11 Best Places to Visit in Shillong and Cherrapunji

Located in Meghalaya, Shillong is considered among the best honeymoon destinations in India. Shillong is a hill station and capital of northeastern state of Meghalaya, and it is otherwise called the abode of clouds. The road trip on Guwahati-Shillong road is meant for nature lovers.

Shillong is known as Scotland of East, which has an awesome charm that makes this place unique. It is one of the best tourist destinations in summer in India for a couple.

The vibrant capital of Meghalaya is full of color and energy with British-inspired architecture found throughout. Shillong is also known as the Scotland of the East as the beautiful hills and lakes resemble those in Scotland. The heart of the city is called Police Bazar and is an ideal place for budget shopping and plenty of idyllic cafes to relax in.

The serene Umiam Lake and Elephant Falls offer a quick escape from the city; cabs are easily available. Lady Hydari Park and Shillong Golf are ideal places to relax and soak in the goodness of nature. If you're looking for a real adventure, then get onto an ATR and head to the valleys in Shillong. There are Seven Sister Falls, Umiam Lake, Elephant Lake, Spread Eagle Fall, Shillong View Point, Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, etc.

Check out the beautiful Umiam Lake for a picnic, or go on a daring adventure with your partner by exploring the Mawsmai caves - all while enjoying the rolling hills and landscapes.

1. Wei Sawdong

Take a cab from Bada Bazar to witness one of the wettest places on earth. Naturally, the place is clean and green. The best thing you can do here is waterfall hopping. Aside from waterfalls, the other main attraction of the city is its double-decker natural bridges that are made from living roots and are said to be over 200 years old.

The hiking routes here are also pretty awesome, given that you have to cross rivers and streams through centuries-old natural bridges.

Cherrapunji also Sohra is the most wettest places on earth and is famous for its spectacular waterfalls, which fall on huge cliffs throughout the town like the Wei Sawdong Fall. There are the Kynrem Waterfalls, the Seven Sisters Waterfalls, the Mawsmai Cave, the Daiñthlen Falls, the Arwah Cave, the Wei Sawdong Waterfall and much more.

2. NohKaLikai Falls

The most impressive are Nohkalikai Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in India which emerge from a wooded ravine and fall 340 m along a rock face. During the monsoon, the flow of water that precipitates into the abyss is 20 times greater and the noise is deafening.

Another reason to visit the northeast is Cherrapunji, where you can observe the Nohsngithiang Falls or Mawsmai Falls. It serves as the best thing during the monsoon season.

3. Living Root Bridge

Perhaps the most famous Khasi tradition is the creation of living root bridges of Meghalaya, woven with the aerial roots of huge fig trees of the jungle. The Living Root Bridge is yet another reason for you to come and visit Northeast India. It is a bridge that's naturally made up by the roots of trees which is used for humans to pass through the inflated river.

4. Double Decker Living Root Bridge

Cherrapunjee is close to the most famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Several of these impressive natural wonders can be visited in the Nongriat village on a tricky tour of the centuries-old paths used by villagers selling areca nuts in Shillong. In the Khasi mountains there are more bridges of these, reminiscent of Lord of the Rings.

You need to go down thousands of steps to see the Double Decker Bridge. The hike will take approximately 5 hours to complete a trip. Spend the night at the base of the mountain where there is accommodation. It can be physically exhausting to go down thousands of steps, but the landscape that can be seen is priceless. You will see lush greenery, flowing rivers, butterflies fluttering and much more.

5. Rainbow Falls

Also, climb for an hour to the Rainbow Falls, which are supposedly very picturesque and highly recommended by all hikers and locals alike. Also, bring swimwear if you want to take a dip in the creek. The road is complicated, and many visitors prefer to see the waterfall from afar, from the viewpoint on the outskirts of Sohra.

6. Umiam Lake

20 km before reaching Shillong is Umiam Lake. This lake is basically a reservoir upstream of the Umiam river. It is the perfect place to go for a picnic, boating or kayaking.

