Facebook Instagram Whatsapp

Shillong & Nearby Attractions

Shillong

  • Shnongpdeng – Kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, ziplining, camping, and cliff jumping.
  • David Scott Trail – Historic multi-day trek.
  • Nongjrong – Famous sunrise viewpoint where clouds fill the valleys below.
  • Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek – Thrilling bamboo bridge trek along a cliff leading to the “King of Stones.”
  • Wari Chora – Boat rides through a dramatic sandstone gorge, one of Meghalaya’s fastest-growing adventure destinations.
  • Krem Chympe – Khadum Falls
  • Nongriat Village – Double Decker Root Bridge
  • Shillong – The “Scotland of the East,” famous for its pleasant climate, colonial charm, cafés, and panoramic viewpoints.
  • Ward’s Lake – A picturesque artificial lake ideal for boating and leisurely walks.
  • Shillong Peak – The highest point in Meghalaya offering panoramic views of Shillong city.
  • Elephant Falls – Three-tiered waterfall and one of Meghalaya’s most visited attractions.
  • Lady Hydari Park – Beautiful Japanese-style gardens with a small zoo.
  • Don Bosco Museum – One of Asia’s finest museums dedicated to the cultures of Northeast India.
  • Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians – A striking Catholic cathedral known for its architecture.
  • Golf Course – Historic 18-hole golf course surrounded by pine trees.
  • Air Force Museum – Displays aircraft, military history, and aviation exhibits.

Dawki & Jaintia Hills

  • Dawki – Famous for the crystal-clear Umngot River.
  • Umngot River – Boating on one of India’s clearest rivers.
  • Shnongpdeng – Adventure tourism hub for kayaking, snorkeling, cliff jumping, and camping.
  • India-Bangladesh Border (Tamabil) – Popular border viewpoint.
  • Borhill Falls – Scenic waterfall near Dawki.
  • Phe Phe Falls – Beautiful twin waterfall hidden inside Jaintia Hills.
  • Krang Suri Falls – One of Meghalaya’s most stunning turquoise waterfalls.
  • Tyrshi Falls – Multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by paddy fields.
  • Lalong Park – Viewpoint overlooking Jowai valley.
  • Smit Village – Viewpoint overlooking Jowai

Caves

  • Siju Cave – One of India’s longest limestone caves.
  • Krem Liat Prah – Among the longest cave systems in the Indian subcontinent.
  • Krem Mawmluh – Cave with underground streams and geological significance.
  • Krem Dam – Beautiful cave system for experienced explorers.
  • Krem Chympe – Less explored limestone cave.

Historical & Cultural Attractions

  • Nartiang Monolith Park – One of the largest collections of ancient monoliths in India.
  • Nartiang Durga Temple – Historic Shakti shrine linked to the Jaintia Kingdom.
  • Jowai Presbyterian Church – Historic colonial-era church.
  • Khasi Heritage Village (Mawphlang) – Showcases traditional Khasi architecture and culture.

Hidden Waterfalls

  • Bophill Falls – Secluded waterfall near Dawki.
  • Langshiang Falls – One of the tallest waterfalls in Meghalaya.
  • Rymben Falls – Quiet waterfall surrounded by forest.
  • Bishop Falls – Tall waterfall near Shillong.
  • Beadon Falls – Adjacent to Bishop Falls and easily accessible.
  • Sweet Falls – One of the highest and steepest waterfalls near Shillong.
  • Spread Eagle Falls – Also known as Sati Falls, popular for photography.
  • Rngain Falls – Offbeat waterfall in the East Khasi Hills.

Cherrapunji (Sohra)

  • Cherrapunji (Sohra) – Famous for heavy rainfall, waterfalls, caves, and living root bridges.
  • Nohkalikai Falls – India’s tallest plunge waterfall.
  • Seven Sisters Falls – Spectacular multi-stream waterfall during the monsoon.
  • Dainthlen Falls – Waterfall associated with Khasi folklore.
  • Mawsmai Cave – Easy-to-explore limestone cave with impressive formations.
  • Arwah Cave – Limestone cave containing visible marine fossils.
  • Eco Park – Offers sweeping views of the Bangladesh plains.
  • Khoh Ramhah (Mottrop Rock) – Giant rock formation linked to Khasi legends.
  • Thangkharang Park – Scenic viewpoint overlooking Bangladesh.

