bigtravelbuzzShillong is a beautiful hill station located in the northeast state of Meghalaya, India. It’s known for its rolling hills, scenic waterfalls, and vibrant culture, making it a popular tourist destination.
Some of the top attractions in Shillong include:
- Elephant Falls: This scenic waterfall is a popular spot for picnics and sightseeing, surrounded by lush green vegetation and beautiful rock formations.
- Shillong Peak: This is the highest point in the state of Meghalaya, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Wards Lake: This scenic lake is surrounded by lush gardens, making it a popular spot for picnics, boating, and birdwatching.
- Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures: This museum showcases the rich culture and heritage of the northeast region, including its various tribes and communities.
- Lady Hydari Park: This beautiful park is home to a range of exotic plants and flowers, as well as a stunning aviary, making it a popular spot for families and nature lovers.
These are just a few of the top attractions in Shillong, offering a glimpse into the rich culture, natural beauty, and scenic landscapes of this charming hill station.
Best Time To Visit Shillong
The best time to visit Shillong is between October and May, when the weather is cool, dry, and pleasant. During this time, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C, making it ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and exploring the local culture.
In the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, Shillong experiences heavy rainfall, which can make some roads and attractions difficult to access. However, this is also a beautiful time to visit, with lush green landscapes, stunning waterfalls, and vibrant wildflowers.
In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 30°C, making it hot and humid. This may not be the best time to visit, but it’s still possible to enjoy indoor activities, such as visiting museums and cultural attractions.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Shillong is between October and May, offering the perfect combination of cool weather and scenic beauty.
Things to do in Shillong
Shillong is a vibrant hill station with plenty of things to do and see. Here are some of the top things to do in Shillong:
- Explore the local culture: Shillong is home to a rich and diverse culture, with plenty of opportunities to experience traditional music, dance, and art. Visit the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures or attend a performance at the Shillong Arts and Culture Society.
- Visit scenic waterfalls: Shillong is surrounded by a range of stunning waterfalls, including Elephant Falls, Bishop Falls, and Sweet Falls. Take a leisurely hike or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
- Take in the natural beauty: Shillong is surrounded by rolling hills, lush green forests, and scenic valleys, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Take a hike, go rock climbing, or simply go for a scenic drive.
- Enjoy local cuisine: Shillong is known for its rich and diverse cuisine, with plenty of options for food lovers to choose from. Try some of the local dishes, such as Jadoh, Dohneiiong, and Nakham Bitchi.
- Visit the Shillong Peak: This is the highest point in the state of Meghalaya, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Take a scenic drive or hike to the top and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views.
These are just a few of the top things to do in Shillong, offering a glimpse into the rich culture, natural beauty, and scenic landscapes of this charming hill station.
How to Get Around in Shillong
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. Here are a few ways to get around in Shillong:
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available and a convenient option for getting around Shillong. You can book a taxi from your hotel or hail one on the street.
- Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation in Shillong. They are cheap and offer a convenient way to get around the city.
- Buses: The Meghalaya Transport Corporation operates a number of buses in Shillong, connecting different parts of the city.
- Private Cars: You can also rent a private car or a jeep to explore the city and its surroundings.
- Bicycles: Bicycles are a great way to explore Shillong and its surroundings. You can rent a bicycle from one of the many shops in the city.
Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, it’s always a good idea to plan your route in advance and be aware of the traffic conditions.
Where to eat in Shillong
Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is known for its rich cultural heritage and delicious food. If you are looking for places to eat in Shillong, here are some popular options:
- Cafe Shillong: This is a popular cafe that serves a variety of Indian and continental dishes.
- The Indian Coffee House: A classic eatery that serves authentic Indian coffee and a range of Indian and local dishes.
- Foodvilla Restaurant: This restaurant is known for its authentic North-Eastern cuisine, including dishes such as bamboo shoot pickle and smoked pork.
- Asian Kitchen: This restaurant serves a variety of Asian dishes, including Chinese, Thai and Japanese cuisine.
- Big Bite: This is a popular fast food chain in Shillong that serves a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and other fast food items.
- The Hungry Bear: This is a popular bakery that serves a variety of baked goods, including cakes, pastries, and breads.
These are just a few of the many great dining options available in Shillong. You are sure to find something to suit your taste and budget!
