Top 10 Things to Do in Shillong to Discover Meghalaya's Culture

Isn't it a matter of curiosity about knowing how Northeast India would look like? Yes, there exists a diverse world beyond the ‘chicken’s neck’ which connects Northeast to mainland India. One among the unified Seven Sisters, Meghalaya is the crown jewel of Northeast where you will rediscover yourself as a complete being amid the pristine, untouched nature’s splendors. Shillong, being the capital city of Meghalaya and the commercial hub, never fails to welcome tourists from all over the world. While planning to visit Meghalaya, as you must traverse the bustling streets of Shillong, make a list of things to do in Shillong for an ultimate getaway to feel the freshness of misty mountains and magnificent cascades.

Things to Do in Shillong: Let’s Wander Around the Bustling Alleys of Police Bazaar, Shillong

While traveling through the unwinding roads of Meghalaya, embrace its tranquility and ethereal beauty by landing at Shillong, the gateway to Meghalaya’s hidden treasures. Plan a list of things to do in Shillong to experience the best of this hilly paradise where nature and culture flourish together leaving a soulful impact on the visitors. Ranging from witnessing the majestic Elephant Falls, taking a leisurely stroll by admiring the colorful blooms at Ward’s Lake, to trying out the authentic and the hybridized varieties of ‘Momo’, the popular street food of Northeast India at the narrow lanes of Police Bazar, Shillong has stored a box full of surprises for you to unfold and attain the best of it.

Let’s have a glance at the top 10 things to do in Shillong for an ultimate vacation in the ‘Abode of Clouds’.

Umiam Lake: Enjoy a Scenic Boat Ride
Elephant Falls: Marvel at the Rippling Cascade
Ward’s Lake: Plan Your Ideal Potluck Picnic
Don Bosco Museum: Admire the Gothic Art & the Artist
Mawlynnong Village: Begin Your Sustainability Quest
Laitlum Grand Canyon: Home to Alluring Vales & Hills
Sao Aiom: Relish the True Khasi Flavors
Dawki River: Take a Refreshing Dip in the Turquoise Blues
Dylan’s Cafe: Pay a Tribute to the Legend Bob Dylan
Police Bazar: Get the Trendiest Winter Wear

1. Umiam Lake: Enjoy a Scenic Boat Ride

Umiam Lake, also known as the Barapani Lake is one of the major highlights of Shillong, Meghalaya. Built as a man-made reservoir or a dam over the Umiam river in early 1960’s to develop the hydroelectric project of Northeast India, Umiam Lake has turned out to be a scenic attraction for the tourists where one can find solace amid tranquility. Surrounded by lush green hills on all sides, you will fall in love with the lake, where beauty has no boundaries. One of the best things to do in Shillong is to take a boat ride at Umiam Lake and to discover its unseen beauty. You can visit the other side of the lake where you can embrace the serenity of Lumpongdeng Island. Hike up the island and go on nature walks to get awe-inspired by nature at every point.

Location: Ri Bhoi District, Shillong

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours

Entry Fee: Free Entry

Famous for: Flora & Fauna, Lake, Natural beauty

Things to Do: Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Water Skiing, Scooter ride, River bus ride, Cruise Boat ride, Speed boating

Ride Charges:

Pedal Boating/Canoeing/Kayaking: INR 20

Water Skiing: INR 200

Scooter Ride: INR 50

River Bus: INR 50

Cruise Boat: INR 100

2. Elephant Falls: Marvel at the Rippling Cascade

Located on the outskirts of Shillong, Elephant Falls is one of the popular destinations in Northeast India that will lure you with the majestic three tier falls which got its name for the presence of an elephant-shaped rock on one side. Engulfed by dense green forests on all sides, Elephant Falls will lure you with its ethereal beauty and the soothing sounds of rippling water. While trekking up the hills and traversing the verdant landscapes, never miss out on capturing the best scenic shots for an everlasting effect. You can also wander around the small street shops near the falls, selling exotic souvenirs and handcrafted artefacts to beautify your home. Give yourself a different look by wearing the traditional Khasi attire at Elephant Falls, one of the best places to visit in Shillong.

