The gorgeous hill station of Shillong is a fascinating place to spend a couple of days or even a couple of weeks. Unlike many hill stations in India that promise peace and quiet (Lonavala, Nainital, and Ooty, for example), the capital of the northeastern state of Meghalaya, is extremely commercialized, like Gangtok and Shimla. On one hand, you’ll find yourself stuck in traffic jams that last hours, and on the other, you’ll be charmed by the maze of narrow, single-lane roads that snake between houses. The markets teem with people, yet the churches have a peaceful aura about them. You’ll find cuisine from around the world, the most fashion-forward people in the country, passionate music lovers, and at the same time, traditions, culture, and heritage.
What sets Shillong apart is its wonderful balance of city life and nature. Whether you like indulging in food, shopping, trekking or just unwinding lazily, there is something to do for everyone. If you are considering a trip, here are a few interesting things to do in Shillong.
Things to do in Shillong
Enjoy a lazy day at Lady Hydari Park
The Lady Hydari Park is centrally located at Lower Lachumiere in Shillong with fountains and a dedicated kids’ play area. It is one of the most popular things to do in Shillong – offering space for kids to play and the elderly to get their exercise. This sprawling, well-manicured garden sees a lot of tourists, especially in the evenings and on weekends when people enjoy a fun day out with family and friends. What’s more, you can also find a mini zoo and museum within the park that add more charm to the place. Admire the flowers in bloom, watch the ducks paddle in the lake, go boating or simply lay down a rug and read a book, surrounded by a little oasis of green in the heart of the city. You will have to pay a small entrance fee here. And like everything else to do in Shillong, you will have an awful time finding a place to park your car.
Street shopping at the buzzing Police Bazaar
Police Bazaar is one of the busiest and liveliest parts of Shillong. A walk through its buzzing street market that smells of freshly roasted corn is immensely satisfying. You can grab jackets, shoes, souvenirs, groceries, electronics, and more at affordable prices from the many shops at Police Bazaar. Moreover, this centrally located market is also a hub for several restaurants and pubs where you can enjoy sumptuous meals and the city’s mellow nightlife. Pay a visit to Delhi Mistan Bhandar for the food of Delhi, Trattoria for authentic Khasi food, and Ee Cee Bakery for some nice bakes – they are all located at the market. I also picked up various types of fiery chilies from the market to bring home and plant in my garden.
Get enthralled by the scenic view at Ward’s Lake
The picturesque Ward’s Lake can be absolute bliss if you are a nature enthusiast. It is just a 10-minute walk from the Police Bazaar. As you walk around, let the colourful flowers, well-groomed trees, beautiful lake, and the fairy-tale-like white bridge over it mesmerize you. You can even take it a step further by boating in the clear waters of Ward’s Lake. Lastly, add some fun on your visit by dressing up in beautiful traditional Meghalayan outfits (available for rent at the lake-side shop) and posing for pictures.
A peaceful halt at the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral
The blue, high-arched cathedral standing tall in Laitumkhrah is the earliest Catholic Cathedral Church in the region. It evokes a sense of peace and leaves travelers with a feeling of contentment. Regardless of whether you are religious or not, visit the church built in the Gothic style to marvel at its intricate architecture, experience a warm, welcoming spirit, and look at its stained glass windows. You will have to climb up a short stretch of steps to reach the quaint architectural beauty. One in three people in Meghalaya are Catholic, and so you will not only find dozens of churches in Shillong, but you will hear hymns and prayers emanating from the various churches all through the day and the week, lending to this otherwise chaotic city a feeling of harmony and peace.
A walk through Don Bosco Square
The hub of the city’s premier educational institutions and popular food joints, the Don Bosco Square in Laitumkhrah has an infectious youthful spirit. It is a minute away from the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral and is perfect for lodging. Enjoy the short walk to Don Bosco Square with Shillong’s breezy air and rustic lanes for company. Lastly, don’t forget to down some delicious snacks while you are there.
