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Things to Do in Shillong
Things to do in Shillong
Shillong is a hill station in Meghalaya situated at an average altitude of 4,908 feet above sea level. It is a perfect blend of old world and modern charm. The interesting fact about Shillong is that it is the only hill station in India that is accessible from all sides. Crystal clear lakes, magnificent mountains and impressive waterfalls make this place very attractive for tourists. It can be considered as an ideal place to unwind amidst natural beauty and enjoy the serenity. Shillong Peak that offers a panoramic view of the scenic countryside is the highest peak situated at a height of 6,449 feet in this region. The place, the people and the climate all combine to create an atmosphere to make Shillong an ideal holiday resort. Cherrapunjee which is the wettest place on earth is only 56 km away from Shillong so a trip to Shillong can be continued to Cherrapunjee as well. Shillong is often referred to as “Scotland of India” and gained this name by Britishers. The beautiful lakes, green mountains, pine forests and waterfalls form an integral part of the constitution of the best things to do in Shillong.
Today, Shillong has some picturesque places worth visiting. Umiam lake, Elephant falls and Lady Hydari Park is some famous attractions to name a few. If you are planning to visit Shillong, it is quite advisable to book your accommodation well in advance. As it is a popular tourist destination, the hill station meets a lot of visitors every year, especially during the peak season which can be marked from September to December. The temperature during these few months 9 to 13-degree centigrade, so it is very pleasant to explore and walk around the hill station.
Also, make sure you try out the local cuisine of Khasis and Tibetans that basically involves a lot of boiled or roasted food. There are a number of good restaurants and most of them are located in the market areas of Shillong. As most of the locals in Shillong are Christians, pork and beef are easily found in the regular menu. Moreover, if you are looking for some alcohol, you can find it in the fancy bars and pubs that are situated in different parts of the hill station.
Amongst the best things to do in Shillong come the likes of visiting the Nohkalikai Falls, boating in Umiam Lake, angling at Dawki, Kayaking at Kynshi River, etc.
The Laitlum Canyons is a colourful site located 45 minutes away from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. This is a canyon located on the top of East Khasi Hills and is quite a craze among trekkers. The peak of the canyon is one of the most sought after for those willing to experience the best of nature. When in the canyon, tourists can get a great view of the green slopes, bamboo plants and the lush green orchids, a sight worth admiring. Including the Laitlum Canyons in your Shillong Tour Packages ensures that visitors experience this breathtaking natural beauty.
The Don Bosco Museum, popularly known as the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures dates back to 1976. As the name suggests, this is a museum and a prominent research research centre that houses publications and research materials related to indigenous cultures. This museum was started by Father Sebastian Karotemprel of the Salesians of Don Bosco who understood the importance of indigenous population of the region. When planning your Shillong Packages, make sure to include a visit to this museum for an insightful exploration of the local heritage.
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The Elephant Falls, locally known as Ka Kshaid Lai Patent Khohsiew, is a three step waterfall located in Shillong. This waterfall was spotted first by the British when they spotted a rock that resembled an elephant. The falls is hidden among trees and is filled with lush greenery on all sides, creating a picturesque look.
Experience the tranquility of Lady Hydari Park in Shillong, Meghalaya, India. This charming park is adorned with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and serene lakes, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors. Take a leisurely stroll amidst the natural beauty, enjoy a boat ride on the serene water bodies, and relish the serene ambiance. A must-visit for nature enthusiasts and families, Lady Hydari Park provides a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Capture the beauty of this park and create cherished memories of your time spent in the lap of nature.
The Shillong Peak is located 10 kilometres away from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. As the name suggests, this is a viewpoint with a height of over 1962 metres above the sea level. This is also the highest point of Shillong and comes with some of the best views of the entire city. Shillong Peak has a mild climb to the top and it is believed the have gotten the name from the tribal deity Lei Shyllong.
The Cathedral Catholic Church is the principal place of worship of the Catholics of the Shillong Archdiocese. It is situated in the Laitumkhrah area of Shillong, Meghalaya. It is also known as the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians and is one of the most beautiful and oldest cathedrals in Shillong. Including a visit to the Cathedral Catholic Church in your Shillong tour will provide a glimpse into the rich religious heritage of the region.
Ward’s Lake is one of the most beautiful and scenic attractions in Shillong. Located in the heart of the city, near Police Bazar, the lake is easily accessible and quite popular amongst tourists.
It is also known as Pollock’s Lake (Nan Polok) because of a popular engineer during the pre-independence era. It is a man-made artificial lake created amidst lush green botanical gardens that offer mesmerizing views of unique and different flowers, along with bird-watching and boating activities. If you are planning a visit, make sure to check out Shillong trip packages to include this picturesque spot in your itinerary for a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.
