CityDekho
Shillong

Shillong

city · Meghalaya

State
Meghalaya
Type
City
Best season
Summer
Things to do
2+

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is the cultural and musical heart of Northeast India — nicknamed the 'Scotland of the East' for its rolling hills and pine-clad landscape. With its cafe scene, live-music culture, waterfalls and easy access to the wonders of Meghalaya, it has become a top pick for young travellers heading east. The city blends Khasi culture, colonial-era charm and a famously music-loving population (it's often called India's rock capital) with a buzzing cafe and hostel scene. It works perfectly as a workation base and a launchpad for Cherrapunji, living root bridges and Dawki's crystal-clear river.

When to go

October to May brings pleasant weather and clear skies. The monsoon is extremely heavy in this region.

Why visit

Shillong is a base rather than a destination. Cherrapunji's gorges, the living root bridges and the clear water at Dawki are all day trips from it. The city itself is traffic and good coffee.

Cultural notes

Shillong is the homeland of the matrilineal Khasi people and a renowned music city, hosting major festivals and producing many of India's best-known rock and folk artists.

How to reach

Nearest major airport: Guwahati (~120 km, 3 hours by road); Shillong also has a small airport at Umroi. Shared cabs and buses run frequently from Guwahati.

2 days in Shillong

Take the whole plan, or add any single stop.

Elephant FallsDay 1

Day 1

Elephant Falls

A popular three-tiered waterfall on the city's edge, set among ferns and rocks.

Day 1

Shillong Peak

Shillong Peak

Day 1

Wards Lake

Wards Lake

Day 1

Police Bazaar evening

Police Bazaar evening

Day 2

Day 2

Laitlum Canyons

Laitlum Canyons

Day 2

Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake

Day 2

Mawlynnong cleanest village

Mawlynnong cleanest village

Day 2

Living root bridge (Cherrapunji side)

Living root bridge (Cherrapunji side)

Food & cuisine

Signature dishes and local flavours to look for in Shillong.

7 dishes

Jadoh

Khasi rice cooked with pork, the signature dish

Doh Khlieh

Khasi pork salad with onion and chilli

Momos

Momos

Hill-town staples

thukpa

thukpa

Hill-town staples

Tungrymbai

Fermented soybean Khasi dish

tea shops

Local bakeries and endless red tea

Bakery

Local bakeries and endless red tea

Shillong guide & itineraries

Shillong is perfect for

naturefamilycouples

Nearby getaways

Cherrapunji (Sohra)

~2 hrs

Mawlynnong

~2.5 hrs

Guwahati (AS)

~3 hrs

Frequently asked questions

What is Shillong known for?
Rolling hills and waterfalls, Khasi culture, a strong live-music scene, and easy access to Cherrapunji and the root bridges.
Best time for Shillong?
October to April; the monsoon is spectacular but very wet.

Things to do

How to spend your time in Shillong.

Umiam Lake (Barapani)

Big reservoir with boating and viewpoints

Shillong Peak & Wards Lake

City panorama and a landscaped lake

Cherrapunji & Mawlynnong day trip

Living root bridges and Asia cleanest village

Reviews & ratings

What travellers say about Shillong

CityDekho traveller reviews

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