Shillong

Shillong, sometimes referred to as the "Scotland of the East," is one of the most well-known travel destinations in India's Northeast. Shillong is famous for its green fields,  misty mountains, gorgeous vistas, fragrant flowers and a faint trace of colonial friendliness and influence. Tourist activity in Shillong Meghalaya is thriving because, despite the city's verdant surroundings, there is a busy urban core.

Shillong Overview

Best Time to Visit Shillong

Spring officially begins in March and summer in April, with both months boasting mild temperatures and sunny skies. Shillongs temperature goes up to a high of 24 degrees Celsius and low of 15, making summers in Shillong pleasant and ideal for Shillong sightseeing. At this time of year, you can expect pleasant Shillong weather, making it ideal for outdoor excursions. Shillong receives moderate to severe rains throughout the monsoon season. When it rains, the landscape becomes more beautiful, making this a perfect time to explore Shillong tourist places.

How to Reach the Places to Visit in Shillong

There is no airport in Shillong. Umroi Airport, located in Barapani, around 25 kilometres from the hill station, is the closest airport. The area's connections to other cities is limited.

Shillong's nearest train station is in Guwahati. There are plenty of taxis to choose from, and the trip will only take you approximately 100 kilometres. The Guwahati Railway Station has connections to the nation's capital and other significant cities.

Getting from Guwahati to Shillong places is easy via bus. Private companies and the government both provide regular and luxury tourism services. But if you want a stress-free and relaxing ride to tourist places near Shillong, a cab is your best choice.

What are the things to see and do in Shillong? 

Shillong has been richly endowed by nature with a number of stunning waterfalls, a breathtaking mountains, and other intriguing sanctuaries, boosting Shillong tourism. Shillong Peak, Sweet Falls, Elephant Falls, Wards' Lake, Lady Hydari Park and Police Bazaar are just few of the must-see attractions in Shillong. It is highly recommended that you visit the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures.

Places to Visit in Shillong

Elephant Falls

About 8 kilometres outside of the city centre lies Elephant Falls, a major attraction. Leaving the city behind, you'll travel over roads that truly showcase the natural beauty that Meghalaya is famous for.

Umiam Lake

Picnicking at Umiam Lake, which is both a natural lake and a reservoir, is quite popular due to the lake's picturesque surroundings and the fact that visitors may participate in various water activities there, such as kayaking and jet skiing.

Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures

Costumes, musical instruments, weapons and artworks from North East tribes are only some of the artefacts on display at the Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures.

Laitlum Canyons

Laitlum Canyons, perched atop the East Khasi Hills, are a popular destination for hikers and environmentalists looking to take in breathtaking views of Meghalaya.

Restaurants in Shillong

Qzine

Qzine is one of the poshest and best restaurants in Shillong. Famous for its South Indian cuisine, dishes like tandoori chicken and biryani are among other specialties available here.

Lamee Restaurant

It is open for both lunch and supper and serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian options from the Indian, Chinese, Asian and Thai cuisines.

Trattoria

The majority of the dishes served at Trattoria are not vegetarian, however the restaurant does have a limited number of vegetarian options, some of which are delicious and authentic Khasi specialties prepared in a home-style setting.

Places to Stay in Shillong

The Heritage Club - Tripura Castle

The Heritage Club - Tripura Castle, perched above a pine forest, features plush accommodations, a variety of dining options, a ballroom, and other first-rate services. 

Ri Kynjai Serenity By The Lake By Centre Point

Ri Kynjai Serenity By The Lake By Centre Point Group combines traditional Khasi hospitality with modern amenities including a luxurious spa and a lakeside restaurant. 

Hotel Polo Towers

Enjoy a luxurious stay at the Hotel Polo Towers, where you can make use of the hotel's many fine dining establishments, its high-end spa, and its other high-end facilities. 

Food to Try in Places to Visit in Shillong

Traditional dishes prepared using regional ingredients can be found all across Shillong. The staple diet consists primarily of pork. Also, in Shillong, Jastem and Jukhiein are some of Shillong famous food. Vegetarian lovers can also find flavoursome delicacies here including pumaloi, sakin gata, vegetarian momos and tungrymbai.

Things to Buy in the Places to Visit in Shillong 

The picturesque hill station of Shillong is home to a wide selection of stores and markets where locals and tourists alike may buy a wide range of goods. 

Lewduh Market

The market is stocked with goods made in the valleys, such as honey, pigs, pineapple, wild mushrooms, dried fish, bamboo baskets and more.

Police Bazar

Chains of stores form the market layout at the Police Bazar. Khasi locals produce a variety of wares for sale at the market. The Police Bazar is known mostly for its bamboo and cane wares.

OB Shopping Mall

The OB Shopping Mall dominates the retail landscape of Shillong. There are several name-brand stores, eateries, a food court, and more located throughout the mall. You might easily lose track of time for four to five hours at any of the restaurants providing real meals.

Conclusion

Shillong, is a pleasure of seclusion that holds a variety of things, such as waterfalls, mountains, parks, sceneries, and museums, that will keep a traveler's brain twirling in a merry dance. Shillong is such a pleasant and unexpected vacation spot that you can simply reconnect with the nature.