How to Reach Shillong from Cherrapunji

One of the most beautiful cities in the Northeast, Shillong is located about 1496 metres on the slopes of East Khasi Hills and is known for its majestic natural beauty. The landscape here is made of mystic valleys, pine tree forests, gleaming lakes, crystal clear rivers, and endless stretches of greenery. Owing to its surreal beauty, Shillong has earned the sobriquet, ‘Abode of Clouds,’ and ‘Scotland of the East.’

Best way to travel from Cherrapunji to Shillong

Travelling through the winding roads, with clear blue skies, misty valleys surrounding you, and cool breeze ruffling your hair all through the journey, sounds like a dream holiday, doesn't it? You can enjoy this heavenly experience for real as you go from Cherrapunji to Shillong.  

The best way and only way to reach Shillong from Cherrapunji is by roadway, and you must drive through the East Khasi Hills, which makes your travel a memorable experience, and the beauty you experience enroute will leave you bewildered. 

The distance from Cherrapuji to Shillong by road is just about 54 kms. But this road trip is a dream for many travel enthusiasts. Some of the awe-inspiring places that you pass through during the journey are sure to give your wanderlust a new meaning.  

The best way to reach Shillong from Cherrapunji is to take a taxi or a bus. The MTDC (Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation) runs several buses from Cherrapunji to Shillong throughout the day. The private taxis usually charge about 1500 – 2000 per trip. If you are on a budget, you can take the bus and reach your destination at a fraction of a cost. 

Best places to visit in Shillong

Shillong is a wonderful city in Meghalaya that boasts several natural attractions and man-made wonders. From stunning churches built in the colonial era to mystical networks of caves, gorges, waterfalls to crystal clear rivers, there are too many amazing places to visit in Shillong.  

You can spend an entire lifetime exploring Shillong, as there is beauty to be admired at every turn. But, if you have come from Cherrapunji to Shillong for a short holiday, here are some of the must-visit places to include in your itinerary.   

•  Lake 

Umiam Lake is one of the top tourist attractions in Shillong for a good reason. The locals call it Badapani, and it is a sprawling man-made lake, which is formed by building a dam over the Umiam Lake. As pristine as the water body itself is, it is surrounded by an awe-inspiring greenery, with thick coniferous forest on one side and the East Khasi Hills stand tall on the other side.  

It's natural beauty and serene vibe makes it one of the best places to visit in Shillong for a picnic. You can spend an entire day relaxing by the lake’s shore and admire the beauty around. Apart from its scenic landscape, the lake is known for offering several thrilling water sports like water cycling, boating, and kayaking.   

• Shillong Peak 

The highest viewpoint in the hill town, Shillong Peak is located about 6499 ft and is shrouded in misty clouds. From the top, you get the most gorgeous 360-degree view of the distant hills, gushing waterfalls, and the plains of Bangladesh. The highlight of this place is the pure, clean, and crisp air. If you come here from the city, you would love being present in the moment and breathing the air. A haven for photographers and nature lovers, when you are in Shillong, you must not miss visiting this popular tourist attraction.   

• Laitlum Canyons 

Located in Khasi Hills, Laitlum Canyons is one of the lesser-known and underrated places in Shillong. Laitlum, literally translates to ‘end of the hills,’ is an ideal spot for trekking and photography. You can visit this hilltop viewpoint and be in awe of the gorgeous view of the valley below, the lush green hills in the distance and the winding roads on the hills.    

• Elephant Falls 

If you come to Shillong from Cherrapunji, you ought to visit one of the most popular and breath-takingly beautiful places in the city, the Elephant Falls. You can pick any tourist guide to Shillong, and it will surely have this waterfall listed among the top 5 best places to visit in Shillong. 

You can walk down the stairs and see each layer of the falls, and when you get down to the bottom tier, you can clearly see the foamy and snow-white waters gushing down in different layers. While the sight of the falls is a visual treat, the beauty of the place is accentuated by the lush green surroundings.  

You can sit near the falls, and enjoy admiring the beauty of the surrounding, and listening to the soft music of the falls gushing down, which will surely fill your heart and mind with great joy and mirth.   

• Air Force Museum 

Located within the Eastern Air Command’s complex, the Air Force Museum is another wonderful place to explore in Shillong. Here you can see various rockets, missiles, miniature fighter aeroplanes, medals, and awards on display, which are neatly categorised in different galleries. It is a wonderful place to know about the Indian Air Force and life in the defence.   

• Police Bazaar 

Police Bazaar in Shillong is every tourist’s and shopper’s paradise. Located in the heart of the city, this bazaar is a place where you can shop till you drop. You can purchase several gift items and souvenirs that you can take back for your loved ones, such as apparels, especially winter clothes, which are inexpensive here. Besides, you can buy local handicraft items, shoes, and bags. The bazaar is buzzing all day, and even if you are not too keen on buying anything, you would surely be amazed at the sight of various colourful items available in the market.  

While you are in the market, make sure you step into one of the several eateries and enjoy some lip-smacking snacks.  

Best things to do in Shillong

The capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong is one of the most pristine and picturesque places on earth. Apart from its various sightseeing attractions that are a cynosure to the eye, Shillong also offers you plenty of fun and adventurous experiences.  

If you are visiting Shillong from Cherrapunji or any other nearby cities or towns, here are some of the best things to do in Shillong. You must not miss having these experiences.  

• Go on a relaxing picnic to Umiam Lake and spend a day enjoying the picturesque view of the shimmering waters and lush greenery surrounding it. In the evening, you can go on a boating ride and see the most beautiful sunset you may have seen. 
• Explore all the churches in the region, and be in awe of the colonial-era architecture.
• Be amazed by the stunning beauty of the Elephant falls. You can spend a whole day here relaxing amidst serenity and click some epic pictures for your social media handles. 
• Experience the thrill of trekking at various trekking trails. 
• Pay a visit to Mawlynnong village, the cleanest village in Asia.
• Get a taste of the local cuisine at local cafes and restaurants. 
• Shop till you drop at the Police Bazaar. 

Best time to visit Shillong

You can visit spectacular Shillong any time of the year and you will be amazed at its awe-inspiring beauty, we bet! This gorgeous city wears a different look in different seasons and at different times of the year, and every season it is alluring. But the best time to visit Shillong is between September and May. During this time, the weather is pleasant, with temperature ranging from 4-12 degrees Celsius, providing an ambient setting for sightseeing and taking part in various outdoor activities.  

If you are a hardcore nature enthusiast, and love going out in the rains, the monsoon season, from June to August and early September would be a wonderful time to explore Shillong. The arrival of the rains turn the entire region into a green oasis and the hills are adorned with shimmering waterfalls, and the rivers and lakes filled to the brim. More importantly, you can see million shades of green and the thick green cover, which is sure to fill your heart and mind with great peace.  

Best places to stay in Shillong 

Over the past few years, with the growing influx of tourists to Shillong, many amazing stay options have come up in the hill town. There are hotels, homestays, and hostels to suit your budget. But, if you are travelling from Cherrapunji to Shillong for a family holiday, and want a premium stay, you need not look further than Polo Towers, one of the most premium resorts in Shillong offered by Club Mahindra. 

Located in the heart of Shillong city, Polo Towers promises to offer you the most serene living space and spoil you with world-class hospitality services. The interiors and the rooms are tastefully done to ensure that you are completely shielded from the city’s commotion and enjoy a relaxing and peaceful stay. The central location of the resort makes it easier for you to explore different parts of the town with ease.