Famous street stalls in Shillong
Shillong has a vibrant street food scene, and there are several famous street stalls that are popular among locals and tourists alike. Here are a few of the most famous street stalls in Shillong:
- Momos House: This street stall is known for its delicious momos (steamed dumplings), which are popular in North-Eastern India.
- Roll House: This street stall serves a variety of rolled foods, including egg rolls, spring rolls, and momo rolls.
- Bamboo Shoot Pickle Stall: This stall is known for its delicious bamboo shoot pickle, a popular North-Eastern dish made from young bamboo shoots.
- Smoked Pork Stall: This stall is known for its smoked pork, a popular North-Eastern dish that is often served with rice.
- Street Food Stall at Police Bazaar: The street food stalls at Police Bazaar are famous for their wide variety of street food, including fried snacks, chaats, and other local delicacies.
These street stalls are popular for their tasty and affordable food, and are a great way to experience the local culture and cuisine in Shillong. Keep in mind that street food may not always be the safest option for food due to hygiene concerns, so be careful and use your discretion when trying street food.
Where to stay in Shillong
Luxury accommodation
Shillong is a popular tourist destination, and there are several luxury accommodations available to cater to the needs of visitors. Here are a few of the most popular luxury accommodations in Shillong:
- The Polo Tower: This is a 5-star hotel that offers luxurious rooms and suites, along with a range of facilities and amenities, including a fitness center, a spa, and a restaurant.
- The Lily of the East: This is a boutique hotel that offers elegant rooms and suites, along with a range of facilities, including a restaurant, a garden, and a spa.
- The Royal Heritage Tripura Castle: This is a heritage hotel that offers luxurious rooms and suites, along with a range of facilities, including a restaurant, a spa, and a lounge.
- The Rainforest Resort: This is a eco-friendly resort that offers luxurious rooms and cottages, along with a range of facilities, including a restaurant, a spa, and a garden.
- The Ri Kynjai Resort: This is a luxury resort that offers spacious rooms and cottages, along with a range of facilities, including a restaurant, a spa, and a pool.
These are just a few of the many luxury accommodations available in Shillong. Whether you are looking for a stylish boutique hotel or a luxurious resort, you are sure to find a suitable option to suit your needs and budget.
Budget accommodation
If you are looking for budget accommodation in Shillong, here are some options you can consider:
- Hotel Pinewood: This hotel offers basic rooms at affordable prices, and is located close to major tourist attractions in Shillong.
- Hotel Swiss: This hotel provides comfortable and clean rooms, and is known for its friendly staff.
- Hotel Willow Banks: This budget hotel is located in the heart of Shillong and offers clean and spacious rooms at affordable prices.
- Hotel Polo Towers: This hotel is located near the famous Shillong Polo Ground, and provides basic but comfortable rooms at reasonable prices.
- YMCA Guest House: This guest house is run by the Young Men’s Christian Association, and offers budget-friendly accommodation options.
It is always a good idea to check online reviews and compare prices before making a booking, to ensure you find the best budget accommodation option for your needs and preferences.
Travel Tips Shillong
Here are some travel tips for visiting Shillong, India:
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Shillong is from October to May, as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
- Getting around: Shillong is a small city and you can easily get around by walking, taking a taxi, or using local shared taxis or auto-rickshaws.
- Local cuisine: Try the local dishes such as “Jadoh” (a type of rice dish), “Dohneiiong” (a type of smoked pork dish), and “Nga at the Shillong Bazaar, which offers a range of local foods and snacks.
- Respect local customs: Shillong is a culturally rich city, and it is important to respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Safety: Shillong is generally a safe city, but it’s always a good idea to take basic safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
- Cash and ATMs: Carry enough cash with you, as not all places accept card payments. ATMs are widely available in the city, so you can withdraw money as needed.
- Dress modestly: When visiting religious sites, it is advisable to dress modestly and cover your shoulders and legs.
- Local markets: Visit the local markets in Shillong, such as Police Bazaar and Bara Bazaar, to purchase souvenirs and experience the local culture.
- Local tours: Consider taking a local tour to explore the scenic beauty and cultural richness of Shillong and its surrounding areas.
- Climate: Shillong has a moderate climate, but it can get chilly in the evenings, so carry a light jacket or sweater with you.