Location: Upper, Shillong, Meghalaya 793009

Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ideal Duration: 1 hour

Entry Fee: Free Entry

Famous for: Nature, Culture

Things to Do: Trekking, Photography, Nature Walks, Souvenir Shopping, Wear Khasi dress

3. Ward’s Lake: Plan Your Ideal Potluck Picnic

Located in the heart of Shillong, Ward’s Lake is an artificial lake which is an ideal spot for visitors to take leisure walks and plan a potluck picnic with your family and friends. Also known as Pollock’s Lake, you can marvel at the aesthetically pleasing seasonal blooms and lush greenery which will transport you to a heavenly paradise. If you want to explore the majestic beauty of the lake, you can go on a paddle boating ride where you can unwind in the ideal blend of natural intricacies and tranquility. Never miss out on a chance to visit Ward’s Lake during Cherry Blossom festival celebrated in the month of November where you can be transported to the world of Sakura, Japan which can be added to the list of 10 things to do in Shillong for an enriching experience.

Location: Center of Shillong, Meghalaya

Opening Hours: 8.30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Entry Fee: INR 10

Famous for: Natural Beauty, Garden, Seasonal Blooms, Boating

Things to Do: Paddle Boating, Picnic, Attend the Cherry Blossom Festival

4. Don Bosco Museum: Admire the Gothic Art & the Artist

One of the popular places to visit in Meghalaya is the Don Bosco Museum which has an extensive collection of paintings, portraits, and sculptures, shedding light on Northeast’s tribal life and their unique cultural heritage. The pre-historic gallery in the museum will make you revisit the early times when and how the tribes of Northeast India migrated from various parts of the neighboring countries like Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar. You will be astonished to witness the gallery loaded with a good selection of equipment and weapons related to hunting, gathering, fishing, and farming. Since Northeasterns are very fascinated about art and culture, you can find a plethora of artefacts associated to music, traditional dance forms, household accessories, etc. Moreover, you can try out the delectable Northeastern food items available in the food gallery.

Location: Mawlai Phudmuri, Mawlai Mawdatbaki, Shillong, Meghalaya 793008

Opening Hours: 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. (remains closed on Sunday)

Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Entry Fee: INR 100

Famous for: Artefacts, Paintings, Sculptures

Things to Do: Heritage tour, Marvel at the exhibits, Try out Northeastern food at the Food Gallery

5. Mawlynnong Village: Begin Your Sustainability Quest

Since Meghalaya is enriched with a plentitude of natural splendors, you can plan a day trip to Mawlynnong Village, considered as Asia’s cleanest village by Discover India in 2003, and you will be transported to a world where sustainability exists on a very intimate level. You will fall in love with the place and its people who work in sync with Mother Nature to live a sustainable life by recycling waste, harvesting rainwater, using solar energy and eco-friendly products. Take a leisurely walk all along the clean streets of the village and marvel at the eco-friendly cottages, dustins and the exotic flora and fauna that complements the region’s incredibility. Indulge yourself in interacting with the locals and learn about their cultural ethos and eternal relationship with nature. Never miss out on visiting Mawlynnong Village, one of the offbeat things to do in Shillong.

Location: East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya (79 km from Shillong)

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours

Entry Fee: Free Entry

Famous for: Natural Scenery, Sightseeing, Culture, Activities

Things to Do: Nature Walk, Interact with the Tribals, Savor Tribal food, Witness the Mawlynnong waterfall, walk through the Jingmaham Living Root Bridge

6. Laitlum Grand Canyon: Home to Alluring Vales & Hills

If you are seeking peace and tranquility along with spectacular views of hills and valleys, Laitlum Grand Canyon is the one of the best honeymoon places in Shillong for you which can promise you to enrich experiences to remember for a lifetime. Trekking is one of the popular activities you can carry out to traverse the wilderness and delve into a diverse range of natural eccentricities. Located towards the south of Shillong, you can watch the best sunset here with panoramic views of the far-flung green hills. Spend a few hours there, experience some surreal moments, and capture the best shots for an alluring memory. From the top of the canyon, you can take a bird’s eye view of a small and picturesque hamlet called Rasong, tucked within the deep ridges of Laitlum Canyon.

