Explore the Top 20 Most Beautiful Shillong Tourist Places — A Perfect Travel Guide for Visitors from Guwahati, Silchar and Beyond!
Are you searching for the best tourist destinations in a scenic hilly region? If you’re looking for the perfect blend of natural beauty and soulful serenity, Shillong Tourist Places should be at the top of your travel bucket list. It’s summer now and Shillong offers the perfect weather — not too hot, not too cold — with temperatures ranging between 21°C to 25°C. That makes it one of the best destinations for a summer vacation.
In this guide, we reveal 20 breathtaking spots in Shillong that will leave you refreshed, inspired, and craving more. Get ready to fall in love with the Scotland of the East!
Shillong Tourist Places: The Top 20 Most Beautiful Spots
1. Laitlum Canyon
What makes it special: Laitlum Canyon which among the best tourist places among Shillong destination. Known as the “End of the Hills,” this dramatic canyon sits almost 24 km from Shillong. This beautiful destination offers sweeping vistas of deep gorges, rolling hills and cloud-kissed valleys
Activities & Tips: Are you an adventures than this is best location. You can trek down stone steps to villages like Ra Song or Smit; perfect for sunrise/sunset photography and quiet reflection. Best visited October–March for clear skies.
How to reach: 1.5-hour scenic drive via Mawpat Road; taxis cost almost ₹1,200–1,400 one-way
2. Elephant Falls
Overview: A beautiful three-tiered waterfall about 12 km from Shillong. Named for a rock that once resembled an elephant, locally known as Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew
Visitor info: A stepped pathway offers access to each tier; best seen post-monsoon.
3. Umiam Lake (Barapani)
- About: A serene man-made reservoir 15 km north of Shillong city, encircled by pine‑topped hills. Created in the 1960s for hydropower .
- Activities: Offers paddle-boating, kayaking and jet-skiing. Ideal spot for picnics, sunrise/sunset photography, and eating at lakeside stalls .
4. Shillong Peak
- Highlight: It is situated 1,965 m, it’s the highest vantage point in Shillong—offering city panoramas and, on clear days, views of Bangladesh.
- Must-do: One can pair it with Elephant Falls or Laitlum Canyon in one day. There’s also a radar station; respect restricted zones.
5. Ward’s Lake
- Charming lake: Ward’s Lake is the most attractive among the Shillong tourist Places. It centrally located in Police Bazaar, this artificial lake is surrounded by landscaped gardens, cobbled paths and paddle boats.
- Family-friendly: Open daily 8:30 am–7 pm. Enjoy feeding fish, strolling under floral archways or relaxing on benches.
6. Mattilang Park (Upper Shillong)
- Highlights: A manicured park overlooking Elephant Falls, perfect for picnicking and scenic pauses adjacent to the waterfall. It is located 12.1 Kilometer from Shillong by road. It opens from 10 am to 6 pm. It just need Rs 20 fees for per person.
7. Mahadev Khola Dham
- What it is: A peaceful 150 years old Shiva temple along Lawsohtun (NH40), surrounded by evergreen forests and flowing river. Just 5 kilometers uphill from the heart of Shillong, the temple that feels like a hidden gem in the clouds. Set against the peaceful backdrop of the Umshyrpi River, this beautiful spot isn’t just a place of worship—it’s a story in itself. Every year, thousands of travelers and devotees make their way here, drawn by the temple’s calm energy and the stunning views surrounding it. If you’re in Shillong, this is one place you won’t want to miss.
- Visiting tips: No footwear inside; open 7 am–7 pm, no entry fee.
8. Spread Eagle Falls
- Elegant waterscape: The waterfall situated just 3 Km away from Shillong, which become simple and easy for local as well tourist to reach the tourist place and feels the scenic nature. Spread Eagle Falls named for its wing-like cascade and surrounded by pine—ideal for quick visits. The waterfall is also known as Sati Falls Shillong. As you arrive, you’re welcomed by the powerful sight of water cascading from nearly 100 feet above—a truly awe-inspiring moment. Spread Eagle Falls in Shillong is a two-tiered waterfall, and at the base lies a natural pool where visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim, embraced by the soothing calm of nature.
- Activities: It is an ideal spot for a relaxing picnic, quiet birdwatching, or simply unwinding amidst the peaceful sounds of flowing water. If you’re in the mood for adventure, the area around Spread Eagle Falls also offers some great hiking trails.
9. Sweet Falls
- The Sweet Waterfall is just 5 KM far from Happy Valley Shillong. It is hidden in the hurt of the Meghalaya’s hill. What sets Sweet Falls apart is its sheer vertical drop—around 315 feet—making it one of the steepest waterfalls in Meghalaya. As the water plunges powerfully down the cliff, it forms a long, white cascade that almost looks like a ribbon suspended in the sky. It’s mesmerizing from a distance and even more breathtaking up close.
- The road to Sweet Falls is a bit rugged, so a private vehicle or taxi is recommended. And while the view is unforgettable, caution is essential—the rocks can be slippery, and the path near the falls is steep with no guardrails.
