Shillong

Q: What does a Shillong sightseeing cab package include?

A standard [shillong sightseeing cab package](#) covers a full day of private transport with a local driver-cum-guide, typically covering Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Ward's Lake, Cathedral, the Don Bosco Museum, and Laitlum Canyons — customizable to your interests. Fuel, driver allowance, and parking are included, while entry tickets and boating charges are payable directly. Multi-day formats extend to Cherrapunji, Dawki, and Mawlynnong, matching the [shillong cherrapunji tour package](/packages/shillong-cherrapunji-tour) circuit for a complete Meghalaya experience.

An elevated, panoramic view of a bright blue lake. A large, thickly forested peninsula stretches out into the water, with rolling green mountains under a blue sky in the background. — A breathtaking panoramic viewpoint capturing the vibrant blue waters and forested shores of Umiam Lake.

Altitude: 1,496 m
Best season: October–June

About Shillong

Shillong Tour Packages: Complete Travel Guide, Sightseeing & Places to Visit

Known as the "Scotland of the East," Shillong is Meghalaya's charming capital — a hill station of pine forests, glistening lakes, colonial charm, and vibrant Khasi culture. Perched at 4,900 ft, it serves as the perfect gateway to Cherrapunji's waterfalls, Dawki's crystal river, and Asia's cleanest village. Whether you're searching for shillong tour packages, planning a shillong cherrapunji tour package, or a romantic pine-forest retreat, this complete guide covers everything you need to plan the perfect Meghalaya holiday.

Why Visit Shillong?

Shillong offers a rare blend of old-world hill station charm and natural spectacle — the emerald expanse of Umiam Lake, the thundering Elephant Falls, misty Shillong Peak, lively Police Bazar cafés, and a music-loving culture unlike anywhere in India. Its compact size makes it perfect for long weekends, while its location unlocks all of Meghalaya's wonders. Couples, families, musicians, and nature lovers alike fall for its charms — especially those browsing shillong honeymoon packages or the complete dawki shillong cherrapunji tour package circuit.

Best Time to Visit Shillong

Wondering about the best time to visit Shillong? Here's a quick seasonal breakdown:

September to November (Autumn): Crystal-clear skies, pleasant days, and the best mountain views — the ideal season.
March to June (Spring/Summer): Comfortable weather, blooming pine hills, and perfect sightseeing conditions — peak season.
July to August (Monsoon): Dramatic waterfalls at their fullest near Cherrapunji, but heavy rain can disrupt plans.
December to February (Winter): Chilly, misty charm with festivals and cozy café weather.

Tip: For the best mix of clear views and full waterfalls, visit in September–October or March–May.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Shillong

If you're compiling a list of places to visit in Shillong, these are the must-see attractions:

Umiam Lake – The vast, sparkling reservoir ringed by pine hills, perfect for boating and sunsets.
Elephant Falls – A beautiful three-tiered waterfall just outside the city.
Shillong Peak – The highest viewpoint at 6,449 ft, offering panoramic city and valley views.
Laitlum Canyons – A breathtaking "end of hills" gorge with sweeping grassland vistas.
Police Bazar & Police Market – The bustling heart of Shillong for shopping, cafés, and street food.
Don Bosco Museum – Asia's largest museum of indigenous cultures, with a stunning skywalk.
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians – Shillong's iconic blue Gothic-style church.
Ward's Lake – A picturesque horseshoe lake with wooden bridges amid gardens.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest – A mystical forest preserved by ancient Khasi traditions.
Lady Hydari Park – A charming Japanese-style garden popular with families.

Things to Do in Shillong

Looking for the best things to do in Shillong? Add these to your bucket list:

Cruise or kayak on the emerald waters of Umiam Lake
Stand above the clouds at Laitlum Canyons
Chase the three tiers of Elephant Falls
Panoramic views from Shillong Peak
Savour Khasi cuisine and café culture around Police Bazar
Explore indigenous heritage at the Don Bosco Museum skywalk
Day-trip to Mawlynnong, Asia's cleanest village
Experience Shillong's legendary live music scene

Most of these experiences are bundled into a standard shillong sightseeing cab package, making Meghalaya exploration effortless.

