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Shillong tourist places

Shillong tourist places; It is famous for gigantic waterfall, transparent dawki river and many natural beauty. Nohaklai waterfall, Dawki river, Umiam lake etc are main attraction here.

Shillong is the capital of India’s north-eastern state of Meghalaya. Shillong, located in the northeast of India, has always been a center of tourist attraction. It is also known as the Scotland of the East of India. The small and beautiful city on the hills was previously the capital of Assam. It is known that after the partition of Assam, Meghalaya became the capital of Shillong. Situated at an altitude of about 1695 meters, the weather in this city is always pleasant. It is worth noting that Shillong is a small city which tourists can also visit by walking. If tourists want, they can also travel to Shillong by hiring a city bus or auto or taxi for the day as per their convenience. Shillong is also often called as “India’s Rock Capital” due to its inhabitants’ Meghalaya is a popular hill station with beautiful lakes and waterfalls. Demonstrating unity in diversity, Indian states are famous worldwide for their unique culture as well as geographical features. The dense forests, the snow-clad Himalayan mountain range, the rivers coming from the mountains, are some of the attractions that the tourists do not even care for even to get a glimpse of the geographical boundaries. Here, seekers of spiritual and mental peace feel very safe by coming in the lap of nature. By the way, if the interest of different tourists is also very different from each other, one likes to take turns on the waves of the ocean, then one likes to visit the dense forests, one wants to see nature up close. The Don Bosco Museum is one of the best tourist attraction of the North East. Some of the more tourist attraction in the city like Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, lady hydri park is also a worth to visit.

11 Famous Shillong tourist places

Umiam Lake Shillong tourist places

With the changing times, this lake became very popular among tourists due to its amazing beauty. Before this lake, breathtaking views of the Khasi hills can be seen. The beautiful views of the lake can certainly compete with the charm of Scotland’s lakes. Spread over 220 square km, this lake makes beautiful, the surrounding green hills, rich plains. Tourists can enjoy many water sports around this lake, including boating, fishing, water cycling and kayaking. Apart from water sports, tourists can also enjoy trekking here on the Khasi hills. If you are fond of photography, then do not forget to capture the beautiful views here in the camera with the art of your best photography.

Don Bosco Museum Shillong tourist places

The Don Bosco center for indigenous culture in Shillong has been included in top 10 museums in India according to a recent survey. This is an all in one museum and the best museum that displays the different cultures of the people in the North East India. It has seven floors with each each floor about the history of the Meghalaya and other States of the seven sisters.They have separate galleries dedicated to India’s neighboring countries, tribes, dresses, musical instruments and resources of North East India and the religions around the world. The wax busts representing the facial features of the tribes are realistic and informative. The statues with the traditional dresses and the ones representative of the day to day tasks look quite realistic and may spook you out. There is an art gallery too that is closed for renovation. The top most floor plays a short movie dedicated to the culture and people of North East India. The terrace has a sky walk with an amazing view of Shillong. The entry fee is nominal and you have to pay extra for photography. Make sure you add this to your to do list while visiting meghalaya.

Ward’s Lake Shillong tourist places

It is a very beautiful artificial lake, named after ‘William Ward’, once the Chief Commissioner of Assam. It is also popular as Pollock’s Lake and it is famous picnic spot amongst the locals and tourist who come here to walk around the horseshoe-shaped lake. Situated in the centre of the city, the lake offers a place for relaxation to the locals as well as tourists. There is a path all along the lake where visitors can walk and see the beauty of the entire lake. The background are covered by grass and flowers. In the middle of the lake there is a small bridge from which visitors feed the fishes and ducks with puffed rice. These are sold by the side of the lake. At one end of the bridge there is cafeteria where refreshments are available. Boating facilities are available adding to the joys of children. The Ward’s Lake is indeed a perfect place to enjoy and relax with friends and family. If you come to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, do not forget to take a tour of Ward’s Lake. Tourists visiting Shillong like to see the panoramic views of this lake. The green vegetation around this lake adds to the beauty of the place.

