Shillong is a youthful and vibrant city with its art galleries, cafes, and concerts. Then there are also quiet pockets of peaceful retreats in its manicured lawns and lakes. 

Here’s a quick guide to Shillong covering interesting places to see, the best time to visit, places to stay, and more. 

HOW TO GET THERE

By air: Umroi Airport (Meghalaya) is 30 km from the city centre. There are direct flights from Kolkata throughout the week except for Tuesday. 

By rail: The nearest railway station is in Guwahati.

By road: Take NH 40 to Guwahati. From Guwahati, Shillong is only 103 km away. 

Shillong Bypass Road

ACCOMMODATION

From hotels to homestays and resorts perfect for families, there are many stay options that come in different price ranges and services. 

4-star hotels:

Ri Kynjai - Serenity by the Lake | Orchid Lake Resort | The Heritage Club and Resort | Polo Towers | Centre Point

Budget hotels:

Hotel Golden Peak | Latei Ville Inn | White Rabbit Guest House

Homestays:

Pine Hill Homestay | Pine Air | Café Shillong B&B | Kaizun | Bo Ville | others

Book a stay through TourGenie

Pine Hill Homestay

TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS

Shillong is great as a leisure destination as it has many adorable places to enjoy alone or with family. As the capital city, it offers many touristy experiences.

Tourist attractions: Don Bosco Center for Indigenous Culture, Mary Help for Christian Cathedral, Ward's Lake, Lady Hydari Park, Wankhar Memorial Museum of Entomology, Elephant Falls, and Shillong Viewpoint. 

Local markets: Police Bazaar (clothes, vegetables, sundry items), Iewduh (also known as Bara Bazar), and Bhutia market.  

Outdoor activities: Rock climbing, camping, trekking, caving, boating, water sports, archery, and golfing. 

Ward's Lake

GETTING AROUND

City taxis are plentiful. Taking a shared taxi is an affordable way to travel; around INR 20 a journey. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT

March-June is the best time to visit Shillong when temperatures hover between 15-25°C. But if you love the cold season, then visit between October-February.  

FOOD AND DRINKS

From traditional delicacies to other cuisines such as continental, Chinese, and Korean, the food scene in Shillong is vibrant. 

Local traditional food: Rice is the staple and pork is the most loved meat. Some traditional dishes include Jadoh, Jastem, Jukhiein, Tungrumbai, and doh that.

Snacks: Putharao, Pumaloi, Ki Kpu, Pudoh, and Pukhlein. 

Drinks: Rice beer and kyat (local wine) 

Where to eat: City Hut Dhaba | La Galeria | Ginger restaurant | Kimpao Restaurant

Pork dish

Shillong Tour Packages

PLACES NEAR SHILLONG 

Cherrapunjee | David Scott Trail | Mawlynnong | Mawsynram