Table of Contents
Umiam Lake
Elephant Falls
It looks amazing during the monsoons when the monsoon rains swell up its streams to an all-time high. Make sure Elephant Falls makes a place on your itinerary of Shillong, if you’re a waterfall and nature lover.
Shillong Peak
Located at the highest point of Shillong, if you’re looking for some exclusive viewpoints of Shillong city, Shillong Peak is the perfect destination. You could see the entire view of Shillong, hills surrounding the town with a beautiful and scenic landscape stretching beyond sight. Under fair climatic conditions, you’ll get to enjoy Shillong unfolding under your gaze.
Ward’s Lake
At the heart of the Shillong city, is this peaceful Ward’s Lake which is bordered with gardens and walking paths. Also known as Polok Lake, the horseshoe-shaped lake is named after William Ward, who once held the post of Chief Commissioner of Assam. It is a place in Shillong where you would feel yourself unwind. Take a boat ride in the lake and enjoy the colorful flora bordering the waters. This is a most visited place because it’s right in the city locations and a traveler enjoying a trip to Shillong residing in the central part of the city can visit Ward’s Lake at the end of the day without travelling too far.
Laitlum Canyons
If you are planning to explore the more serene and adventurous sides of Meghalaya, then Laitlum Canyons are certainly worth checking out. The word Laitlum means ‘end of the hills’, and the place definitely does have a very wide scope for imagination to run wild. Laitlum can also become an ideal destination for travelers with a passion for photography as well as for quick trekkers. It is often also found to be much more serene as compared to the popular picnic spots in Shillong. The only thing to remember is to have comfortable footwear and sufficient time to wander around.
Don Bosco Museum
This Wonderful Museum is located on the hilly slopes of the city.
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
Mary Help of Christians Cathedral which is easily recognizable as it stands atop a hillside is one of the tourist attractions of Shillong City. The beautiful architecture of the church as well as its tranquil ambiance and the strategic location makes this attraction a must-see in Shillong tourism. While the church is essentially a Catholic cathedral, the architectural beauty of it is appreciated by each traveler visiting Meghalaya’s capital.
Best Time to Visit Shillong
Shillong can be visited any time of year, but the timing of the visit may depend on personal preference. The best time to go is usually between October and April, since the climate is just perfect for traveling around and visiting all the scenic spots and viewpoints of Shillong. During the monsoon season, Meghalaya experiences quite a lot of precipitation. Though this season makes various waterfalls like the Elephant Falls extremely beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Shillong’s identity is truly defined by its harmonious blend of nature and culture. The sheer surface area of Umiam Lake and the quiet surroundings of Ward’s Lake, the picturesque cliff top views offered by the Laitlum Canyons, the views from the Shillong Peak, these attractions serve a different need of a traveler.
On the other hand, the waterfalls and the viewpoints found on the hill slope would serve a lover of nature for clicking pictures; the museum and the church would give you all about the past and art of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions — Places to Visit in Shillong, Meghalaya
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Disclaimer: This is a guest post by Travenjo. All content and images are credited to them — do visit their website to explore travel packages they offer. The views and recommendations in this article reflect their perspective on the best experiences for visitors to Shillong, and do not necessarily represent the views or endorsements of Pankaj Singh Photographie.
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