Shillong

The Scotland of the East!

Any conversation about Shillong often evokes images of a mist-covered hill town shaped by colonial legacies and contemporary cultural rhythms. Bright sunshine frequently breaks through drifting clouds to illuminate bustling, colourful markets, while the sound of blues or jazz music carries from cafés and pubs, reflecting the city’s enduring musical identity. During autumn, cherry blossoms transform parts of the city into soft hues of pink, adding a fleeting seasonal beauty to the urban landscape. Shillong is widely known as “The Scotland of the East!”, a name given because the rolling meadows, pine forests, and small waterfalls surrounding the city once offered comfort to homesick Englishmen during their time in India.

Although Shillong is one of the smaller cities in India by size, it carries the presence and cultural depth of a much larger urban centre. This character is shaped largely by the warmth, openness, and distinct traditions of its residents, as well as by the city’s natural setting within the Khasi Hills. Over time, Shillong has developed into one of the most important cultural and economic hubs in Northeast India, balancing administrative significance with artistic expression. For travellers exploring Shillong Meghalaya, the city presents a rare blend of everyday life and creative energy set against a backdrop of forested slopes and shifting skies.

Often described as a hidden jewel among the hills, Shillong’s beauty is frequently veiled by mist and low-lying clouds, which enhance rather than obscure its hill-station charm. These atmospheric conditions create constantly changing views and lend the city a contemplative rhythm that rewards slower exploration. The city is best visited after the heavy monsoon rains have subsided, when the landscape appears refreshed and accessible. October is considered the prime month to visit, offering clear views, pleasant weather, and a quieter pace well suited to travellers seeking cultural depth rather than spectacle.

Activities in Shillong

Heritage Walk in Shillong - One of the most immersive ways to understand Shillong is through an expertly guided heritage walk that traces the city’s colonial past and architectural legacy. Typically lasting between two and three hours, these walks explore key neighbourhoods while narrating the social and political history that shaped Shillong during the British Raj. A heritage walk often begins at the historic Ward’s Lake and may extend to a short trek leading toward the Lyngiong Sacred Grove, offering a blend of urban heritage and natural space.MORE

Excursions to Cherrapunjee - Now known as Sohra, Cherrapunjee once held the title of the wettest place in the world before it passed to the nearby town of Mawsynram. Despite this change, Sohra continues to receive extraordinary rainfall, sustaining one of the greenest landscapes in India. Located approximately 55 kilometres from Shillong, this elevated plateau offers expansive panoramic views over forested valleys and distant plains.MORE

Excursions to Mawlynnong - The village of Mawlynnong gained international attention in 2003 when it was recognised as the cleanest village in Asia, a distinction it continues to uphold. Located around 90 kilometres from Shillong, Mawlynnong is often referred to by locals as “God’s garden,” reflecting both its appearance and community values. The village remains immaculate due to the collective efforts of its roughly hundred residents.MORE

Umden Village Excursion - Situated about 70 kilometres from Shillong, the small village of Umden lies quietly among the Khasi hills. While it may initially appear similar to neighbouring settlements, Umden holds a distinctive identity as the centre of ethical and sustainable Eri silk production. The village is home to the Bhoi people of the Khasi tribe and represents one of the rarest textile traditions in India.MORE

Night Life in Shillong - Despite being one of India’s smaller cities, Shillong is widely recognised for its vibrant nightlife and music culture. Music plays a central role in local identity, and the Police Bazar area becomes particularly lively after dark, with sounds ranging from blues and jazz to contemporary dance music. Café Shillong is a popular venue for dinner and live performances, and visitors may even encounter local blues icon Lou Majaw during an evening set.MORE

Golfing in Shillong - Golf was introduced to Meghalaya in 1898 during the British period and has remained an integral part of Shillong’s recreational culture. The Shillong Golf Club, established in 1924, features an expansive 18-hole course located roughly 20 minutes from the city’s main market area.MORE

Attractions in Shillong

Elephant Falls
One of the features that reminded the British so strongly of Scotland was the abundance of waterfalls around Shillong, and Elephant Falls, located about 12 kilometres from the main city, was among their favourites. The waterfall’s Khasi name, Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew, translates to “Three Steps Waterfall,” referring to its tiered structure. The British later gave it the English name Elephant Falls after a rock formation that was believed to resemble an elephant.
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Umiam Lake
Umiam Lake was formed in the 1960s when the Umiam River was dammed as part of a hydroelectric project. Located approximately 15 kilometres from Shillong, the lake—locally known as Barapani—covers an expansive area of around 220 square kilometres, making it one of the largest artificial lakes in Northeast India.
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Ward's Lake
Ward’s Lake, located in the heart of Shillong, is one of the city’s most frequented attractions, valued for both its history and its tranquil setting. Locally known as Nan Polok or Pollock’s Lake, it was constructed in 1894 and lies close to the Raj Bhavan and the Governor’s residence, just a short distance from Police Bazar.
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Local Market – Paltan Bazar
Also known as the Big Market or Bara Bazar, Paltan Bazar is a sprawling network of lanes and shops that remains lively throughout the day. The market is organised into sections, including vegetable, fruit, poultry, and dry fish markets. Visitors are encouraged to sample local snacks from street vendors before exploring, as the sheer scale of the area can be demanding.
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Lady Hydari's Park
Lady Hydari’s Park, situated within Shillong, provides a peaceful green space characterised by landscaped gardens, a small lake, Japanese-inspired structures, and willow trees whose branches sweep close to the ground. The park also houses a mini zoo—the only one in the city—along with a small biodiversity museum. The zoo includes a modest but varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, and a dedicated deer park.
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