Explore Shillong

About Shillong
Best Time to Visit Shillong
Plan your trip around the right season
Why visit
Best window for Shillong - monsoon clears out, cherry blossoms appear in October-November, waterfalls are still full, and skies are open. Ward Lake and Elephant Falls are most pleasant in this period.
Keep in mind
Long weekends from Guwahati and Kolkata spike hotel prices. Book ahead for October trips.
Why visit
Spring is mild and pleasant before the rains return. Good for Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong day trips with clear roads. Shillong Peak views are at their sharpest.
Keep in mind
Easter weekend is very busy. Good guesthouses near Police Bazar fill up fast.
Show other seasonsHide other seasons
Why visit
Cold but clear winter months. Christmas and New Year see a good festive atmosphere given the region's large Christian population.
Keep in mind
Fog can slow hill drives. Carry warm layers - nights get quite cold.
Why visit
Living root bridges near Cherrapunji are at their most dramatic. Waterfalls are at full force.
Keep in mind
Meghalaya is among India's wettest regions. Landslides and flooded roads are frequent. Not practical for most travelers.
Why visit
Best window for Shillong - monsoon clears out, cherry blossoms appear in October-November, waterfalls are still full, and skies are open. Ward Lake and Elephant Falls are most pleasant in this period.
Keep in mind
Long weekends from Guwahati and Kolkata spike hotel prices. Book ahead for October trips.
Why visit
Spring is mild and pleasant before the rains return. Good for Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong day trips with clear roads. Shillong Peak views are at their sharpest.
Keep in mind
Easter weekend is very busy. Good guesthouses near Police Bazar fill up fast.
Why visit
Cold but clear winter months. Christmas and New Year see a good festive atmosphere given the region's large Christian population.
Keep in mind
Fog can slow hill drives. Carry warm layers - nights get quite cold.
Why visit
Living root bridges near Cherrapunji are at their most dramatic. Waterfalls are at full force.
Keep in mind
Meghalaya is among India's wettest regions. Landslides and flooded roads are frequent. Not practical for most travelers.
How to Reach Shillong
Intercity connectivity and travel options
Umroi/Shillong Airport (limited flights); most use Guwahati airport (~120 km) then Sumo taxi 3 hr; no broad-gauge rail in Meghalaya.
Getting Around Shillong
Local transport and practical tips
Getting Around
Black-yellow taxis, app cabs within town; shared Sumos for Cherrapunji/Dawki tours.
Quick Tip
Book Guwahati–Shillong seat day prior Sundays; landslides delay monsoon transfers.
Best Areas to Stay in Shillong
Pick the right neighbourhood for your trip
Police Bazar
First-time hill capitalPedestrian evenings, live music pockets, and taxi stands for Cherrapunji.
Laitumkhrah
Cafes + student-town vibeBookstores, bakeries, and gentle uphill walks to wards Cathedral.
Laban / Upper Dhankheti
Families + viewsResidential ridges overlooking valleys without Police Bazar noise.
Must-Visit Places in Shillong
Editor-curated must-visit attractions and landmarks in Shillong



