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Shillong, Scotland of the East

["Nestled in the rolling hills of Meghalaya, Shillong, fondly known as the 'Scotland of the East', captivates visitors with its colonial-era charm, cascading waterfalls like Elephant Falls, serene Umiam Lake, and a vibrant culture deeply rooted in its Khasi heritage."]

Sarah Mitchell
Written bySarah Mitchell
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Best Time To Visit Shillong

Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival

15th November

The Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual celebration of the unique Himalayan Cherry Blossoms, transforming the city into a picturesque landscape of pink and white hues.

  • This multi-day event features live music concerts with renowned national and international artists.
  • Visitors can also enjoy traditional folk performances, food stalls offering local Khasi delicacies, and various cultural events.
  • It is a spectacular fusion of nature's beauty and vibrant festivities that attracts tourists from all over the world.

FESTIVAL AND EVENTS

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Hotels in Shillong

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Cozy Beach Hostel

Cozy Beach Hostel

4.2

Budget-friendly accommodation with shared facilities and beach access for the perfect getaway.

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1,500per person
Backpacker's Paradise, Arambol

Backpacker's Paradise, Arambol

4

Clean dorms and private rooms near the beach with communal kitchen and lounge area.

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1,200per person
Budget Beach Resort, Calangute

Budget Beach Resort, Calangute

3.8

Affordable beachfront stay with basic amenities and easy access to popular beaches.

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2,000per person
Economic Stay, Baga

Economic Stay, Baga

4.1

Simple and clean accommodation near nightlife and beach activities.

Starting from

1,800per person
Budget Beachside Cottage, Morjim

Budget Beachside Cottage, Morjim

4

Charming cottage steps from the beach with basic amenities and peaceful surroundings.

Starting from

1,600per person
Affordable Guesthouse, Vagator

Affordable Guesthouse, Vagator

3.9

Clean rooms with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, close to famous beach clubs and restaurants.

Starting from

1,400per person
Budget Stay, Candolim

Budget Stay, Candolim

4.2

Simple accommodation with breakfast included, walking distance to beach and local markets.

Starting from

1,700per person
Economical Beach Lodge, Palolem

Economical Beach Lodge, Palolem

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Cozy lodge with garden views, bicycle rentals, and easy access to pristine beaches.

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Shillong Travel Guide: Scotland of the East Tourism for 2024

Shillong is a cool city in the hills of Meghalaya. People call it the Scotland of the East. This guide will help you plan your perfect trip. It shows you all the best things to see.


Entry Details and Timing for Shillong, Scotland of the East

Most shops in Shillong, Scotland of the East open around 10 AM. They usually close by 8 PM at night. Some food stalls might stay open a bit later.

A full visit to explore the city takes 3 to 4 days. This gives you enough time to see all the main spots. So, you will not feel rushed on your trip.


What To Expect at Shillong, Scotland of the East?

You will see many green hills all around Shillong, Scotland of the East. The air is always fresh and cool. This makes it a nice break from hot places. The people here are very friendly and welcoming.

You can try a lot of tasty local food. Momos and noodle soup are very popular dishes. The streets are clean and fun to walk on. You will find many great tourist attractions to explore.


History of Shillong, Scotland of the East

The history of Shillong, Scotland of the East is very interesting. The British made it their base many years ago. It was the capital of the Assam province in 1874.

Today, it is a great mix of old charm and new life. You can still see many old British-style buildings. This gives the city a very special feel.


Why is Shillong, Scotland of the East Known For?
  • Shillong, Scotland of the East is famous for its pretty views and cool weather year-round.
  • It is a big hub for rock music and is often called the Rock Capital of India.
  • The city and areas around it are home to many beautiful waterfalls, like Elephant Falls.
  • The local Khasi culture is very special with its unique food, dress, and traditions.

More About Shillong, Scotland of the East Scenery

The rolling hills around Shillong, Scotland of the East are always a deep green. You can often see soft clouds floating low in the valleys. This makes the whole place feel like a dream world.

Sunsets here paint the sky with lovely colors. Pinks and oranges glow over the hills. At night, the city lights below look like stars on the ground. Nature in and around Shillong is very peaceful.