Shillong Itinerary for 3 Days

Here's a proven Shillong itinerary 3 days plan:

Day 1 – Arrival & City Sights Drive from Guwahati (3 hours), stopping at Umiam Lake viewpoint. Check in to your resort. Afternoon sightseeing at Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Ward's Lake, and Cathedral. Evening at Police Bazar cafés.

Day 2 – Cherrapunji Excursion Full-day shillong cherrapunji tour package covering Nohkalikai Falls (India's tallest plunge waterfall), Seven Sisters Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Arwah Cave, and the Eco Park viewpoints. Return to Shillong by evening.

Day 3 – Dawki & Mawlynnong (Optional) / Departure Drive to Dawki for boating on the impossibly clear Umngot River, visit Mawlynnong village and the Living Root Bridge at Riwai, then depart via Guwahati — or extend your trip with the complete dawki shillong cherrapunji tour package for the full Meghalaya experience.

Must-Do Experiences in Shillong

The Classic Meghalaya Trail: Shillong + Cherrapunji

The soul of any Meghalaya trip is the legendary Cherrapunji excursion — Nohkalikai Falls plunging 1,115 ft, the limestone labyrinths of Mawsmai Cave, the Seven Sisters Falls, and grassy cliff viewpoints. A dedicated shillong cherrapunji tour package covers all the highlights with private transport — travellers can easily book Shillong Cherrapunji holiday circuits of 4–5 nights.

Dawki, Mawlynnong & the Living Roots

No Meghalaya trip is complete without the magical trio: boating on Dawki's transparent Umngot River, strolling through Mawlynnong — Asia's cleanest village — and crossing a living root bridge at Riwai. The bestselling dawki shillong cherrapunji tour package combines all three with Shillong's city charms in one grand Meghalaya waterfalls and living roots tour of 5–6 nights.

From Guwahati to Shillong – The Scenic Gateway

The drive from Guwahati to Shillong is one of Northeast India's most beautiful road trips — climbing from the Brahmaputra plains through the Barapani hills to the sparkling Umiam Lake viewpoint. Travellers planning the route can book Guwahati Shillong road trip packages that pair Kamakhya Temple and Guwahati's riverfront with the hill station escape — the perfect 4-day introduction to Meghalaya.

Shillong Honeymoon Packages

For couples, Shillong is a dreamy highland romance — misty pine mornings, lakeside sunsets, cozy boutique cafés, and quiet canyon viewpoints. Curated shillong honeymoon packages typically include a luxury Shillong resort stay, private cab sightseeing, candlelit dinners, and a Cherrapunji waterfall excursion. For the perfect escape, browse our handpicked luxury resorts in Shillong featuring pine-garden settings and valley views.

Recommended Shillong Tour Packages

Ready to book? Here are our best-selling shillong tour packages:

Package	Duration	Price	Highlights
2N/3D Scenic Shillong & Umiam Lake Getaway	3 Days	₹11,999 per person	Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Laitlum Canyons
4N/5D Best of Shillong & Cherrapunji Explorer	5 Days	₹22,999 per person	Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, all viewpoints
3N/4D Guwahati Temple & Shillong Hill Station Tour	4 Days	₹17,499 per person	Kamakhya Temple, Umiam Lake, Shillong sightseeing
5N/6D Grand Meghalaya Odyssey (Shillong + Cherrapunji + Dawki + Mawlynnong)	6 Days	₹29,999 per person	Complete Meghalaya trio circuit bestseller
Romantic Shillong Honeymoon & Boutique Pine Retreat	4 Days	₹24,999 per couple	Luxury resort, private cabs, waterfall excursion

Umiam Lake Grandeur: Boating and sunset views on a vast emerald reservoir ringed by pine hills — the arrival highlight of every guwahati to shillong tour package.
Cherrapunji's Waterfall Kingdom: Nohkalikai, Seven Sisters, and Mawsmai Cave on the classic shillong cherrapunji tour package.
Dawki's Crystal River: Boat on the transparent Umngot River — the magical centrepiece of the dawki shillong cherrapunji tour package.
Laitlum Canyons Drama: Stand at the "end of hills" above sweeping grassland gorges.
Asia's Cleanest Village: Stroll Mawlynnong and cross a living root bridge at Riwai.
Scotland of the East Charm: Colonial bungalows, lively cafés, and India's best live music scene.
Romantic Highland Escapes: Misty mornings and boutique stays make shillong honeymoon packages unforgettable.
Effortless Day Tours: Cover Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, and Shillong Peak with a convenient shillong sightseeing cab package.
Culture & Heritage: Don Bosco Museum, sacred forests, and vibrant Khasi traditions.
Perfect Northeast Gateway: Easily combine Shillong with Guwahati, Kaziranga, and all of Meghalaya — book Assam Meghalaya holiday circuits for the complete experience.

