Shillong is even called ‘Scotland of the East’, thanks to the picturesque mountain ranges. Shillong still has some colonial architectural marvels in certain pockets. This colorful city is located on Khasi hills and is a perfect destination to experience the natural beauty and take a challenging trek.

Shillong city

Top 9 things to do in Shillong:

(1) Shillong Peak 

Located at a distance of 10 km southwards of the main city, Shillong Peak is the highest point of Shillong and offers panoramic views of the city, the waterfalls, the Himalayas, the lush green surroundings as well as the Bangladesh plains. The peak has an impressive height of 1962 m, above sea level.

(2) Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake (locally known as Dam sait) is a reservoir in the hills 15 km north of Shillong in the state of Meghalaya, India. It was created by damming the Umiam River in the early 1960s. The principal catchment area of the lake and dam is spread over 220 sq km.

(3) Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls is a two-tier waterfall in Shillong, Meghalaya, India. The mountain stream descends through two successive falls set in dells of fern-covered rocks. This should be included in the list of things to do in Shillong.

(4) Lewduh

Also known as 'Barabazar' is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets and trade centers in the whole of northeast India, Iewduh was originally located in the capital of Hima Shillong - Nongkseh but was later shifted to the present site.

(5) Laitlum Canyon

One of the most amazing and picturesque tourist destinations, perched atop the East Khasi Hills of Shillong is The Laitlum Canyons, which in a literal sense means “The End of Hills” or “The End of The World”. Nestled in the embrace of majestic hills and valleys, The Laitlum Canyons in one such spot from where the vast, verdant and fascinating panorama of Meghalaya could be viewed and admired.

Laitlum Canyon, Shillong

(6) Wards Lake

It is located in the center of Shillong city. The best part of Wards Lake is paddle boating. This lake looks spectacular both in the morning and evening

(7) Lady Hydari Park

This is the major time spending place of Shillong locals during holidays. It is named after the first lady of the state and wife of the Governor of Assam, Lady Hydari. She is said to be a nature lover. The locality is known as Laban. There is no entry fee in Park and Shillong people come with family to have some leisure time.

(8) Police Bazar

It is the main market area of Shillong also known as PB locally. Some people also call it Khyndailad Bazar. It is located in the centre of Shillong. Getting here is also easy as local transport is available anytime. It has some good restaurants for food lovers. Also, you can have the flavour of local street food too. This can be added to the list of things to do in Shillong for shopaholics.

(9) Don Bosco Museum

It comes under DBCIC, which is located in Mawlai Mawdatbaki, 50 km from Shillong Centre and is situated within the Sacred Heart Church. Don Bosco Museum is a theme museum that has a warehouse of information on the entire North-Eastern states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.