Shillong, often called the 'Scotland of the East,' is a hill station offering picturesque landscapes with rolling hills, lush greenery, waterfalls, and serene lakes. It attracts visitors seeking natural beauty, cultural immersion, and a vibrant local music scene.
For socializing, Police Bazaar is a lively commercial hub with restaurants, cafes, and street food that comes alive in the evenings. Laitumkhrah is another popular area, known for its student-friendly atmosphere with numerous cafes, pubs, and live music venues. Several establishments like Cloud 9, The Evening Club, and Polo Irish Pub also offer opportunities to unwind and enjoy the city's nightlife and music culture.
Top 7 Things to do in Shillong
Shillong offers a blend of activities centered around its natural beauty, including serene lakes and majestic waterfalls, complemented by opportunities to immerse oneself in the rich local culture and enjoy panoramic viewpoints.
1. Ward's Lake
Ward's Lake is a charming artificial lake situated in the heart of Shillong, providing a tranquil escape. Visitors can stroll along its cobblestone pathways, admire the well-maintained gardens, and observe diverse flora. Boating on the calm waters is a popular activity, offering a peaceful perspective of the surroundings. It's a perfect spot for leisurely walks and quiet relaxation.
Cost: Entry fee is approximately INR 10 per person. Boating costs around INR 50 for 30 minutes for up to two people. A small fee of about INR 20 applies for still cameras.
Transport: The lake is located in the city center, easily accessible by walking from areas like Police Bazaar. Taxis are also readily available for short distances within the city.
2. Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures
This seven-story museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the diverse indigenous cultures of Northeast India. Visitors can explore numerous galleries filled with artifacts, traditional attire, and information on the region's history and customs. A notable feature is the skywalk on the terrace, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Shillong city and the surrounding hills.
Cost: Entry for Indian adults is approximately INR 100, and for Indian students, INR 50. Foreign adults are charged around INR 200, and foreign students INR 150. A photography fee of approximately INR 100 is applicable.
Transport: The museum is located in Mawlai, about 3.4 km from the city center. Taxis are the most convenient mode of transport, with fares varying based on distance.
3. Elephant Falls
Elephant Falls is a picturesque three-tiered waterfall located amidst a lush forest. It is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers, offering a serene environment. Visitors can descend a series of steps to view each tier of the cascading falls. Traditional Khasi attire can sometimes be rented for memorable photographs.
Cost: The entry fee is around INR 20 per person. There are additional charges of approximately INR 20 for a camera and INR 20 for vehicle parking.
Transport: The falls are situated about 12 km from Shillong. A private taxi is recommended, with a one-way fare typically ranging from INR 200 to INR 300.
4. Laitlum Canyons
Laitlum Canyons, meaning 'End of Hills', offers breathtaking panoramic views of deep gorges, rolling hills, and verdant valleys. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking light trekking experiences. The area provides challenging yet rewarding trails, and from the top, visitors can often glimpse the remote Rasong village nestled below.
Cost: There is no entry fee for Laitlum Canyons.
Transport: Located approximately 21-45 km from Shillong, Laitlum Canyons are best reached by hiring a private taxi. The drive can take between 45 minutes to 1.5-2 hours. While public transport to nearby Smit village exists, a direct taxi is more convenient for reaching the canyons.
5. Umiam Lake
Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani Lake, is a vast man-made reservoir surrounded by picturesque hills and dense pine forests. It serves as a popular spot for various water-based activities. Visitors can enjoy paddle boating, kayaking, and even speed boating on its expansive waters, making it suitable for both relaxation and adventure.
Cost: Entry fee is around INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for children. Boating activities typically start from INR 20, but costs for different types of boats or water sports can range higher, up to INR 500 for 30 minutes.
Transport: Umiam Lake is approximately 15 km north of Shillong. It is easily accessible by hired taxis or private vehicles.
6. Mawlynnong Village
Renowned as 'Asia's Cleanest Village', Mawlynnong offers a unique cultural experience. This picturesque village features well-kept bamboo huts, vibrant flower gardens, and an exemplary community commitment to cleanliness. Visitors can explore the village on foot, witness its matrilineal society, and visit the Sky View point, a bamboo structure providing panoramic views extending to the plains of Bangladesh. The nearby Riwai village also hosts a Living Root Bridge, a natural wonder worth visiting.
Cost: While there may be a small entry fee for the village (around INR 100 per person or INR 50 per car, with some sources stating no entry fee), the Sky View point has a separate charge of approximately INR 10.
Transport: Mawlynnong is located about 90-100 km from Shillong, roughly a 3-hour drive. Private taxis can be hired for a day trip, often combined with Dawki, costing approximately INR 3000-4000. Shared taxis are also available from Shillong.
7. Dawki River (Umngot River)
The Dawki River, also known as the Umngot River, is famed for its incredibly crystal-clear waters, making boats appear as if they are floating in the air. This unique experience is further enhanced by the river's location near the India-Bangladesh border, offering distinctive views. Boating and kayaking are primary activities, allowing visitors to appreciate the river's pristine beauty and the lush surrounding landscape.
Cost: Boating costs vary, typically ranging from INR 500 to INR 1500 per boat for a 30-60 minute ride, accommodating up to four people. Costs can depend on the season and specific tour operators.
Transport: Dawki is approximately 80-100 km from Shillong, with a driving time of 2.5-3 hours. It is often visited as part of a day trip alongside Mawlynnong, accessible by private taxi.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
