21 Tourist Places to Visit near Shillong

Named after the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya, the Khasi Hills form part of the Garo-Khasi range and are a component of the broader Patkai hill range, spanning the Indo-Myanmar border in India's northeast. Characterized by deep valleys and pointed peaks, these hills are renowned for hosting the Sohra or Cherrapunjee scarp, one of the world's wettest regions in terms of annual rainfall. Within this remarkable area lies Nongkhum island, the second largest river island in Asia. 

Distance from Shillong: 46 km

Best Time: October - April

Hidden deep in the lush, green forests of the wettest place in India: Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya; one can find the magnificent Jingkieng Nongriat Double Decker Living Root Bridge; more commonly known as the Umshiang Double Decker Living Root Bridge or simply just the Double Decker Root Bridge.  This area is famous for root bridges made of Indian Rubber Tree, but the Double Decker Bridge is the most famous of all due to its large size. 

Distance from Shillong: 70 km

Dawki, nestled in the Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India, has emerged as a sought-after destination for adventurers craving untouched landscapes. Renowned for its surreal scenery, the town boasts the mesmerizing Umngot River, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters that afford a view of the riverbed from the surface.

Distance from Shillong: 81 km

Best Time: October - April

The fourth highest waterfalls in the world, Nohkalikai falls plunge some 335 meters from a verdant cliff to the ground giving the portrayal of immense and natural magnificence. The pride of the state of Meghalaya, the falls are one of the most beautiful and grand waterfalls in the country. Tucked in between the evergreen rainforest of the Khasi Hill and flowing with all its majesty and might, the falls plunges into a lagoon that is as blue as the afternoon sky.

Distance from Shillong: 54 km

Named after an Elephant like stone at its foot, the Elephant Falls are amongst the most popular falls in the North-East, situated next to Shillong. It is a tourists' paradise with three layers of the falls accessible to the layman from different vantage points. The Britishers named this fall so owing to the presence of an elephant-shaped rock on one side of the fall. However, the stone disintegrated and was washed away due to an earthquake in 1897. 

Distance from Shillong: 12 km

Some 78 km away from Shillong, a unique giant rock made out of red granite, Kyllang Rock is a giant dome placed in the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. The Rock which is 5400 ft above sea level and has a width of around 1000 ft is a mammoth block of granite which is part of the Khasi folklore and seems beautiful in its shape. A hike to the top of Kyllang Rock allows you to treasure the marvellous landscape of the surrounding area.

Distance from Shillong: 52 km

Part of the former Jaintia Kingdom, the Jaintia Hills is a land of majestic hills filled with rich natural vegetation and mineral deposits. It is situated in Meghalaya and is part of the Patkai hill range that extends across the Indo-Myanmar borders. A relatively smaller hill district as compared to the Khasi and Garo Hills, the Jaintia Hills still amazes travellers with its pristine lakes and lush greenery. 

Distance from Shillong: 75 km

Best Time: March - June

Located in the southern Garo Hills in Meghalaya, about 167 Kms from Tura, Balpakram National Park lies at an elevation of about 3,000 feet above the sea level. The Park is a famous national park which is well known for its pristine beauty. The word Balpakram means the 'land of perpetual winds', and the national park is blessed with charming grace and breathtaking scenes.

Distance from Shillong: 218 km

Known For : Thrills Fun Park Umiam Lake Lum Nehru Park

Nongpoh, located 60 Kms from Guwahati in Assam and 51 Kms from Shillong is a petite town to be found to the North of the East Khasi Hills. Situated very close to the gorgeous Brahmaputra plains, this location is quite a favourite as a stopover before reaching Shillong from Guwahati.

Distance from Shillong: 53 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

6 Nongpoh Attractions

Known For : Tryshi Falls Nartiang Monoliths Krang Suri Falls

Located in the Jaintia Hills district, Jowai located at a distance of 66 Kms from Shillong, is famous for its bucolic setting and breathtaking views with the perfect mix of heritage and culture. Jowai, much like Cherrapunji prides itself in being a destination much loved for a scenic drive and boasting of lakes, vast open valleys and waterfalls. The Thadlaskein Lake and Lalong Park are the famous tourist hot spots while Syntu Ksiar is also a popular destination on the shores of river Myntdu. 

