The popular places to visit In Shillong on your next vacation

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, culture connoisseur, or someone simply seeking a quiet escape, Shillong has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the most popular places to visit in Shillong.

1. Umiam Lake – A Serene Start Just a short drive from the city, Umiam Lake is the perfect welcome to Shillong. Surrounded by pine-covered hills, the lake offers boating, kayaking, and even ziplining for thrill-seekers. But if you’d rather soak in the calm, find a quiet spot by the shore and watch the sun melt into the horizon.

2. Shillong Peak – A Bird’s-Eye View For panoramic views of the entire city and its lush surroundings, head to Shillong Peak. At over 6,400 feet, it’s the highest point in Meghalaya. The route winds through scenic roads, and once there, telescopes let you gaze into the heart of Shillong or out toward the distant Himalayas.

3. Elephant Falls – Nature’s Powerplay A favorite among locals and visitors alike, Elephant Falls is a cascading trio of waterfalls tucked into a fern-lined forest. Easy steps and viewing decks make it accessible for all, and the thunderous roar of the water is a stunning soundtrack to your visit. Don’t forget your camera—the lower falls are especially photogenic.

You can book Shillong Tour Packages and explore different places of Shillong

4. Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures – Stories in Stone and Spirit This museum is a cultural treasure trove. With seven floors of exhibits, it brings the tribal traditions, textiles, music, and daily life of Northeast India vividly to life. The skywalk on the roof provides a sweeping 360° view of the city, while each gallery deepens your appreciation of the region’s diversity.

5. Ward’s Lake – Tranquility in the Heart of the City Take a leisurely stroll around this horseshoe-shaped lake ringed by cobbled paths and blooming gardens. Paddle boats float lazily in the water, and a charming bridge in the middle is a popular selfie spot. Ward’s Lake is where time slows down, and Shillong’s more romantic side shines through.

6. Police Bazaar – Shop, Eat, Repeat At the core of Shillong’s bustling energy is Police Bazaar. This market square is an explosion of color and flavor, offering everything from woolen shawls and traditional Khasi jewelry to roadside momos and jadoh (a local rice and meat dish). It’s the perfect place to soak up the city’s rhythm and pick up a few souvenirs.

7. Laitlum Canyons – The Edge of the World About an hour’s drive from Shillong, Laitlum Canyons is an ethereal escape into open skies and dramatic cliffs. It’s still a bit of a hidden gem, so you might have the walking trail almost to yourself. The views at sunset? Nothing short of poetry.

From the roaring falls to the silent hills, the vibrant streets to the meditative lakes, Shillong is a mosaic of experiences waiting to be explored. It’s not just a place you visit—it’s a melody you carry back with you. Whether you're sipping tea in a hillside café or tracing the trails of tribal history, Shillong will leave a song in your heart long after your journey ends.