Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya and the main city of the East Khasi Hills district, is a well-known tourist place in Northeast India. It’s called the ‘Scotland of the East’ because of its natural beauty which includes the mermerizing waterfalls, hills, and landscapes that look like Scotland, which amazed the people from all over the world.
Here are 10 must visit places in Shillong that you should not miss :
UMIAM LAKE
The Umiam Lake in Meghalaya is a famous and relaxing place. This lake is a reservoir which was built on the Umiam River in the 1960s and has been a popular spot for visitors. It is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend some quality time.
LAITLUM CANYONS
Laitlum Canyons, a stunning natural attraction, is only 45 minutes away by car from the main city of Shillong. The name ‘Laitlum’ means ‘The End of Hills,’ which perfectly describes its breathtaking panoramic views. It’s one of Shilong’s most beautiful places, gifted by nature.
WARD’S LAKE
Shillong has many peaceful and beautiful spots, and one of them is Ward’s Lake. It is known locally as Pollock’s Lake. It’s horseshoe-shaped and has a garden with lots of different plants. One can experience the beautiful cherry blossom in Ward’s Lake in the months of November and December.
SWEET FALLS
Sweet Falls is a great place for a relaxing break with your family. It’s a beautiful waterfall in Shillong’s green forest and a perfect place for some moments of peace.
ELEPHANT FALLS
Elephant Falls is a beautiful place to visit and a perfect place for a family picnic or a weekend trip with friends. It’s named after a rock at the bottom that looks exactly like an elephant. This place is among the best places to visit in Shillong.
SOHPETBNENG PEAK
Sohpetbneng Peak, just outside Shillong, is a great mix of peacefulness, beauty, and spirituality. It’s a popular spot for its amazing views and attracts many tourists throughout the year. Standing at 1,343 meters high, it offers amazing views of the forests and Shillong, making it a favorite place for people who love photography.
BISHOP FALLS
Bishop Falls is the 22nd tallest waterfall in India, falling from a height of 443 feet. It has three levels and is near another big waterfall called Beadon Falls. Both the waterfalls flow into the Umiam River. The area around the waterfall is full of rough land and green forests, making it a beautiful place for photos. As it’s close to Shillong’s main city, Bishop Falls is a favorite picnic spot for locals, especially on weekends, to take a break from city life.
MEGHALAYA STATE MUSEUM
Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum, also called the Meghalaya State Museum, is a place that celebrates the culture and traditions of Meghalaya’s tribes like the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo. It was created in 1975 and is named after Captain Williamson Sangma. The museum has more than 2500 items showing the way of life, customs, and traditions of these communities.
MAWSYNRAM
Mawsynram, 61 kms south of Shillong, is known as the wettest place in the world and is even rainier than Cherrapunjee. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and perfect for a weekend trip. The name ‘Maw’ means ‘stone’ in Khasi and refers to special stone formations found there. The village is famous for a big stalagmite shaped like a ‘Shivling’. It is a must-visit place in Shillong
MAWLYNNONG
Mawlynnong, a small village 90 km from Shillong in Meghalaya, is known as ‘God’s own Garden.’ In 2003, Discovery India named it the cleanest village in Asia. It’s a beautiful place with green valleys, clear rivers, orchids, and clean roads. Mawlynnong has nice weather all year, and it looks even more beautiful in the monsoon season. The village is also famous for its living root bridges, well-educated tribal locals, strong women, and friendly people.