Shillong, located at an altitude of about 1500 meters, is one of the most favoured hill stations amongst tourists. The capital of Meghalaya, fondly nicknamed ‘The Abode of the Clouds’, is the only hill station which can be reached from any side. The mixture of modernist and colonial era ambience with beautiful panoramic views, make it famous amongst visitors from all over the country. Below are some of the best places to look around in Shillong, and the best timings to carry out various activities.
| Months | Conditions | Our Recommendation |
| March to June | Perfect time for sightseeing and tourist activities. | Popular Tourist Season |
| October to February | Perfect time for couples and honeymooners. The surrounding looks great. | Ideal Time
|
| June to September | Rainfalls makes the place look even more beautiful. Waterfalls look stunning in rains. But this season is less preferred so you may get good discounts. | Off Season |
March to June
The summers in Shillong are mild and pleasant with temperatures averaging 24 degrees. Adventure activities like trekking through the dense forests, caving in Krem Mawmluh, camping near Umiam Lake, and River Rafting in Dawki can be carried out during the sunny days. Rock climbing and joomering can also be carried out in Barapani under professional guidance to ignite the thrill in you.
June to September
The monsoon in Shillong is heavy and can be a little counterproductive to your travel plans. But this is also the time when all the waterfalls in the region come alive and flow with magnificence throughout their domain. The Elephant Falls, the Bishop Falls and the Mawphlang Falls are just some of the many natural beauties which can engulf you in awe and make you fall in love with the place.
October to February
The winter season is when Shillong can be experienced in its full glory. The chilly temperatures, add to the ambience of the place with its snow-capped mountains and cold water. The hues of Shillong are truly shown during this part of the year.
How to Reach
The Shillong Airport, located in Umroi is well connected to cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Guwahati, Ahmedabad etc. The MTC (Meghalaya Transport Corporation) connects the airport with all the cities in the state. The nearest railway station is in Guwahati which is almost 100 kilometers away, as there is no proper railway network in the region. Shillong has a well-connected bus network and can be reached easily by road.
Places to Visit
- Umiam Lake
Umiam, meaning the water of tears, is a huge man-made lake with an area of 221 sq kilometers. Visiting the houseboats of the Lumpongdeng Island, and taking in the expanse of nature’s beauty can soothe one’s mind and provide the perfect ambience to unwind.
- Elephant Falls
The two-tier waterfall, present in the East Khasi Hills district, is the epitome of magnificence. Popular amongst tourists for the proximity with which it can be accessed, the Falls are at a distance of 12 kilometers from Shillong.
- Mawsynram
The wettest place on Earth, Mawsynram has bountiful greenery and waterfalls like Mawsmai Falls and Nohkalikai Falls. The gushing water and serene environment can make any visitor’s spirit alive with its lively aura.
- Don Bosco Museum
This museum is the place to visit in order to learn about the tribal heritage of the indigenous people of the North-East. Highly famed amongst tourists for its architecture and wide collection of artifacts, the Museum has carved a niche among the museums of Indigenous Culture and has to be visited in order to gain a deeper understanding of the culture in the region.
- Shillong Peak
Present at an elevation of around 1950 meters, the Shillong peak is the highest peak in the Himalayas. Thronged by nature and photography enthusiasts for the splendid view and the raw display of nature, the place has a charm which is beyond compare.
- Lady Hydari Park
Designed in Japanese style, the Lady Hydari Park, houses a wide variety of flora and fauna which reflect the dense biodiversity of the region. The Mini Zoo with animals like the Himalayan Black bear, Hornbill, Jackal, and the lush green surrounding flower gardens are a sight to behold.
Aptly called ‘The Scotland of the East’, Shillong is a place of mesmerizing beauty which can hypnotize any person with its splendid marvel.
