Shillong, located at a height of 1, 496 mts above sea level, is the capital of Meghalaya. The city derives its name from the deity Shyllong or Lei Shyllong, which is worshipped at the Shillong Peak.

Shillong Peak
An ideal picnic spot, it is just 10 kms from the city. Located at an altitude of 1965 m, it offers a panoramic view of the idyllic surroundings.

Lewduh Bazar
Earlier known as Bara Bazar, this market is the largest of its kind in the North-East. Oranges, pineapples among other fruits as well as vegetables, meat and fish are sold here.

Ward's Lake  
Located in the heart of the city, it is popular for short garden walks and boating.

Umiam Lake  
17 kms before Shillong, Umiam, also known as Barapani, offers water sports like sailing, water skiing, and water scooter. The Orchid Lake Resort, designed by eminent architect Charles Correa, which overlooks the lake and the adjacent Lum Nehru Park are ideal holiday resorts.

Botanical Garden
A secluded but captivating spot with a plethora of exotic plants.

Golf Course
Developed in 1889 as a nine hole course, it was later converted to an 18 hole course, in 1924. It is termed as the 'Gleneagle of the East', at the United States Golf Association Library and Museum.

State Museum  
Located at the State Central Library complex, it offers a glimpse of the lifestyle and heritage of the people.

Shillong is full of churches and waterfalls. The most beautiful church by far is the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, perched atop a hill, the high arches and stained glass windows adding to its grandeur. Directly below, carved out of the hill is the Grotto Church. The All Saints Church opposite the State Central Library is another attractive building of wood and plaster.

The Butterfly Museum that had begun breeding butterflies as an effort at conservation, houses a solid collection of mounted butterflies from India and abroad. The Lady Hydari Park is another popular spot, with its mini-zoo, a children's section and well designed flower beds.The Sohpetbneng Peak, 20 kms from Shillong, set against the backdrop of a sacred forest is another must-visit.

64 kms from Shillong, is the quaint Thadlaskein lake - a popular picnic spot. The lake, legend goes, was dug by the ends of the bows of the members of 290 clans of a rebel general of a Jaintia raja. Also 64 kms from Shillong is Jakrem, a popular health resort with hot-springs of sulphur water, said to have medicinal properties. Dawki, a border town, 96 kms from Shillong, affords one a peek at Bangladesh. The fascinating annual boat race on the Umgot river, during spring, is another attraction. 140 kms from Shillong is Ranikor, a scenic spot and an angler's haven, thanks to a teeming population of carp and mahseers.

The main shopping centres in the city are Police Bazar, Bara Bazar and Laitumkhrah. For handlooms and handicrafts, one can visit Meghalaya Handicrafts, Khadi Gramodyog and Purbashree.

Falls  
Situated near Happy Valley, the Sweet Falls are ideal for picknicking.The Bishop, Beadon and Elephant Falls are other crowd-pullers of the region. The Elephant Falls lie 12 kms on the outskirts of the city, near the Shillong Peak.

Cherrapunjee   
Situated in one of the heaviest rain-belts in the world, Cherrapunjee is 56 kms from Shillong, and perched at an altitude of 1300 m. This lovely town with its beautiful Nohsngithiang waterfalls, is also famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. The town now known as Sohra, and the village of Mawsynram on a neighbouring hill, compete with each other for the record of the wettest place on earth. A centre of Khasi culture and literature, Cherrapunjee also boasts the oldest Presbyterian Church. The Ramakrishna Mission, which has been actively disseminating education in the region, has a large centre here. Before the limestone caves, are a series of giant pillars or megaliths that have been erected near a stream. Such megaliths are peppered throughout the Khasi and Jaintia Hills and are believed to commemorate great acts or to honour deceased chieftains.