Tours here

Featured
Majestic North East Tour Package 5 Nights 6 Days
- 5 nights / 6 days
- Guwahati | Shillong | Cherrapunji | Kaziranga
Embark on an unforgettable 5 Nights 6 Days Majestic North East Tour Package, combining the spiritual charm of Assam with the scenic splendor of Meghalaya and the thrilling wilderness of Kaziranga. This budget-friendly Northeast India tour package begins with pickup from Guwahati Railway Station or Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and a scenic drive to Shillong, the "Scotland of the East," featuring the crystal-clear Umiam Lake, panoramic Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, and Ward's Lake. Continue to Cherrapunji (Sohra) – the wettest place on Earth – home to the majestic Nohkalikai Falls (India's tallest plunge waterfall), the limestone Mawsmai Cave, Seven Sisters Falls, Eco Park, and Arwah Cave. The adventure then shifts to Kaziranga National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage Site housing two-thirds of the world's One-Horned Rhinoceros population, along with Royal Bengal Tigers, wild elephants, and swamp deer – experienced through exhilarating jeep and elephant safaris. The journey concludes in Guwahati with divine darshan at the sacred Kamakhya Temple and a mesmerizing sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra River. With MAP plan meals (breakfast & dinner), comfortable budget hotels and jungle resorts, private cab transfers, and seamless sightseeing, this Guwahati Shillong Cherrapunji Kaziranga itinerary is perfect for families, couples, wildlife lovers, and nature enthusiasts. Book this Majestic North East tour package for the ultimate Assam-Meghalaya experience.
From ₹18,500 per person, based on 4 guests
Final price depends on your dates and group size.
View tour
Featured
Shillong Mawlynnong Dawki Meghalaya Tour Package
- 5 nights / 1 day
- Guwahati - Shillong - Cherrapunji - Mawlynnong - Dawki - Guwahati
Embark on an unforgettable 5 Nights 6 Days Shillong Mawlynnong Dawki Tour Package, the ultimate Meghalaya exploration covering the "Abode of Clouds" in all its glory. This budget-friendly Northeast India tour package begins with pickup from Guwahati Railway Station or Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and a scenic drive to Shillong, the "Scotland of the East," featuring Umiam Lake, Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, and Ward's Lake. Continue to Cherrapunji (Sohra) – the wettest place on Earth – home to Nohkalikai Falls (India's tallest plunge waterfall), Mawsmai Cave, Seven Sisters Falls, Eco Park, Arwah Cave, and the legendary Double-Decker Living Root Bridge region. Journey further to Mawlynnong – Asia's cleanest village – with its famous Sky View bamboo tower and the mysterious Balancing Rock, along with the Living Root Bridge at nearby Riwai. Experience the magical glass-clear waters of the Umngot River at Dawki, where boats appear to float in mid-air, and visit the India–Bangladesh border at Tamabil. With MAP plan meals (breakfast & dinner), comfortable budget hotels, private cab transfers, and seamless sightseeing, this Guwahati Shillong Cherrapunji Mawlynnong Dawki itinerary is perfect for families, couples, groups, and nature lovers. Book this Meghalaya tour package for memories of waterfalls, caves, living root bridges, and crystal rivers.
From ₹17,500 per person, based on 4 guests
Final price depends on your dates and group size.
View tour
Kamakhya Temple Shillong Cherrapunji Tour
- 2 nights / 3 days
- Guwahati - Shillong - Chirruping - Guwahati
Embark on a soulful 2 Nights 3 Days Kamakhya Temple Shillong Cherrapunji Tour Package, combining the spiritual essence of Assam with the breathtaking natural beauty of Meghalaya – the "Abode of Clouds." This budget-friendly Northeast India tour package begins with the divine darshan of Goddess Kamakhya at the sacred Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hill, one of the 51 Shakt Peethas and the most powerful tantric shrine in India. The journey then takes you to Shillong, the charming "Scotland of the East," featuring the crystal-clear Umiam Lake, the majestic Shillong Peak, and the popular Elephant Falls. Continue to Cherrapunji (Sohra), the wettest place on Earth, home to the spectacular Nohkalikai Falls – India's tallest plunge waterfall, the mysterious Mawsmai Cave, the legendary Double-Decker Living Root Bridge viewpoint, and the stunning Seven Sisters Falls. With MAP plan meals (breakfast & dinner), comfortable budget hotels, private cab transfers, and seamless pickup from Guwahati Railway Station or Airport, this Guwahati Shillong Cherrunji itinerary is perfect for families, couples, groups, and pilgrims alike. Book this Assam Meghalaya tour package for a perfect blend of faith, waterfalls, caves, and Himalayan-Khasi hill charm.
From ₹9,500 per person, based on 4 guests
Final price depends on your dates and group size.
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Kaziranga with Meghalaya 6 Nights 7 Days Tour Package
- 6 nights / 7 days
- Guwahati | Kaziranga | Shillong | Cherrapunjee | Mawlynnong | Dawki
Embark on the ultimate 6 Nights 7 Days Kaziranga with Meghalaya Tour Package, a grand Northeast India journey combining thrilling wildlife safaris with the breathtaking landscapes of the "Abode of Clouds." This budget-friendly Assam Meghalaya tour package begins with pickup from Guwahati Railway Station or Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and a divine darshan of Maa Kamakhya at the sacred Shakti Peetha on Nilachal Hill. Venture into Kaziranga National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage Site home to two-thirds of the world's One-Horned Rhinoceros population, experienced through exhilarating jeep and elephant safaris along with Royal Bengal Tigers, wild elephants, and swamp deer. Then traverse into Meghalaya – explore Shillong, the "Scotland of the East," with Umiam Lake, Shillong Peak, and Ward's Lake; spend a magical night at Cherrapunjee (Sohra), the wettest place on Earth, surrounded by Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, and the Seven Sisters Falls; and enjoy an authentic village experience with an overnight stay at Mawlynnong – Asia's Cleanest Village – complete with the Sky View tower, Living Root Bridge at Riwai, and the glass-clear Umngot River boating at Dawki near the India–Bangladesh border. With MAP plan meals (breakfast & dinner comfortable budget hotels, jungle resorts, and village homestays, private cab transfers, and seamless sightseeing, this Kaziranga Shillong Cherrapunjee Mawlynnong Dawki itinerary is perfect for families, wildlife lovers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. Book this complete Northeast India tour package for memories of rhinos, waterfalls, root bridges, and crystal rivers.
From ₹21,500 per person, based on 4 guests
Final price depends on your dates and group size.
View tour