Living Root Bridges

  • Nongriat Double Decker Living Root Bridge – Meghalaya’s most iconic natural root bridge.
  • Rainbow Falls – Crystal-clear waterfall reached via a trek beyond Nongriat.
  • Single Living Root Bridge (Nongriat) – A naturally woven bridge created by rubber fig tree roots.
  • Mawlynnong Living Root Bridge – Easily accessible root bridge near the clean village.

Mawlynnong Region

  • Mawlynnong – Known as one of Asia’s cleanest villages.
  • Sky View Tower – Bamboo tower offering views of Bangladesh.
  • Balancing Rock – A natural rock balancing on a small base.
  • Riwai Village – Traditional Khasi village with a living root bridge.

Sacred Forests

  • Mawphlang Sacred Forest – Ancient protected forest preserving rare medicinal plants and Khasi traditions.

Adventure & Nature

  • Laitlum Canyon – Dramatic cliffs offering breathtaking valley views.
  • Mawkdok Dympep Valley – Deep gorge famous for viewpoints and ziplining.
  • Wei Sawdong Falls – Multi-tiered turquoise waterfall reached by a short trek.
  • Lyngksiar Falls – Scenic waterfall hidden near Sohra.
  • Wah Kaba Falls – Beautiful roadside waterfall.
  • Kynrem Falls – One of India’s tallest waterfalls.
  • Mawphlang Dam – Quiet reservoir ideal for picnics.
  • Umiam Lake (Barapani) – Popular destination for boating, kayaking, and water sports.
  • David Scott Trail – Historic trekking route through forests and villages.
  • Sohpetbneng Trek – Spiritual and scenic hiking trail.
  • Sohbar Bridge – Nongjri.
  • Pung lyer falls

Garo Hills

  • Tura – Headquarters of the Garo Hills with scenic landscapes.
  • Nokrek Biosphere Reserve – UNESCO Biosphere Reserve rich in biodiversity.
  • Nokrek National Park – Home to rare orchids, red pandas (historically reported), and wild citrus.
  • Pelga Falls – Popular picnic spot.
  • Rongbang Dare Waterfall – Scenic roadside waterfall.
  • Sasatgre Village – Traditional Garo village experience.
  • Chibragre – Riverside eco-tourism destination.
  • Wari Chora – Spectacular hidden river canyon with emerald waters and boat rides.

Adventure Tourism

  • Shnongpdeng – Kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, ziplining, camping, and cliff jumping.
  • David Scott Trail – Historic multi-day trek.
  • Nongjrong – Famous sunrise viewpoint where clouds fill the valleys below.
  • Mawryngkhang Bamboo Trek – Thrilling bamboo bridge trek along a cliff leading to the “King of Stones.”
  • Wari Chora – Boat rides through a dramatic sandstone gorge, one of Meghalaya’s fastest-growing adventure destinations.
  • Krem Chympe – Khadum Falls
  • Nongriat Village – Double Decker Root Bridge
FAQ

Frequently AskedQuestions

Is Meghalaya expensive?

Not necessarily. Budget travel can be quite affordable, while private taxis, premium stays, and popular destinations such as Cherrapunji/Sohra and Dawki can raise costs.

Carry some cash because smaller towns, roadside shops, homestays and some rural areas may have unreliable card/UPI acceptance. For a 3–4 day trip, ₹3,000–₹6,000 per person in cash is a reasonable backup, while keeping additional money digitally.

Yes. Shillong, Mawlynnong, Umiam, Sohra and several waterfalls are family-friendly. Be cautious around slippery trails, cliffs and strong waterfalls, and avoid unnecessarily demanding treks with very young children.