7. Wankhar Entomology Museum

Shillong is where you will observe more than 250 species of butterflies. During the monsoon season, you can clearly soothe your eyes with lush valleys filled with vibrant flowers and a fine pattern of butterflies. You’ll find butterflies like the Blue Peacock, the Common Blue Bottle, the Kaiser-E-Hind, Leafs-Butterfly, the Dipper, the Bhutan Glory, the Yellow Orange Tip, Vagrant, and the Red-Breast Jezebel.

8. Don Bosco Museum

Don Bosco Museum you can visit here whole North – Eastern India culture by visiting this seven story building exhibition hall spread out with 17 displays. The museum exhibits a wide collection of regional artwork, attires, handicrafts, photographs and weapons.

9. Elephant Falls

Shillong is the best place considered for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurous. The valleys become firm during the monsoons, making it easier to walk, trek, and hike. You can get your desired privacy, walk around the bazaars, explore the waterfalls and lush valleys, stay for a while at the Ornate Bridge over the amazing Wards lake, and so much more.

There are many things to do in Shillong. The road from Shillong to Mawphlang also goes towards Shillong Peak and Elephant Falls. Only 15 km outside Shillong, the most famous waterfalls are the Elephant Falls. Elephant falls is the most famous tourist places in shillong, which is 12 km away from city, can be easily reached by public transport. It is a collection of three smaller falls which eventually merge into one.

The water cascades down on three levels and you have to go down the stairs from the top to see each level. Other falls include Shadthum Falls, Weinia Falls, Bishop Falls, Langshiang Falls and Sweet Falls. It is encompassed by Khasi and Jaintia hills. This town has rich green valleys and grand lakes. There are various falls, lakes, museum, with some other appealing spots.

10. Mawsmai Cave

Meghalaya is home to some amazing and mysterious cave systems and Mawsmai Cave is by far the most popular of the lot. At a distance of 4 km from Sohra, Mawsmai Cave is a beautiful limestone cave located at Sohra in the Indian state of Meghalaya. The best natural cave existing in India. The paths are very narrow and droplets of water make this experience very realistic. The pitch dark environment inside is a treat for wanderlusts.

The well lit caves are a view to behold when the glistening lights meet with the limestone to create countless hues and patterns of light. Though the caves are quite long, only a distance of 150 meters is open for tourists while the remaining section is closed. This magnificent natural wonder is the handiwork of years of natural erosion and underground water. There is plenty of flora and fauna within the cave to catch one's attention.

11. Laitkor Peak

Shillong peak is the highest peak of Meghalaya, which is 1966 feet above from the sea level. Shillong Peak offers 360-degree view of the Shillong city, perfect for nature lovers, photographers and trekkers. It is situated in the Air force base, so for the security reasons camera and some other unlawful stuff aren’t permitted here. It is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Every traveller wants to bring back some souvenir with them as a souvenir is a reminder of all the good times they had in that place. You might also want to take back some gifts for your loved ones, to give them the essence of the place you visited. Police Bazaar is the heart of Shillong and also the busiest place in the city. The market is dotted with clothing stores, cafes, and handicrafts. It is also the hub for nightlife in Shillong. The market is open from 8 am to 9 pm.

Bara Bazar is less of a tourist site and more of a marketplace for locals. It is one of the largest markets and is famous for thrift shopping. With products ranging from INR 100 to 1K, you can really test your bargaining skills here. The market is open from 7 am to 9 pm.

Laitumkhrah Market is more of an upscale marketplace in Meghalaya where you'll find western-influenced stores and cafes. Venture deep and you find fresh fruits and vegetables at a reasonable price thanks to the local farmers that come from the nearby villages to sell their own harvested product. The market is open from 10 am to 9 pm.

How to Reach Meghalaya
Air: The only airport in Meghalaya is in Umroi, which is around 35 km from Shillong but is not well connected with other cities in India, because of which people opt for Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati that is 128 km from Shillong. From here you can take a shared cab to Shillong, which are available right outside the airport.

Railway: There are no railway stations in Meghalaya. The closest railway station is in Guwahati, which is approximately 100 km away from the capital. Taxies to Shillong and other major parts of Meghalaya are easily available outside the railway station.

Road: There are direct buses to Shillong running from all major cities of Northeast and Siliguri (North Bengal). Though time-consuming, roadways can be economical.