City of Shillong

Nestled among rolling pine-clad hills at a refreshing altitude, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya and was long known as the Scotland of the East for its misty uplands, cool climate and gentle, undulating greenery. The town carries a relaxed, musical air, shaped by the Khasi people and a rich legacy of choirs, guitars and easy charm.

Its landmarks reward unhurried exploration. Ward's Lake offers a tranquil garden stroll in the heart of town, while the lively bazaars of Police Bazar bustle with traders and street food. A little further out, Elephant Falls tumbles in graceful tiers, and the viewpoint at Shillong Peak surveys the whole valley on a clear day.

The landscape is the real star here, a soft tapestry of hills, lakes and forests that shift with the changing light and frequent veils of cloud. The matrilineal Khasi culture, where lineage and property pass through women, lends the region a distinctive social character, and the warmth of the local welcome is felt at every turn.

To visit Shillong is to slow down, to wander between cafes and viewpoints, to listen to live music drifting from a hillside, and to breathe air scented with pine. Evenings are cool and convivial, ideal for unwinding after a day on the winding mountain roads.

We place Shillong at the centre of any Meghalaya journey because it is the perfect base from which to reach the living root bridges, sacred groves and waterfalls of the wider region. Its blend of comfort, scenery and culture makes it a highlight that travellers remember long after they return home.