Attractions
If you visit Shillong Once, you will keep coming back again and again, says an old saying. There are several places in Shillong worth visiting. A few are listed below
2- Bara Bazaar
4- Spread Eagle Fall
5- Botanical Garden
6- Ward’s Lake
7- Lady Hydari Park
8- Iewduh
11 Churches
12- District Court
13- Laitkor Peak
14- Polo Ground
15- Seng Khasi Hall
16- Shillong Club
17- Museum of Entomology
18- Shillong Centenary Monument
19- Don Bosco Square
20- State Central Library
21- Crinoline Swimming Pool
22- High Court Premises
23- King Edward VII Memorial Pasteur Institute
24- Old State Assembly premises
Excursions
Shillong is a small town with several places to be seen. Once finished with the attractions of Shillong one can opt to visit outside Shillong. There are several places around that one should visit.
Nartiang Distance 30 Km
Nartiang is about thirty kilometres north of Jowai in the hill district of Meghalaya, which is an important archaeological site. Read More…
Dawki Distance 90 Km
One would probably go to Dawki to cross the Bangladesh Border, but the journey to Dawki from Shillong. Read More…
Cherrapunji Distance 56 Km
Cherrapunji, located at a distance of 56 km from Shillong is known as the rain capital of the world. Read More…
Jowai Distance 65 km
Jowai is known as the district centre of eastern Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills. Jowai is located in a region surrounded by green hills and plateaus with crystal-clear streams. Read More…
Smit | Distance: 11 km How to Reach By Bus and by taxi
Smit is known as the Khasi culture centre. Smit lies on NH 44, 4 km off the Jowai road from Shillong. The place is also known for the Palace of Hima Khyrim, the last king of the Khyrim and Nongkrem dance. Smit hosts a five-day-long Nongkrem festival annually in November. The festival features animal sacrifices and a curious slow-motion shuffling dance performed in full costume in front of the thatched bamboo `palace` of the local Syiem (ruler). The Nongkrem dance is depicted in tourism brochures as a tribal Khasi dance. Smit is a place worth visiting even if one misses the festival.
Must Dos
Trekking: There are many trekking routes possible from Shillong. Trek and explore the Nongkhnum Isle, the second-largest river island in Asia which offers special attractions.
Mahaseer Fishing: Go fishing at Umiam Lake which is very famous for fishing and is nearest to Ranikor, which is known worldwide for an abundance of carp and huge golden Mahaseer.
Explore the wildlife: Garo Hills west of Shillong are rich in Wildlife. Visit the region and praise nature. One can see the golden cat, golden langur, hoolock gibbon, etc, which are endemic to the state.
Explore the caves: Explore the numerous magnificent caves and caverns near Jowai which were used as hideouts during the war between Jaintia Kings and foreign intruders.
Try Local Cookies and pies: If you have a sweet tooth there is good news for you. Try the cookies, pies, and pastries at Cottage Bakers. They serve the best cookies and pies in the region.
Go shopping: Shillong is famous for its handicrafts so shop for beautiful hand-woven Khasi Shawls, woollens, and beautiful bamboo, wooden and cane handicrafts.
Play and watch the archery game: One should try his hands at the archery game which is held every evening at the Polo ground. It is a spellbinding experience to watch over 60 archers aiming at 90 % accuracy at a wooden dummy.
Try tea at the roadside shops: One should sip a cup of tea at the small roadside tea shops, glistening pots and pans scrubbed to a silvery sheen, the smiling Khasi ladies serving tea in cups made of bamboo.
Try local drinks: Shillong is also popular for some local homemade flavours. One should try these home-based brewers; some of these have high medicinal value.