21 Tourist Places to Visit near Shillong

Named after the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya, the Khasi Hills are part of the Garo-Khasi range, and a part of the larger Patkai hill range, a series of hills found across the Indo-Myanmar border in the northeast region of India. With deep lush valleys and conical peaks, these hills are famous for housing the Sohra or Cherrapunjee scarp, one of the regions with the highest annual rainfall in the world.

Distance from Shillong: 46 km

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

A small border town in the Jaintia Hills, Dawki and its famed river Umngot is a must visit if in Meghalaya. Sandwiched between India and Bangladesh, Dawki is a major center of trade between India and Bangladesh. The small city, besides being a trade hub is also famous for its tourism scene, with many people flocking to the city in order experience a boat ride in its famed Umngot River and enjoy the nearby sights and sounds

Distance from Shillong: 81 km

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 evergreen rainforest of the Khasi Hill and flowing with all its majesty and might, the falls plunges into a lagoon which 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.

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

Located near the Garo Hills in Meghalaya in India about 3,000 feet above the sea level, the Balpakram National 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, Meghalaya 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. Nongpoh is the administrative headquarters of Ri-Bhoi district of the Indian state of Meghalaya which in turn makes it a very significant town of this state.

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 is famous for its scenic setting and breathtaking views with the perfect mix of heritage and culture. Located in the Jaintia Hills district, Jowai is famous for its scenic setting and breathtaking views - like all other cities of the state. The place is a rich mix of heritage and cultures which reflects in the lifestyle of the town folks.

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.

Distance from Shillong: 78 km

At 1343m above sea level, an ideal location to meet nature. Sohpetbneng means 'navel of heaven' in the local language and is truly heaven - with the breathtaking view of Shillong it offers.

Distance from Shillong: 20 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

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. Other adventurous sports like rock climbing and rapelling can be done here.
 

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 which 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 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 which 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

Acknowledged as one of the wettest place in the world, the mesmerizing village of Mawsynram is a nature lover's delight and the perfect destination to behold the beauty of the rains. Mawsynram trounces Cherrapunjee by a slight margin in being the wettest place in India. A rain lover's paradise, Mawsynram is one of the best tourist attractions of India.

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