Location: East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya

Opening Hours: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours

Famous for: Natural beauty, Hills, Canyons, Valleys

Things to Do: Nature Walk, Trekking, Photography

7. Sao Aiom: Relish the True Khasi Flavors

Located in Umbir and a part of Ri Kynjai Serenity by the Lake property, Sao Aiom restaurant boasts of its exquisite Khasi and Northeastern cuisine which will lure you with its distinguished tastes. Sao Aiom, which means Four Seasons in Khasi language will offer you enchanting views of the Umiam Lake and you can savor a wholesome platter and relish the simple, yet exotic flavors cooked from the locally grown and lesser-known ingredients. Never miss out on trying out the signature Northeastern dish smoked meat with bamboo shoots which will blow away your mind. Apart from the traditional cuisine, they also have a well-curated menu featuring Indian, Continental, and Chinese delicacies, ideal for snacks and it should be added to the list of the best things to do in Shillong in evening.

Location: MV7H+QF, Umbir, Meghalaya 793122

Opening Hours: 7 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Famous for: Khasi & Northeastern cuisine

Cuisine: Khasi, Northeastern, Indian, Continental, Chinese

Best Dishes: Jadoh, Do O Pura, Smoked Meat with Bamboo Shoot

8. Dawki River: Take a Refreshing Dip in the Turquoise Blues

Dawki River is best known for its turquoise blue water and the colorful boats which offer a delightful picture to frame for a lifetime. Located in the eastern part of Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, you can plan a day trip to Dawki to witness its distinctive characteristics and to redefine its beauty. Also known as the Umngot river, it is the cleanest river which is in proximity to Indo-Bangladesh border. Since fishing is the major means of living for the local community, you can try your hands with fishing, which is considered very ideal in this spot. You can carry out a plethora of activities like boating, rafting, kayaking, camping, tribal village tours and learn about their culture and lifestyle. Since Cherrapunji is close to Dawki, you can plan a trip to and prepare a list of things to do in Cherrapunji for an ideal vacation in Meghalaya.

Location: Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya

Opening Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Famous for: Turquoise blue water, Adventure activities

Things to Do: Boating, Rafting, Kayaking, Fishing, Camping, Tribal Village tour

Ride Charges:

Boating: INR 300

9. Dylan’s Cafe: Pay a Tribute to the Legend Bob Dylan

If you are a Bob Dylan’s fan and would like to join his fan club in the heart of Meghalaya, you can visit Dylan’s Cafe and a pay a tribute to the legendary soul Bob Dylan for his legacy in composing eclectic music. One of the best things to do in Shillong at night is to unwind in this comfort space and join the fandom cheering and listening to classical rhythms along with delectable food. With an aesthetically pleasing interior and opulent setting, the cafe boasts of the team for delivering excellence to the clients. You can even witness captivating sights of the picturesque town of Shillong from their balcony adorned with some valuable greens. Since Shillong has a very fascinating music culture to look up to, Dylan’s Cafe is an ideal spot for all the music lovers out there to experience the best of this Northeastern town.

Location: Tripura Castle Rd, Dhankheti, Malki, Shillong, Meghalaya 793014

Opening Hours: 11.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Famous for: Food, Music culture

Cuisine: American & Local

Best Dishes: Dimsums, Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow, Banana & Nutella Pancake, Te Dylan’s Veg Jawbreaker, Chicken Quirky Quesadilla

10. Police Bazar: Get the Trendiest Winter Wear

Police Bazar is the most popular night market in Shillong, where the narrow alleys get lively with huge crowds and is brimmed with top brand stores, exclusive boutiques, chic cafes, quirky bakeries, and local restaurants. One of the best things to do in Shillong is to try out the local street delicacies at Police Bazar like the hot and juicy Momo with spicy chutney, tungrymbai, jadoh(the popular Khasi delicacy), dohneiiong, etc., and feel their burst of flavors. You can even shop at the best brand stores and get the trendiest collection of winter wear. Never miss out on souvenir shopping by visiting the exclusive stores and local emporiums to take an amusing memory with you from Northeast India. You can embark on a culinary journey and get the essence of diverse flavors by visiting the cafes.

