Who needs an itinerary to Japan when you have the places to visit in Shillong, your very own cherry blossom capital of India, with you! It’s like a slice of the Sakura season, right here in Meghalaya, with a twist of Northeast India’s warm hospitality and Khasi culture. From bustling markets to serene lakes, the city blossoms with life, love, and color. Join us as we explore the best attractions in Shillong during the festival season, where you’ll find a city bursting with blossoms, traditions, and sights that will make you swoon!
Note: 🌸The cherry blossom festival will be held on November 15 and 16, 2024 and it will feature performances by the music industry’s finest, Akon, Clean Bandit, Boney M, R3hab, Queen Sensation and more. Visit the official website for more information.
Explore Best Attractions in Shillong During the Cherry Blossom Festival in 2024
Don’t forget and make sure to add these to your Explurger Bucket List✅
WARD’S LAKE
Ward’s Lake, a horseshoe-shaped lake in the city center, is among the most popular places to visit in Shillong. Surrounded by well-maintained gardens and tall pine trees, it’s a perfect spot for a quiet picnic or boat ride. The lake also offers a walking trail, making it ideal for a scenic stroll. You can also check out the Police Bazar as well as the botanical gardens.
✉The lake is over a century old and is named after Sir William Ward, the former Chief Commissioner of Assam.
🌅Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for the best views and a peaceful boat ride
SHILLONG PEAK
Offering panoramic views of Shillong and the surrounding hills, the Peak is one of the must-visit attractions in Shillong. It’s the highest point in the city and a favorite among tourists looking to take in Shillong’s scenic landscape. Local legend claims that Shillong Peak is inhabited by a deity who protects the city.
🗻How to Reach: Located about 10 kilometers from the city center, you can reach it by cab.
🌄Best Time to Visit: From 9 am to 4 pm
ELEPHANT FALLS (Kshaid-Lai-Pateng)
One of the most photographed attractions in Shillong, Elephant Falls is a three-tiered waterfall that cascades over rocky cliffs and is surrounded by lush greenery. This natural wonder is a great spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
🐘The waterfall is named after a rock that resembles an elephant, although the rock was destroyed in an earthquake.
☔Best Time to Visit: During or right after the monsoon season (July to September) when the falls are at their peak.
UMIAM LAKE
Just outside Shillong, along the Guwahati-Shillong highway, Umiam Lake is a serene and expansive reservoir often compared to Scotland’s Lochs. It’s a perfect spot for boating, fishing, and water sports, making it one of the most fun places to visit in Shillong for adventure lovers.
🌲The lake was created as a dam reservoir in the 1960s and spans an area of 220 square kilometers.
🌅Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening, when the lake is calm and reflects the surrounding hills.
PHAN NONGLAIT PARK (Lady Hydari Park)
Phan Nonglait Park is one of the must-visit attractions in Shillong, offering picturesque views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The park is home to a variety of plants, including rare species of orchids and other flora. It’s a peaceful spot for a leisurely walk, photography, or a family outing.
🚗To reach the park, simply head to the southern part of Shillong, which is easily accessible via car or local transport.
🍂The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant.
LUM SOHPETBNEG 
Lum Sohpetbneng, also known as the “Navel of the Sky,” is one of the most sacred places in Shillong for the Khasi tribe. The hill is home to a beautiful traditional Khasi structure and offers panoramic views of the city. It is believed that this is the place where the first Khasi settlers descended from the skies, making it one of the most culturally significant places to visit in Shillong.
🏔️ Located about 25 kilometers from Shillong, the hilltop can be reached by car followed by a short trek.
🥾The best time to visit Lum Sohpetbneng is from November to February when the weather is ideal for a hike and sightseeing.
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ARWAH CAVES
For those interested in history and geology, the Arwah Caves are among the top attractions in Shillong (or rather, near Shillong). These limestone caves, located near the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, are not only a natural wonder but also a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. One can also spot Lawshynna Hill and the nearby waterfall. The caves feature beautiful stalactites and stalagmite formations, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot fossils inside.
🌈The best time to visit these caves is between October and March, as the weather is cooler and ideal for exploring.
🔎The Arwah Caves are about a 45-minute drive from Shillong, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.
