Where to stay in Shillong: the short guide
Shillong, the Scotland of the East and capital of Meghalaya, is a hill city where the most convenient base is the centre around Police Bazaar. Staying here puts you near the market, restaurants, taxi stands and Ward’s Lake, which is handy for getting around and for travellers without a car. It has the widest range of budget to mid-range hotels and is the easiest base for a first visit.
For quiet and views, hillside hotels and homestays spread out towards the Upper Shillong, Laitumkhrah and the ridges, many with pine-forest and valley views. These suit travellers who want calm, with a short ride into the centre. Shillong also works as a base for day trips to Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong and the living root bridges, so many visitors use it as a hub.
Best areas to stay in Shillong
Police Bazaar (centre)
The central hub near the market, restaurants and taxi stands, walkable and convenient. The easiest base for most visitors.
Near Ward’s Lake and the Golf Links
Pleasant central-area stays near the lake and green spaces.
Laitumkhrah
A lively area with cafes and colleges, with guesthouses and mid-range hotels.
Upper Shillong and the ridges
Quiet hillside hotels and homestays with pine-forest and valley views.
Outskirts and view homestays
Scenic homestays on the edges, good for calm and views, with a ride into town.
Getting to Shillong: Guwahati airport, Umroi and road routes
Shillong has no railway; the nearest railhead is Guwahati in Assam, about 100 km away, with trains from across India. From Guwahati, shared taxis and buses climb to Shillong in around three hours.
Shillong’s own Umroi Airport (SHL), about 30 km from the city, has limited flights, mainly to Kolkata. For wider choice, most travellers fly into Guwahati (GAU), about 120 km away, then drive up the scenic NH-6.
The Guwahati to Shillong road is a well-travelled, scenic route by shared Sumo, bus or private cab, and Shillong is the usual base for exploring Meghalaya.
Find the right kind of hotel in Shillong
Central Police Bazaar hotels
Convenient stays near the market, restaurants and taxi stands.
Lake-side and central stays
Pleasant hotels near Ward’s Lake and the green centre.
Hillside view homestays
Quiet homestays and guesthouses with pine-forest and valley views.
Mid-range and heritage hotels
Comfortable hotels, some in characterful colonial-era buildings.
Couple-friendly stays
Most hotels accept couples with valid photo ID for both guests. Check the property policy before booking.
Budget guesthouses
Simple rooms around Police Bazaar and Laitumkhrah.
Hotels for every budget in Shillong
Budget guesthouses and hotels
Around Police Bazaar and Laitumkhrah. Simple rooms; cheapest outside long weekends.
Mid-range hotels
Comfortable central and hillside stays with better rooms.
Premium hotels and resorts
Upscale and heritage stays with views and more amenities.
Rates change with season, day of the week and local events, so search your exact dates to see live prices.
What to do near your hotel
- Ward’s Lake: A pretty central lake with gardens and boating.
- Police Bazaar: The lively heart of the city for shopping and food.
- Elephant Falls: A popular tiered waterfall on the city’s edge.
- Shillong Peak: The highest point, with views over the city on a clear day.
- Day trip to Cherrapunji (Sohra): Waterfalls, canyons and living root bridges a couple of hours away.
- Mawlynnong and Dawki: The clean village and the crystal-clear Umngot river, on a long day trip.
- Don Bosco Museum: A large museum of Northeast cultures.
- Cafes and live music: Shillong’s well-known music and cafe scene.
When to visit Shillong
| October to May | Clear, pleasant weather, the best time for sightseeing and day trips. |
|---|---|
| June to September | Monsoon brings very heavy rain, as this is one of the wettest regions on earth; green but wet. |
| Winter (December to February) | Cold and crisp, with clear days and chilly nights. |
Good to know before you book
- Most visitors reach Shillong via Guwahati, so factor in the three-hour drive from the airport or railhead.
- Meghalaya is one of the wettest places on earth, so expect heavy rain in the monsoon and carry waterproofs.
- Shillong is the usual base for Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong and Dawki, which are long day trips, so plan an early start.
- The centre around Police Bazaar is walkable, but the sights and viewpoints need a taxi.
See live prices for Shillong
Travelyne checks Booking.com, Agoda, Tripadvisor and direct hotels in one search. You book on the supplier's own page.
Compare hotels in ShillongFrequently asked questions
Where should I stay in Shillong?
Around Police Bazaar for a central, walkable base near the market and taxis, or on the hillsides and ridges for quiet homestays with views.
What is the nearest airport to Shillong?
Shillong’s Umroi Airport (SHL) is about 30 km away with limited flights. Most travellers use Guwahati (GAU), about 120 km away, then drive up.
Does Shillong have a railway station?
No. The nearest railhead is Guwahati in Assam, about 100 km away, with taxis and buses onward.
How many days do you need in Shillong?
Two to three days lets you see the city and take day trips to Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong and Dawki.
Is Shillong a good base for Cherrapunji and Dawki?
Yes. Many visitors base in Shillong and do day trips to Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong and Dawki, though some also stay a night in Cherrapunji.
When is the best time to visit Shillong?
October to May, for clear, pleasant weather; the monsoon is extremely wet.