13 Places to Visit In Shillong Which Must Be In Everyone’s Bucket-List (2024)
When people name some of the most popular and beautiful hill stations in India, Shillong is mentioned quite soon. Not only is Shillong the capital of Meghalaya, but it is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places in the country as well. The mesmerizing hill station is located at an altitude of 1496 meters, and the weather is so comfortable that it is perfect for visiting throughout the year. Shillong is known as “Scotland of the East” because it resembles the European country. From gorgeous views to golf courses, from lakes to beautiful parks, Shillong is packed with spectacular places.
You will have to visit the top places to visit Shillong if you are planning a trip to Shillong. But the task can be quite challenging to complete as the town is filled with nuggets of joy. That is why this blog will help you a lot, as here we are providing the best places in Shillong, which are widely popular among tourists. When you go there, you will be able to see the impact of British imperialism quite vividly. The architectural structures of Shillong make genuinely westernized. Shillong is also the perfect place for you if you are planning to buy some authentic items from Meghalaya.
13 Places to Visit In Shillong Which Must Be In Everyone’s Bucket-List
The places to visit in Shillong mentioned in this list below are quite famous among travelers from all around the world. If you are genuinely planning a vacation to the gorgeous town, please note the following places to keep a compact tour itinerary.
1. David Scott Trail
What better way to explore the exquisite beauty of Meghalaya than to trek? David Scott trail is primarily a 16 km trek that connects two of the most beautiful villages of Meghalaya. The trek starts from Mawphlang, an idyllic village located 25 km away from Shillong and ends at Lad Mawphlang.
In the 19th century, the trail was used to connect India to Bangladesh. But now nature-lover tourists explore the path to witness the breathtakingly gorgeous views of the rivers, waterfalls, forests, and streams of the trail. You will also get to see the lives of the local people of the village yourself by embarking on this journey.
2. Shillong Peak
When you reach Shillong and inquire about the sightseeing packages, the number one trip you will note is the visit to Shillong Peak. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Shillong not only because of its proximity to the city but also because of the panoramic view it offers. As the peak is located at the height of 1965 meters, you will be able to get the perspective of Shillong quite quickly.
If you are lucky enough to reach there amid clear weather, you will be able to see Bangladesh plains and the Himalayas as well.
3. Lady Hydari Park
If you visit Shillong, you will have to visit Lady Hydari Park as it is one of the few Japanese style gardens in India. You will be amazed at the beauty of the park when you see it for the first time. The entire garden is not only impeccably clean, but it is filled with gorgeous small ponds. The park also contains a beautiful lake where you will be able to see fishes and ducks.
The park is so picturesque that every photo was taken out there will be quite useful. If you visit there, do not forget to bring your camera with you.
4. Jakrem
Even though Jakrem is technically not located in Shillong but reaching there from the hill station is not that difficult. Jakrem is located only 64 km away from Shillong, and it is the only hot water spring in Meghalaya. The sulfur spring is quite popular among travelers of different nationalities. Now, it has become a health resort where people spend a few days. Even if you do not want to spend an entire day out there, you can easily have a beautiful picnic.
If you are planning on taking a dip in hot water springs of Jakrem, remember to bring your bathing suit.
5. Air Force Museum
Air force museum is one of the most important places to visit in Shillong because it is a great place to learn about India’s history of the air force. Usually, kids have a gala time over there as they get to take pictures with models of new aircraft and also get technology demonstrations from the experts. Even if you do not have any kids, you should visit the museum as you will not only learn a lot but also have a great time.
Apart from aircraft, the museum also has miniature models of missiles, types of machinery, and rockets. The museum is located in the Upper Shillong area and is quite close to the town.
6. Police Bazar
Every major hill station in India is also quite well-known as shopping destinations. For Shillong, the best place to shop is Police Bazar. Not only is the market a great place to buy affordable items like Meghalaya merchandise, jewelry, apparel, and others, but it is also a great place to witness Shillong’s culture. The market does not allow any automobiles, so you will have no problem exploring the area by walking. You will be able to buy authentic dresses from Meghalaya in the flea market.
