The 5 Must Visit Destinations in Shillong

Shillong, which is called Scotland of the North East, is a beautiful place and one of the must-visit destinations in Shillong. It is the capital of Meghalaya. You can experience the rich culture here. The place is a small paradise rather than just a hill station where the joy of sanity climaxes. Undoubtedly the land of Shillong has many places to visit. If you plan your next holiday to the northeastern states, visit Shillong. It is the perfect spot to take holidays.

Shillong can be an ideal spot to make memories. The visitors can see huge waterfalls, botanical gardens, lakes, and gardens. This is one of the best tourist places in the Northeast visited by people all over the year.

If you are in India and you love greenery and mountains, then you must visit these five destinations in Shillong. Moreover, a well-developed tourist infrastructure, including hotels located nearby, makes sightseeing easy and relaxed.

List of the 5 Best Tourist Destinations in Shillong

1. Shillong Peak

It is the highest point in Shillong. One can see the huge peaks of the Himalayas, the famous countryside, and lovely waterfalls. Also, there is a holy temple on Shillong Peak. Don’t carry cameras and electronic goods as it is the radar base of the Air Force. From here one can see the tall peaks of the Himalayas, the glorious countryside, the incredible natural waterfalls and the plains fields of neighbouring Bangladesh.

There is a holy temple on Shillong Peak where people are not allowed to carry cameras and electronic goods. The reason is that this place is settled by the radar base of the Air Force.

• Entry Fees: ₹50 per person. ₹200 per vehicle entry and parking fees
• Things to do: Photography, Sightseeing, Trekking, Bird Watching, etc.
• Time to visit: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
• How To Reach: The travellers can take a bus or a private cab from the city centre. It will take almost 20 minutes to get there.

2. Laitlum Canyons

Laitlum Canyon is located in East Khasi Hills. It is almost 45 minutes away from Shillong city. Laitlum means the end of the hills. The place is surrounded by so many beautiful places, greenery, and the peaks of the great mountains. One can also see many birds here like Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Oriental Magpie Robin, etc.

This tourist attraction is surrounded by lovely gardens, green wildernesses, and the peaks of the great mountains. Include this place in your bucket list. If you love valleys and grasslands, so visit this place. Also, many trekkers visit this place for adventure. While on the way, don’t forget to click happy photographs of the mist-laden landscape.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Things to do: Sightseeing, Trekking, & Photography.
• Time to visit: 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM
• How To Reach: From the Police Bazaar, take a cab which will take you to this place in 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Ward’s Lake

This tourist destination is located in the police bazaar in Shillong. This lake is also called Pollock’s Lake. The place is liked by tourists as it is located in the middle of Shillong City and has a horseshoe shape.

Ward’s lake is familiar enough to take the Cobblestone walkway in the morning and evening. This destination is liked by the honeymoon couple. One can enjoy good food at the cafeteria and relax in the garden here. Also, one can buy rice from the entrance gate in case you plan to enjoy feeding the fish.

• Entry Fees: 10 per person
• Things to do: Feeding fish, Boating, Fishing, and Sightseeing
• Time to visit: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
• How To Reach: Ward’s Lake is located near the Raj Bhavan.

4. Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls is one of the lovely natural surprises and a top Shillong tourist place. The place got its name from a rock formation looking like an elephant. The falls are located 12 km above. This place is very popular in the North East due to the beauty of the falling water in its dense green vegetation. The best time to enjoy this waterfall is during the monsoon season.

This waterfall was named by the Britishers as a stone rock that looks like an elephant while climbing. Although every season is perfect for enjoying this waterfall. But many tourists prefer coming here during the monsoon season.

This place is easy to access. It also offers a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.

• Entry Fees: ₹20 per person, ₹20 Camera charges and parking charges each.
• Things to do: Photography, Sightseeing, Shopping
• Time to visit: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• How to Reach: Take a cab or board a state-run bus from Police Bazaar.

5. Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake is also called Barapani. It is a beautiful man-made pool located in the middle of the lush hills of Meghalaya. This place is similar to a small island, also known as Barapani. The place here is surrounded by the East Khasi Hills, which have thick forests. Umiam Lake’s pretty beauty is one of the best tourist places in Shillong.

There is a very old mythological story associated with this destination. It is said that one of the two sisters died while coming from heaven to earth. In memory of one sister, the other sister wept and built this Umiam Lake. While planning your stay near this place, make a booking.

• Entry Fees: 20₹ per person
• Things to do: Fishing, Kayaking, Cruising, Sailing, etc.
• Time to visit: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• How To Reach: Take a private cab from Police Bazaar to reach Umiam Lake

If you have prepared your Shillong to travel bucket list, then definitely must-visit 5 destinations in Shillong. All these destinations will introduce you to the existence and origin of the hill people.

At the same time, you will get to know the culture of the different people you meet, and the more your life experience will expand. Take full advantage to visit these 5 destinations in Shillong. Happy journey!

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