Got just 1 day in Shillong? Here are 10 places to explore around town

Shillong city is a beautiful and vibrant city often called as the melting pot of Northeast cultures, as many students from across different Northeast states come here to study and live in Shillong. Known for its education institutes, colleges, and schools, Shillong is the education hub of the Northeast and is growing fast as a preferred tourist destination in the region.

At Mountain Echo, we have curated a list of places you can visit and things to do in Shillong in a day. We understand that you may not be able to cover the entire list in a single day – but these are places around town that you can visit if you are in Shillong for a day:

Police Bazar

The heart of Shillong and a popular shopping place for the local people. The bazaar is bustling place comprising an array of restaurants, hotels big brand stores, and stores selling traditional handicrafts.

MUST TRY: Fresh seasonal local fruit cuts and sold in the streets with a hint of salt and chilly flakes.

Iweduh (Bara Bazaar)

If Police Bazaar is the heart of Shillong, then the Iewduh market is its soul. Iewduh, also known as Bara Bazar by the locals, is the largest and oldest market in Shillong.

Every morning at the crack of dawn, the market comes alive with the country buses, taxis and trucks bringing fresh produce from different corners of the Khasi/Jaintia hills. A labyrinth of shops and stalls, this is a market where you can find almost anything for your daily needs – from vegetables, meat, kitchen utensils, clothes, and electronic items. Travelers who enjoy immersing themselves in local life will enjoy the magic and madness this market brings.

MUST TRY: Local food items like jadoh, doh sniang, putharo, doh khleh, tungbat, etc

Ward’s Lake

A spot of calm located right in the middle of Shillong town. The lake is perfect for a leisurely evening stroll or feeding the fish from atop a white, wooden bridge.

A lovely garden with flowerbeds and cobblestone walkways spread along the lake. Additionally, there is a breathtakingly beautiful fountain, allowing you to immerse in natural beauty and refreshing.

Shillong Peak

Locally called as Laitkor peak, this viewpoint is on every traveler’s list.  From the peak, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges and Shillong city. On a clear day, you can view the plains of Bangladesh and the mountain ranges of Bhutan from the peak.

It is said that Shillong gets its name from the Shillong Peak itself and local folklores tell that the patron deity ‘Leishyllong’ resides in the hills and protects the city.

Elephant Falls

The waterfall gets its name from the elephant-foot like stone from which the water falls. Elephant Falls comprise of three layers of mesmerising falls in succession. It is a great stopover destination before one heads for further journeys into Meghalaya. Located on the way to Cherrapunji, just 12 kms from the city, the elephant falls is a popular stopover for tourists before embarking their journey to the rest of Meghalaya.

Cathedral of Mary

Popularly known as the ‘Laitumkhrah Church’, the cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches of Shillong. The cathedral is known for its distinctive and impressive architecture, featuring a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. It has high arches, stained glass windows, and beautiful interior decorations. The cathedral’s spires and towers are visible from various parts of the city, making it a prominent landmark.

All Saints Church

The Shillong All Saints’ church was established during the colonial period and was consecrated on 18th October 1878. The Church is known for its distinctive and elegant architecture built in a neo-Gothic style and features beautiful stained glass windows, high arches, and intricate stone masonry.

The church’s is a significant Anglican church with a rich history and remarkable architecture and serving as a religious and cultural landmark in the city.

The church played a huge role in the was part of the broader efforts by the British to establish Christian institutions in various parts of India.

Lady Hydari Park

Located at the heart of Shillong city. The lake is locally known as ‘Phan Nonglait Park’ and it has a mini-zoo that houses a collection of animals, including deer, Himalayan black bears, and various species of birds. The landscape dotted with small ponds, rhododendron plants and willow trees with its leaves almost touching the ground are all unmistakably Japanese inspired. Locals visit the park for picnic, recreation and to take leisurely strolls amidst the natural surroundings

Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture

Considered as Asia’s largest Museum of Indigenous Cultures, the Museum at Don Bosco centre houses beautiful culture and tradition artefacts and history of the people across North East India. It has many galleries showcasing artefacts, paintings, figures significant from different Northeastern states.

Air Force Museum

The Air Force Museum is a brilliant display of the country’s defence forces and our defence history. A great learning place for adults and children, the museum has aircraft models, uniforms of pilots, miniature models of missiles, rockets, machinery, technology demonstrations of the Indian Air Force- Eastern Command along with pictures of Indo-China war and Indo-Pak war.

At Mountain Echo, we can help you plan itinerary and assist to prepare for your upcoming trip to the Northeast region of India. Reach out to us at mountainecho.ind@gmail.com to get in touch.