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Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is my second home and favorite place on Earth. I have spent a significant part of my formative years in this picturesque town, completing some of my education as my family is based there. In short, I know Shillong like the back of my hand.
However, exploring this tourist-friendly town can be a pretty expensive affair if you are flying from any part of India other than the eastern belt. But fret not, I have got you covered.
From cheap traveling hacks to must-visit places, and a lot more insider tips, I have put together a detailed Shillong travel guide for 2025 in this article.
Quick guide to Shillong
Best time to visit Shillong – January to April and September to December
5 best stay options – Zostel, Windermere Resort, Hills Abode, Royal Pine Homestay, Stargaze Backpackers
3 best eateries – Jiva Vegetarian Restaurant (GS Road, Police Bazaar), Madras Cafe (Jail Road, Police Bazaar), and City Hut Dhaba (Oakland Road, Police Bazaar)
3 vegetarian local dishes to try – Vegetable Momos, Vegetable Cutlet and Bengali & Assamese Vegetarian Thaali
Contents
Best Tourist Places In Shillong On A Budget (City Limits)
- Ward’s Lake or William’s Lake
With swans lazing around, goldfish dancing in schools, and cherry blossoms from September to October, Ward’s Lake or William’s Lake continues to be the biggest tourist attraction in Shillong.
Built in the British era, Ward’s Lake is ideal for a boating trip or enjoying a walk by the lake.
Entry fee: INR 20 for adults & INR 10 for children (5–12 years), senior citizens, specially-abled persons
Timings:
March–October:
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Sat-Sun: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
November–February
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat-Sun: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
The lake is closed on Tuesdays.
Location: Google Maps
- Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
My first brush with the magnificence of religious places was at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, or Dhankheti Church as it is locally called. The Cathedral, mounted on the first church of Shillong, serves as a major place of worship among Christians.
It is also a favorite among tourists for its vastness, gothic-inspired designs, and most importantly, its signature stained-glass windows and indigo color.
Entry: Free
Timings: Monday–Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM; Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Location: Google Maps
TWT Tip: Maintain silence inside the prayer area, and do not take any pictures inside, if you want to avoid getting into trouble.
- Lady Hydari Park
Located in Lower Lachumarie, near the Laban area, Lady Hydari Park is a sprawling government-owned park that is a blend of nature and wildlife. From admiring beautiful flower plantations to viewing various animals, the park is a hot favorite for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Entry fee: INR 20 for adults (12+ years); INR 10 for children and senior citizens; INR 5 for specially-abled persons
Timings: 8 AM–5 PM; Tuesday – Sunday (closed on Mondays)
Location: Google Maps
- Shillong Golf Course
Touted as one of the prettiest golf courses in the world, the Shillong Golf Course is situated at an altitude of 5200 feet. It is also one of the oldest golf courses in Asia. Surrounded by tall pine and rhododendron trees, the Shillong Golf Course is, as Gen Z would call it, a vibe.
I have spent my younger years frolicking around what is regarded as the ‘Glen Eagle of the East’, and I still carry memories of picnicking with my loved ones in my heart. Ah, what a wonderful delight to be young and carefree!
Entry: Free
Timings: No fixed timings, but it is advised that tourists go during the day and return before sundown
Location: Google Maps
- Elephant Falls
If you have ever wanted to come close to a multi-layered waterfall, then Elephant Falls or Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew Waterfall (meaning: the three‑step waterfall) is the place to be.
Located only 12 kilometers away from Shillong city, this waterfall can be reached for INR 30 per person if you take a local bus (government or private) headed towards Upper Shillong and ask the conductor to drop you at Elephant Falls junction. After a few ascending steps, you reach the stunning location. Enjoy!
Entry fee: INR 100 for adults & children
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Google Maps
TWT Tip: The last entry to the fall is around 5:30 PM during summers and around 4:30/5 PM during winters. You might want to time your visit accordingly.
- Shillong Viewpoint
The unfiltered beauty of Shillong can be experienced in all its glory from the highest peak of the city, popularly known as the Shillong Peak Viewpoint or Laitkor Peak. This place is for those who like city lights and mountain tops in one place, quite literally.
