Shillong Tour Packages

Get to know more about Shillong before booking your tour packages

Lying at an altitude of 4,908 ft above sea level, Shillong offers mesmerizing views of the majestic Himalayan peaks and the Bangladesh plains. Stretching across 6 km on an elevated track, it also offers great terrain for trekkers and adventure junkies. And with so many cuisines steaming, it is also every foodie’s paradise. While gorging on some delectable meals, you can also hear some enchanting music in the music capital of India. With so many prominent musicians’ birthplace, Shillong is one of the most musically literate towns in the country. While the Khasi tribe is predominant here, you can also come across descendants of the Mylliem, Khyrim, Mallaisohmat, Maharam, Bhowal, and Langrim tribes. You can explore it all with one of our Shillong travel packages.

Experience Shillong

Shillong is a spectacular hilltop snuggled in the middle of the paradisaical Khasi and Garo hills. Being a splendid example of the quaint old-world charm mixed with the fresh and modern essence, Shillong will keep a traveller’s head wandering. Apart from its gripping scenic beauty, Shillong also acts as the gateway to Meghalaya. Known for heavy rainfalls, cascading waterfalls, rippling streams, magical landscapes, there is a lot to explore when in Shillong. Experience nature and its sheer beauty in lush green gardens, glistening waterfalls, azure lakes, and authentic rich culture. Explore the alluring hill town of Shillong in the most remarkable ways with Veena World’s Shillong holiday packages. The city is quite small and can be explored within a few days. While there are cabs and taxis easily available, one of the best ways to explore Shillong is on foot. This way, you will be able to witness nature’s beauty at the finest. 

Cuisine

Shillong is known for its authentic Khasi delicacies. However, you can come across various restaurants that offer Chinese, Indian, and Tibetan cuisines and these are also quite popular here. While there are oodles of options to explore and gorge on, something that you should not miss out on is smoky beef curry and glazed pork with black sesame seeds. You should also try raw fish and tomato chutney. You can also try some combos that make for a wholesome meal. You can get it rice, vegetables, meat curry, salad and chutney, all in one. You munch on some scrumptious delicacies at Police Bazar that houses various eateries. Police Bazar is one spot that you must include in your Shillong vacation package. 

Culture

The British legacy is still quite evident in the architecture and food habits amongst the people of Shillong. However, you can come across Assam-style houses that have slanting roofs, various windows, and wooden flooring. While they may look quite aesthetic, they are actually built considering the area is quite prone to heavy rainfall and earthquakes. Coming to the culture of the people of Shillong, most of the population belongs to the Khasi tribe and are predominantly Christian. There are also significant Bengali and Nepali minorities. One of the most interesting facts about the Khasi culture is that they have a matrilineal society. This means that the mother is head of the family and the youngest daughter owns all the property. Also, the mother's surname is passed on to the children.

Things to Do in Shillong

• Umiam Lake

Resembling the 'Lochs' or lakes of Scotland, the Umiam Lake is a spot that every visitor must explore. Better known to be 'Barapani' (big water), this is a ginormous man-made lake that was created by damming the Umiam River in the early 1960s. Apart from falling in love with its utter beauty, you can also indulge in some water sports and activities like water cycling, scooting, kayaking, and boating. Also, the Umiam lake is dotted with some tiny islands adjoining Lum Nehru Park. This is a great spot for family picnics and one of the best Shillong sightseeing spots. You can also stroll across enjoying the scenic view of the thick coniferous forests and the East Khasi Hills.

• Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians

Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Shillong. And there are various reasons why it must be a part of your Shillong tour. Covering the Khasi and Jaintia hills of Meghalaya, the church is the primary place of worship for more than 300,000 Catholics of the Shillong Archdiocese. Perched atop a hill, this is one of the most magnificent churches here and is also the pride of the Catholics residing here. built-in the year 1936, the basilica is a treat for every architecture admirer. Its splendid Gothic revival architecture depicts the holy scriptures in its tall arches and stained glasses.

• Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous North East Culture (Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures)

Run by the Salesian order of the Catholic Church, the Don Bosco Museum is an amazing spot for people who wish to learn more about the tribal culture and the cultural heritage of Meghalaya. The museum is also an amazing repository of information covering the seven sisters of India. Nestled in precincts of the Sacred Heart Church, the Don Bosco Museum is known to be Asia’s largest museum of indigenous cultures. Thus, it is a spot that must be included in your Shillong package. You can come across a remarkable assortment of different attires, weapons, accouterments, ornaments, and even rare photographs. Most of the credit for preserving the art and culture of the North East goes to Fr Sebastian who is a priest here.

• Elephant Falls

Located in the Upper Shillong area, these cascading waterfalls are named after an Elephant-shaped stone at its foot. Elephant Falls is one of the spots that is ought to be included in your Shillong sightseeing package owing to the peaceful and tranquil environment here. You can spend hours observing the natural beauty and hearing the water gushing down while you capture all these incredible moments for keepsake. There is also a footpath that leads to the bottom of the fall and reaches a small lake. The Elephant falls are also known to be 'Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew' by the local Khasi people which literally translates to 'The Three Step Waterfalls'. This is because these falls actually consist of three layers of enthralling falls. While the first of the three waterfalls are tucked between the dense trees here, the second waterfall diminishes to thin strands of water. These are usually not even visible in the winters. However, the third layer is not only most visible but is also the most impressive of all. It appears to be crystal clear water flowing like a sheet of milk on the murky rocks.

Best Time to Visit Shillong

Shillong is a place that sings every season and its melodious echo will resonate within your soul throughout the year. However, if you are planning on a one-day tour package to Shillong, you should visit between September to May. This is the time when Shillong is nothing less than a paradise. While the weather is pleasant, the area also receives moderate rainfall which gives it an even more rejuvenating vibe. If you are someone who would like to experience heavier rainfall, you should visit during the monsoon season (June-August). However, torrential rain may disrupt travel plans, so come prepared. 

Come visit Shillong and witness North East in its utmost glory with Veena World! Know more about the Shillong tour cost and other details here!