Shillong: The Scotland of the East

Tucked away in the lush hills of Meghalaya, Shillong is the picturesque capital of one of India's most enchanting states. Nicknamed the “Scotland of the East”, this hill station boasts rolling green hills, cool breezes, sparkling lakes, and a thriving music and café scene. With a unique blend of colonial charm, indigenous Khasi traditions, and modern vibrancy, Shillong is the perfect destination for those seeking a mix of culture, nature, and adventure.
 

Whether you’re a solo traveler, nature lover, music enthusiast, or history buff, Shillong offers a wholesome experience that few Indian cities can match.

📍 Where is Shillong?

Country: India

State: Meghalaya

Elevation: ~1,500 meters above sea level

Coordinates: 25.5760° N, 91.8826° E

Nearest Airport: Shillong (Umroi Airport) or Guwahati (3-hour drive)

🧭 Why Visit Shillong?

🌿 Cool climate and clean air year-round

🎶 Rich music culture, often called India’s “Rock Capital”

💧 Stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes

🏔️ Incredible trekking and viewpoints

🛍️ Local handicrafts and Khasi markets

☕ Cozy cafes, local cuisine, and colonial-era architecture

🌟 Top Attractions in Shillong

1. Umiam Lake (Barapani)

Located 15 km before Shillong

Ideal for boating, kayaking, and picnics

Sunset views are breathtaking

2. Shillong Peak

Highest point in Meghalaya (~1,965 m)

Panoramic view of the city

Entry through Air Force base (ID required)

3. Elephant Falls

Three-tiered waterfall set in lush forest

Easy access, just 12 km from city center

Popular photography spot

4. Ward’s Lake

Artificial lake in the heart of the city

Surrounded by gardens and a walking path

Paddle boats available

5. Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures

Fascinating museum with 7 floors

Covers tribal history, culture, art, and language

Offers rooftop views of the city

6. Police Bazaar (PB)

Main commercial hub of Shillong

Great for shopping, street food, and local vibe

7. Laitlum Canyons

"End of the Hills" in local dialect

Epic trekking spot with surreal valley views

Less crowded, ideal for nature lovers

🏞️ Other Notable Spots

Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians – Gothic-style Catholic church

Mawphlang Sacred Forest – Ancient forest with spiritual significance

Golf Links – One of the largest and oldest golf courses in Asia

Butterfly Museum – Unique collection of butterflies and moths

🥾 Best Things to Do in Shillong

🎶 1. Attend a Music Festival

Shillong is India’s music capital

Hosts events like NH7 Weekender, indie rock shows, jazz and blues nights

🧺 2. Shop at Lewduh Market

One of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Meghalaya

Get bamboo products, spices, handmade jewelry, and textiles

🧗 3. Go for Day Treks

Laitlum, David Scott Trail, or Sohpetbneng Peak

Great for moderate to advanced hikers

☕ 4. Café Hopping

Try Café Shillong, Dylan’s Café (Bob Dylan-themed), or ML 05 Café

Enjoy live music, Khasi coffee, and fusion cuisine

📅 Best Time to Visit Shillong

🍛 What to Eat in Shillong

Local Khasi Dishes

Jadoh – Spiced rice with pork or chicken

Dohneiiong – Pork with sesame seeds

Tungrymbai – Fermented soybeans with herbs

Pukhlein – Sweet rice flour pancake

Popular Restaurants

Trattoria – Best for Khasi cuisine

Madras Café – For South Indian food lovers

City Hut Dhaba – Multi-cuisine, family-friendly

Munchies – Local hangout with burgers and shakes

🏨 Where to Stay in Shillong

🎉 Local Events & Festivals

Cherry Blossom Festival (Nov) – India’s answer to Japan’s Sakura festival

Shillong Autumn Festival – Cultural performances and music

Nongkrem Dance Festival – Traditional Khasi ritual with dance and feast

Indigenous Terra Madre – Global gathering of local food communities

📖 Culture & People of Shillong

Shillong is primarily home to the Khasi tribe, a matrilineal community with deep respect for nature and tradition. The city also has:

A vibrant Christian population

Strong education and English-speaking base

Friendly and artistic youth culture

Local music deeply inspired by Western rock and folk

🧳 Travel Tips

🧥 Pack layers — Shillong evenings are cool year-round

🚕 Hire local cabs or walk — self-driving is tricky in narrow lanes

📶 Internet is decent in town but patchy in nearby villages

💵 Carry cash — many local stalls don’t accept cards

🛍️ Buy local crafts from emporiums or Lewduh Market

🚗 How to Reach Shillong

✈️ By Air

Shillong Airport (Umroi) – Limited flights

Guwahati Airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport) – 3-hour drive

🚆 By Train

Nearest railway station: Guwahati (GHY)

🚗 By Road

Guwahati to Shillong: ~100 km, 3–4 hours

Taxis, shared sumos, and buses easily available

📌 Nearby Places to Explore

🌍 Responsible Tourism

Shillong has experienced a tourism boom. Travelers can help by:

Avoiding littering and plastic use

Supporting local homestays and businesses

Respecting local customs and asking before photographing people

Learning a few Khasi greetings like “Kumno” (Hello) and “Khublai” (Thank you)

📈 Key SEO Keywords

Shillong travel guide

Best time to visit Shillong

Things to do in Shillong Meghalaya

Umiam Lake and Elephant Falls Shillong

Shillong weather and attractions

Cafes in Shillong

Shillong itinerary 3 days

Shillong vs Cherrapunji

Shillong festivals and music culture

Shillong trip plan for couples/families

✨ Final Thoughts

Shillong isn't just a destination — it's a mood. It's the sound of guitar strings in a roadside café, the smell of pine in the hills, and the warmth of Khasi hospitality. Whether you're strolling through Police Bazaar or hiking to a mist-covered canyon, Shillong offers an experience that lingers in your memory. A perfect blend of heritage, modernity, and natural beauty, Shillong truly earns its title as the Scotland of the East.