Overview
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a hill station in the north-east of India with a population of around 143,000. The city sits at the centre of East Khasi Hills district and serves as an important administrative and cultural hub for the region. English is widely spoken here, making it relatively accessible for foreign visitors.
The city attracts travellers through its natural attractions—waterfalls, lakes, and surrounding landscapes—and its strategic location for exploring Meghalaya's distinctive geography and communities. Its compact size and cooler hill-station climate make it a comfortable base for several days of exploration.
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| Population | 143,229 |
| Timezone | Asia/Kolkata |
| Nearest airport | Shillong Airport (SHL), 18 km |
| Currency | INR |
Things to do
Shillong's main attractions cluster around natural features and points of civic interest. Ward's Lake is a focal point for visitors, offering an accessible natural setting within the city. Elephant Falls and Bishop Falls are both working waterfalls that reward a short visit, with the former being the more prominent of the two.
For those interested in religious architecture, Madina Mosque is a significant site within the city. Several educational institutions define the urban landscape—Lady Keane College, Sankardev College, and Seng Khasi College are all located in Shillong and reflect the city's role as a centre of learning. Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of Meghalaya, is also situated here, though access is typically restricted. Eastern Air Command has a presence in the city as well.
The Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians and nearby institutions including Shillong College and the National Institute of Technology Meghalaya lie on the outskirts, close enough for a half-day excursion if you wish to explore the city's educational and religious heritage more fully.
Experiences you can book in Shillong
4 Days Private Tour at MeghalayaInstant confirmationAbout this experience
Meghalaya - nature's heaven on earth is found in the northeastern portion of India. This actually favored region is popular for its jaw-dropping truths, such as Meghalaya is the wettest put on our planet and its perfect characteristic beauty is one of its kind. It is decorated…
from £206.14Book on Viator →
Day Trip to Mawlynnong (Guided Private Sightseeing Experience from Shillong)Free cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
Discover the the village of Mawlynnong, claimed to be Asia's cleanest village and explore the world famous living root bridges on this fantastic 8-hour experience with a personal guide in an air-conditioned car. Highlights: 1. Explore the cleanest village located on the East…
from £95.14Book on Viator →
Same Day Cherrapunjee (Sohra) Tour from Guwahati by Car.Free cancellationAbout this experience
Cherrapunji tour — one of the most dramatic destinations on Earth! **Cherrapunji** (locally called *Sohra*) sits perched on the edge of the Meghalaya plateau at around 1,484 metres — a place where clouds don't pass above you, they drift *through* you. Here's what makes a full…
from £90.28Book on Viator →
Best of Shillong (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car)Free cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
Discover all the beautiful and famous sites of Shillong and taste local delicacies on this fantastic 4-hour experience with a personal guide in an air-conditioned car. Highlights: Discover the marvelous monuments, colorful markets, famous museums and temples spilled across the…
from £52.88Book on Viator →
Laithmukhrah Walk in Shillong (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)Free cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
Experience authentic Shillong on this amazing walking tour of the old town with our fun and entertaining storytellers. This walking tour will give you a great induction of the city, its history, its vibrant culture, and its people with lots of wonderful stories about the city,…
from £8.48Book on Viator →
Shillong Nature Walk (3 Hours Guided Trekking Experience)Free cancellationInstant confirmationAbout this experience
Explore the nature trails of a city and experience secrets in its kitty in the beautiful city of Shillong. Enjoy the company of tall trees and beautiful landscapes with this nature walk. 1. The scenic green beauty of nature and hills will give nature-lovers a small dose of…
from £15.86Book on Viator →
Experiences are sold and operated by Viator and its local suppliers. Head Your Way is an affiliate: we may earn a commission, but your booking, payment, cancellations, refunds and any insurance are handled entirely by Viator under their terms. Head Your Way is not the seller and is not a party to your booking. Prices and availability shown are from Viator and can change — confirm full details on Viator before booking.
Orientation and layout
Shillong is contained within East Khasi Hills district, which serves as both the administrative region and the broader geographical area. The city itself spans 64.36 square kilometres. Several villages lie within easy reach: Nongthymmai is just 2.4 kilometres away, and Mawlai-Mawïong is 6 kilometres distant, both accessible as short excursions if you want to experience rural life or explore the immediate surroundings without leaving the district.
Day trips and nearby towns
Several towns and cities within Meghalaya and neighbouring Assam are reachable as day trips from Shillong. Guwahati, the largest city in the north-east, lies 69.8 kilometres away and makes a viable full-day visit if you want to experience a larger urban centre. Shella, a town 49.8 kilometres away, and Morigaon (88.8 kilometres) are options for those seeking to venture further afield within the region.
Closer options include Nongthymmai at just 2.4 kilometres and Mawlai-Mawïong at 6 kilometres, both convenient for a few hours' exploration without a lengthy drive. Hojāi (108.7 kilometres), Nagaon (117 kilometres), and Karīmganj (91.2 kilometres) represent longer excursions into neighbouring areas of Assam and Tripura. Most of these routes allow you to explore different landscapes and communities while remaining within a reasonable travel distance.
Getting there
Shillong Airport (SHL) is the closest air gateway, located 17.8 kilometres from the city. However, it handles limited international traffic. For more frequent flight options, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati is 66.8 kilometres away, whilst Osmany International Airport (ZYL), also 67.3 kilometres distant, offers additional connectivity. Road transfers from any of these airports take between two and three hours depending on conditions.
The city is well connected by road to other parts of Meghalaya and Assam, making it accessible by hired car or shared taxi services if you prefer overland travel. The local timezone is Asia/Kolkata, and the currency is Indian Rupees (INR).
Find flights to Shillong →arrives SHL (17.8 km away)
Before you go
English is widely spoken in Shillong, which simplifies navigation and communication for foreign visitors. The city's status as a state capital means basic tourist facilities and services are readily available, though you should confirm current conditions with your accommodation or the official East Khasi Hills district website (eastkhasihills.gov.in) before travel.
Shillong's position as a hill station means the climate differs from the plains below. Plan your visit with awareness of local weather patterns, particularly if visiting during the monsoon season when rainfall in the region is substantial. The city's elevation and geography make it a cooler alternative to lowland areas of Assam.
Journeys through here
Where to stay in Shillong
Hotels are booked on Booking.com (a third party, off this page). You book and pay them directly — Head Your Way is not the seller.
Getting around Shillong
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission, never at extra cost to you.
Common questions
- What is the closest airport to Shillong?
- Shillong Airport (SHL) is the nearest, 17.8 kilometres away. However, for more flight options, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati is 66.8 kilometres away, and Osmany International Airport (ZYL) is 67.3 kilometres away.
- Is English spoken in Shillong?
- Yes, English is widely spoken in Shillong, making it relatively straightforward for foreign visitors to communicate and navigate the city.
- What are the main things to see in Shillong itself?
- Ward's Lake, Elephant Falls, and Bishop Falls are the primary natural attractions within the city. Madina Mosque is a significant religious site. The city is also home to several educational institutions including Lady Keane College, Sankardev College, and Seng Khasi College. Raj Bhavan, the Governor's residence, is also located here.
- How far is Guwahati from Shillong?
- Guwahati is 69.8 kilometres away, making it a feasible day trip by road.
On the map
Keep exploring
More places in India
Similar destinations
Plan the wider trip
Sources & method
- GeoNames — population · retrieved 2026-08-14
- OurAirports (derived) — nearestAirports · retrieved 2026-08-14
- Imagery — commons, openverse
Data compiled 2026-08-14 · editorial checks: passed. See our methodology for how Head Your Way sources and reviews travel data.