Distance from Shillong: 63 km

Best Time: October to Mid May

12 Jowai Attractions

Mawjymbuin Cave is situated in Mawjymbuin village in Mawsynram (the wettest place on earth) in Cherrapunji and is a religiously significant site. Made of calcareous sandstones and having numerous stalagmites (formed as a result of calcium carbonate depositions, weathering and dripping of mineral enriched liquid), the 209-metre high cave is of special interest to geologists who conduct special researches here. 

Distance from Shillong: 59 km

Mawlynnong is a small village situated around 90 km from Shillong in the East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya and is also known as God's own Garden. It was declared as the cleanest village in Asia in 2003 by Discovery India which certainly which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Indian state. Mawlynnong village is a community-based ecotourism initiative where the entire community made collective efforts in making and maintaining the cleanliness of the village.

Distance from Shillong: 78 km

Sohpetbneng, situated at 1,343 meters above sea level, is a serene hill that offers an ideal connection with nature. Known as the "navel of heaven" in the local language, it holds spiritual significance and provides breathtaking panoramic views of Shillong. This tranquil spot is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst natural beauty and is revered by locals for its sacred symbolism.

Distance from Shillong: 20 km

Situated on the western side of Shillong lies the Diengiei Peak, 6200 ft in altitude, just 200 ft shorter than the tallest peak in Shillong, the Shillong Peak. For a height of about 1000 ft, the gradient of Diengiei Peak is very steep and precipitous which makes for excellent mountain climbing.

Distance from Shillong: 42 km

Jakrem is a famous hot water spring of sulphur, located about 64 km from Shillong. Popular as the land of hot springs amongst the locals. Jakrem is blessed with sulphur springs believed to have curative medicinal properties. The site has slowly developed into a health resort that is visited by people from far and wide to take a dip in the hot spring and spend some time detoxifying themselves. Jakrem is also a favourite picnic spot in the region during the winter with bathing compartments built for the public.

Distance from Shillong: 70 km

Mawphlang, home to Meghalaya's Sacred Forest, is a beautiful village situated 25 kilometres away from Shillong, the capital city of the north-east Indian state of Meghalaya. The village lies in the district of East Khasi Hills and is famous for its sacred groves. The village is named Mawphlang as it is one of the several monoliths in the Khasi Hills. The name Mawphlang means Grassy Stone (Maw phlang) and is a land of legendary stories, sacrifices and unique culture. 

Distance from Shillong: 26 km

The Nohsngithiang Falls, located at a distance of about 4km from Cherrapunjee, is one of the tallest waterfalls in India and a major tourist spot in Cherrapunjee. Since it is situated in the Mawsmai village of the East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya, it is also known as Mawsmai Falls. The Nohsngithiang Falls falls from a height of about 1033 feet, segmented into seven different sections, giving it the epithet of Seven Sister Waterfalls. 

Distance from Shillong: 57 km

Named after David Scott, a British officer, the David Scott Trail is an old and one of the most popular trekking routes in Meghalaya. It is a 16 kilometres long trek that stretches from Mawphlang to Lad Mawphlang, both villages known for their history, culture and folklore. A centerstage of Khasi culture, Mawphlang is one of the settlements in the Khasi hills named after monoliths and having sacred groves. 

Distance from Shillong: 51 km

Known For : Mawlyngbna Mawjymbuin Cave Nohalikalai Falls

Mawsynram, situated in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, holds the distinction of being the wettest place on Earth. With its breathtaking landscapes and record-breaking rainfall, Mawsynram offers a unique destination for adventurous travelers.  Located approximately 65 kilometers from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, and 80 kilometers from Cherrapunji  Mawsynram is a perfect destination for a day trip. 

Distance from Shillong: 60 km

Best Time: June - August; November - February

7 Mawsynram Attractions

Umiam Lake, a mesmerizing man-made reservoir, is located at a distance of 15 kilometres north of Shillong which is the capital of the north-eastern Indian state of Meghalaya. The lake was formed after a dam was constructed to generate hydroelectric power. The scenic Umiam Lake is encircled by lush green East Khasi hills that form one of the best panoramic sights for nature-lovers in the country.

Distance from Shillong: 16 km