Yes. Shillong and the main tourist circuit are manageable solo, although having a local driver is often more convenient. For remote areas and longer treks, local guides are strongly recommended.

Consider Nongriat, Shnongpdeng, Mawlyngbna, Phe Phe Falls, Krang Suri, Wari Chora, Kongthong village (also known as whistling village) and Mawsynram. Some are less crowded but require extra travel or walking.

Nohkalikai Falls, Krang Suri Falls, Wei Sawdong Falls, Elephant Falls and Dainthlen Falls are excellent choices. During the monsoon, waterfalls are especially dramatic, but trails can become slippery.

Shillong has a surprisingly good café scene, especially around Laitumkhrah and Dhankheti. Based on current listings and recent traveller/local recommendations, these are my picks-
1. Dylan's Café.
2. Cherrry bean Café.
3. BreadCafe.
4. CLICK CAFE SHILLONG.
5. THEROYS.

Yes, alcohol is legally available through licensed establishments and shops. Availability and opening hours can vary, and dry days may apply.

Try Jadoh, Dohneiihong, Doh Khlieh, Tungrymbai, Kappa and local smoked-meat preparations.

Look for Khasi/Jaintia handicrafts, bamboo and cane products, handwoven textiles, Meghalaya honey, local spices, tea and traditional food products. Buy directly from artisans when possible.

It depends heavily on the itinerary. Shillong sightseeing involves little walking, while places such as Nongriat's living root bridges involve substantial stair climbing. Since waterfalls and caves are not next to main roads, you need to walk a little. Each sightseeing spot involves different level of walking.

Yes, but keep it focused. Shillong + Sohra is possible but makes the trip considerably more rushed. A 4–6 day trip is better for experiencing Meghalaya properly.

Yes, but it isn't the easiest way to explore the tourist circuit. Shared taxis, buses and local transport operate around Shillong and other towns, but private taxis are much more practical for sightseeing and remote destinations.

For views, look at accommodation around Shillong's hill areas, Cherrapunji/ Sohra and Dawki. In Sohra especially, choosing a property on a ridge overlooking the valleys can make a major difference.

Don't pack an overambitious itinerary, underestimate driving times, ignore weather changes, wear unsuitable footwear, rely entirely on digital payments, or treat waterfall/ cliff areas casually. Do not litter and respect local customs and community rules.

Roads can be steep, winding, narrow and affected by rain or fog during monsoon season. Mountain driving can take much longer than the map suggests. If you're not comfortable driving in hills, hire a local driver rather than attempting the entire circuit yourself.

It varies substantially by vehicle, route, season and whether you hire the taxi for individual transfers or an entire day. For a multi-day tourist circuit, package/day rates are usually more useful than thinking in terms of individual kilometers. Always confirm what fuel, driver allowance, parking and extra kilometers are included.

Yes , very easily. A popular itinerary combines Guwahati → Shillong → Sohra → Dawki/Jaintia Hills → back toward Assam, with Kaziranga National Park added before entering Arunachal Pradesh. This trip will eventually finish at Guwahati.

Nongriat village for Double Decker Root Bridge, Mawlyngbna famous for split rock, cliff jumping and river trekking, Shnongpdeng, Dawki, caves around Sohra, Mawsynram, Krem Chympe for Khadum Caves and Bamboo trekking. Jaintia Hills also offer trekking, kayaking, caving, cliff/valley experiences and other outdoor activities.

Laitlum Canyon, Nohkalikai Falls, Wei Sawdong, Krang Suri, Mawryngkhang, Nongriat, Dawki/Shnongpdeng, Umiam Lake and the living root bridges are among the strongest choices. Early morning and late afternoon generally offer better light.

Yes, but expect crowds and higher demand. Shillong is particularly lively around Christmas and New Year. Book accommodation and transport well ahead, and allow extra time for traffic. If you want a quieter experience, stay outside the busiest parts of Shillong.

Scroll to Top