Mary Help of Christians Cathedral Shillong tourist places

Situated in the centre of city, the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Shillong, it is the place of solitude and calmness to the soul. It is also called Laitumkrah church. It is a peaceful church, where one can sit and meditate for an hours. Over 3,00,000 Catholics pay their respect in the cathedral. The stained glass windows are also painted in myriad colors. No photography allowed inside and in the immediate premises of the church. Beautiful architecture and is painted a unique blue, unlike other churches we see in India. If visitors looks at the cathedral from the top, they can see that the church is shaped as a cross.

Lady Hydri Park Shillong tourist places

It is named in the memory of Lady Hydari, who was the wife of Assam’s erstwhile Governor. It is maintain by Meghalaya’s forest department as the administrative authority of this park.The Lady Hydari Park is one destination in Shillong that no one want to miss. A lush green garden that is decorated with colorful flowers throughout the year and an adjacent mini zoo that has a special deer park makes the Lady Hydari Park a place for fun and frolic. Tourists and locals enjoy spending quality time in the park where the children can run in the open space, play in the special play area while the adults can sit in the well-manicured grass and enjoy the beauty of nature. The park is landscaped in the Japanese fashion with ample green cover apart from flower beds and the mini zoo. Other than the deer abode, the mini zoo also houses many species of birds, mammals and reptiles. A special attraction of the park is the rose beds that see various blooming roses.

Elephant Falls Shillong tourist places

Elephant Fall is a popular tourist destination of Shillong, located 8 km from the city. In order to go here, you will not be able to live without getting mesmerized by seeing the view of beautiful roads. The local name of this waterfall is ‘Kashaid Lai Pateng Khohsue’, which means water fall in three steps. The British gave the name of this waterfall to Elephant Fall, because a rock here was very similar to an elephant. Part of this rock was destroyed by a terrible earthquake in the region in 1897. Milk water flows from the top of the black rock in this waterfall, which is also its specialty. Elephant Fall is also the hot spot of Shillong’s biodiversity. Here you can see many species of plants, some of which are found only in this area. Here you will also find many local shops, which are run by women. In these shops you will find some very excellent handicrafts from the state and the region. Apart from this, Elephant is also an excellent place for fall trekking. One more thing, if you go here, do not forget to get photographed wearing local costumes.

Shillong Peak Shillong tourist places

This is the highest point in Meghalaya state. Its an air force area hence you need special permit to visit this place. The view of Shillong city from the observatory here is mind blowing. You can also rent a telescope to watch the view more clearly. Traditional Khasi attires are available to dress up and click pictures.

Laitlum Canyons Shillong tourist places

It is amongst one of the less explored places in Shilong but the view of the mountains and valley is magnificent. The place is good for a short trek or just for relaxing and watching the sun go down. The locals sell tea, Maggi, eggs and rice beer(a must try if you are in Meghalaya) while you relax. The place got famous after shooting of Rock On 2,and a song featuring Amy Jackson took place at Laitlum. It is a very nice place located in Laitlum Village about 25 km from Shillong City. The scene of the Valley is mind blowing. It is advisable to go in Sunny days. If you are lucky enough, you can get the breathtaking view of the hills.

