Shillong, commonly known as the Scotland of the East, is a beautiful hill station nestled in the northeastern corner of India and can be an absolute delight to all those who wish to admire its beautiful topography, gorgeous green valleys, gushing waterfalls and rich cultural heritage. Average, all year-round temperature, situated in the Khasi Hills; Shillong is a canvas of picturesque beauty; also known as the Scotland of East. As a nature lover, adventure freak, culture and history lover, Shillong holds something special to all of you. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 attractions in Shillong that will make your time in the city unforgettable and absolutely special.

1. Umiam Lake: A Tranquil Retreat

Distance from Shillong City Center: 15km
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon

Umiam Lake or so called Barapani is the most famous tourist attraction near Shillong and frequently the first step of anyone coming to this city. Built as a man-made reservoir with its rustling hills and thick woody forests, and, it is an escape in itself due to its serene inviting environment as you kiss the busy lifestyle of the city farewell.

The lake is characterized with quiet, crystal-clear waters that mirror the adjacent hills which result in a beautiful and peaceful scenery. Activities that can be done by the visitors include boating, kayaking and speed boating. One can even rent a boat and leisurely sail through the placid waters with the fascinating Meghalaya sceneries all around. It also has beautiful gardens with the walking tracks around the lake so it is perfect place to relax with family or friends as well as a picnic place.

This is magical especially in early mornings and evenings, as the mist comes up the lake and the cool breeze created, enhances the beauty of the place. The Umiam Lake would be ideal to nature lovers, photographers, tourists who want to get away to enjoy a quiet place and appreciate the beauty of the demography.

2. Elephant Falls: Nature’s Majestic Cascade

Distance from Shillong City Center: 12km
Best time of visit: Monsoon (to have a greater waterfall)

Elephant Falls is a very famous tourist destination in Shillong and is a beautiful three tier waterfall providing a panoramic scene of the falling water through the rocks and into a tranquil pool at the center. The view is called the Elephant Falls because a rock formation close to the falls looked like an elephant, but such fame has since been washed away by time. About 12 km away from the city center, the waterfall is enclosed in dense forests to the northwest of the city and has a serene and gorgeous scene.

During the monsoon season the waterfall is even more spectacular as it flows stronger. They can make a short hike to come even nearer the bottom of the falls and feel the fresh mist that is spread all over the place.The rain forest region around the falls is green and suitable to nature walks, and photography.

There are three levels where people can watch the falling waters and each of these locations gives a different view of the scenery. Elephant Falls is the place that is suitable both to people exploring nature, who like photography, or just want to relax in a calm environment.

3. Shillong Peak: The Highest Point of the City

Distance from Shillong City Center: 10km
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or Sunset

The highest point in the city is the peak of Shillong which rises to a height of 1,965 meters (6,447 feet). It provides panoramic sceneries of the city, the neighboring Khasi Hills, and the distant Umiam Lake. This perspective is ideal to capture panoramic view with breathtaking scene of Shillong and green surroundings, especially at sunrise and sunset time.

The hike to the summit is not a very difficult one and one can hike or drive to the summit. On reaching the top you will be able to see a small temple to the local god, and the place is frequently shrouded in mists, which enhances its mysticism. The panorama is especially exquisite when viewed in early mornings after the city is illuminated by the soft golden rays of the sun.

The Shillong peak is not only a wonderful place to view the landscape but also a spiritual place to the Khasi people who consider the peak a worship place. Shillong Peak is a must visit destination when you want to view the scenic beauty of Shillong in a birds eye view.

4. Mawphlang Sacred Forest: A Glimpse of Spiritual Ecology

Distance from Shillong City Center: 25km
Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year

The Mawphlang sacred forest, huddling just 25 km away, is a remarkable yet a spiritual tourist spot where people go to feel more inclined with nature and the local culture. The Khasi tribe uses the forest as the home of spirits and ancestors. The people of Khasi have been watching over the forest over the past centuries and this forest has not experienced deforestation and therefore considered a hotspot of biodiversity.

Mawphlang Sacred Forest is the excellent location that one could encounter the beauty of nature in Shillong, but it is also a chance to learn about the strong attachment of the Khasi tribe to nature and their belief system. It is a serene and informational place with a glimpse of Shillong native custom and religious dealings.

5. Don Bosco Centre of Indigenous Cultures: Cultural Deep Diving

Distance from Shillong City Center: 5km
Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year

The Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures is highly recommended to people who are interested in knowing different cultures of Northeast India. The museum is located in the city of Mawlai, which is about a few kilometers towards city center, and it is dedicated to native tribes of Meghalaya, the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia tribes being the primary of them.

The museum contains an enormous amount of artifacts, such as traditional clothes, tools, musical instruments, and religious artifacts. Every exhibit gives an elaborate description of the history, traditions, and everyday lives of the aboriginal tribes of the region. The center also presents the art and architecture of the region and it gives the visitors a chance to know more about the rich cultural heritage of Northeast India.

Alongside the museum, one can also find a viewpoint at Don Bosco centre where we could have a panoramic view of the city of Shillong and the hills surrounding it. This is an ideal place to have a view as well as to explore more of the tribal history of the region. This center is informative to culture enthusiasts, history and curious observer of these indigenous peoples of Shillong.

Conclusion: A City of Natural Beauty and Cultural Richness

Shillong is a cool destination with scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage that can be experienced by any kind of traveller. The city has it all, be it the peace of Umiam Lake, the scenic Elephant Falls, the Don Bosco Centre, which may teach you about the rich native cultures.

Shillong possesses a distinctive cultural identity together with the natural beauty and making it a remarkable destination in Indian Northeast. Whether it is the calm tranquility of the Mawphlang Sacred Forest or the panoramic views of the Shillong Peak, each site you visit in Shillong provides the memory of a magic experience.

Shillong has been an attraction to nature lovers, adventure seekers and even cultural junkies as beauty of the landscape and richness of indigenous culture, gets married in it, and this would make it an unforgettable place to travel. Be it a quick visit or a longer vacation, these are some of the top 5 places to visit in Shillong that must definitely be included in the list of places to visit to make the most out of your visit to Shillong, a beautiful hill station in north-east India.