A complete, honest guide to Shillong, India — where to go, what to eat, how to get around and the day trips worth your time. Scotland of the East — pine forests, waterfalls & India's rock....
Shillong is a highlight of South Asia, and Shillong is the misty hill capital of India's northeast — pine-clad hills, waterfalls and a famous love of music. Whether you have a long weekend or a full week, this guide helps you plan a trip that balances the must-sees with the moments that make a place stick.
Top things to do in Shillong
These are the sights most first-time visitors build their trip around. Tap each one to add it to your shortlist — it saves as you browse.
Perfect 2–3 days in Shillong
A simple, unhurried plan you can shape around your own pace.
The essentials
Hit the headline sights first — Umiam Lake and Elephant Falls. Break for lunch and try jadoh, then spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere of Police Bazaar.
Go deeper
Go beyond the highlights: see Police Bazaar and Don Bosco Museum, then explore Laitumkhrah at a slower pace. Leave time to sit in a café, browse a market and eat where the locals do.
Beyond the city
With a third day, head out of town — Cherrapunji (Sohra) (living root bridges and waterfalls) is the easy favourite, or swap in Mawlynnong ('Asia's cleanest village').
Ready to book? Turn your Shillong shortlist into reality
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours and day trips for the sights you've saved — booked through Viator (a Tripadvisor company). We may earn a commission.
Book Shillong experiences →Shillong on a budget — costs & money tips
Shillong is very affordable by global standards. Here’s roughly what to budget, per person per day, by travel style — these are indicative estimates to plan around, not fixed prices, and they exclude international flights. Use the currency selector near the top of the page to convert.
dorms/hostels, street food, public transport, mostly free sights
private room or 3★ hotel, a mix of cafes and restaurants, a few paid attractions
4★ hotel, restaurants, taxis when handy, tours and tickets
What things cost in Shillong
- Accommodation£8–£45 / night
- Food£6–£20 / day
- Local transport£2–£8 / day
- Typical attraction£3–£12 / entry
See how Shillong compares with 126 other cities →
Saving money in Shillong
- Street food and local markets are both the cheapest and often the best meals — eat where locals queue.
- Trains and shared local transport cost a fraction of taxis; agree fares before you ride where meters aren’t used.
- Many of the best experiences here are low-cost — temples, markets, walking the old quarters.
Estimates assume mid-2020s prices and a typical exchange rate; high season, festivals and last-minute booking push costs toward the upper end.
Local intelligence — Shillong at a glance
A quick orientation for Shillong. Sunrise and sunset are live for today; connectivity and nomad-friendliness are Wander360 estimates to set expectations, not precise scores.
Staying safe in Shillong
Most visits are trouble-free. Use the same street sense you would in any busy city: keep an eye on belongings in crowds and on transport, use licensed taxis or a rideshare app, agree fares in advance where meters aren’t used, and be wary of unsolicited “help” at ATMs or stations. For up-to-date, authoritative guidance always check your own government’s travel advisory (UK FCDO · US State Dept) before you travel.
For getting around Shillong specifically, see the Getting around section on this page.
Where to stay & neighbourhoods in Shillong
Shillong is really a collection of distinct districts, and where you base yourself shapes the whole trip. Here’s each main neighbourhood — what it’s like and who it suits:
Police Bazaar
Markets and hotels.
Laitumkhrah
Cafés and churches.
Around Ward's Lake
Gardens and walks.
Once you’ve picked an area, you can book tours & tickets in Shillong further down the page.
Food & drink in Shillong
Khasi cuisine — jadoh (rice and pork), smoked meats and fiery chutneys.
Build your Shillong food list — tap the dishes you want to try:
Getting around Shillong
Shared taxis and cabs are the way around the hills.
🚇 Public transport
Usually the fastest and cheapest way around Shillong. Grab a rechargeable travel card or use contactless where supported, and download the local transit app for live times.
🚶 On foot
The centre of Shillong is best explored on foot — it’s how you stumble on the small things. Wear comfortable shoes and keep a map app handy.
🚕 Taxis & rideshare
For late nights, luggage runs or awkward cross-town hops, ride-hailing apps are usually cheaper and clearer than flagging a cab. Confirm the car and plate before getting in.
✈️ From the airport
Check the official airport transfer options before you land — there’s almost always a train or express bus into Shillong that beats a taxi on price.
Best time to visit Shillong
September–May is pleasant; the monsoon is intense (this is one of the wettest regions on earth). Prices and crowds tend to follow the weather, so the shoulder seasons often give the best value.
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for visiting Shillong.
Day trips from Shillong
When you’re ready to venture beyond the city, these make for rewarding day trips:
- Cherrapunji (Sohra) — living root bridges and waterfalls
- Mawlynnong — 'Asia's cleanest village'
Practical tips for Shillong
🧭 Where to base yourself
For a first visit, Police Bazaar is a smart base — markets and hotels. If that’s not your style, Laitumkhrah works well too (cafés and churches).
🍽️ Eat like a local
Don’t leave Shillong without trying jadoh, dohneiiong, smoked pork or local tea. Skip the obvious tourist spots and eat where you see locals queueing.
✨ Don’t miss
Make time for Umiam Lake and Elephant Falls. With a spare day, Cherrapunji (Sohra) (living root bridges and waterfalls) is well worth the trip.
💰 Money & payments
Cards and contactless are widely accepted in Shillong, but carry some local cash for markets, small cafés and tips. Tell your bank you’re travelling and check foreign-transaction fees.
📶 Staying connected
A local eSIM or SIM is cheap and makes maps, transport and translation effortless across Shillong — set it up before you arrive or at the airport.
🛡️ Stay aware
Keep an eye on your belongings in crowds and on transport in Shillong, as you would in any busy city, and keep a digital copy of your passport.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Shillong?
Three to four days is enough for Shillong’s highlights — the main sights plus time to wander Police Bazaar — with an extra day for a trip to Cherrapunji (Sohra) if you can spare it.
What is the best time of year to visit Shillong?
September–May is pleasant; the monsoon is intense (this is one of the wettest regions on earth).
What food is Shillong known for?
Khasi cuisine — jadoh (rice and pork), smoked meats and fiery chutneys.
Where should I stay in Shillong?
Police Bazaar is a great first-time base (markets and hotels). Laitumkhrah is another good option for cafés and churches.
What are the best day trips from Shillong?
Two rewarding day trips are Cherrapunji (Sohra) (living root bridges and waterfalls) and Mawlynnong ('Asia's cleanest village').
How do you get around Shillong?
Shared taxis and cabs are the way around the hills.