Mawlynnong-Cleanest Village Shillong tourist places

Looking at the streets of Mawlynong, you will know for yourself why this village has been given this title. Its roads are green and the roads here will not even see you. Mawlynong is especially inhabited by the Khasi tribe and people take cleanliness very seriously. After 2007, there is a toilet in every house and outside every house there is a dustbin made of bamboo for garbage. People here not only keep cleanliness in their homes but also on the roads. Agriculture is the main work and main source of income of this village. The people of this village apart from working in their fields are also interested in the welfare of the village and the community. The people of Mawlynong also undertake the task of arranging the availability of water, construction of local school and other facilities necessary for the village. This village is not male but female dominated and children here bear their mother’s surname. For the world, this village is nothing short of an example

Nohkalikai Falls Shillong tourist places

Nohkalikai waterfall near Cherrapunji is the highest waterfall in India. Cherrapunji is known for heavy rains every year and this water source is the source of this rain. Therefore during the dry period between December to mid-February this waterfall dries up to a great extent. Just below the waterfall, there are swimming areas with blue-green water. The name of this waterfall was Nohkalikai after the local girl who jumped from the steep cliff near this waterfall. Earlier Nohkalikai was seen from a far away place across the waterfall, but recently steps have been made that lead you to the bottom of the waterfall. People with diseases such as spondylitis and asthma are advised not to go down as it becomes quite difficult to climb back up hundreds of stairs. There are many dining places or restaurants around the area where you can easily find a wide range of local cuisines, North and South Indian cuisines and even Chinese noodles. There are many small shops from where you can buy local products of the area.

Dawki River Shillong tourist places

This is a must visit location. This situated in india Bangladesh boarder but a very nice place to visit for travel adventure water is so crystal clear and also you can spend night in camp and can enjoy in group better go in group with advanced booking for camping. It is a must visit place if you are visiting Shillong/Cherrapunji. The magnificent sight of the river is overwhelming and one can enjoy Boat ride in fixed prices. Best time to reach before sunset so one can see the crystal clear water and the sunset. There is a booking office for boating and it cost 500rs per head. They take you boating for about 45 minutes. You can Spot a lot of fisherman along the route. It’s a very scenic location. Scuba Diving at night in fresh water river is like traveling in space and watching sleeping fishes is most beautiful experience.

How to Reach Shillong

Shillong By Air:

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport(GAU) it is located around 110 km away from Shillong. One can book Goverrment Busses, share taxi or Cab available to reach their Shillong. Shillong Airport, Shillong(SHL) has a limited flight and is small airport. Better to take flight to Guwahati or reach by train.

Shillong By Train:

Guwahati railway station(GHY) is the nearest railway station situated at a distance of 105 Km from Shillong and cover cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahemdabad, Kolkata etc. Cabs, taxis and public transport can be used to reach the Hotels or desire location.

Shillong By Bus:

Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) run buses from Guwahati to Shillong. The main interstate bus stand is located near to Guwahati railway station and You can take a bus from Guwahati to Shillong. Police Bazar is center location where busses drop to passengers, where visitors book Hotels also.

Shillong Self Drive:

Car is the best option as you can explore more and as their own choice. Nearby place of Assam, Guwahati, West Bengal are the best route to roam Shillong.

Where to stay in Shillong

Police Bazar is located centarally. One can easily get good hotels and It cost under 1000-2000/- Per Night, depends on Pick and Off seasons. It is located centrally so one can book tourist bus, cab or private car also.

Best Time To Visit Shillong

It is one of the best place where visitors come through-out the year. Summer are overall mild and a good time to plan a trip in shillong with temperature ranging from 24 to 15 degree celcius. Winter is begin to cool down and temperature ranging from 10 to 2 degree celcius. Monsoon is also the best season to visit Shillong as there are very low chances to landslide as compare to Shimla or Manali. It is great time to see waterfall, greenary, hill and weater. Overall Winter consider as the best time to visit Shillong.

Shillong Itinerary-How to Explore Shillong

Book your hotel near Police Bazar which is located centrally. From there you can book taxi for sightseeing also. It is also enable you to easy check-in and check-out option. Choose your itinerary as you are comfortable, It means if you reach eary pick full-Day tour. If you reach Noon or Evening choose short day tour.

Ø Day 1- One can cover easily by using local transport.

Ø Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Book full day tourist cab or car, as they offer almost all popular area for sightseeing.

Places to visit Shillong in 3-4 days.