Getting to Shillong

By air

The nearest airport to Shillong is Umroi Airport (~30 km) with limited flights, but the major gateway is Guwahati's LGBI Airport (~125 km, 3–3.5 hours), superbly connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Most guwahati to shillong tour package options include airport pickup and the scenic drive past Umiam Lake.

By rail

Shillong has no railway station. The nearest major railhead is Guwahati Junction (~100 km), connected to Delhi, Kolkata, and all major Indian cities. From Guwahati, private taxis and shared cabs make the 3-hour climb to Shillong — transfers are included in every shillong tour package.

By road

Shillong is excellently connected by road from Guwahati (100 km), Cherrapunji (55 km), Dawki (80 km), and Kaziranga (250 km). Meghalaya's well-maintained highways make self-drive rentals and private cabs both easy options. Regular buses and shared sumos also operate from Guwahati — travellers can book a shillong sightseeing cab package for local exploration, or a dawki shillong cherrapunji tour package for the complete circuit.

Permits & documents

Shillong and most of Meghalaya require no permits for Indian nationals — making it one of the easiest Northeast destinations. Foreign nationals must register with the Foreigners' Registration Office within 24 hours of arrival and may need a Protected Area Permit for certain border areas like Dawki (typically arranged at the checkpoint with passport and visa). Carry photo ID for hotel check-ins, pack layers for cool evenings, and book accommodations early during peak season and festivals like the Shad Suk Mynsiem (April).

