Shillong is a breathtaking hill station which is nestled in hills. With sparkling waterfalls, manicured gardens, azure lakes, and distinct culture, this alluring hill town beckons you to witness the natural charm of Northeast at these 7 mesmerizing places to visit in Shillong.
Shillong
1. Shillong Peak
For a stunning view of the surrounding hills and valleys, visit Shillong Peak which happens to be the highest view point and one of the best places to visit in Shillong. Located at an elevation of 6449 feet and mostly surrounded by fog, Shillong Peak offers 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the distant hills, waterfalls, Shillong city, and plains of Bangladesh. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers and trekkers, this place is undoubtedly one of the best tourist attractions in Shillong.
2. Laitlum Canyons
Perched in the Khasi Hills, Laitlum Canyons is the most offbeat name in the list of Shillong tourist places. Literally translating into the “end of the hills”, Laitlum Canyon is an ideal place for trekking enthusiasts, nature admirers, and peace seekers. Visit this hilltop viewpoint, and enjoy stunning views of gorges, distant hills, valleys, and zigzagging hilly roads.
Owing to the surrounding beauty and tranquility, this is surely one of the perfect places to visit near Shillong for honeymoon couples.
3. Don Bosco Museum
As one of the best places to visit in Shillong, Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures welcomes every tourist, art enthusiasts, and history buffs with open arms. Featuring art galleries, wide collections of handicrafts, artefacts, attires, ornaments, and weapons used by various tribes of North-east India, one can witness panoramic views of the entire Northeast India. The museum is located in the premises of Sacred Heart Church and is a seven storey building with seventeen different galleries. This is certainly amongst the best tourist places in Shillong.
4. Ward’s Lake
During Shillong sightseeing, it is impossible to miss the Ward’s Lake. Located at the heart of the city, this is another famous lake in Shillong, also known as Polok Lake. The lake is encircled by cobblestone walkway, ideal for evening strolls. People visit this Shillong tourist spot, to enjoy the natural beauty, day picnics, watch dancing fountain shows or relax at the cafeteria, located by the lake. The wooden bridge on the lake and sprawling lotus beds on both sides make the place look immensely scenic.
5. Umiam Lake
Surrounded by thick coniferous forests and East Khasi Hills, Umiam Lake is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Shillong. Popular as Badapani, this is a sprawling man-made water body, formed by damming Umiam River. The lake is dotted with few small islands and the adjoining Lum Nehru Park is an ideal place for strolling and picnic.
Along with natural beauty, Umiam Lake is famous for thrilling water sports and fun activities like kayaking, boating, water cycling, scooting, and is an important part of Shillong sightseeing itinerary.
6. Phan Nonglait Park
One of the best Shillong tourist places, Phan Nonglait Park is located right in the heart of the city. The beautiful Japanese style park attracts a huge flock of locals and tourists every day. You can spot animals like Himalayan Black Bear, Porcupine, Jackal, Leopard, etc, in the zoo. The rich flora and fauna and numerous pretty ponds inside the park will win you over. You can even enjoy boating in the lake with enthralling scenery in the background. This is the most loved tourist places in Shillong.
7. Mawphlang Sacred Forest
Shillong is blessed with an abundance of nature. Its lush forests are its treasure and this is what makes Mawphlang Sacred Forest one of the top places to visit in Shillong. If you are a nature lover or wish to get into nature’s lap, you have got to devote your time to a forest trip on your North East vacation. You will be surprised to find a wide array of species of plants and trees. Some of them are even as old as 1000 years. You are not allowed to take anything from the forest since it is revered.
Climatic Conditions
Shillong’s climate is heavily influenced by regular showers throughout the summers, monsoons, and autumn seasons due to its location in India’s wettest state. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 25 degrees Celsius between April and June, with periodic rains contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. Shillong is around 55 kilometres from Mawsynram, which is known as the wettest region on earth and is prone to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. Shillong’s winter season is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 16 to 5 degrees and a reasonably dry climate.
Best Time To Visit
Shillong is easily accessible and can be visited virtually all year. The monsoon season in Meghalaya is frequently the wettest, and it is the one time of year when visiting the hill town should be avoided. Shillong is best visited between October and February, when the weather is relatively dry and the climate is cool.
How to Reach
Shillong, the capital of the state of Meghalaya, is easily accessible by road. The nearest airport is within the city limits and is easily accessible by bus or taxi. However, given the high number of flight cancellations due to weather, it is usually a good idea to consider the adjacent airport in Guwahati, Assam’s state capital, which is close to Shillong. Meghalaya has no railway lines, and the nearest station to Shillong is at Guwahati. Shillong may be reached by riding a bus or hiring a taxi from the Guwahati bus station.