- Monsoon & Post-Monsoon (June–September):
This is the best time to witness the falls in all their glory. The flow is at its strongest, and the forest around it turns a vivid green.
10. Lady Hydari Park
In this small zoo you may see deer, Himalayan black bears and Various exotic birds. Inside the park, you’ll find a beautifully designed Japanese-style garden, complete with: Arched bridges, Stone walkways, Peaceful water features.
Garden oasis: If you’re in Shillong and craving a calm escape without straying too far from the city, Lady Hydari Park is your perfect stop. A botanical park near Police Bazar in Central Shillong, near the Governor’s Residence with fountains, pine groves and even a small zoo—ideal for strand and location strolls.
11. Air Force Museum
Hidden gem: Located near Shillong Peak, this niche museum displays model aircraft, pilot helmets, uniforms, and aviation history.
12. Butterfly Museum
Nature treasure: India’s only museum dedicated to butterflies, featuring preserved specimens that highlight Meghalaya’s rich insect biodiversity.
- Best Visit time for the museum is March to June from Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 1 PM on Saturday & Closed on Sundays. The museum is just 10 minutes far from Shillong Bus Stand. People can visit here on foot.
13. Shillong Golf Course
Why visit: Even non-golfers love the scenic 18-hole layout and peaceful green setting.
What it is: Known as the “Gleneagles of the East,” it’s one of Asia’s oldest natural golf courses, framed by pine and rhododendron trees. The origins of the Shillong Golf Course go all the way back to 1898, when it was set up by a group of elite British Civil Service officers. Initially a 9-hole course, it was later expanded into a full 18-hole course in 1924 by CK Rhodes and Captain Jackson.
14. Chrysalis Art Gallery
- About: A vibrant gallery in Police Bazaar curated by local artist Jaya Kalra, showcasing NE Indian paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts. It is located on the second floor of Salonsar Mansion in Police Bazar, East Khasi Hills. It is among the best tourist as here you can experience the art works of northeast region.
- Ideal for: Art lovers and cultural shoppers.
15. David Scott Trail
- Trail facts: David Stock is one of the Meghalaya’s oldest stretching, 16 km trek situated 25 km from Shillong. It is at 4,892 ft from sea level. It winds through lush forests, rolling hills, sacred groves, quaint Khasi villages and the River Umiam. Highlights include ancient stone bridges, natural pools, and a reconstructed hanging bridge over Umiam, originally built by the British military. If you are great lover of trek, adventurous then this tourist place is for you.
- Experience: Great for hiking, photography, and experiencing Khasi rural life.
16. Crinoline Falls: Shillong’s Hidden Blue Heaven
- Crinoline Falls also known as Blue Heaven Falls. This waterfall is a picturesque 40-foot tucked away near Lady Hydari Park in Shillong, Meghalaya. So it you visit the park you may experience the beauty of the waterfall. it is surrounded by lush forest and vibrant orchids, the falls form a natural pool perfect for a refreshing swim.
- Accessible via a short forest trek, it’s an ideal escape for nature lovers seeking peace and beauty. Are you a adventures than this most beautiful Shillong tourist places is for you. Visitors can enjoy picnics, photography, and the soothing sound of cascading water. With a nearby restaurant and occasional evening events, Crinoline Falls offers both serenity and a touch of local culture.
Also read: 10 Best Places to Visit in Meghalaya: Top Meghalaya Tourist Places
17. Ever-Living Museum
Practical info: Entry ₹25; open daily 11 am–5 pm.
Highlights: A private cultural museum near Mawshbuit, displaying tribal artifacts, bamboo crafts, and rural utensils .
18. Lewduh Market (Bara Bazar), Shillong
It is Tucked in the heart of Shillong. Lewduh Market (Bara Bazar), isn’t just a marketplace; it’s a living, breathing piece of Khasi culture. As the oldest and largest traditional market in Meghalaya, it offers an unforgettable dive into the sights, sounds, and soul of local life. Lewduh (pronounced Lay-doo) means “common people’s market” in the Khasi language, and that’s exactly what it is. From tribal elders selling forest herbs to young entrepreneurs peddling local snacks, every corner of this bustling bazaar tells a story.
19.Lumpongdeng Island
Lumpongdeng Island is a hidden gem located in the Indian state of Meghalaya. Which is nestled within the Umiam Lake (also called Barapani Lake) near Shillong. It the beautiful tourist places of Shillong. You can see the boat house near the island. It is just 15km-20 km from the Shillong city.
About Lumpongdeng Island:
- Location: Umiam Lake, Shillong, Meghalaya
- Type: Small scenic island in the middle of a freshwater lake
- Accessibility: Reachable only by boat or kayak from the Umiam Water Sports Complex or Lumpongdeng boat point.
20. Madina Mosque
Fact box: Madina Mosque, Shillong is a unique four-storey Sunni mosque in Meghalaya, known as India’s only glass mosque and reportedly the first of its kind in Asia. Inaugurated on 18 October 2012, it can accommodate over 2,000 worshippers, making it the largest mosque in Northeast India.
