiful evening fishing by the banks of Umngot with your loved ones, while the backdrop of pristine, unmarred beauty of Meghalaya watches over you. If you prefer a more quiet evening, take a walk along the suspension bridge that overlooks the river!

Shillong View Point, also referred to as Shillong Peak is the highest point in Meghalaya, sitting at 1,966 meters above sea level. It bears you stunning visual rewards, as the entire city of Shillong unfolds right before you, leaving you stunned. The peak is also a vantage point to the undulating green valleys of Shillong, Sylhet Plains of Bangladesh, along with silvery cascades and the mighty Himalayan ranges that border the city. 

The peak is usually shrouded in dense mist and fog and makes for an easy hike due to its mild, gradual gradient. A lingering folklore speaks of a revered deity that resides here, safeguarding Shillong from tragedies and natural calamities.

Timings:09:00 AM to 03:30 PM everyday

Shillong is one of the most sought-after destinations for caving in India, owing to the innumerable caves that call it home. Some of these caves date back several centuries and bear untold stories of the bygone ages. Amongst the most famous caves in Shillong, the marvels of Mawsmai Cave, Mawjymbuin Cave and Krem Marai Cave stand out. 

Mawsmai Cave is well known for the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites that it fosters, while the curious Mawjymbuin Cave boasts of a stalagmite shaped like the Shivalinga, believed to be sacred by the locals. The caves of Marai are steeped in mythology and folklore. Experience the thrill of cave exploration in Shillong, preferably with the help of a guide.

Another famous spot cradled in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, the Shillong Golf Club is one of the finest golf tracks in the world! Seated amidst lush tree forests of a valley, lined with pine and rhododendrons, the golf course is an ideal place to spend a long, relaxed day. Featuring eighteen holes spanning the valley, the place has been honoured by the clubs of the finest players of Britain. 

Besides being a prominent destination and pride of Shillong, it is also the world’s wettest gold course! The greenery sits under a fresh blanket of mist and dew, enhancing the aura of the place. One of the most unique places to visit in Shillong, the golf course is a journey back into the colonial times!

Charges: Free

Timings: 05:00 AM to 08:00 PM

Khasi Hills are lodged at the core of Meghalaya, but East Khasi Hills steals the limelight when it comes to adventures, camping, and trekking! Housing stunning clusters of rock formations, there are ample opportunities for you to explore, discover, and rediscover your passion for rock climbing. 

Veered off the beaten path and the bustling streets of the city, East Khasi Hills is a paradise for professional rock climbers, as well as those making their first venture into the sport. That said, however, it is imperative that you hire a guide or at least consult the locals before running off into the hills, and picking your territory. A little caution goes a long way.

Charges: Charges differ from organisation to organisation.

Yet another one of the most popular tourist places in Shillong, the Lady Hydari Park is home to a beautiful, prominent Japanese garden that graces its entrance. Not only the garden, every corner of the park, including the designs, bears striking touches of Japanese traditions. The trail is lined with numerous willow trees overlooking clusters of rhododendrons and orchids amongst other beautiful floral species that thrive here. 

The park is also home to a little zoo, and an adjoining deer park. One of the most beautiful features of the park is the lush line of rose beds that grace it! No matter how long or short your trip to Shillong is, visit the Lady Hydari Park is a must.

Timings:08:00 AM to 05:00 PM every day, except Mondays.

Charges: INR 10 per head.

Sitting fairly close to Happy Valley in Shillong, Sweet Falls is one of the most beautiful, albeit dangerous waterfalls in Meghalaya. The cascade tumbles down into a fall so steep that it is barely visible from the base of the waterfall. The sweeping beauty and the rich flowers that grace the surroundings of the falls makes for a mesmerising view. 

Although there are no fences or barricades guarding the foot of the fall, it is extremely ill-advised to try to approach it, as the area is likely to be slippery, and may result in a fatal fall. Wander into the gurgling realm of the waterfall, and admire the marvellous beauty from afar as the waters spray you with a gentle graze.

Khasi Hills district forms the very heart of Meghalaya, sits amidst acres and acres of lush greenery. Wherever you go, whichever trail you follow, brace yourself for pleasant surprises everywhere! Sweeping green meadows, pristine forest tails lied with tall pine trees and streaks of gurgling streams await you. 

Explore some of the most beautiful campsites in Meghalaya, and prepare to be mesmerised by the canvas of the night sky, beset with millions of stars that tug at your heart. Trekking and camping in Khasi Hills are one of the most pleasurable things to do in Shillong.

