Things to do in Shillong
Things to do in Shillong
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya and known as the "Scotland of the East," is a vibrant, rolling hill city at 1,496 meters surrounded by pine-clad hills and waterfalls that formed the backdrop for many a beloved Bollywood romantic scene. The city boasts a unique blend of British colonial architecture, indigenous Khasi culture, and a legendary live music scene that has produced some of India's finest rock musicians. Ward's Lake in the city center, the stunning Elephant Falls, the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, and easy day trips to the living root bridges of Cherrapunji make Shillong one of Northeast India's most captivating destinations.
- No photoNatureView full guide
1–2 hours
Elephant Falls visit
Step into Meghalaya's most iconic waterfall, a three-tiered cascade hidden inside a lush gorge just minutes from the city. The falls tumble dramatically over mossy rocks through thick subtropical forest, and the mist that hangs in the air gives the entire place a dream-like quality. It is one of those spots where you genuinely forget you are close to a capital city.
- No photoLeisureView full guide
1–2 hours
Ward's Lake stroll
A beautifully maintained colonial-era lake right in the heart of Shillong, Ward's Lake is the city's green lung and its most loved leisure spot. Row a pedal boat across the calm water, feed the fish that swarm near the banks, or simply walk the circular path through manicured gardens while the surrounding pine trees filter the cool highland air. It is calm, photogenic, and completely unhurried.
- No photoScenicView full guide
2–3 hours (including drive)
Shillong Peak viewpoint
At 1,965 metres above sea level, Shillong Peak is the highest point in the state of Meghalaya and rewards you with a sweeping 360-degree panorama of the entire city, the surrounding blue-green hills, and on clear days, the plains of Bangladesh stretching out to the horizon. The drive up through pine forest is half the fun, and the viewpoint itself has a small Air Force radar station that adds an interesting edge to the landscape.
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2–3 hours (evening)
Police Bazar street food and music walk
Shillong's legendary rock music culture comes alive after dark in the lanes around Police Bazar, where live bands play in small bars, street vendors grill jadoh sausages and smoked pork on the roadside, and the city's famous young crowd spills out into the streets. This is as culturally immersive as Shillong gets — a town that takes its music as seriously as any city in the world.
- No photoCulturalView full guide
2–3 hours
Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures
One of the finest ethnographic museums in all of Asia, Don Bosco Museum rises seven floors and houses over 17,000 artefacts representing every tribal community of Northeast India. From traditional costumes and weapons to musical instruments and oral history recordings, the collection paints a vivid picture of a region most travellers barely scratch the surface of. The rooftop sky walk has an excellent view of the city as a bonus.