Shillong is an abode of clouds and is famous among travelers as one the most beautiful places to visit in Northeast India which is located in Meghalaya. Shillong is a place that came out in reality from all those paintings we hang in the drawing room. The hill station Shillong is nestled amid scenic landscapes, cascading waterfalls, sacred forests, and lush greenery of Khasi and Garo hills. Also known as the “Scotland of the East,” the trip to Shillong will rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Take a look at the top tourist places to visit in Shillong for an unforgettable image of the place. Each tourist attraction in Shillong listed below will provide a unique experience and introduce you to the culture, traditions, and heritage of Shillong.
10 Fascinating Tourist Places To Visit in Shillong to soak in nature
1. Umiam Lake
Surrounded by East Khasi Hills and dense coniferous forest, Umiam Lake is one of the popular places to visit in Shillong. The beautiful lake is popularly known as Badapani; it is an artificial lake formed during the construction of the Umiam River dam. The scenic lake is dotted with tiny islands and is an ideal place to spend quality time with family and friends. Apart from soaking in nature at Umiam Lake, you can enjoy various activities here, like boating, water cycling, yachting, scootering, kayaking, camping, and trekking at Lumpongdeng island.
Distance from Shillong: 17 kilometers
Timings: 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Price: Entry Fee, INR 20. The price for activities varies.
2. Shillong Peak
The highest viewpoint in Shillong and the best place to witness stunning panoramic views, Shillong Peak, must be added to Shillong Travel Packages. Located at a height of 6449 feet, it offers stunning 360-degree aerial views of the valleys and hills, waterfalls, the city, and the plain area of Bangladesh. Whether you are a nature lover, trekker, photographer, or a simple traveler who came to Shillong to find peace, Shillong Peak is a must-visit in Shillong.
Distance: 04 kilometers
Timing 09:00 AM – 03:30 PM
Tip: Carry a valid ID when you visit Shillong Peak for entry
3. Laitlum Canyons
Hovering in the Khasi Hills, the canyons are one of the popular places to visit in Shillong. The name Laitlum Canyons means “End of the hills” and is the place for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and peace explorers. The hilltop viewpoint of the Canyon offers magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks, hills, and valleys. If you want a place away from crowds and chaos, surrounded by tranquillity and beauty, Laitlum Canyons is the place. It is one of the Popular Trekking Places in Shillong.
Timings: Anytime
Distance: 04 kilometers
Tip: People with breathing issues and vertigo should be careful and be aware of their bodies while exploring Laitlum Canyons.
4. Elephant Falls
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Shillong and a popular place to visit, Elephant Falls is a 3-tier cascading waterfall. It was named after an adjoining rock that has an uncanny resemblance to an elephant by Britishers. It is a place for nature lovers. Nestled in lush greenery and silence, the crystal-clear water and the sound of gushing water make a perfect spot to spend some romantic moments with your sweetheart. You can shop for local souvenirs here from the shops at the entrance.
Timings: 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Distance: 11 kilometers
5. Ward’s Lake
The trip to Shillong will be incomplete without visiting Ward’s Lake and which is also famous as Pollock’s Lake. It is an artificial lake and one of the best places to visit in Shillong. Located at the center of Shillong, the lake is surrounded by lush greenery and cobblestone walkways, making it an ideal place for an evening walk. You can enjoy natural beauty, fountain shows, day picnics, and walks at this Shillong tourist spot. There is a small bridge over the gorgeous lake with sprawling lotus and tiny fishes floating in the lake.
Timings: 08:30 AM – 05:30 PM (November-February) & 08:30 AM – 07:00 PM (March-October)
Entry Fee: INR 10 per person
Location: Near Raj Bhavan
6. Don Bosco Museum
One of the must-visit places during a trip to Shillong is the Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures. Whether you want to witness some stunning art or know the history, Don Bosco Museum will introduce you to everything. There is an array of collections of artifacts, handicrafts, weapons, attires, and ornaments used by tribes of North-east India. One can also witness stunning panoramic views of Northeastern states. It is one of the Tourist Places in Shillong for history buffs. The museum has 07 seven floors and 17 galleries where you can gain knowledge about the culture and history of North-east India and Shillong.
Timings: Monday to Saturday- 09:00 AM – 05:30 PM; Sunday Closed
Entry Fee: INR 50 Per person
7. Phan Nonglait Park
One of the places to add to Travel Packages for Shillong is Phan Nonglait Park, where you can witness the exotic flora and fauna of the state. It is located in the heart of the city, near Police Bazar, and was known as Lady Hydari Park in the past. The park is built in Japanese style, where you can witness animals like jackals, Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard, Porcupine, etc., inside the zoo. You can go boating in the lake with stunning scenery as a backdrop.
Location: Lachumiere
Timings: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM; Closed on Monday
Entry Fee: INR 10 per person, and INR 20 if you have a camera with you.
8. Mawphlang Sacred Forest
Shillong is rich in natural beauty and nature. The lush and dense forests are its treasure. One such place to visit in Shillong is Mawphlang Sacred Forest. If you wish to soak into natural beauty and escape from chaotic life in nature’s lap, you must visit this place on your trip to Shillong. The forest is sacred and revered and holds a special place for the native tribes of the state. Hence, you are not allowed to take anything with you from the forest. You can witness various plant species and trees over 1000 years old. You can also visit Khasi Heritage Village, located opposite Mawphlang Sacred Forest, to experience the tribal lives of Meghalaya.
Location: Lum Sohpetbneng
Timing: 09:00 AM – 04:30 PM
Distance: 26 Kilometers from Shillong city
9. Spread Eagle Falls
Shillong is home to many mesmerizing waterfalls. One of the famous waterfalls in Shillong is Spread Eagle Falls and a must-see place in Shillong. The site is ideal for nature lovers and peace seekers as they can spend quality time amid nature in serenity. The gushing yet soothing sound of the waterfall will work as a therapy to provide a calmness to your chaotic mind. It is also known as Sati falls. Words cannot describe the beauty of Spread Eagle Falls, as it’s a fair illustration of artistry done by nature.
Distance from Shillong: 3 kilometers
Timings: 10:00 AM – 06:00 PM
10. Mary Help for Christian Cathedral
Another famous Tourist spot in Shillong is Mary Help for Christian Cathedral, which is among the top religious place in the city. Featuring stunning architecture, comprised of stained windows, high arches, and Holy scriptures in artwork, the church is built in Gothic Revival architecture. The gorgeous white marble building with fine architecture alongside the Mother Mary figurine looks elegant and stunning. Inside the church, you can witness the stunning terracotta artwork displaying the events of Jesus’s life. Situated atop the hill, Cathedral offers spirituality and serenity. You can also visit Grotto Church, located right below Mary Help for Christian Cathedral.
Location: Lachumiere
Timings: Monday -Saturday- 07:00 AM to 06:30 PM; Sunday- 08:00 AM – 06:30 PM
Shillong is one of the most beautiful cities in North East and you must add this destination to your North East Travel Packages. The city is packed with tourist attractions like museums, lakes, falls, peaks, shopping markets, and more. After completing our list of the top Tourist Places to visit in Shillong, you can head to Air Force Museum, Sweet Falls, Botanical Garden, Lumpongdeng Island, Bishop Falls, Khasi Heritage Village, and Police Bazar. Pack your bags and plan a trip to Shillong with TRISOJ to explore the Abode of Clouds and make your vacation economical, relaxing, and memorable.
