Shillong Tourism: 8 famous tourist places to visit in Shillong

The beautiful city of Shillong is the capital city of the state of Meghalaya. The amazing city is a beautiful city encircled by pine trees. It has been got its name from Lei Shillong, an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. It is situated as tall as 1496 meters. It serves as a relief from the heat across the country. This place is also popular as the ‘Scotland of the East’.

The breathtaking mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, beautiful golf courses, amazing museums, and the zoo are the major tourist spots to visit Shillong. Except for the natural beauty, it is also the gateway to Meghalaya, the state famous for heavy rainfalls, caving, tallest waterfalls, and beautiful landscapes.

Shillong is famous not only for its natural beauty but also for its people’s culture.  Shillong has been in limelight the for its jovial people and their culture. This region has a very westernized culture. It is referred to as the music capital of India. It has so many tourist places to visit and this city also houses various basilicas and museums as well. This hilly city also is famed for being “The abode of clouds”

Places to visit in Shillong:

Umiam Lake:

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Umiam Lake is an amazing man-made reservoir. Umiam Lake is situated 15 km away from the north of Shillong which is the capital of Meghalaya. The Umiam Lake is surrounded by lush green East Khasi hills that form one of the best panoramic sights for nature lovers in India. The sunrise at the lake is a stunning view to witness.

Elephant Falls:

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Elephant fall is amongst the famous tourist places in Shillong. Elephant Falls is a famous fall in the North-East. It is nestled close to Shillong. It is a paradise for tourists with three layers of the falls. This fall is named after an Elephant like a stone at its foot. By the local Khasi people, the stunning Elephant falls were referred to as ‘Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew‘, which means ‘The Three Step Waterfalls‘.  The falls consist of three mesmerizing falls in succession.

Laitlum Canyons:

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This tourist destination is amongst the most marvelous tourist and trekking destinations in this region. It is situated on the East Khasi Hills. The canyons are located about 21 km south of Shillong. It means ‘End of hills‘. The mesmerizing view of Laitlum Canyons offers the best panoramic views of the whole of Meghalaya attached with the majestic hills and valleys.

Shillong Peak:

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Shillong Peak is amongst the highest points of this region. It is situated at an altitude of 6449 ft above sea level. This point serves a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Meghalaya city, the Himalayas, its waterfalls. The peak is also referred to be the abode of the deity that protects the city.

Mawphlang:

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Mawphlang houses Meghalaya’s Sacred Forest, is a beautiful village situated 25 km away from the main city. The sacred forest is also a famous attraction in Mawphlang which is of immense spiritual importance to the Khasis. The forest of Mawphlang has a wide variety of flora and fauna.  It is a perfect destination for nature walks and trekking. It is a paradise for nature lovers.

Police Bazar:

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Police Bazar is the major market to visit in this region. Police Bazaar of Shillong is also known as Khyndailad is the prime shopping hub. It is the ideal place to book a hotel for travelers of Shillong. For its extensive collection, people choose it over Bara Bazaar. 

Khasi Hills:

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Khasi hills are a major attraction of this region. This hill is named after the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya. The Khasi Hills are a part of the Garo-Khasi range. It is a part of the larger Patkai hill range. The dense forests, the holy Brahmaputra, combined with the rich biodiversity of the region. For this stunning beauty the Khasi Hills the title of ‘Scotland of the east‘.

Jaintia Hills:

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Jaintia hills are another attraction of Shillong tourism. It is a part of the former Jaintia Kingdom. It is a land of magnificent hills filled with rich flora-fauna and minerals. It is placed in Meghalaya. It is part of the Patkai hill range.

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