MAWPHLANG SACRED FOREST
The Mawphlang Sacred Forest is a hidden gem that showcases the ancient traditions of the Khasi tribe. The forest is preserved as a sacred site, and it’s said that no one is allowed to cut trees or disturb the flora and fauna within its boundaries. The forest offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and explore indigenous plants, trees, and wildlife.
🌴The Mawphlang Sacred Forest is located about 25 kilometers from Shillong and can be reached by car.
📹The best time to visit is between October and March, and it’s an ideal spot for trekking and photography.
WAH KABA WATERFALLS
Located about 12 kilometers from Shillong, Wah Kaba Waterfalls is one of the beautiful places to visit in Shillong. The sight of the waterfall cascading down the rocky cliffs amidst lush greenery is a sight to behold. Just a quick road trip to Cherrapunji, and you’ll be surrounded by the greenest places you’ve ever seen!
☔It is best to visit during the monsoon season, as the waterfall is at its fullest.
🛣️While it is a relatively easy drive to the location, you may need to hike a short distance to get to the falls.
Best Time to Visit these attractions in Shillong
While Shillong is a pleasant destination year-round, the ideal time to visit is between October and April, that is when most Shillong tourist places are active. November is particularly special as the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival takes place. During this time, you can enjoy cultural performances, music concerts, local cuisine, and markets filled with handicrafts. The weather is cool and refreshing, making it comfortable for sightseeing.
Itinerary to Witness these Beautiful Places of Attractions in Shillong During the Cherry Blossom Festival
👋A friendly tip: for a more immersive experience, make friends with the locals and let them guide you to check out the popular attractions in Shillong. Use Explurger’s Explore Your City to connect with locals. Let your travel social app guide you towards a magical experience!
Day 1️⃣: Arrival & Festival Exploration
Arrive in Shillong: Reach via Guwahati, approximately 3 hours by road.
Explore Ward Lake and nearby places to visit in Shillong like Don Bosco Museum, Phan Nonglait Park and Golf Links
Festival Launch: Attend the opening ceremony in the evening. Enjoy the vibrant local culture, music performances, and art stalls.
Day 2️⃣: Exploring Attractions in Shillong
Exploring Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Wah Kaba Waterfalls, Arwah Caves and more
Cultural Shows: In the evening, experience traditional Khasi performances at the festival.
Day 3️⃣: Day Trips and Adventure
Check out Umiam Lake, Lum Sohpetbneng, the Mawphlang Sacred Forest and other places to visit in Shillong (and around)
Festival Entertainment: End your day with local food, music, and art performances.
Day 4️⃣: Final Day & Departure
Spend your afternoon shopping or revisiting any Shillong tourist places you missed.
Departure: Head back to Guwahati.
To come to an end…
We have discussed the most gorgeous places to visit in Shillong for the cherry blossom festival which will take place on the 15th and 16th November, 2024. These places, popular as well as relatively offbeat, offer stunning views and unparalleled beauty of the North-east.
Take out at least 4 days, as the festival is a unique opportunity to explore some of the best places to visit in Shillong. Whether you’re hiking through sacred forests or enjoying the lively festivities, Shillong promises to be a perfect destination for anyone seeking beauty, culture, and adventure during this magical time of year.
FAQs About Attraction In Shillong
2. How do I reach Shillong?
Shillong is well connected by road, air, and rail. The nearest airport is the Shillong Airport, which is about 30 kilometers from the city center. The nearest railway station is in Guwahati, approximately 100 kilometers away, and there are regular buses and taxis that connect Shillong to major cities like Guwahati and other parts of the Northeast.
3. What are the top cultural attractions in Shillong?
Some of the top cultural attractions in Shillong include the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, the Buddhist Monastery, and Ward's Lake, all of which offer insights into the region's history and culture.
4. Is Shillong a safe place to visit?
Yes, Shillong is considered a safe destination for tourists. Like any other tourist destination, it’s always advisable to take standard precautions, especially when visiting remote areas.
5. Are there any adventure activities in Shillong?
Yes, Shillong offers a variety of adventure activities such as trekking, rock climbing, and water sports. The surrounding hills and forests are perfect for those who enjoy outdoor adventures.