Climate condition : Shillong has like other hill stations of country a pleasant climate. In winters (December-January), temperature averages around 5º C and in summers (May-June) it is around 24º C.
Best time to visit : October–November and March–April
Thing to do
Shillong – The Abode Of Clouds And Hills is though not very popular hill resort of the country, but the lesser footfalls draw Eco tourist from all over. Numerous of waterfalls, peaks and lakes lend tourist enjoying many Eco recreational activities like picnic, paddle boat-ride, angling, swimming, kayaking, water skiing, trekking, and nature walk in many of its beautiful valleys.
Places of Interests
Waterfalls : The whole Meghalaya is blessed with numerous waterfalls. Finding no exception to it, Shillong has also very many waterfalls known for its scenic beauty. Popular waterfalls like Crinoline Falls, Gunner's Fall, Sati Fall, Sweet Falls, Elephant Falls and Beadon Falls are some of the favourite picnic destinations of town. Along with it one can also enjoy swimming at falls like Crinoline Falls.
Lakes : 100 years old Ward's Lake is undoubtedly one of the most favourite picnic spots of the town. The lush green lawns sidelined by flowers give a pleasant walk near the lake. Boat ride in the lake and feeding fishes are activities one will love while being at Ward's Lake. Barapani, 17 km from Shillong is another beautiful lake. The lake has great appeal for water sports enthusiasts as one can enjoy here water adventure like kayaking and water skiing.
Peaks : Shillong Peak, located at an altitude of 6430 ft is the highest point of Meghalaya. Though the peak is often shrouded by mists, but when clear it gives a very beautiful bird's eye view of the whole town of Shillong. Other peaks like Sohpetbneng Peak, Dingei Hill are Dumpeep Peak are famous for its rich natural setting.
Botanical Garden : The Botanical Garden with its diverse varieties of flora is must visited place. Its rare collection of orchids is nature lover's delight.
Churches : Famous for its many of dainty churches like The All Saints Church and The Cathedral Of Mary Help Of Christians have elegant and attractive structure.
Eco attraction/Eco excursion
Like other North-Eastern rich Eco places, Shillong also has not been very popular among tourists. But numerous of its Eco destinations comprise great joy for Eco lovers. Bundle of excursion and activities relished at its natural locus like lakes, peaks and waterfalls let tourist discover unmatched joy of vacation.
The land of waterfalls, Shillong's many of the waterfalls are very lovely place to be. Falls like Crinoline Falls, Gunner's Fall, Sati Fall, Sweet Falls, Elephant Falls and Beadon Falls are some of the favourite picnic destinations of the town. Nature walk and swimming are some other Eco recreations which one can enjoy while being at these falls. Ward's Lake carrying the same importance for Shillong as Delhi has for Qutab Minar, is one of the first place one would love to roam to. Boating s the best excursion one can have in this man made lake.
For adventure lovers, Shillong has heaps to offer. Barpani lake lying just 17 km from Shillong offers tourist to enjoy water sports like kayaking and water skiing. Shillong has even fine trekking terrain which heightens the joy of adventure travellers. Two of the trekking trails- Shillong-Cherrapunjee and Shillong-Umlyng are full of exploration of dense pine and bamboo forest, wild flowers and orchids.
Reaching there
By Air :: Shillong has its own airport at Umroi, but it has very limited service as it has flights only for Kolkata. The best way is to land at Guwahati Airport (128 km), which is well connected to all major destinations like Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. From Guwahati, one can hire taxi or can catch bus.
By Rail :Guwahati is the main railhead near Shillong. The railway station has very good rail link with major locations like Delhi. Catching Delhi-Guwahati Rajdhani Express from Delhi is the best way to reach Guwahati.
By Road : National Highway 40 connects Shillong to Guwahati by all weather roads. Reaching Shillong from Guwahati takes around 3 ½ hours.
Accommodation
**** star
Pinewood hotel European Ward, Rita Road, Shillong – 793001, Tel: (0364)2223116/ 2223146/ 22232 Fax: 0364-2224176
Hotel Polo Towers Polo Grounds Oakland Road, Shillong Phone: 0364-2222341/ 42, Fax: 91-0364-2220090
*** star
Hotel Pegasus Crown Police Bazar, Shillong - 793 001 Phone: 0364 – 2220667, Fax: 2228835
Hotel Centre Point Police Bazar, Shillong, Phone: (0364) - 2225210/ 2220480/ 2229839, Fax: 0364 – 2225239
Heritage hotel equivalent to ** star hotel
Tripura castle Cleve Colony, Shillong – 793003, Tel: 2501111/ 2501149, Fax: 0364-2225239
Tourist information centres
- Tourist Office, Meghalaya House, 9 Aurangzeb Road, New Delhi- 110011, Phone: 011 - 23015139,23015605
- MTDC Ltd. Meghalaya House, 9 Russel Street, Calcutta- 700071, Phone:
033 - 22172009,22172802
- Director of Tourism, Nokrek Building, Lower Lachumiere, Shillong -
793 001, Phone: 0364 - 2226054