Police Bazar is also a great place to taste excellent North-Eastern cuisine. From Momos to Jadoh, from Tungrymbai to Dohneiiong, you will get to eat a lot of fabulous Meghalaya dishes out there.
7. Butterfly Museum
Butterfly Museum is a widely visited place in Shillong as it is incredibly unique. It is not an ordinary museum, but it is a place where you will get to see a wide variety of butterflies, moths, and other insects in great detail. You will get to learn a lot about insects. The owner of the museum Wannkhar Riatsamthiah also organizes a lot of extensive lectures on butterflies and moths. If you are traveling with your kids, you must bring them to this place to genuinely educate them.
The museum is also known as Entomological Museum, so while searching for the place, say the correct name.
8. Laitlum Canyons
Located only 21 km away from Shillong, Laitlum Canyons is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Shillong. It is quite popular as a trekking destination among adventure lovers. When you reach the site, you will be quite amazed at its beauty. The surrounding East Khasi hills make the canyons even more enchanting. Usually, people visit Laitlum Canyons during sunset or sunrise to genuinely witness its beauty. At the top of the canyon, you will see the tiny hamlet of Rasong, where many people visit to observe the local life.
Always remember to bring your camera with you as every view surrounding the place is breathtakingly gorgeous.
9. All Saints Church
As Shillong was one of the residencies of the British empire, there is a strong influence of Christianism. You will be able to witness a large number of churches over there, which are quite beautiful. But the most beautiful church in Shillong is quite certainly the All Saints Church. Even though the church is not that big, but the wooden structure makes it quite enchanting. As the church is located opposite the famous Police Bazar, it will not be challenging to find the church.
If you want to get the authentic experience of the church, try to visit on a Sunday as the masses will take place.
10. Mawphlang
Mawphlang is a tiny village located 25 km away from Shillong, which is gorgeous. As the beautiful East Khasi hills surround the town, you will be amazed at its surrounding view. If you visit the town, you will know a lot about the Khasi tribe and their lifestyles. You will also get to learn about the stories surrounding the town. There is a sacred forest located in the town which many people considered to be deeply spiritual.
If you visit Shillong, you should undoubtedly visit Mawphlang as it is filled with natural beauty and exciting folk tales.
11. Don Bosco Museum
The Don Bosco Museum is the best place for you if you want to know about indigenous cultures. As the museum is Asia’s largest museum about indigenous culture, it is pretty popular among tourists of all nationalities. You will not have any problem in finding the museum as it is located amid the hustle and bustle of Police Bazar. You will gain a lot of knowledge by visiting this museum if you are genuinely interested in North-Eastern culture.
Over the years, the Don Bosco Museum witnessed a wide array of eminent guests from different countries. Apart from the importance of the museum, you will also be quite amazed by its architectural design.
12. Diengiei Peak
If you do not want to adhere to the immense crowd of Shillong Peak but want to get the panoramic view of the gorgeous town, the Diengiei peak is the perfect place for you. Even though the ridge’s altitude is a bit less than that of the Shillong peak, you will not be able to tell any difference between the two when you go to the top. Most people visit the mountain to take part in adventure activities, including rock climbing and rappelling.
As the peak is located in the western part of Shillong, you will have no problem finding it quite easily.
13. Sweet Falls
Even though Sweet Falls’ altitude is only 96 meters, it is one of the steepest falls in India. As the falls are located only 5 km away from Shillong, you will be able to reach there by hiking quite easily. If you visit Shillong during the monsoons, you will be amazed by the volume of water produced by Sweet falls. The area surrounding the waterfalls is also immensely beautiful, and many people prefer to have picnics out there.
But be safe while visiting there as there have been accidents in the past surrounding the falls.
In this blog, we have mentioned those places to visit in Shillong, which are beautiful but pretty uncommon for tourists. But we can guarantee that you will have the time of your life by going there as they are uniquely gorgeous.