Capital of Meghalaya, a cool hill city in the Khasi Hills with waterfalls, lakes and churches.
FamousHill-stationWaterfallLakeCity
Shillong is an easy hill break about three hours by road from Guwahati, with a walkable centre around Police Bazar and Ward's Lake. Waterfalls, a high viewpoint, a large reservoir and a canyon rim are all within about 25 km. It suits families, first-time visitors to the North East and anyone using it as a base for the Khasi Hills.
Trip planner
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| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| March to June | Mild and pleasant, about 15 to 25 C. Good for sightseeing and walks. |
| July to September | Monsoon with heavy rain, about 12 to 18 C. Waterfalls are at their fullest but outdoor plans can be disrupted and viewpoints are often in cloud. |
| October to February | Clear skies in autumn, then cold in winter, about 2 to 17 C, with January and February the coldest. Winter is busy, so book rooms early. |
A man-made lake from the colonial period, set in gardens with walking paths, a wooden bridge and paddle boats.
A seven-storey hexagonal museum in Mawlai with 17 galleries on the peoples of North East India, and a skywalk on the roof.
The Roman Catholic cathedral at Laitumkhrah, built in 1936 in Gothic Revival style with a blue exterior and stained glass.
The main shopping and eating district, with handicraft and souvenir shops, momo stalls and cafes.
A waterfall in Upper Shillong that drops in three tiers, reached by a paved footpath with steps and a wooden bridge.
The highest point in the state at about 1,965 m, with a wide view over the city and countryside. It lies in an air force area, so carry photo ID.
A large man-made reservoir, also called Barapani, on the highway to Guwahati, with boating and kayaking and views of the hills.
A grassy rim with long views down into deep valleys. It is best on a clear morning, as cloud often fills the gorge.
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| Budget level | Type | Price per night |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Hostels, guest houses and simple hotels | ₹800 to ₹1,500 |
| Mid-range | Mid-range hotels and homestays | ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 |
| Luxury | Premium hotels and resorts | ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 |
Police Bazar has the widest choice, from momo stalls and local eateries to cafes. A meal costs about 100 to 300 rupees at street stalls and local eateries, 400 to 800 at mid-range restaurants and 800 or more at premium places.
Khasi food is largely meat and fish based, but vegetarian restaurants serving thalis, South Indian food and momos are found around Police Bazar.
| Budget level | Stay per room | Food per person | Local transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹1,000 | ₹500 | ₹150 per person |
| Mid-range | ₹3,000 | ₹1,200 | ₹2,500 per vehicle |
| Luxury | ₹7,000 | ₹2,400 | ₹3,500 per vehicle |
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No permit requirement for visiting Shillong was found in the sources checked. Carry photo ID, which may be asked for at Shillong Peak because it lies in an air force area.
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Unless a sight is described as accessible, assume it is not step-free.
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