The popular Police Bazar of Shillong is your one-stop destination for all your shopping needs. Regardless of whether you’re craving a taste of the local delicacies or just souvenirs and the like, Police Bazar is your saviour.  The streets are lined proper shops along with various streetside vendors. 

Ranging from beautiful handicraft items reflecting the exquisite craftsmanship of regional artists, right up to western fashion and ornaments, the place is a major tourist haunt. The quality of products is admirable, but you may need to dust your bargaining skills a bit before you venture here. If you’re good with haggling, you can find amazing things at throwaway prices!

Timings:10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

The Sacred Grooves of Mawphlang is a beautiful sylvan realm where mother nature literally comes alive. Lined with countless trees that chaperone your trails, the forest is believed to be over 800 years old. There are endless stories tucked away within every corner of the forest, revealed to those who seek them. 

The atmosphere becomes cooler, and you can spot numerous stone altars which were used in the traditional rites and rituals of the Khasi natives. There are quite a few stories and legends that revolve around these grooves, all of which convey the presence of a deity which stands guard over the forest. The forest brings you a great deal of mystique, along with one single rule - you mustn’t take anything, not even leaves, from the forest.

Timings: 07:45 AM to 05:45 PM

Also known as Pollock’s Lake or Nan Polok, Ward’s Lake is one of the most prominent tourist places in Shillong. Believed to have been formed over a 100 years ago, the lake is circled by expansive greenery and is a famous picnic spot amongst tourists and locals alike. A beautiful garden featuring lovely cobble-stoned pavements sits in touching proximity to the lake, adding to the overall beauty of the setting. The place is crawling with tourists during the months of June and July, but if you’re seeking some quiet and peace, winter is the best time of the year, when the surrounding hills wear a veil of mist, and tourists are few in number.
Timings:08:00 AM to 07:00 PM during summers, and till 05:30 PM during winters

Charges: INR 10 per head

Lapped in the heart of the East Khasi Hills of Shillong, en route the Mizoram highway, Laitlum Canyons is one of the least explored parts of Meghalaya. The name literally means ‘end of hills’ canyon, and affords mind-blowing views of the entire sprawl of Shillong like never before. The undulating valleys, lush green hills, and beautiful rivers that ribbon through them, the view from these canyons are truly unbelievable. 

The beauty of these canyons is so enchanting, that they are often compared to Scottish Highlands! The place is well shaded away from the majority of tourists and brings you a peaceful dose of solitude and beauty amidst nature’s laps. A trip into the magical world of Laitlum Canyons is one of the most rewarding things to do in Shillong!

The Don Bosco Museum is the storehouse of all the information and documentation on all the seven states of North East India. Besides the important historical information, the museum also displays the fascinating traits of the North Eastern culture. 

Also, a wide assortment of artwork, artefacts, handicrafts and visual documents of the regional artists is hosted inside the museum, making it an unbeatable destination for patrons of culture, history and art. It offers you a fascinating glance at the indigenous tradition, along with their craftsmanship. 

The museum also hosts numerous competitions for musicians, writers and artists every year. Another highlight of the place is its brilliant architecture, built as a hexagonal figure.

Timings: 09:00 AM to 04:30 PM every day, except Sundays.

Charges: INR 100 per head

Horse rising to Shillong peak is one of the most iconic things to do in Shillong, and it’s a shame if you miss out on it. Being the highest point in Meghalaya, the peak is perched atop 1,966 meters and is a window to sweeping views of the verdant greenery that engulf it. 

To an already beautiful experience, add the thrill of horseback riding along the undulating trails, and you’ve got yourself an experience to cherish for the rest of your life! The trail meanders through tropical forests, home to a variety of floral species. Begin the ride from the town, and go all the way to the peak where you treat yourself to birds’ eye views of the townscape.

Timings:10:00 AM to 03:00 PM

Fondly referred to as the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, the Cathedral Catholic Church is a religious shrine cradled within the deepest parts of Shillong, straddling Dhankheti and Laitumkhrah. It rests on the same land where the very first church of Shillong had once stood. 

Even if you’re not inclined towards religion, you must visit the cathedral simply for the beautifully preserved touches of Gothic architecture that adorn the interiors. Adding to the marvel of the church is the fact that it has been earthquake-proofed by strengthening the base of the building with sand! On a warm, sunny day with clear skies, views of the majestic Himalayan peaks along with the sacred Brahmaputra river treat you!

Timings:07:00 AM to 06:30 PM

Charges: Free