Things To Do
in Shillong
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya in northeast India, nicknamed the "Scotland of the East" for its rolling hills, misty valleys, and colonial-era architecture. Perched at about 1,525 meters, the city blends Khasi tribal culture with an active music scene and English-language civic life. Shillong is a compact regional hub with lakes, waterfalls and viewpoints within short drives, yet it also serves as a gateway to Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong and the living root bridges.
Visitors find a relaxed, green atmosphere, frequent rain during monsoon months and warm, friendly locals who are proud of their heritage.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to Ward's Lake, a serene spot surrounded by lush gardens where you can enjoy a peaceful morning stroll. The cool breeze and chirping birds create a perfect ambiance for relaxation before the city's hustle and bustle kicks in. Don't forget to grab a delicious breakfast at a local café offering traditional Khasi dishes.
After breakfast, head to the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures to learn about the rich heritage of northeastern India. The museum showcases artifacts, art, and cultural displays that provide deep insights into the diverse tribal communities of the region. As the afternoon sun shines, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant featuring local cuisine.
As the sun sets, explore the local markets, particularly Police Bazaar, where you can shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Take in the vibrant atmosphere as street vendors offer delicious street food, perfect for tasting local flavors. End your day with a visit to a cozy café or a live music venue to enjoy Shillong's renowned music scene.
Kick off your day with a refreshing drive to Elephant Falls, one of Shillong's most picturesque locations. The cascading waterfalls offer a stunning view surrounded by lush greenery, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. Spend your morning exploring the trails around the falls, immersing yourself in the tranquil natural surroundings.
After enjoying the falls, head to the nearby Shillong Peak, where you can get a panoramic view of the city and the rolling hills that surround it. The viewpoint is an ideal place for a picnic lunch while soaking in the breathtaking scenery. As you descend from the peak, visit the quaint local shops to pick up some handcrafted souvenirs.
Return to Shillong and unwind at a local restaurant that offers a cozy ambiance and traditional Khasi dishes. As night falls, you can enjoy some live local music or cultural performances that often take place in various venues. Take this opportunity to mingle with locals and learn more about their rich culture and traditions.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-8 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🛌Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $20-40 |
| 🚕Short taxi/auto ride | $1.50-6 |
| 🎟️Entrance fees / local attractions | $0.50-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic hill landscapes, waterfalls and viewpoints close to the city
- Vibrant music and café culture with friendly locals
- Good base for exploring living root bridges, Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong
- Pleasant climate for much of the year and abundant green spaces
- Heavy monsoon rains can disrupt travel and cause landslides
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end amenities compared with big cities
- Card acceptance and ATMs can be unreliable in rural areas
- Hilly roads can be narrow and winding — travel times are longer than map distances suggest
- "Khublei" - Hello / Thank you (Khasi)
- "Khublei shibun" - Thank you very much (Khasi)
- "Namaste" - Hello / Greeting (Hindi; widely understood)
- "Dhanyavaad" - Thank you (Hindi)
- "Can you help me? / English" - Many locals speak English; asking in English is usually fine
Places to Visit in Shillong
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide reservoir with turquoise water and hilly backdrops; great for sunrise/sunset, reflections and boat shots.
Highest viewpoint near the city offering sweeping panoramas of Shillong and surrounding hills — excellent for landscape photos on clear days.
Dramatic canyon vistas with layered ridges and mist-filled valleys; ideal for wide-angle landscape photography and dramatic light.
Tiered waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery; accessible and photogenic, best after rains for fuller flows.
Ancient forest with mossy trees, root systems and endemic plants — atmospheric shots and close-ups of unique flora.
Street-life, vendors, colorful produce and craft stalls — good for candid shots and cultural portraits (ask before photographing people).
Food in Shillong
Shillong Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Khasi classic: red rice cooked with pork (or chicken) and spices; widely available in local eateries and home-style restaurants.
Must-Try!
Pork cooked with black sesame seeds and local spices — rich and earthy; try it at family-run restaurants or traditional food stalls.