Reaching the destination is easy, too. Go to the bus depot at Police Bazaar, hop on a bus towards Laitkor, and ask the conductor to drop you at Shillong Peak. You will be charged a minimal fee of INR 30-50, and you have to hike up for another 800 meters to 1 km to reach your destination. It is closed on Wednesdays, and you must carry valid ID proof to enter, as it is a defence area.
Entry fee: INR 50 for Indians; Foreign nationals are not allowed due to security reasons (additional INR 200 for vehicles within the Air Force area)
Timings: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Google Maps
TWT Tip: To commute between your accommodation and these tourist spots, get in a running shared cab if you’re on a budget. Ask to be dropped at the nearest point and then take a short walk to these places. The cab fee will mostly not go beyond INR 20-30 for each location.
Major Tourist Places To Visit Near Shillong
- Mawsmai Cave (Sohra, East Khasi Hills)
Meghalaya is known as the queen of caves. While hidden caves in this region are still getting uncovered, you would find it awe-inspiring to crawl through the dimly lit limestone maze of Mawsmai.
Entry fee: INR 20-30 for adults & INR 5-10 for children
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily
Location: Google Maps
TWT Tip: Since the cave is slippery, it is strongly advised to visit wearing sturdy shoes or Crocs.
- Nohkalikai Falls – Cherrapunji (Sohra, East Khasi Hills)
Nohkalikai, the tallest plunge waterfall in India, is breathtaking, but there’s a catch — it is always surrounded, and even engulfed, by clouds.
Locals believe you get to see the waterfall in Cherrapunji only if you’re lucky. I say it is about time you put that to the test. Good luck!
Entry fee: None, if you watch it from outside the Nohkalikai viewpoint. Otherwise, it costs INR 50 per person
Timings: Between 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Google Maps
Did You Know?
Nohkalikai waterfall has a tragic story behind its name. As legend has it, a lady named Likai jumped to her death in this waterfall upon learning that her husband had cooked and eaten their daughter, driven by envy. The bereaved mother couldn’t handle the pain. So she jumped to her death. Nohkalikai, in Khasi, means “Jump of Ka Likai” or “jump of Likai”.
- Thangkharang Park, Thangkharang Road (Sohra, Cherrapunji, East Khasi Hills)
After enjoying the waterfall, walk down the road and head over to the expansive Thangkharang Park. It’s a mishmash of the panoramic views of Nohkalikai waterfalls, among others, and the lush valley of Sohra all around. You can enjoy swings, a picnic and other fun activities.
Entry fee: INR 20 for adults & INR 10 for children
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM (April–September) & 7 AM – 4 PM (October–March); Wednesdays are closed
Location: Google Maps
TWT Tip: Please bring snacks and water for this one. Trust me, you will need it.
- Noh Sngi Thiang Falls or Seven Sisters Falls (Mawsmai, Cherrapunji, East Khasi Hills)
As the name suggests, you can witness seven thin yet misty lanes of water streaming down the mighty cliffs of Cherrapunji. I was utterly bewildered the first time I saw it — the humming sound of the waterfall crashing against the rocks way below human visibility (and comprehension) made me appreciate nature, and its surreal beauty even more. It’s absolutely stunning during the monsoon.
Entry: Free
Location: Google Maps
- Rngain Valley View Point (Laitlum Canyons, East Khasi Hills)
This place is magical and like a scene straight out of a fantasy film — lush green, never-ending hills, and a silence that echoes. You can stop on the way to watch the canyons, and it costs nothing to stop and stare at their beauty.
Location: Google Maps
- Dawki River (West Jaintia Hills, near the Bangladesh border)
I know you have watched those Reels on repeat, and yes, the rumors are true — Dawki River is completely see-through! Even as a person hailing from this region, I couldn’t believe such clear water existed in India. When I sat for my hour-long boat rides, I could see every stone beneath my boat.
Boat ride fee: INR 200 per person for 60 minutes & INR 500 for 90 minutes
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Location: Google Maps
TWT Tip: The best time to visit Dawki River is between November to March. Avoid monsoons as the water is mostly muddy around that time.
