Heading to Guwahati for your next vacation? Then add the scenic city of Shillong to your trip as well. Less than 3 hours away, the road to Shillong is by far one of the smoothest drives you will ever take, and the accompanying natural beauty only adds to the pleasure of the journey. 

Clubbing Shillong with Guwahati will provide a wonderful contrast to your trip in terms of landscape, people, culture, food, and activities. In this article, we’ve covered the best places to visit, things to do, places to stay, and other useful tourist information for both destinations. 

EXPERIENCE A DELIGHTFUL CONTRAST IN CITIES

Guwahati is a bustling port city situated beside the Brahmaputra River. Among all the places in Assam, Guwahati is one of the entertaining tourist destinations for visitors coming to Northeast India. Guwahati is popularly known for its temples and river cruises. A cosmopolitan outlook, ponds, palm trees, and single-storey traditional houses are the first few visuals you come across when in Guwahati. It seems like the elders in the society of Guwahati can never be wrong. They once named Guwahati Pragjyotishpur (Light of the East), and we believe that Guwahati has lived up to this title. Guwahati is the largest city in the northeast and blends in the old colonial charm with concrete structures. The best time to visit Guwahati is between October to March.

A Guwahati tour is incomplete without a visit to its temples

Shillong on the other hand is a pretty and serene hill station and the capital of Meghalaya. Shillong’s landscape is so similar to the Scottish Highlands that it’s often referred to as the “Scotland of the East.” There are various places of tourist attractions in Shillong that magnetize visitors from all around the world. Tourists are attracted to this hill city of Shillong for picturesque vistas and pleasant weather year-round. However, the best time to visit Shillong is between September and May.

Shillong is known for its scenic vistas

OVERVIEW OF A GUWAHATI–SHILLONG 7-DAY ITINERARY

Below is what a typical itinerary for Guwahati and Shillong for a week looks like. It covers all the popular places at a leisurely pace, ensuring that you spend more than 2 days at both Guwahati and Shillong. 

Day 1. Guwahati

Day 2 and 3. Guwahati sightseeing

Day 4. Guwahati - Shillong

Day 5 and 6. Shillong sightseeing

Day 7. Shillong - Guwahati

Sightseeing tours include visits to temples, waterfalls, caves, villages, and even a trek to the iconic living root bridges. Click on any of the packages below to see the full details.

POPULAR ASSAM-SHILLONG PACKAGES

Magical Meghalaya

Explore Guwahati to Shillong

Splendors of North East India

Assam and Meghalaya Honeymoon Tour Package

Road from Guwahati to Shillong

ACTIVITIES

Both Guwahati and Shillong have plenty of activities to indulge in for every type of traveller, be it adventure, leisure, or cultural experiences. Some of the things to do in Guwahati include enjoying water-based activities such as boat cruises, rafting, and kayaking; visiting its numerous temples; and touring its museums, parks, and shopping centres. There are also many historical sites that are worth a visit too.

Shillong is abundant in natural beauty and its many parks and lakes provide welcoming spots for relaxation. Nature trails and village tours are also high on the list among the many things to do in Shillong. 

Brahmaputra River Cruise

Take a boat ride at Ward's Lake, Shillong

5 BEST HOMESTAYS IN GUWAHATI

Prabhakar Homestay, Guwahati: Prabhakar is a charming homestay for the discerning traveler. In the style of a boutique hotel, this cozy and comfortable bed and breakfast has four beautifully furnished ensuite bedrooms. 

Sanjiwani Homestay, Guwahati: Considered one of the finest guest houses in Guwahati, it is centrally located and offers traditional Assamese food besides Indian and Continental cuisines.

Baruah Bhavan Guest House, Guwahati: This quaint Assamese-style mansion exudes old-world charm. The first floor of this heritage home has been transformed into an ethnic-style modern guest house.

Eagles Nest Homestay, Guwahati: Eaglenest Homestay can be reached within 10 minutes from the Guwahati Airport and in 30 minutes from Guwahati Railway Station. This property enjoys proximity to the famous Deepor Beel, which is a wetland and a freshwater lake.

Madhumita's Homestay, Guwahati: If you're looking for a relaxing stay with stunning views, this is the ideal place. The room is spacious and clean and comes with a beautiful terrace garden. The host is delightful and a wonderful cook.

Discover more homestays in Guwahati

 5 BEST HOMESTAYS IN SHILLONG

Pine Hill Homestay, Shillong: Pine Hill Homestay is a small independent family-run homestay in Shillong. Stay in a home where there’s a host to welcome you and introduce you to the local culture of Meghalaya. 

Pine Air, Shillong: Pine Air Bed & Breakfast offers a unique alternative stay experience and is located on the outskirts of Shillong. 

Cafe Shillong B&B, Shillong: Housed in a typical 70-year-old Shillong bungalow, Café Shillong Bed & Breakfast offers visitors a charming stay in one of Shillong’s premier localities in the heart of the city. 

Kaizun, Shillong: This bed and breakfast offers a tranquil rest from the busy city of Shillong. It is just a 2-minute walk from the beautiful city landmark of Wards Lake and the iconic governor’s residence of Shillong.

Bo Ville, Shillong: Experience the touch of a grand old house with its aesthetic wooden touch, lush gardens, and modern amenities that shouldn’t leave you wanting for anything more. It is tastefully refurbished and has a cottage-like feel to keep you cozy in Shillong.

Discover more homestays in Shillong

HOW TO GET FROM GUWAHATI TO SHILLONG

By taxi: You can take a shared or private taxi. It can cost anywhere between INR 2000-4000.

By bus: This is the cheapest way to get to Shillong. Catch any of the chartered buses of Assam State Transport Corporation. The fare starts from INR 170 per person.