Fermented soybean preparation often cooked with pork and aromatic herbs, found in specialty local homes and some traditional restaurants.
Tibetan-style dumplings that are ubiquitous across Shillong — steamed or fried, with meat or vegetarian fillings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The city's main market: try street momos, pakoras, fried snacks, sweets and small stalls selling local pork preparations and chai.
A lively market with edible stalls and small joints; good for quick local bites and to sample inexpensive home-style meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use a polite greeting (e.g., 'Khublei' in Khasi or 'Namaste'); a friendly nod or handshake is common, and showing respect to elders is important.
Always ask permission before photographing people, inside some religious or cultural sites, and in village settings.
Dress modestly when visiting villages, churches and sacred groves; be mindful of local religious sensibilities (Christianity is widely practiced).
The region values its natural environment — avoid littering, follow local guidance in sacred groves and trails, and support responsible tourism.
Safety
Tipping in Shillong
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5–10% in restaurants if service charge is not included, small tips for drivers and guides are common. In local eateries and street stalls tipping is optional, and many locals do not expect it.
Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used, especially in markets and small towns. Credit/debit cards and mobile payments are accepted at many restaurants, hotels and larger shops, but acceptance is spotty in rural areas — carry cash for remote trips.
ATMs are available in Shillong city but may be limited outside town; plan cash withdrawals in advance for excursions to Cherrapunji and villages.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild and pleasant with daytime temperatures around 15–25°C; good for sightseeing, hiking and lake activities — expect clearer skies and blooming vegetation.
Heavy rainfall and high humidity; landscapes are lush and waterfalls spectacular, but landslides, road disruptions and travel delays are common — plan extra time and check local conditions.
Post-monsoon clarity, cooler temperatures and excellent visibility — one of the best times for photography and outdoor activities.
Cool to chilly nights (around 5–12°C) and dry days; great for clear views and cozy evenings, but bring warm layers for mornings and nights.
Shillong at Night
Hiking in Shillong
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short-to-moderate hikes with dramatic canyon views and cliff-edge photo spots; accessible by a scenic drive from Shillong.
Easy trails through an ancient protected forest with rich biodiversity and cultural significance — guided walks recommended.
Historic trail with multi-day trek options between Shillong and Sohra (Cherrapunji); hikers can take sections for day hikes to experience local villages and nature.
A steep trek outside Cherrapunji leads to the famous double-decker living root bridge and nearby waterfalls — requires fitness and proper footwear.
Short trails around Shillong Peak and adjacent ridges offering panoramic views of the city and valley below; good for sunrise and sunset walks.
Airports
How to reach Shillong by plane.
Small domestic airport about 25–35 km from the city center (Umroi); limited flights operate, so check schedules. Taxis or pre-arranged transfers connect the airport to Shillong.
Major international gateway in Guwahati (about 100–120 km / 3–4 hour drive to Shillong depending on traffic and road conditions); more frequent flights and better connectivity — shared cabs, buses and private taxis link Guwahati to Shillong.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Khasi are the predominant tribal group around Shillong; matrilineal social structures are a notable feature of their culture.
Neighboring tribal groups with distinct languages and customs, present across Meghalaya and contributing to cultural diversity.
Residents include Bengali, Nepali and other Indian communities, along with a sizeable population comfortable in English — Christianity is the most widely practiced religion in the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is extremely popular in Meghalaya; Shillong has active local clubs (e.g., Shillong Lajong) and enthusiastic local support for the sport.
Cricket is widely played and followed across the region, with local matches and youth participation common.
Traditional equestrian and tribal games appear in cultural festivals; local variations of sports and community games are part of cultural events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Shillong.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist — rice, vegetable curries, momos and many café dishes — but many traditional dishes use pork; always ask staff to ensure no meat stocks are used.
Vegan choices are more limited but possible (vegetable curries, rice-based dishes); gluten-free needs attention — ask about wheat in sauces or momos and favor rice-based staples.
Eat at busy, well-reviewed places and drink bottled or boiled water; street food is generally safe if freshly cooked and hot.