Location: Shillong, Meghalaya

Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (remains closed on Sunday)

Famous for: Souvenirs, Traditional handicrafts, Restaurants & Cafes, Brand stores

Things to Do: Savor local street food, Shop clothes and souvenirs

What to Eat: Momo, Jadoh, Tungrymbai, Dohneiiong

What to Buy: Clothes, handicrafts, footwear, artefacts

Best Stores: Glory’s Plaza, Megha Emporium & Khasi Emporium, State-owned Emporium

Best Restaurants & Cafes: City Hut, Jiva Sizzlers, Trattoria, Bread Cafe, Red Rice, Eee Cee Bakery

Meghalaya’s capital Shillong will leave you spellbound with its misty mountains, picturesque valleys, steep cliffs, pristine lakes, and the simplistic Khasi culture that the state boasts of. Begin your quest by creating a list of things to do in Shillong to explore every offbeat destination of Meghalaya and replenish your soul with the breathtaking sights and organic culture. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or a leisure traveler, Shillong, Meghalaya will cater to your need in every way possible ranging from taking up thrilling activities like trekking through the wilderness, soaring high while ziplining to exploring the chic cafes on the pretty alleys of Shillong. Book your Meghalaya tour packages with us and begin your journey to surrender yourself in the lap of nature.

Things to Do in Shillong FAQ’s

Q1. What is Shillong best known for?

Shillong, also known as the “Scotland of the East” is best known for its dramatic landscapes ranging from the misty mountains, pristine and turquoise blue water lakes, majestic waterfalls, incredible hiking trails, and the rich cultural heritage. Moreover, it is an ideal destination in Northeast India for adventure activities.

Q2. How can I spend my day in Shillong?

You can spend a day in Shillong by visiting the Umiam Lake, take a bird’s eye view of the picturesque town from Shillong peak, take a stroll at Ward’s Lake, marvel at the artifacts at Don Bosco Museum. Moreover, you can have a glimpse of Meghalaya’s culture by visiting the Police Bazar.

Q3. What are the top 5 things to do in Shillong?

Since Meghalaya has an array of offbeat destinations, you can visit them which are in and around Shillong. The top 5 things to do in Shillong are:

Visit the Umiam Lake
Plan a day trip to Mawlynnong Village
Explore Laitlum
Visit Dawki
Visit the Don Bosco Museum

Q4. What are the best adventure activities to do in Shillong?

As Shillong is a scenic hill town engulfed by lush green landscapes on all sides, you can look for extreme thrill and unlimited fun. The best adventure activities to do in Shillong are:

Hiking
Camping
Boating
Explore the Hidden Waterfalls
Mountain Biking

Q5. How many days are enough for Shillong?

5 days are enough for Shillong including the offbeat destinations located on the outskirts of the town. You can even extend your trip based on your preferences.

Q6. What is the best time to visit Shillong?

The best time to visit Shillong is during March to June when the weather remains pleasant to travel and carry out adventure activities. You can unwind in the best possible way amid lush greenery, fresh air, and clear blue skies.

Q7. Does Shillong have nightlife?

Yes, Shillong has a vibrant nightlife since it has a plethora of bars and pubs best known for food and eclectic music. You can have an amazing time with your friends.

Q8. What is the best way to reach Shillong?

The best way to reach Shillong is to take a cab or taxi from Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, Assam. It is a 4 hours' drive from Guwahati Airport to Shillong.

Q9. How far is Mawlynnong Village from Shillong?

Mawlynnong Village is 78 km away from Shillong town which is a 3 hours' drive. You can plan a day trip to this village which is a must-visit destination in Meghalaya.

Q10. How far is Dawki from Shillong?

Dawki is 82 kilometers (about 50.95 mi) away from Shillong which is a 3-and-a-half-hour drive. Since Dawki is a hidden paradise for adventure lovers, you shouldn’t miss out on this.