Rejuvenate Your Soul – 9 Things To Do In Shillong

Introduction

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a stunning city encircled by pine forests and frequently referred to as the “Scotland of the East.” Do you know Shillong gets its name from Lei Shyllong, a deity revered at Shillong Peak? 

Shillong, which is 1525 meters above sea level, is renowned for its customs, picturesque surroundings, and weather. In this charming hill station, you can find descendants of the Khyrim, Mylliem, Maharam, Mallaisohmat, Bhowal, and Langrim clans.

Shillong is home to numerous parks, stunning lakes, cascading waterfalls, and rolling mountains. Not to mention that the regional cuisine and culture are among the finest. Additionally, you can choose from a lengthy selection of stunning Treebo Shillong hotels. Treebo offers some of the most budget-friendly hotels in India. You can choose from 1000+ hotels across 120+ destinations.

While visiting Shillong on your next vacation, here are 9 things you need to ensure you don’t miss while you’re there.

Elephant Falls – Elephant Falls is a breathtaking sight that can be enjoyed with friends or family. The elephant-shaped boulder at the waterfall’s base gave rise to its moniker. These marvelous waterfalls, which are surrounded by luxuriant vegetation, have three distinct cascades.

Your senses will be soothed by the sound of the water’s gentle brushing against the boulders, while your eyes will be delighted by the magnificent view of the falls. Elephant Falls is undoubtedly one of the best locations to explore in Shillong if you’re trying to uncover the best of the region’s natural marvels.

1. Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake, one of Meghalaya’s most famous attractions, is an ideal location for recreation and rejuvenation. The reservoir was constructed on the Umiam River in the 1960s and has since delighted tourists’ senses.

In addition to being a well-liked picnic location for residents and visitors to Shillong, the lake’s breathtaking scenery and turquoise waters make it a perfect location for photographers. You can even engage in exciting water sports like paddling, boating, and cruising here because Umiam Lake is one of the finest tourist destinations in Shillong for adventure.

2. Shillong Peak & View Point

Once you gaze at the endless verdant plains from up here, Shillong Peak will undoubtedly become your preferred location if you enjoy heights for their panoramic views. With a height of 1962 meters, the summit is a fantastic mountaintop viewing location from which you can take in some breathtaking views of the entire city of Shillong.

It is so believed that the god who safeguards the city resides at the summit. It ranks among the most thrilling locations to explore in Shillong because being here is a genuinely refreshing experience.

3. Laitlum Canyons

Laitlum Canyons is one of the incredible treasures that nature has bestowed upon the area, and it’s only a 45-minute journey from Shillong. Laitlum, which is short for “The End of Hills,” lives up to its moniker thanks to the stunning views you can get from here.

Laitlum Canyons is one of Shillong’s less popular tourist attractions and one of the most ideal escape locations if you’re looking for tranquility because it’s far from the city’s bustling streets. This location is very well-liked by photographers and hikers because it is perched amid the peaceful East Khasi hills.

4. Don Bosco Museum

The Don Bosco Museum is one of the finest locations to learn about Shillong and Meghalaya’s tribal cultures and traditions. The museum houses a noteworthy collection of indigenous objects and relics highlighting the region’s cultural diversity and providing a broad view of North East India.

The museum is spread across seven levels and includes 17 halls that showcase antiques, artwork, sculpted figures, and much more. The Don Bosco Museum is one of the top tourist destinations in Shillong for Indian and international visitors, also believed to be Asia’s biggest museum of indigenous cultures of its kind.

5. Ward’s Lake

There are many peaceful spots around Shillong that are great for unwinding. Ward’s Lake is one of the larger ones among those. Locals refer to this horseshoe-shaped lake as Pollock’s Lake, and it is encircled by a garden where you can take pleasure in discovering a diversity of flora.

You can walk around, go boating in the calm lake waters, do some amazing photography or feed the local fish to spend some valuable time here.

6. Sweet Falls

As the name implies, Sweet Falls is the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway with your partner and family, away from the daily grind of city life. Sweet Falls is a stunning cascade located in Shillong’s luxuriant lush forests, making it the ideal place to find some serenity.

This waterfall, which is 5 kilometers away from Happy Valley, is 315 feet tall.  The waterfall has become more widely recognized thanks to the existence of tourist attractions like the Mini Zoo and Butterfly Museum and uncanny legends associated with the location.

7. Sohpetbneng Peak

On your journey to Shillong, there is no better location to experience the ideal fusion of spirituality, peace, and abundance of nature than Sohpetbneng Peak, which is situated just outside of the city. Numerous visitors are drawn to the region year-round by its picturesque views and alluring atmosphere.

The peak is frequently visited by residents as an indication of the Hinniewtrep Tribe’s members’ strong religious devotion to it. The “Navel to Heaven” is how it is described in Khasi legend and tradition. With a height of 1,343 meters, this mountain provides breathtaking views of Shillong and the surrounding jungle, making it a wonderful location for photographers. 

8. Mawphlang Sacred Forest

Mawphlang, one of the many holy forests in the East Khasi Hills, is particularly revered and a popular destination for visitors. A variety of plant and tree types, some of which are thought to be more than 1,000 years old, can be found in the woodland.

To avoid disturbing the deity, the sacred forest has regulations for guests, such as refraining from taking anything from the region. The Mawphlang Sacred Forest is a splendid destination for environment lovers and history buffs traveling to Shillong.

9. Mawjymbuin Cave

Mawjymbuin Cave is one of the widely recognized caves in Meghalaya. Mawjymbuin Cave, which is close to the city of Shillong, is the ideal location for those who are fascinated and traveling to the area. The cave is enveloped by abundant vegetation, and its setting is too scenic to adequately convey in words.

One can be rendered speechless by the cave’s openings and passageways. The chalky sandstone contains a few stalagmites. The largest stalagmite, which is in the shape of Shiv Linga, is the most noticeable one among the stalagmites, making it a holy place for worship.

Quick Note:

→ How much time is enough for Shillong?

Three days are ample for exploring all the main Shillong tourism sites and engaging in a variety of entertaining activities. The first day can be used to explore popular tourist destinations, and the second can be devoted to boating and camping. The final day can be used for street food and buying in the neighborhood markets.

Treebo Shillong Hotels

• Itsy by Treebo – Shillong Tower Guesthouse
• Treebo Trend JKR Residency
• Treebo Trend Omega Stay Inn
•  Itsy by Treebo – Shelter Inn