Architecture and Style of Shillong, Scotland of the East

The architecture of Shillong, Scotland of the East is a very nice mix. You will see many old British-style homes here. These cute homes have high sloping roofs and pretty gardens.

You will also see modern new buildings in the city. The streets are narrow and winding. They go up and down the many hills of the city. This makes walking here a fun adventure.


Best Time to Visit Shillong, Scotland of the East

The best time to visit Shillong, Scotland of the East is from September to May. During these months, the weather is cool and very pleasant. The skies are usually clear and blue.

This is the perfect time for sightseeing and outdoor fun. Try to visit on weekdays to avoid big crowds. The monsoon season from June to August is very wet. But the waterfalls look best at that time.


How to Reach Shillong, Scotland of the East

The easiest way to reach Shillong, Scotland of the East is by air or road. The city has a small airport in Umroi. But Guwahati airport has many more flights from big cities.

Guwahati is about 100 km away from Shillong. You can easily hire a taxi from the airport. Shared taxis and buses are also there. This city is a key travel hub in Northeast India. The nearest big train station is also in Guwahati.


Travel Tips for Visiting Shillong, Scotland of the East
  • Wear very comfortable shoes for walking on hills.
  • Always carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
  • Listen to local rules and respect their customs.
  • Stay safe and be aware of your things in crowds.
  • Respect the clean environment of Shillong, Scotland of the East.
  • Bring a warm jacket or sweater for cool evenings.
  • Do not bring plastic bags as they are often banned.
  • Try the local Khasi food for a true taste of the region.

Top Attractions In or Near Shillong, Scotland of the East
  1. Umiam Lake: Your Shillong travel plan should include this huge, lovely lake.
  2. Elephant Falls: This famous spot has three beautiful waterfalls in one place.
  3. Shillong Peak: Go to this peak for the best view of the whole city.
  4. Laitlum Canyons: This is one of the best places to visit in Shillong.
  5. Don Bosco Museum: This is a must-see for Meghalaya tourism and your Shillong sightseeing list.
  6. Day Trip to Cherrapunji: A Shillong tour often includes this famous rainy town nearby.

Your Questions, Answered

The best time to visit Shillong is from September to May. The weather during these months is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing, with clear skies. The monsoon season, from June to August, sees heavy rainfall, which enhances the beauty of the waterfalls but can disrupt travel plans.
Shillong can be reached by air, rail, and road. The nearest major airport is in Guwahati (GAU), about 125 km away, from where you can hire a taxi or take a bus. The nearest railway station is also in Guwahati. Shillong is well-connected by road to major cities in the Northeast.
Key attractions include Umiam Lake for water sports, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak for panoramic views, Ward's Lake for boating, the Don Bosco Museum for cultural insights, and Laitlum Canyons for breathtaking landscapes. The Police Bazar is the main commercial hub for shopping and dining.
Yes, Shillong is generally considered one of the safer cities in India for solo travelers, including women. The locals are friendly and helpful. However, it is always advisable to take standard safety precautions, especially when traveling at night or to remote areas.
You must try local Khasi delicacies like Jadoh (rice and meat dish), Doh-Khlieh (pork salad), and Tungrymbai (fermented soybean chutney). Momos and other Tibetan dishes are also very popular. Visit Police Bazar or local eateries for an authentic culinary experience.
A trip of 3 to 4 days is sufficient to explore the main attractions in and around Shillong. This allows enough time for local sightseeing and a day trip to nearby places like Cherrapunji (Sohra) or Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia.
Shillong's weather can be unpredictable. It's best to pack layers. Light woolens or a jacket are recommended throughout the year, as evenings can get chilly. During winter (December-February), pack heavy woolens. Always carry an umbrella or raincoat, especially if traveling near the monsoon season.
Yes, Shillong is a gateway to several famous treks. The David Scott Trail is a popular 16 km trek through Khasi hills. Other options include treks to the Living Root Bridges near Cherrapunji and exploring the Laitlum Canyons, which offer stunning trails with magnificent views.

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