A trip to the mesmerizing Shillong Peak
When you are putting together a to-do list of things to do in Shillong, you cannot leave out the Shillong peak. It presents you with a surreal view of the city draped in a light fog and surrounded by beautiful hills. The highest point in Shillong, 2200 meters above sea level, the Shillong Peak presents a panoramic view of the city and will win your heart at first glance.
Visit the Don Bosco Museum
The Don Bosco Museum is one of the must-dos in Shillong. This culturally rich 7-storey museum gives you an in-depth look into the cultures of the 7 sister states. Each floor of the museum is dedicated to one of India’s Northeastern states and showcases everything from occupations to housing, religion to food habits, facial features of the various tribes, their clothing, weapons and so much more. You can spend anywhere from an hour to half the day at this museum. They are extremely strict about photography, so if you plan on clicking photos, buy a pass for your camera/phone along with your entry ticket. The museum also has a little cafe and a lookout point inside, but neither is impressive.
Try the street food and visit cafes
You can’t say you’ve been to Shillong if you don’t indulge in the excellent street food this hill station has to offer. From momos to chicken chops and Chowmein to BBQ meats – the street food is among the best I’ve ever had. You will find pockets of vendors all over the city, with most of them putting up stalls at Police Bazaar (where the hygiene is questionable). While the street food is undoubtedly better than the food in restaurants and cafes (in my experience), do visit some of Shillong’s well-known cafes. Bob-Dylan-themed Dylan Cafe and ML05 are the most happening ones, and they serve mainly continental fare! Read my blog post on where to eat in Shillong.
Visit Umiam Lake
This picturesque spot is quite popular among tourists who wish to spend a day in nature, but I made do by merely driving past several times during my trip and admiring it from above. This massive lake is 15 km from the main city and is extremely popular among adventure lovers. It is a hub for water sports such as speed boating, kayaking, water skiing, and the like. There are many Khasi legends detailing how this gorgeous lake came to be, but in reality, this man-made reservoir was built for the first hydropower project in North East India in 1965. During the day, the shades of blues and greens will catch your eye, but visit during sunrise or sunset for a view you won’t quickly forget.
Spend an hour or two at Elephant Falls
While most of the waterfalls in Meghalaya can be enjoyed after an arduous trek, this three-tiered waterfall in Shillong can be accessed relatively easily. Upon paying an entry fee and walking a few meters ahead, you will spot the first tier of the falls. Thereafter, climbing down 50 steps will lead you to the second, and 100 steps further will see you to the last of the falls. While the steps are easy to ascend and descend at the beginning, they are rocky, slippery, and uneven toward the bottom. The water, however, is crystal clear and if you are up to going to the bottom for a view of the entire falls, you will find the uphill climb knocking the wind out of you. However, there are benches for you to catch your breath. Once done, treat yourself to Meghalaya’s sweet pineapple slices outside.
Admire the view at Laitlum Canyon
Arguably Shillong’s most beautiful viewpoint, when the weather is clear and there is no mist in the air, Laitlum Canyon promises jaw-dropping views of Meghalaya’s hilly landscape. These canyons are a 45-minute drive away from the main city, but once you park your car, a short 5-minute walk will lead you straight to the vantage point from where you can enjoy sprawling views of rolling, green hills. Apart from a few local vendors selling corn, chips, and pineapples, this spot is not too commercialized, although you will have to pay for parking. Visiting Laitlum Canyon is a hit-and-miss experience, depending on the weather. When there is fog, you will not be able to see more than 10 meters ahead, but alas, you will only find that out once you reach the area. Visiting in the afternoons, as opposed to mornings and evenings will give you a better chance of admiring the view, sans the fog.
I hope you found this list of things to do in Shillong helpful. I’ll share the places I stayed in Shillong as well as the restaurants I ate at in the next post. You can follow me on Facebook. Twitter and Instagram for more travel adventures.