One of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in the northeast, Shillong is a traveler’s paradise. It is the capital of Meghalaya and the seat of the East Khasi Hills district. Located at an altitude of 1,496 meters, Shillong spells beauty and charm. Its strategic location and mild climate make it one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. In fact, all these qualities lead Shillong to become an administrative center. It is conveniently located between Brahmaputra and Surma Valley.

Shillong has always been at the center of the action. Even in the pre-independence era, the British made it the new civilian station of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in 1864. It was once the summer capital of Assam and East Bengal. Even in 1874, during the formation of Assam as the Province of the Chief Commissioner, Shillong was selected as the seat of the new administration. Today, more than two centuries later, Shillong remains a major landmark in the Northeast.

Shillong is one of the few hill stations with good passable roads all around. Shillong still has no rail connection. Umroi, 30 km from Shillong, is a small airport and most flights to Umroi are only on certain days of the week. Guwahati is the closest major airport and railway station. It takes about 3-4 hours of driving on hills by road through NH-37 to reach Shillong.

Public and private transportation is available from Guwahati to reach Shillong. You can also rent or share a jeep to get to Shillong from Paltan Bazaar in Guwahati. A traveler can find a taxi service to Shillong that can charge between 110 and 170 rupees per seat. Bus service is also available and is cheaper and more comfortable compared to traveling by taxi. Guwahati is approximately 120 km from Shillong.

There are several interesting places to visit in and around Shillong. Chrrapunjee, 56 km from Shillong, is a must-see. It once held the title of the world’s wettest place on earth. Shillong Peak, 10 km away, is another tourist attraction around Shillong. Ward Lake, Umiam Lake, Botanical Garden, Golf Course, State Museum and Elephant Falls are some of the places you can visit.