Where to stay in Shillong

Shillong offers stays for every style:

Police Bazar & Laitumkhrah: The central zones, walkable to cafés, markets, and restaurants.
Umiam Lake Side: Scenic lakeside resorts just outside the city with water-view balconies.
Pine-Ridge Boutique Retreats: The finest luxury resorts in Shillong with gardens, fireplaces, and valley views — perfect for a luxury Shillong resort stay.
Heritage Bungalows: Colonial-era stays dripping with old-world Shillong charm.

Most shillong tour packages include handpicked hotels with breakfast and private cab transfers.

Frequently asked questions

How many days are enough for a Shillong trip?

A well-planned 3-day trip is perfect for Shillong's core experience — city sightseeing, Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Laitlum Canyons, and a Cherrapunji day excursion. However, to truly experience Meghalaya, the ideal choice is the 5–6 day dawki shillong cherrapunji tour package, which adds boating on Dawki's crystal Umngot River, Mawlynnong village, and a living root bridge walk. Travellers arriving via Guwahati can start with the guwahati to shillong tour package format to combine Assam's heritage with the hills.

What is the best time to visit Shillong and Cherrapunji?

September to November offers the clearest skies, pleasant temperatures, and the best viewpoints — the ideal all-round season. March to June is equally popular with comfortable weather and blooming landscapes. For waterfalls at their thundering best, the monsoon months (July–August) are dramatic, though rain can be heavy and persistent in Cherrapunji — one of the wettest places on Earth. Winter brings misty charm and cozy café weather. For a mix of clear views and flowing falls, September–October and March–May are the sweet spots covered in our best time to visit Shillong guide.

Is Dawki worth visiting, and when is the water clearest?

Absolutely — boating on the Umngot River at Dawki, where boats appear to float on air, is one of India's most surreal experiences. The water is at its glass-clear best from November to March, when the river settles after the monsoon. During peak monsoon, the water turns turbulent and loses its famous transparency. The dawki shillong cherrapunji tour package pairs Dawki with Mawlynnong and the Riwai living root bridge in one rewarding day trip from Shillong.

Do I need a permit to visit Shillong and Dawki?

Indian nationals need no permits anywhere in Meghalaya — Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki, and Mawlynnong are all freely accessible. Foreign nationals must register with the Foreigners' Registration Office within 24 hours of arrival, and border-zone areas like Dawki may require a Protected Area Permit, which is typically processed at the checkpoint with a valid passport and visa. Our shillong tour packages include assistance with all registration formalities for foreign travellers.

Can I combine Shillong with Guwahati or Kaziranga?

Yes — and these combinations are among Northeast India's most popular circuits. The guwahati to shillong tour package pairs Kamakhya Temple and Guwahati's Brahmaputra riverfront with Shillong's hill-station charm in 3–4 days. For the grand combo, the kaziranga shillong tour package format adds Kaziranga's rhino safaris to Meghalaya's waterfalls — travellers can book Assam Meghalaya holiday circuits covering wildlife and highlands in one seamless journey.

Is Shillong good for a honeymoon?

Yes — Shillong is one of Northeast India's most romantic escapes. Misty pine forests, candlelit café evenings, lakeside sunsets at Umiam, and quiet canyon viewpoints create a naturally romantic canvas. Curated shillong honeymoon packages include boutique stays, private cab sightseeing, a Cherrapunji waterfall excursion, and special couple experiences. For the finest options, browse our handpicked luxury resorts in Shillong with garden settings, fireplaces, and valley-facing suites.

What does a Shillong sightseeing cab package include?

A standard shillong sightseeing cab package covers a full day of private transport with a local driver-cum-guide, typically covering Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Ward's Lake, Cathedral, the Don Bosco Museum, and Laitlum Canyons — customizable to your interests. Fuel, driver allowance, and parking are included, while entry tickets and boating charges are payable directly. Multi-day formats extend to Cherrapunji, Dawki, and Mawlynnong, matching the shillong cherrapunji tour package circuit for a complete Meghalaya experience.