Know about tourist spots
Explore Shillong, Meghalaya
Meghalaya's hill capital (about 1,500 m) and the base for Sohra (Cherrapunji), Dawki, Mawlynnong and the living root bridges. It is in the North Eastern Region, so the LTC special air travel scheme applies.
Best time
October to April for sightseeing. June–September is the monsoon: waterfalls are at their best but heavy rain and landslides can close roads. For clear water at Dawki, November to February.
How to reach
Fly or take the train to Guwahati, then 3–4 hours by road (about 104 km from Guwahati railway station, about 128 km from Guwahati airport). Shillong's Umroi airport (about 35 km away) has limited flights. A Guwahati–Shillong helicopter service takes about 20 minutes.
Ola / Uber
App cabs are nearly non-existent or unreliable in Shillong and do not work beyond Guwahati. Use registered local taxis, shared Sumos or MTC buses.
Tourist registration
Since June 2025 hotels, homestays and landlords must register every guest on the state tourism app linked to the police. Carry a government photo ID.
Good to know
Some museums close one day a week (Don Bosco Museum on Sunday, the Air Force Museum on Monday). Carry cash in small notes for entry and parking fees.
Your day-by-day plan
Entry fees and timings were checked in November 2026. They change often, so confirm at the gate. “Time needed” is our estimate.
Getting there and around
| Guwahati airport → Shillong | Shared taxi from the airport taxi stand: about ₹400–500 per person, 3–4 hours. Private taxis and the airport shuttle are also available. |
|---|---|
| Guwahati railway station → Shillong | MTC and ASTC buses run 6 am to 5 pm (about 3 hours, stop at Nongpoh). Shared taxis wait at the station. |
| Around Shillong | Shared Sumos and taxis leave from Police Bazar; government buses from the Police Bazar bus stand, private buses from Polo Grounds. |
| Full-day taxi | About ₹3,000–4,500 per day depending on distance and vehicle. Agree the fare (including waiting time) before you start. |
| Shared Sumos | They leave when full, with no fixed timetable. Be at the stand by 7–8 am, especially for Sohra and Dawki. Return taxis from Dawki dry up after 2–3 pm. |
| Autos | Rarely metered — ask locals for the usual fare and agree before boarding. |
Local guides and help
- Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya3rd Secretariat, Nokrek Building, Lower Lachumiere, Shillong 793001+91 364 222 0220 · [email protected] · Website
- Registered tour operators (official list)Meghalaya Tourism publishes tour operators with contact person, phone and email — confirm credentials before booking.Website
- Tea Country (from the official list)Tour operator, Shillong+91 98541 33713
- Clara Tours (from the official list)Tour operator, Lower Lachumiere, Shillong+91 60091 53963
- Guides at the spotMawphlang Sacred Forest: guide compulsory, ₹300. Arwah Cave (Sohra): guide ₹100. For the Nongriat trek, local guides wait at Tyrna village — agree the fee first.
- Meghalaya Tourism appOfficial “Meghalaya Tourism” tourist app on Google Play and the App Store.
- EmergencyAll emergencies (police, fire, ambulance)112
We list only official contacts and operators from the government's published list. Agree prices before any service starts.
Where to stay
- Ri KynjaiUmiam Lake (Ri Bhoi), about 20 km from the cityLuxury lakeside resort with spa and cottages
- Royal Heritage Tripura CastleCleve Colony, ShillongHeritage hotel in the former summer palace of Tripura's royal family
- The Centre PointPolice BazarCity-centre hotel, close to shopping and taxi stands
- Pinewood HotelNear Police BazarOne of Shillong's oldest hotels, with cottages, restaurant and bar
- Aerodene CottageShillong1950s bungalow restored as a boutique guesthouse with garden
- The Habitat ShillongLaitumkhrahQuiet guesthouse with library and travel desk
- Café Shillong B&BShillongRenovated old bungalow, mid-range
Check current prices and reviews before booking.
Where to eat
- Jadoh stalls at Iewduh (Bara Bazar)Bei Synshar's stall near Basa Khoh is famousJadoh plate — Khasi red rice with pork, fish, chutneys and greens
- RynsanLaitumkhrahModern Khasi plates; try the crispy bamboo shoots
- Kai NungNongrim HillsDaily tribal menu
- That Momo GuyRynjahBig pork momo, thaipo, butter tea
- Great WallPolice BazarChinese — fried chow, spicy chicken wings
- Reen's BakeryLaitumkhrahBakes and lamingtons
- Dylan's CaféShillongCafé popular with visitors
LTC tips for this trip
- LTC reimburses only your journey fares (train, flight, ship or bus) as per entitlement — local sightseeing, hotels and taxis in Shillong are at your own cost.
- Shillong is in the North Eastern Region: the special scheme lets even non-entitled employees fly (to Guwahati or Shillong) up to 25 September 2028.
- Keep every ticket and boarding pass for your claim.
Sources
- Meghalaya Tourism — official contacts and tour operators
- East Khasi Hills district — How to reach
- WanderOn — Shillong places, fees and timings (2026)
- WanderOn — Cherrapunji places, fees and timings (2026)
- Dawki river guide 2026 — boating costs
- TripMall — local transport in Assam & Meghalaya (Jul 2025)
- Outlook Traveller — mandatory tourist registration (Jun 2025)
- The Nod — Shillong food guide (2026)
- Northeast Now — hotels in Shillong
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