- Shillong is one of the few places in India that follows a matrilineal system, where the youngest daughter inherits the ancestral property and the family name is taken from the mother.
- The city was the capital of the composite state of Assam during the British Raj and served as a summer retreat for officials seeking refuge from the heat of the plains.
- It is recognized as the music capital of India, with a deep-seated culture of rock and blues music influencing local social life since the 1960s.
- The city is home to one of the oldest golf courses in India, the Shillong Golf Course, which is nestled in a natural valley surrounded by pine and rhododendron trees.
About Shillong
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters, earning it the historical moniker 'Scotland of the East' for its rolling hills and pine forests. It serves as the educational and cultural hub of Northeast India, characterized by its colonial-era architecture and deep-rooted Khasi heritage. Visitors often explore the quiet pathways surrounding Ward's Lake or delve into indigenous history at the Don Bosco Museum. The city's topography is defined by the surrounding Laitkor Peak at Shillong View Point, offering panoramic views of the clouds and valley below. Urban life integrates seamlessly with nature, evidenced by the proximity of the sprawling Upper Shillong Forest to the city center.
Highlights of Shillong
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Witness the water cascading down three distinct tiers surrounded by dense forest foliage.
Museums
Explore seven floors of exhibits documenting the rich cultural history and diverse tribal traditions of Northeast India.
Temples
Visit this iconic blue-roofed cathedral that serves as one of the largest and oldest churches in the region.
Places of interest
Access the highest point in the city for an expansive view of the surrounding hills and the distant Himalayan peaks.
Parks
Walk through this well-maintained garden featuring a mini zoo and an extensive collection of local orchids.
Natural attractions
Relax by this horseshoe-shaped artificial lake located in the heart of the city, framed by colorful flower beds.
Temples
Observe the distinctive architecture of this landmark mosque, which stands as a prominent place of worship in the Laban area.
Museums
Discover a unique collection of military memorabilia and historical artifacts curated by the Assam Regiment.
Top things to do in Shillong
The 255 highest-rated places in Shillong, ranked by travellers.
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Places of interest
Elephant Falls is a three-tiered waterfall system located in Upper Shillong, known locally as 'Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khoh...
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Parks
Upper Shillong Forest is a high-altitude, temperate forest reserve situated on the southern outskirts of Shillong, Megha...
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Museums
The Don Bosco Museum is a seven-story hexagonal structure that serves as a comprehensive repository of Northeast Indian...
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Temples
The Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians serves as the mother church of the Archdiocese of Shillong, perched atop a hill...
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Places of interest
Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point serves as the primary gateway to the Sohra (Cherrapunji) region from Shillong. It provi...
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Places of interest
The Umshiang Double-Decker Living Root Bridge is a bio-engineered structure created by guiding the aerial roots of Ficus...
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Places of interest
Umiam Lake, locally known as Barapani, is a sprawling reservoir created by a dam on the Umiam River in Meghalaya, India....
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Shillong View Point is the highest point in the Shillong area, located within the premises of the Eastern Air Command of...
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The Garden of Caves, locally known as Ka Bri Ki Synrang, is a geological site featuring a network of natural caves, wate...
10
Parks
Lady Hydari Park is a Japanese-style garden located in the Lachumiere area of Shillong, named after the wife of a former...
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Venues
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Shillong on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Shillong
March to June, as the weather remains pleasant and mild, avoiding the heavy monsoon rains that characterize the region from July to September.
2-3 days, sufficient to explore the city's key museums, parks, and nearby waterfalls.
Taxis are the primary mode of transport within the city, as the hilly terrain makes walking difficult for longer distances.
Police Bazaar is the central hub for travelers due to its high density of hotels and connectivity, while Laitumkhrah offers a quieter, more residential experience near local cafes.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining options cater to a variety of budgets, though transport costs can fluctuate based on local availability.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 255 curated attractions in and around Shillong, ranked by traveller ratings.
Elephant Falls, Shillong is the highest-rated place to visit in Shillong right now.
The largest category is temples, with 197 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bangalore, Howrah, Kottayam.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.