The city which was once destroyed by an earthquake in 1897, is now serving as one of the most wonderful capital cities of India. Yes, you guessed it right, we are talking about Shillong, a capital city of Meghalaya also known as the "Scotland of the East". This place is in the Northeast part of India and was once the summer capital of the whole Northeast during the British India period. Shillong, amidst the natural splendour of Meghalaya, has something about it that will leave you awe-struck. In this Shilong travel Guide, get to know all details of Shillong tour and travel.
Why Plan a Trip to Shillong?
This scenic hill station, stunning landscapes to a booming metal scene with a population of over 508,000 is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, adventure trekkers and those looking for a peaceful break from the din of city life. Average temperature in Shillong is around 17-19°C, making it a convenient getaway from the sweltering summer of the plains. Shillong is not only for scenic beauty. It is a place with a rich Khasi culture and where the ancient and modern culture coexist harmoniously. But how do you prepare for your trip to Shillong? And how will you get lost in its charm? If you have no idea, then read on this Shillong Travel Guide as we bring you everything you need to know before planning your next trip to Shillong- One of the best Places to visit in North East.
How to Reach Shillong
Shillong is conveniently connected to major cities in India. Here is how to reach Shillong:
Reach Shillong By Air:
Shillong Airport, popularly known as Umroi Airport is the closest airport which is approximately 30 km away from the city. However, flights are quite limited. Flying to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati is more convenient as it is approximately 120 km away from Shillong. Guwahati airport can be reached by frequent flights from major cities of India and abroad. After reaching at Airport, you can contact Travel Agency in India and book your favorite car on rent.
How to Reach Shillong by Train:
Guwahati Railway Station is the closest. Shillong is around 100 km from the station, you can hire a taxi or board a bus to reach Shillong.
A Road Trip to Shillong
Shillong is nicely connected by road. Buses run regularly from Guwahati to Shillong. The route from Guwahati to Shillong offers scenic beauty and the journey takes about 3-4 hours.
You can also plan a trip to Shillong with Sikkim Gangtok Tour. Sikkim to Shillong tour is an overnight journey to cover 650 Km distance approx.
Shillong Tour Best Time
We would say yes June is a good time to visit Shillong but not the best time to visit. For the best you can wait 1-2 months more. Whereas, there is no best month or season, every season has its own pros and cons. Shillong tour best time is from August to October, when the weather gets clear after rain shower. Shillong is one of the Best Honeymoon places in India to offer unique experiences.
June officially kicks off the monsoon season in Shillong and while the rains are beautiful, making this East Khasi Hills landscape green and fresh all around, it also leads to landslides blocking roads and ruining travel itineraries. But if you are someone who loves the rains and wishes to experience Shillong in all its misty and majestic glory, June could be an ideal time to visit this town. The waterfalls are at their prime and the hills do not get greener than this. Just keep your fingers crossed and hope that there are no heavy rains and be flexible with your itinerary.
Shillong City Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Central Shillong
Ward’s Lake
Your first stop on the trip will be the manmade lake located at the heart of the city. A beautiful lake with lush gardens all around, it is an ideal place for stroll. The lake is horse-shoe shaped and provides for boating. A calm and quiet place amidst a crowded city. This lake was named after Sir William Ward, Chief Commissioner of Assam and was built in the British era. It is very famous among the citizens as well as the tourists. A beautifully maintained botanical garden next to the lake is home to many exotic plants and flowers.
Don Bosco Museum
After enjoying the above walk, you can go to Don Bosco Centre for Culture. It is a seven-storied museum which gives a vivid picture of the cultural heritage of Northeast India. A great place to know about different tribes, their way of life and culture.
There are 17 galleries displaying artifacts, photos and paintings. The rooftop skywalk provides a view of Shillong city. It is one of the largest museums in Asia dedicated to indigenous cultures.
Day 2: Exploring Nature and Scenic Beauty
Elephant Falls
Start your day 2 early by visiting the most popular waterfalls in Shillong. The ancient Khasi name of this waterfall was ‘Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew’ (Three Step Waterfalls). It was the Britishers who named it Elephant Falls due to the presence of an elephant shaped rock close to the waterfalls which however was destroyed in the great earthquake of 1897. The waterfall is at its best during the monsoon.
Shillong Peak
After lunch, drive to Shillong peak, the highest peak in Shillong which is 1,965 meters above sea level. The view from atop the hill is 360 degree of the city Shillong and the countryside. The peak holds not only a tourist attraction but is also a religious place for the local Khasi tribe as they believe it to be the home of their god U Lei Shillong. There is a telescope at the viewing point from where you can have a clear view of the city.
Day 3: Exploring Nearby Attractions
Umiam Lake
It is a day trip to the lake which is about 17 km from Shillong. Umiam lake is a wide reservoir formed due to the damming of the Umiam River. Many tourists compare the lake to Scotland’s Lochs because of its calm and tranquil beauty. The lake stretches to about 220 square km and is the most popular destination for water sports and adventure activities such as kayaking, water skiing, boating etc. Nehru Park which is adjacent to the lake is a very good picnic spot with numerous viewpoints which offer spectacular views of the lake.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest
Later in the day you can proceed to the Mawphlang Sacred Forest. The distance from Shillong to the forest is about 25 km. Mawphlang Sacred Grove falls within the protected forest area of the local Khasi tribe and is popular for ancient rituals and immense biodiversity.
The forest is more than 800 years old. It is a home of many flora species including rare medicinal plants and old trees. The local people believe that even a leaf or a small stone cannot be taken out from the forest because they believe it is sacred.
