Travelomore
Shillong

Shillong

Meghalaya, Meghalaya

Shillong

Meghalaya, Meghalaya

CapitalMusic SceneLakes

The Scotland of the East, with lakes and live music

Called the Scotland of the East, Shillong is Meghalaya’s capital, with pine-covered hills, Ward’s Lake, Don Bosco Museum and a lively music and café scene. Umiam Lake and Elephant Falls are close by, and Cherrapunji is a day trip.

Ideal stay2 nightsTwo nights covers the city, Elephant Falls and Umiam Lake. It is also the base for day trips to Cherrapunji and Dawki.
Nearest airportLokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi , Guwahati (GAU)3 hr to Shillong · Taxi to Shillong
Getting thereAbout 3 hours from Guwahati AirportUmroi Airport, about 35 km from the city, has limited flights. Guwahati is about 100 km away, and most visitors fly there.
Time zoneGMT+5:30Same time as India

Getting around. Police Bazar and the centre are walkable. Taxis, shared and private, go to the lakes, waterfalls and Cherrapunji, and a car with a driver is the best way to see the region.

Part ofMeghalayaShillong and Cherrapunji

Things to do in Shillong

4 experiences from our activity catalogue

Elephant FallsScenicElephant FallsThree-tiered waterfall in Upper Shillong, known in Khasi as Kshaid-Lai-Pateng, with railed steps down past each level.1 hrLaitlum CanyonsViewpointLaitlum CanyonsRidge-top viewpoint over a deep valley about 25 km from Shillong, with a long stone stairway down to Rasong village.1 hr 30 minPolice BazarMarketPolice BazarShillong's central commercial district and evening hub, an open public area of shops, handicraft stalls, cafes and hotels.2 hrFreeUmiam LakeScenicUmiam LakeLarge reservoir on NH-6 about 15 km north of Shillong, created by damming the Umiam river in the early 1960s.1 hr 30 minFree at the lakeside viewpoints; water sports and Lum Nehru Park charged separately (rates not published)

Packages that include Shillong

Ready-to-book itineraries with Shillong on the route

See all
Meghalaya Escape5 nightsMeghalaya EscapeGuwahati · 1NShillong · 3NCherrapunji · 1N5 Nights | 6 DaysFrom₹42,000 per personView package Assam & Meghalaya6 nightsAssam & MeghalayaGuwahati · 1NKaziranga · 2NShillong · 3N6 Nights | 7 DaysFrom₹52,000 per personView package Meghalaya & Kaziranga8 nightsMeghalaya & KazirangaGuwahati · 1NKaziranga · 2NShillong · 3NCherrapunji · 2N8 Nights | 9 DaysFrom₹68,000 per personView package North East Grand Circuit11 nightsNorth East Grand CircuitGuwahati · 1NKaziranga · 2NShillong · 3NCherrapunji · 1NGangtok · 3NPelling · 1N11 Nights | 12 DaysFrom₹94,000 per personView package

Hand-picked hotels

Stays our experts book in Shillong

Weather and best time to visit

Tap a month to see the details

Best time to visit

November

Cool and dry. The Shillong Autumn Festival is held around this time.

High / Low20° / 11°CRainfall21 mm
Best timeGoodOff seasonOpen-Meteo historical weather (ERA5), 2015–2024 averages
WinterNovember–FebruaryBest Time

Best time to visit — clear skies, comfortable temperatures, low rainfall. Dawki River at its crystal-clear best.

Pre-MonsoonMarch–May

Waterfalls begin building up. Wildflowers in bloom. Good for living root bridges trekking.

MonsoonJune–SeptemberWaterfalls

Meghalaya receives the world's heaviest rainfall (Mawsynram: 12,000+ mm/year). Waterfalls spectacular but roads can flood.

Post-MonsoonOctober

Waterfalls still roaring, landscape lush, and sky clearing. Shoulder season with fewer tourists.

More cities in Meghalaya

Often paired with Shillong on the same trip

All of Meghalaya
CherrapunjiCherrapunjiWaterfalls, caves and living root bridges