Top 10 Things to Do in Shillong: Lakes, Canyons, Culture, and Khasi Feasts

Introduction: Welcome to the 'Scotland of the East'

Perched at an average elevation of 1,525 meters (5,000 feet) above sea level amidst the rolling pine-covered hills of the East Khasi Hills district, Shillong is the vibrant capital of Meghalaya. Dubbed the "Scotland of the East" by British colonial administrators due to its striking resemblance to the Scottish Highlands, Shillong is a captivating mountain metropolis where indigenous Khasi tribal heritage, colonial architecture, thundering waterfalls, and an electrifying rock music culture seamlessly converge.

Serving as the gateway to the wondrous landscapes of Meghalaya, Shillong is the starting point for exploring legendary destinations across the state. Whether you are arriving via the picturesque mountain highway outlined in our guide on how to reach Shillong from Guwahati airport and station or preparing for extended road trips deeper into the Khasi and Jaintia hills, Shillong offers an exceptional blend of urban charm and alpine wilderness. Here are the top 10 things to do in Shillong for a truly immersive holiday.

1. Cruise and Unwind at Umiam Lake (Barapani)

Located roughly 15 kilometers north of Shillong along the Guwahati-Shillong Highway (NH 6), Umiam Lake—locally known as Barapani (Big Water)—is a colossal man-made reservoir covering over 220 square kilometers. Formed in the early 1960s by damming the Umiam River, the lake is enveloped by undulating pine hills and serene Khasi villages.

The Umiam Water Sports Complex offers an array of aquatic thrills, including speedboating, water skiing, kayaking, and serene pontoon boat cruises. The tranquil vantage points along the lakeshore, especially near the Orchid Lake Resort, are among the best photography spots in Meghalaya, where early morning mist blankets the shimmering blue waters against emerald forested headlands.

2. Stroll Around Ward's Lake and Cross the Iconic Wooden Bridge

Situated in the heart of Shillong near Police Bazar, Ward's Lake (known locally as Nan Polok) is a 100-year-old horseshoe-shaped artificial lake commissioned by Sir William Ward, the former Chief Commissioner of Assam. Designed in classical English landscape style, the lake is surrounded by manicured flower beds, rolling cobblestone walkways, and majestic stands of weeping willows and cherry blossom trees.

The centerpiece of the lake is an elegant, white-painted wooden bridge from which visitors can feed swirling schools of friendly carp fish. You can rent colorful swan pedal boats for a relaxing 30-minute paddle, enjoy fresh coffee at the garden cafe, or witness the lake bursting into vibrant pink blooms during the annual India International Cherry Blossom Festival in November.

3. Explore the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures (DBCIC)

Regarded as Asia's premier anthropological museum dedicated to tribal heritage, the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures is a 7-story hexagonal architectural marvel located in Mawlai. The museum houses 17 state-of-the-art exhibition galleries showcasing the authentic history, traditional attire, musical instruments, weaponry, agricultural tools, and living traditions of the indigenous tribes across all eight Northeast Indian states.

A guided tour through the galleries provides an eye-opening cultural orientation before you journey deeper into the region. Visitors can culminate their tour at the museum's Skywalk, an elevated rooftop vantage point offering 360-degree panoramic views of Shillong city and the surrounding Khasi pine hills.

4. Gaze into the Abyss at Laitlum Canyons

Tucked away 22 kilometers south of Shillong near Smit village, Laitlum Canyons translates literally from Khasi as "End of the Hills." Perched precariously on the razor-sharp edge of a deep mountain ridge, Laitlum commands breathtaking views of sheer vertical gorges plunging hundreds of meters down into the secluded Rasong river valley.

Often engulfed in rolling sea-like clouds that clear intermittently to reveal lush terraced fields and winding canyon rivers far below, Laitlum feels like standing on the edge of the world. A steep stone stairway known as the "3,000 Steps" descends from the ridge to the isolated village of Rasong, which relies on a rustic overhead pulley cable system to transport goods up and down the cliff.

5. Marvel at the Cascading Power of Elephant Falls

Located roughly 12 kilometers from the city center in Upper Shillong, Elephant Falls is one of Meghalaya's most famous natural landmarks. Named by British officers after a dark elephant-shaped rock at its base (which was unfortunately destroyed in the 1897 earthquake), the falls consist of three distinct cascading tiers tucked inside a verdant fern-filled ravine.