Krang Suri Waterfall is known for its turquoise blue waters and its beautiful location amidst the mountains. It is located in the West Khasi in the Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya. To reach this serene site, one has to trek along the mountain’s edge, which gives you an adrenaline spike. The trek offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is surrounded by lush green forest. If you're planning your Shillong tour packages, make sure to include a visit to this breathtaking waterfall in your itinerary.
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Shillong Things To Do FAQs
Which are some of the must do things in Shillong?
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya is a hill station that has great weather and incredible scenic beauty. There are many places worth visiting and many activities that keep tourists engaged her. Some of the best things to do in Shillong are-
- Boating in Umiam Lake
- Trekking in the calm and composed trails
- Horse Riding
- River Rafting
- Angling at Dawki
- Waterfall Rappelling at Elephant Falls
- Explore the Caves
- Shillong Golfing
- Rock Climbing
- A walk around Wards Lake
- Hangout at Nokrek National Park
- Walking in the Clouds at Cherapunji
- Shopping at Police Baazar
- Visit Asia’s Cleanest Village
- Camping
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What all adventure activities can be done in and around Shillong?
- Boating in Umiam Lake
- Trekking David Scott's Trail
- River Rafting at Ranikor
- Waterfall Rappelling at Elephant Falls
- Camping on Khasi Hills
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Where can I go for caving in and around Shillong?
The deep dense forests of Shillong and other parts of Meghalaya have some pf the most beautiful caves that manage to get the explorer out in you. When in Shillong, visiting these caves is a must as they give you a great sense of adventure. Meghalaya has more than 500 roughly and many of which are yet to be explored and mapped. Here are a few popular ones in and around Shillong that you should definitely head to-
Mawsmai Cave
Dobakhol Cave
Kotsaki-Umlawan
Krem Chympe
Krem Dam
Synrang Paming
Krem Phyllut
Krem Mawnluh
Krem Shrieh
Krem Lympat
Krem Lamet Latang
Kut Sutiang
Dobhakol Chibe Nala
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Which are some famous treks in and around Shillong?
The terrains of Meghalaya as a whole are very challenging. An advantage is that unlike the Himalayas, these trails are not snow-wrapped so you don’t have to carry a lot of winter clothing on yourself. Moreover, the trails in Shillong and areas around it often welcome tourists with beautiful by flora fauna that you may get to see nowhere else in India. These intimidating rare species make your trek absolutely worth it! Here are some of the best trekking trails of Shillong and in regions around-
- Smit
- Mawlyngot
- Pynursla
- Living Root Bridge
- Kyllang Rock
- David Scott Trail
- Sohpet-bneng
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Where can I go for river rafting in Shillong?
River rafting is a fun and thrilling sport and has very rapidly gained popularity amongst locals as well as tourists in Shillong. River rafting in Shillong can be enjoyed at Umiam Lake and at Ranikor. Both destinations have many rapids that cause for a great thrill and adventure during the sport. An experienced rafter can enjoy rafting at Ranikhor, however, if one is a beginner, it is advisable to try the Umiam Lake first for rafting.
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What all things can be done in Umiam lake in Shillong?
Umiam Lake is a reservoir located in the hills 15 km to the North of Shillong and is a major tourist destination of Shillong. It is also a popular destination for water sport and adventure facilities and some of the activities you can enjoy here are- Kayaking Water Cycling Scooting Boating Relaxing lakeside Water Skiing a picnic or a pot-luck by the lake River Rafting
River rafting is a fun and thrilling sport and has very rapidly gained popularity amongst locals as well as tourists in Shillong. River rafting in Shillong can be enjoyed at Umiam Lake and at Ranikor. Both destinations have many rapids that cause for a great thrill and adventure during the sport. An experienced rafter can enjoy rafting at Ranikhor, however, if one is a beginner, it is advisable to try the Umiam Lake first for rafting.
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How far is Cherrapunjee from Shillong? What all things can be done there?
Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya is located at a mere distance of 55 km from the town of Shillong. This place attracts lakhs of tourists every year and is very special because it is one of the wettest places on planet. It is nestled in the East Khasi Hills about 50 km southwest of the state’s capital and is also known as Sohra or Churra. Moreover, the place is also popular to be the home of living root bridges, bridges that can hold up to 50 people at a time and are a result of bioengineering practiced by the locals. There are a number of things you can do in Shillong. Some of them are-
- Visit Root Bridges
- Visit Nohkalikai Falls
- Explore Ramakrishna Mission-Museum
- Go Caving at Mawsmai Cave
Which are must visit villages in and around Shillong?
Shillong is located in Meghalaya in Northeast India. It is easily accessible from Guwahati and has several villages worth visiting in and around Shillong. Some of them are-
- Mawlynnong Village
- Cherrapunjee Village
- Jakrem
- Nongriat
- Ziro Valley
- Nongstian
- Mylima
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