A trip to Shillong isn’t just about scenic beauty; there are plenty of thrilling activities to make your vacation ideal! Here are some of the greatest tourist sites in Shillong to experience the hill station’s ethereal beauty. Each of the places listed below will ensure that your visit to this magnificent city in Meghalaya is one to remember. Make a point of seeing the most of them, since this will give you a good insight into Meghalaya’s culture and traditions.
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- Umiam Lake :
Surrounded by thick coniferous forests and East Khasi Hills, Umiam Lake is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Shillong. Popular as Badapani, this is a sprawling man-made water body, formed by damming Umiam River. The lake is dotted with a few small islands and the adjoining Lum Nehru Park is an ideal place for strolling and picnic.
Along with natural beauty, Umiam Lake is famous for thrilling water sports and fun activities like kayaking, boating, water cycling, scooting, and is an important part of the Shillong sightseeing itinerary. It is one of the Best Places To Visit In Shillong.
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- Shillong Peak :
For a stunning view of the surrounding hills and valleys, visit Shillong Peak which happens to be the highest viewpoint and one of the best places to visit in Shillong. Located at an elevation of 6449 feet and mostly surrounded by fog, Shillong Peak offers a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the distant hills, waterfalls, Shillong city, and plains of Bangladesh. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and trekkers, this place is undoubtedly one of the best tourist attractions in Shillong. It is one of the most beautiful and Best Places To Visit In Shillong.
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- Elephant Falls :
Counted as one of the most scenic places to visit in Shillong, Elephant Falls is a three-tier cascading beauty and the most spectacular waterfall of the city. The Britishers named it so because of a huge adjoining rock, that has an uncanny resemblance with that of an elephant. However, the rock is no longer seen ever since it was destroyed in an earthquake. You can find more information about this place at the Shillong Tourism centre.
Here at Elephant Falls, Shillong, you can admire the beauty of foamy water dropping in layers, surrounding dense vegetation, and enjoy shopping for souvenirs from local shops located at the entrance.
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- Laitlum Canyons :
Perched in the Khasi Hills, Laitlum Canyons is the most offbeat name in the list of Shillong tourist places. Literally translating into the “end of the hills”, Laitlum Canyon is an ideal place for trekking enthusiasts, nature admirers, and peace seekers. Visit this hilltop viewpoint, and enjoy stunning views of gorges, distant hills, valleys, and zigzagging hilly roads.
Owing to the surrounding beauty and tranquillity, this is surely one of the perfect places to visit near Shillong for honeymoon couples. Also, trekking around these canyons is one of the top things in Shillong.
- Mary Help For Christian Cathedral
Featuring high arches and stained glass windows, Mary Help of Christian Cathedral is one of the most famous churches in Shillong. The white marble building along with the Mother Mary statue looks grand and elegant. This is certainly the most famous Shillong tourist spot.
Inside the Cathedral, there are some beautiful terracotta stations of the cross that showcases the life events of Jesus. Perched high on a hill, one can also visit the Grotto Church which is carved out the same hill and is located right below the Cathedral. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Shillong.
- Ward’s Lake :
During Shillong sightseeing, it is impossible to miss Ward’s Lake. Located at the heart of the city, this is another famous lake in Shillong, also known as Polok Lake. The lake is encircled by a cobblestone walkway, ideal for evening strolls. People visit this Shillong tourist spot, to enjoy the natural beauty, day picnics, watch dancing fountain shows or relax at the cafeteria, located by the lake. The wooden bridge on the lake and sprawling lotus beds on both sides make the place look immensely scenic.
- Don Bosco Museum :
As one of the best places to visit in Shillong, the Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures welcomes every tourist, art enthusiast, and history buff with open arms. Featuring art galleries, wide collections of handicrafts, artefacts, attires, ornaments, and weapons used by various tribes of North-east India, one can witness panoramic views of entire Northeast India. The museum is located in the premises of Sacred Heart Church and is a seven-story building with seventeen different galleries. This is certainly amongst the best tourist places in Shillong.
- Lady Hydari Park :
Named after the first lady of the province- Lady Hydari, this park is one of the most popular Shillong tourist places. The park comprises a sprawling and manicured garden including beautiful rose beds and a children’s play area. There is a mini-zoo inside the park housing more than 73 species of birds and 100 species of reptiles.
- Air Force Museum :
Located within the complex of Eastern Air Command, Air Force Museum in Shillong is yet another sight of beauty and wonder that makes it one of the most popular places to see in Shillong. With galleries displaying various rockets, missiles, miniatures of fighter planes, badges, rank medals, and awards, this museum attracts all types of travellers throughout the year. This is amongst the most interesting tourist places in Shillong.
The best time for the Shillong tour is from the months of September to May. During these months, the weather is extremely pleasant with moderate rainfall. Shillong looks beautiful and invigorating during the monsoon season, but torrential rain may disrupt travel plans. So, June to August is certainly the best time to visit Shillong for those who wish to embrace the magic of rainfall.