Day 4: Cultural and Adventure Activities
Laitlum Canyons
For a picturesque and breathtaking view of the valley below, you must start the day by heading to Laitlum Canyons. The word ‘Laitlum’ in the local Khasi language means – ‘end of hills. The canyon is relatively an unexplored place and provides a peaceful retreat with dramatic topography. You can go for some hiking and adventure sports, even photographers find this place ideal for their hobby.
Police Bazar
End the day at Police Bazar, which is the main market and a blend of the traditional and modern way of life in Shillong. You will find street vendors selling fresh produce, handcrafted artifacts, souvenirs and all things that one may need. There are various small eateries and cafes around the market area where one must try the local delicacies.
Day 5: Exploring Nearby Towns
Cherrapunji
Go for a day trip to Cherrapunji, one of the rainiest places in the world. It is blessed with evergreen natural beauty and many waterfalls. To reach there you must drive around 54 km from Shillong. It is one the most famous Shillong tourist places.
There you can also visit the Nohkalikai Falls, which is India’s tallest plunge type waterfall, with a height of 340 meters. The area is also known for its living root bridges grown from the roots of rubber trees.
Mawlynnong
While returning from Cherrapunji, you can visit Mawlynnong, the “cleanest village in Asia”. This is an excellent example of people’s participation in ecotourism and care for the environment.
You will get a glimpse of the sustainable life of the tribal. There is an observation tower called Sky View, made from bamboo. From this tower, you can get a view of the entire Bangladeshi plains. Do not miss the Mawlynnong Waterfall which is very beautiful.
Day 6: Relaxing and Departure
Golf Course
On the last morning of your itinerary, visit the Shillong Golf Course which is regarded as one of the finest natural golf courses in Asia and is among the oldest golf courses in the sub-continent. It is often called a "Glen Eagle of the East." The golf course was established in 1898 and is in a picturesque setting against lush green meadows surrounded by rolling hills. It is an 18-hole golf course and is a destination for golfers across the nation.
Cafe Hopping
Before you leave this place, go for some cafe hopping and tick a few of Shillong’s nice cafes from your list. Few prominent ones are Dylan’s Café (a tribute to the folk icon Bob Dylan) and Café Shillong. The ambient settings, laid back atmosphere and good food will take you to a different world.
Do not visit these cafes for the food alone, but also for the cultural experience. They often hold live music gigs, put up local art and you can bump into interesting people, both locals and travellers alike.
What to Pack for Meghalaya Tour
Shillong Meghalaya Tour is very famous and not distinct with each other. Meghalaya is one of those places which needs a little bit of planning when it comes to packing. Here is what you need:
Clothes: Pack light and airy clothes for the day time and some warm wear for the nights as it gets a little chilly during this time. A good rain coat or an umbrella would be handy if you are visiting during the monsoons.
Shoes: Pack comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. A pair of waterproof shoes would be handy if you are visiting the waterfalls or planning any adventure activities.
Toiletries: Sunglasses, sun screen, insect repellant and a hat. A small first aid box is a must.
Gear: A good backpack, camera and extra batteries and memory cards to capture the landscapes. Aritel or Jio sim cards work fine there.
How Much Does a Shillong Trip Cost?
The expenses for a Shillong tour really rely upon your identity and what sort of remains you need. Here is a wise figure:
Shillong Hotels: Budget hotels and guest houses might go as low as ?1,000 to ?2,500 every night. Mid-range hotels from ?2,500 to ?5,000 all night and High-end hotels cost around INR 5,000 onwards every night.
Food in Shillong: Street foods and cafes are extremely pocket-friendly, with the cost for a meal for one person will be around ?200-?500. But if you go to restaurants, it would cost you more.
Shillong Transport: If you are hiring a taxi for a day trip, it will cost you ?2,000-?3,000. To cut the cost you can travel via shared taxis and buses.
Sightseeing and Activities: All the tourist places ticket prices are generally low, starting from ?20-?100. But if you like to experience sports like trekking or water sports that would cost you more.
For a long weekend of 7 days, Shillong tour for a couple would roughly fall in the range of ?20,000 to ?50,000 (excluding the travelling cost to and from Shillong).
How many days are sufficient for Shillong?
For a relaxing and comfortable stay, it is recommended to stay in Shillong for 3 to 4 days. For a comfortable trip to Shillong and its surrounding places, 3 to 4 days stay would be good enough for you to cover the major tourist places in Shillong and its neighboring areas. You can even plan for a day trip to Cherrapunji or Mawlynnong from here. If you are looking to go for complete North East Tour with Shillong, must add Sikkim in your Shillong tour plan and start a trip from Sikkim to Shillong.
Minimum Days Required for Meghalaya Itinerary
If you intend to cover the entire Meghalaya state and its neighboring districts like Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong, Dawki, Jowai etc., then a minimum of 7 to 10 days is required. Booking a right Shillong tour package will help you to cover all the major places in the state with ease.
Conclusion
A trip to Shillong can indeed be a wonderful experience. Natural beauty, rich traditions and culture, friendly people and many more such aspects and elements make Shillong a must visited place. Be it the cool and refreshing air or the lush and green mountains that you want to hike or just the pretty and picturesque hills that you want to see, Shillong will win over your heart and soul. So, pack your bags, prepare your itinerary and above all get ready to explore the “Scotland of the East”. For further planning and specific tips, you may also refer to other travel blogs which can guide you in a better way. Happy travelling!