- Natural Root Bridge (Living Root Bridge, Riwai)
The Natural Root Bridge at Riwai is a testament to the uniqueness of Mother Nature and human invention. Made by the locals from the living roots of rubber trees woven over an extended period of time, this bridge blends seamlessly into the lush landscape.
It’s a short, downward trek (about 10–15 minutes) from the parking lot, and trust me when I say this — your mind will be totally blown by it and the surrounding beauty.
Entry fee: INR 20 for adults & INR 10 for children
Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Location: Google Maps
TWT Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and carry water bottles, unless you want to pay extra. Yes, the prices for snacks and water bottles can be high in these remote areas.
- Asia’s Cleanest Village (Mawlynnong village, East Khasi Hills)
I have visited this village a zillion times, and yet, I never get tired of walking around this pristine place. My mother often jokes that if you drop a needle at Mawlynnong, you are going to find it.
The village is renowned the world over for the villagers’ devotion to impeccable cleanliness—the locals clean their village every day, collectively.
This quiet hamlet will impress you with its spotless lanes, flower-adorning homes, bamboo dustbins at every corner, and the deep community pride that keeps it clean. If you are curious about sustainable living, Mawlynnong is the place to be.
Entry fee: INR 50 for adults & INR 20 for kids
Timings: 8:00 AM –5:00 PM daily
Location: Google Maps
Affordable Ways To Reach Shillong
If you’re coming to Shillong from Mumbai, Pune, or Delhi, book your flight to Guwahati airport instead of flying to Shillong airport. Then, take a shared cab to Shillong’s central point, Police Bazaar. The route is breathtakingly beautiful and the fare is pretty cheap (350 to 500 rupees per person), depending on the size of the vehicle. You should reach your destination in 3.5 to 4 hours if there’s no traffic along the journey.
If you want to save a few extra bucks, just hop on a Meghalaya State Transport bus or avail other private bus services available near Guwahati airport. You should reach your destination in 4 hours and 30 minutes for an affordable amount of INR 150-200.
Similarly, tourists travelling from South India can follow the same route as mentioned above.
You can also opt for the option of traveling by train from your respective destinations to Guwahati, as Shillong doesn’t have a train station of its own. The tickets will range between INR 800-1,000 and can take 3.5 days to reach Shillong.
Based on my personal experience, travelling by flight to Guwahati and then reaching Shillong by road is the best and most feasible option for any traveler.
2-Day Shillong Itinerary
Day 1
- Ward’s Lake
- Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
- Lady Hydari Park
- Shillong Golf Course
- Elephant Falls
- Shillong Peak
Day 2
- Mawsmai Cave
- Nohkalikai Falls
- Thangkharang Park
- Seven Sisters Falls
Frequently Asked Questions About Shillong Travel
- How can you travel to places outside Shillong on a budget?
Travel through Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC)’s daily bus tours. You can see all these places and more by paying only INR 500-800 per person. MTDC offers fantastic tourist-friendly and budget-friendly guided tours. So you do not have to pay hefty prices for private cabs.
You are expected to pay for your food and entry fees at the tourist spots (wherever applicable).
- How do I approach the Meghalaya Tourism daily package service?
Visit the office website mtdcmeghalaya.in and go to the ‘Plan Your Trip’ section. Alternatively, you could go to the MTDC office and physically book your tickets.
You can also contact the numbers below: +91-8257923906, +91-8974579752, +91-8257961043
If you are taking these tours over the weekend, it is advisable to book your ticket in advance, as the seats fill out fast.
- Where to shop in Shillong?
As you are aware, the people of Shillong and all of Northeast India have impeccable fashion sense. Shopping, therefore, is one of the top things to do in Shillong.
If you want to shop for souvenirs, head over to Police Point in Police Bazaar. For clothes, you could try out Grand Plaza or GP (as called by locals) and its surrounding shops to buy stylish clothes, boots, heels, and jewelry. However, shopping for clothes will mostly not be on the affordable side.
- Finally, is Shillong safe for tourists?
Lately, a lot has been said and written about the beautiful city of Shillong, especially Sohra and Cherapunji. Let me debunk these myths for you: Shillong, and all of Meghalaya, is safe for tourists. That said, tread with caution like you would as a stranger in any new place. Khublei!
