A popular local café serving hearty breakfasts, pancakes and strong coffee — a good introduction to Shillong flavours. Typical opening hours 8:00am–11:00am; busy at weekends.
An excellent, multi-level museum showcasing Khasi and other North-East cultures, with dioramas and audiovisual displays — highly recommended for context on local history. Usually open 9:00am–5:00pm; allow time for all galleries.
A pleasant, compact artificial lake with flower beds and walking paths right in town — an easy calm stop between attractions. Public grounds are generally open from early morning until dusk.
Choose an Italian bistro like Trattoria for pizzas/pastas or a local restaurant in Police Bazaar for Khasi dishes like jadoh and tungrymbai. Most eateries serve lunch from 12:00pm–3:00pm.
The highest point near the city with panoramic views across Shillong and, on clear days, the distant plains — best visited in the afternoon for good visibility. Access typically 9:00am–5:00pm; allow driving time.
A tiered waterfall set in a pleasant garden; a short walk brings you to viewing platforms and photo points. Site usually open 8:00am–5:00pm and is a quick visit.
A casual place for North Indian, Chinese and local dishes — convenient after a day of sightseeing. Dinner service usually from 7:00pm–10:30pm; quieter mid-week.
Scenic 2–2.5 hour drive east into the Khasi Hills; start early to maximise daylight for viewpoints and caves. Road travel time variable in monsoon; check local conditions.
Simple, local breakfast (tea, omelette, paratha) to fuel your day exploring waterfalls and caves. Roadside cafés typically open early from 7:00am–10:00am.
One of India’s highest plunge waterfalls with a dramatic viewpoint — a must-see in Cherrapunji. Viewpoint access generally 7:00am–5:00pm; slippery paths after rain so wear good shoes.
Explore the well-lit Mawsmai Cave (easy walk-through) and visit nearby viewpoints for Seven Sisters / Nohsngithiang Falls; cave open hours around 8:00am–4:30pm. Great for photography and short walks.
A relaxed café offering local and continental meals — convenient and popular with travellers in Sohra. Most cafés open 11:00am–4:00pm; check service times during low season.
Spend the afternoon visiting nearby parks and viewpoints (Dainthlen or local eco-parks) for more landscape views without a long trek; ideal if you’re avoiding long hikes. Public areas are typically open during daylight hours.
Return drive to Shillong, arriving in the evening — use the drive to relax and review photos from the day. Expect 2–3 hours depending on traffic and stops.
Choose a comfortable dinner spot back in Shillong to sample more Khasi or continental dishes and unwind after the day. Most restaurants open for dinner from 7:00pm–10:30pm.
A roughly 2.5–3 hour scenic drive south-east to Mawlynnong village; start early to beat crowds and the heat. Roads are generally open by early morning; check weather for monsoon conditions.
Enjoy local tea, homemade cakes and simple Khasi dishes in the village — a homely experience and chance to interact with locals. Small cafes and homestays serve breakfast from about 8:00am–11:00am.
Visit the neat lanes, community-run toilets, the living-root-bridge viewpoints and the skywalk for broad valley views — the village is open all day and ideal for relaxed exploration. Respect local rules and timings for community sites.
Short drive (about 45–60 minutes) to Dawki, famed for its crystal-clear Umngot river and border-town views. Roads open normally; town facilities operate during daytime.
Try local freshwater fish and simple Khasi preparations while enjoying river views — cafes usually open 11:00am–4:00pm. A relaxed riverside lunch before the boat ride.
Short boat rides in transparent water are the highlight of Dawki; boat operators typically run trips 9:00am–4:00pm but times can vary by season. Wear sun protection and check safety/seasonal availability.
Finish with a comfortable dinner — Ri Kynjai (if you prefer lakeside fine dining) or another well-reviewed local restaurant for a memorable final meal. Check reservation requirements and opening times (usually 7:00pm–10:30pm).