Things to Do in Shillong

A British-era building dating to 1867, housing a large collection of rare books, manuscripts and newspapers. The reading hall is calm and airy.

🕐 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Sundays and government holidays

💡 Free entry. Ask the librarian to show you the original police gazettes from the 19th century — fascinating local history for free.

The main pedestrian square at the centre of Shillong, surrounded by colonial-era buildings, street food stalls and live music in the evenings.

🕐 Open 24 hours (stalls active 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM)

💡 Free to wander. Try the local jadoh (rice and pork) from a roadside stall for ₹30. The best busking happens on weekends from 4 PM.

The highest point in Shillong at 1,961 metres, offering panoramic views of the city, the plains of Bangladesh and the Khasi Hills.

🕐 24 hours (observation deck 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

💡 Entry is free but the observation deck costs ₹10. Visit on a clear morning for the best visibility; the mist often rolls in by afternoon.

A small artificial lake built in 1890 by the British, set in a landscaped garden with walking paths, pedal boats and a wooden footbridge.

🕐 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily

💡 Entry is ₹10 for adults. Go at sunrise or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and catch the golden light on the water.

A seven-storey museum dedicated to the culture, history and heritage of Northeast India, with exhibits on tribal life, textiles, musical instruments and art.

🕐 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, closed on Sundays

💡 Low cost at ₹100 entry. Start from the top floor and work down — the rooftop view of Shillong is worth the climb.