Nestled in the heart of Meghalaya, Shillong, often referred to as the “Scotland of the East,” is a picturesque hill station known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene environment. This guide explores the top tourist destinations in Shillong, providing comprehensive details about each spot, including their specialties, localities, best times to visit, and recommendations for nearby restaurants and hotels.
1. Ward’s Lake
Specialty: Man-made lake with lush gardens and a charming wooden bridge.
Locality: Located in the center of the city, near Police Bazaar.
Best Time to Visit: October to June.
Nearby Restaurants:
- City Hut Family Dhaba
- Bamboo Hut Restaurant
- Cafe Shillong
Nearby Hotels:
- Hotel Polo Towers
- Tripura Castle Heritage Hotel
- Hotel Pegasus Crown
2. Shillong Peak
Specialty: Highest point in Shillong offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills.
Locality: 10 kilometers from the city center.
Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November.
Nearby Restaurants:
- Trattoria
- Dylan’s Cafe
- Bread Cafe
Nearby Hotels:
- Ri Kynjai – Serenity by the Lake
- The Heritage Club – Tripura Castle
- Pinewood Hotel
3. Elephant Falls
Specialty: Three-tiered waterfall surrounded by dense vegetation.
Locality: 12 kilometers from the city center.
Best Time to Visit: Monsoon season (June to September) for the most vibrant waterfalls.
Nearby Restaurants:
- Sao Aiom Restaurant
- La Galerie
- Orange Roots Restaurant
Nearby Hotels:
- Cafe Shillong Bed & Breakfast
- Hotel Alpine Continental
- Hotel Centre Point
4. Umiam Lake (Barapani)
Specialty: Man-made reservoir known for its stunning sunsets and water sports.
Locality: 15 kilometers north of Shillong.
Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to December.
Nearby Restaurants:
- Heritage Club
- Jiva Sizzlers
- ML 05 Cafe
Nearby Hotels:
- Ri Kynjai
- Orchid Lake Resort
- The Habitat Shillong
5. Don Bosco Museum
Specialty: Asia’s largest museum of indigenous cultures with seven floors of galleries.
Locality: Mawlai, Shillong.
Best Time to Visit: All year round.
Nearby Restaurants:
- Dejavu
- The Wok Chinese Restaurant
- KFC Shillong
Nearby Hotels:
- Hotel Polo Towers
- The Eee Cee Hotel
- Best Holiday Inn
6. Shillong Golf Course
Specialty: One of the oldest golf courses in India, surrounded by scenic beauty.
Locality: Located in the heart of Shillong.
Best Time to Visit: October to June.
Nearby Restaurants:
- Lamee Restaurant
- Cafe Shillong Heritage
- Swish Cafe
Nearby Hotels:
- Royal Heritage Tripura Castle
- Hotel Pegasus Crown
- The Majestic Hotel
7. Lady Hydari Park
Specialty: Japanese-style park with a mini zoo and beautiful gardens.
Locality: East Khasi Hills, Shillong.
Best Time to Visit: March to June and October to December.
Nearby Restaurants:
- Cafe Shillong
- Bread Cafe
- Madras Cafe
Nearby Hotels:
- Hotel Pinewood
- Quinton Enclave
- The Eee Cee Hotel
8. Laitlum Canyons
Specialty: Mesmerizing gorges and lush green hills offering trekking opportunities.
Locality: 23 kilometers from Shillong.
Best Time to Visit: October to February.
Nearby Restaurants:
- Latara Restaurant
- Cafe Shillong
- Jiva Veg Restaurant
Nearby Hotels:
- The Habitat Shillong
- Cafe Shillong Bed & Breakfast
- Hotel Centre Point
9. Mawphlang Sacred Forest
Specialty: Ancient forest with rich biodiversity and sacred cultural significance.
Locality: 25 kilometers from Shillong.
Best Time to Visit: October to April.
Nearby Restaurants:
- Lamee Restaurant
- La Galerie
- Sao Aiom Restaurant
Nearby Hotels:
- Ri Kynjai
- Pinewood Hotel
- The Heritage Club – Tripura Castle
10. Police Bazaar
Specialty: Main commercial hub with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Locality: Central Shillong.
Best Time to Visit: All year round.
Nearby Restaurants:
- City Hut Family Dhaba
- Madras Cafe
- The Wok Chinese Restaurant
Nearby Hotels:
- Hotel Polo Towers
- The Eee Cee Hotel
- Hotel Alpine Continental
Conclusion
Shillong, with its natural beauty and cultural richness, offers a diverse array of tourist attractions. Whether you’re seeking serene landscapes, historical insights, or vibrant city life, Shillong has something to offer every traveler. Plan your visit according to the best times and enjoy the local hospitality at recommended restaurants and hotels for an unforgettable experience.
