Shillong is popularly known as the ‘Scotland of the East’ is the capital of Meghalaya, located at a height of 1496 meters above sea level. It is a heaven for those who are looking for a rendezvous with natural greenery and tranquillity. The magnificent landscape, picturesque Khasi Hills, the colourful city serve various adventurous outdoor activities such as rock climbing and boating.
It also acts as the gateway to Meghalaya, offering a splendid landscape and the rich cultural heritage of the city combined to provide you with an incredible experience, which will certainly make it a remarkable journey.
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This beautiful city is endowed with pine trees, exciting mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, the tallest waterfalls breathtakingly beautiful golf courses, cafes, and museums. This hill station is known for its pleasant weather, heavy rainfalls, exquisite locations, and traditions.
One can find the heir of the Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal, and Langrim tribes. It has been in the limelight for its jovial people and their culture. This place is also well known as the music capital of India, as many prominent musicians have been renowned from this place.
There are many popular places to visit in Shillong that will help to explore its history, culture, art, and lifestyle.
Places to visit in Shillong
Shillong Peak
Shillong Peak has located 10 km from the main city. It offers picturesque views of the city from an impressive height of 1965 m above sea level. Being the highest point in Shillong, it offers splendid views of lush greenery and cascading waterfalls. The panoramic view of the majestic Himalayan peaks and the Bangladesh plains from the top of the peak is impeccable. Indian Air Force has its radar station located over here.
This peak is a great tourist destination for trekking lovers and draws numerous visitors throughout the year. It is a common belief that the patron deity ‘Leishyllong’ resides in the hills and protects the city from all evils. The U shilling site at the top of the peak is considered holy and every spring, a ritual is organized there. Due to security reasons, strict checking is done at the gates. It is indeed a great place to visit in Shillong.
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Major Attractions: Himalayan peaks
Things to Do: Photography, Trekking
Don Bosco Centre
Don Bosco Centre is reckoned as Asia’s largest Museum of Indigenous Cultures, conveniently situated in the Mawlai area. This Museum is the house of the attractive culture and tradition of North East India. The seven-storied building uplifts into the skyline of Shillong and encloses 16 laid-out galleries that showcase the different faces of the city, artefacts, paintings, figures, musical instruments, and tools significant to the Northeastern culture.
The significance of this tourist destination is prominent from the fact that it has been visited by eminent people from the Rajya Sabha as well as the princess of Thailand. It is an institution with its research wing, publications, newsletters, and cultural calendar. Another interesting fact about this place is that it is constructed in a hexagonal shape, which is why it is referred to as Shillong’s architectural pride. It is indeed one of the eminent tourist places in Shillong.
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Major Attractions: Galleries
Things to Do: Skywalk, Competitive events
Laitlum Canyons
Laitlum Canyons is perched on the East Khasi Hills, is a less explored but one of the most amazing sightseeing for trekking. It is located about 21 km away from the main town. The splendid Khasi Hills and the beautiful valleys offer you panoramic views of the place. The tourist spot is secluded and serene, ideal for quiet and tranquillity getaways.
To explore this place at its best, visit Laitlum Canyons either during sunrise or sunset. This long, rocky, and verdure trail offers a spirit of adventure to the enthusiastic trekkers. From the top of this place, one can also explore a picturesque view of Rasong, a small hamlet nestled deep in the ridges of the Laitlum gorge. It is heaven for those who are looking for a rendezvous with natural greenery. It is indeed one of the incredible places in Shillong.
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Major Attractions: Rasong
Things to Do: Photography, Trekking
Elephant Falls
Elephant Falls is well known as the Three Steps Waterfalls, is situated12 km from the capital city. The Britishers named this place as it resembles an Elephant stone placed at its foot. However, the stone disintegrated due to an earthquake in 1897. It is an amazing place for spending some time amid nature while capturing the impeccable moments for your keepsake.
It is indeed a heaven on the earth with three layers of the mesmerizing falls accessible to the layman from different vantage points. The first of the three waterfalls are gathered between the dense trees and are very wide. The second waterfall minimizes thin strands of water and is almost negligible during winters seasons. The third is the tallest with clear water flowing like a sheet of milk on the dark rocks in the backdrop and offers the most amazing view. It is a great stopover tourist place to visit in Shillong.
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Major Attractions: Three Steps Waterfalls
Things to Do: Photography, Trekking
Mawjymbuin Caves
Mawjymbuin Caves is located in the world’s wettest place, Mawjymbuin village in Cherrapunji, 56 km from the main city, and is a religiously significant tourist destination. It is made of calcareous sandstones and has numerous stalagmites, formed as a result of calcium carbonate depositions. This 209-meter high cave is of special interest to geologists who conduct special research here. It is an amazing place to visit in Shilong.
The picturesque stalagmites seen in the caves are amazing. One such huge stalagmite form a rock-shaped structure arising from the earth, shaped like a shiva linga is the major attraction of this place and is highly revered by Hindus. It offers many rift entrances and passages to the Cave, some of which are tough to enter through. Exploring the naturally formed caves is indeed a breathtaking experience.
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Major Attractions: Shivalinga
Things to Do: Photography
Shillong with the abundant greenery, scenic view, beautiful lakes, majestic hills, beautiful valley, amazing waterfalls, and every other tourist attraction is indeed a great place where you can spend the best vacation. The list of best places to visit in Shillong offers a great amalgamation of nature and wildlife, where you can explore the natural greenery and explore the magnificent scenery around you.
FAQ
What are the famous foods of Shillong?
The sumptuous foods of Shillong include Momos, Jalebis, Tungrymbai, Dohneiiong, Chowmein, Pineapples, and Betel Leaf.
Why is Shillong famous?
Shillong acts as the gateway to Meghalaya, the state popular for heavy rainfall, caves, tallest waterfalls, picturesque landscapes, and rich culture and heritage.