Shillong: The Scotland of the East — A Complete Travel Guide

Welcome to Shillong

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, sits at an altitude of 1,496 metres above sea level and is one of the most enchanting hill stations in Northeast India. Fondly called the Scotland of the East for its rolling green hills and pleasant weather, the city is a delightful mix of colonial-era architecture, Khasi culture, and a surprisingly vibrant live-music scene.

How to Reach Shillong

The nearest airport is Umroi Airport (about 35 km from the city centre), with limited connections. Most travellers fly into Guwahati (LGB) and then take a 3–4 hour drive through scenic mountain roads to Shillong. Shared sumos (jeep taxis) and private cabs are plentiful at Paltan Bazaar near Guwahati Railway Station.

Top Things to Do

Shillong rewards slow exploration. Spend a morning at Ward's Lake, a colonial-era ornamental lake ringed with manicured gardens — perfect for a leisurely walk or a paddle-boat ride. Drive up to Shillong Peak for panoramic views across the entire city on clear days. In the evenings, head to Police Bazaar, the beating heart of the city, where street-food stalls, music bars, and handicraft shops compete for your attention.

For a deeper experience, take a half-day trip to Mawphlang Sacred Forest, a 79-hectare forest preserved by the Khasi tribe for centuries. Local guides lead you through a living museum of plants, each with its own folklore and medicinal use. No leaf or branch may be taken out — the forest is considered divine.

Day Trip to Cherrapunji (Sohra)

No visit to Shillong is complete without a day trip to Cherrapunji, once recorded as the wettest place on Earth. The Nohkalikai Falls — India's tallest plunge waterfall at 340 m — are breathtaking, especially during monsoon. Nearby, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge at Nongriat requires a 3,500-step trek down and back, but the payoff is unlike anything else in the world — a living bridge woven from the roots of ancient rubber fig trees over hundreds of years.

Food Scene

Shillong has a food culture that surprises every visitor. Start your day with a steaming cup of Tungrymbai (fermented soybean) pickle alongside rice and boiled vegetables at a local eatery. Try Jadoh — a Khasi rice dish cooked with pork blood and spices — at City Hut Dhaba, a local legend. For evenings, Cloud 9 Cafe and Café Shillong serve excellent wood-fired pizzas and artisanal coffee with hill views.

Where to Stay

Shillong offers a wide range of accommodations. Paul Stays Shillong places you in a heritage bungalow in the quiet Laitumkhrah neighbourhood — walking distance to Police Bazaar but insulated from its noise. Wake up to mist rolling off the pine trees and the smell of fresh tea from the kitchen.

Tips for Visitors

Carry a light rain jacket at all times — Meghalaya translates literally to Abode of Clouds, and showers can arrive without warning even in winter. The local Khasi people are famously warm and hospitable, but always ask before photographing locals or entering sacred sites. Respect the Sunday rest — most shops and eateries close on Sundays as the majority of the population is Christian.