Overview
The Scotland of the East
Shillong earned its nickname from British-era visitors reminded of the Scottish Highlands — rolling pine ridges, cool weather year-round, and a hill station that grew up around Ward's Lake and Elephant Falls. It's still Meghalaya's cultural capital, with a music scene, lively cafés along Police Bazaar, and Khasi markets selling everything from wild honey to bamboo handicrafts.
Shillong is also the easiest base for Meghalaya's signature sights: the living root bridges around Sohra (Cherrapunji), reportedly the wettest place on earth, and the crystal-clear Umngot river at Dawki near the Bangladesh border.
Best time to visit
September to May is most comfortable, with clear skies and cool nights. The monsoon (June–August) brings the heaviest rain in the world to nearby Sohra — dramatic to see, but expect frequent downpours and slippery trails if you visit then.
Things to do
- Walk the double-decker living root bridge at Nongriat, near Sohra
- Kayak or boat on the transparent Umngot river at Dawki
- Row a boat on Ward's Lake, right in the middle of town
- Visit Elephant Falls and the Shillong Peak viewpoint
- Browse Khasi handicrafts and street food at Police Bazaar and Iewduh market
Getting there
Shillong is about 100 km from Guwahati (roughly 3 hours by road) and has its own small airport at Umroi with limited flights. Most visitors fly into Guwahati and drive up.
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