Well-maintained paved steps and railings lead visitors down through all three levels:

• First Tier: A broad, gentle cascade tucked between tall hardwood trees.
• Second Tier: A thin, elegant curtain of water flowing over moss-covered basalt.
• Third Tier: The largest and most powerful torrent, crashing dramatically into a deep, clear plunge pool with roaring acoustic force.

6. Walk into the Ancient Mawphlang Sacred Forest

Situated 25 kilometers southwest of Shillong, the Mawphlang Sacred Grove (Law Kyntang) is a pristine 192-acre ancient forest preserved and protected by the local Khasi Lyngdoh clan for over 800 years under strict indigenous taboos. According to tribal law, absolutely nothing—not a single leaf, pebble, flower, or twig—can be removed from the sacred forest under threat of spiritual retribution.

Accompanied by an authorized local Khasi guide, walking beneath the dense, moss-draped canopy reveals giant century-old trees, rare orchids, medicinal herbs, carnivorous pitcher plants, and ancient megalithic stone coronation circles used for animal sacrifices and tribal council meetings.

7. Shop and Savor Street Food at Police Bazar (Khyndailad)

The bustling nerve center of modern Shillong is Police Bazar (officially known as Khyndailad). This lively pedestrian commercial hub is packed with shopping arcades, traditional Khasi handicraft emporiums, cozy cafes, and vibrant street vendors.

Food lovers can embark on an authentic culinary adventure:

• Jadoh: A classic Khasi dish of short-grain rice cooked in rich meat broth, fragrant herbs, and pork or chicken.
• Dohkhlieh: A zesty traditional salad made from boiled pork, raw onions, and fiery local bird's eye chilies.
• Tungrymbai: Fermented soybean paste sautéed with ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and pork chunks.
• Steamed Momos and Thukpa: Piping hot Tibetan momos served with fiery red chili chutney in local street stalls.

8. Take Day Trips to Cherrapunji and Dawki

Shillong's strategic location makes it the ultimate base for day trips and extended circuits across Meghalaya. Heading south along the breathtaking Sohra plateau leads to the rain-drenched canyons, caves, and waterfalls described in our guides on how to reach Cherrapunji and the comprehensive Cherrapunji waterfalls and caves guide.

Alternatively, traveling southeast towards the international border connects you to the crystal-clear glass waters of the Umngot River, as detailed in our transit guide on how to reach Dawki and our experiential overview of the Dawki Umngot River boat ride.

Best Time to Visit Shillong

• Autumn & Winter (October to March): Pleasant sunny days (15°C to 20°C) and cool, crisp nights (4°C to 10°C). Perfect for sightseeing, canyon treks, and attending the Cherry Blossom Festival in November.
• Monsoon (June to September): Heavy, torrential rainfall. While outdoor hiking requires preparation, the waterfalls and rivers around Shillong swell to their most spectacular, thunderous volume.
• Spring (April to May): Mild and warm with lush floral blooms across the hill station's parks and gardens.

How to Reach Shillong

• By Air: Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport - SHL) is located 30 km from the city, operating regional flights to Kolkata, Guwahati, and select hubs. For wider domestic connectivity, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati (GAU) is 120 km away (a 3 to 3.5-hour drive via NH 6).
• By Train: The nearest major railway hub is Guwahati Railway Station (GHY, 100 km). Shared tourist cabs (Sumos and Swift Dzires) operate frequently from Paltan Bazar directly to Police Bazar in Shillong.
• By Road: Shillong is connected to Guwahati via the four-lane Asian Highway 1 / NH 6. The drive offers smooth tarmac, scenic lakeside vistas, and excellent roadside Khasi dhabas.

Travel Tips for Shillong

• Local Transport: Black-and-yellow shared Maruti 800 and Alto taxis are the standard mode of transport within Shillong. Point-to-point fares are very economical.
• Warm Layers: Even in summer, Shillong evenings can be breezy; carry a light jacket. In winter, thermal inners and woolens are essential.
• Music Culture: Visit local live-music venues like Dylan's Cafe, Cafe Shillong, or Cloud 9 to experience why Shillong is celebrated as India's rock music capital.

Conclusion

Shillong captivates travelers with its irresistible blend of cool pine breezes, breathtaking canyon vistas at Laitlum, ancient spiritual groves at Mawphlang, and rich tribal heritage at Don Bosco Museum. Whether you are sipping local tea beside Ward's Lake, listening to acoustic guitar riffs in a cozy cafe, or cruising across Umiam Lake, Shillong offers an enchanting gateway to the wonderland of Northeast India.