Popular local café serving good coffee, pancakes and hearty breakfasts — a relaxed way to start and right in the city centre. Open typically from ~8:30am; arrive early on busy weekends.
One of North-East India’s best museums showcasing tribal cultures, crafts and history with excellent exhibits and a panoramic rooftop view. Typical opening hours: 9:30am–4:30/5:00pm; check for seasonal closures.
Pleasant, compact lake and garden in the heart of the city for a gentle walk, paddle-boat photo stops and short relaxation between sights. Parks usually open early morning until sunset.
Popular local restaurant serving North-East favourites and Indian comfort food; good choice for quick, filling lunch and local dishes like momos and thukpa. Open typically 10:00am–10:00pm.
Visit Shillong Peak for panoramic city and valley views (weather permitting), then drop by Elephant Falls for a scenic short walk among cascades. Both are outdoor sites with no strict opening times but may be affected by visibility and monsoon road conditions.
Explore lively Police Bazaar for local handicrafts, woollens, ka-ris and souvenir shopping; stop at a tea/coffee stall to sample local tea. Shops usually open till early evening; many remain open late into the night.
Comfortable café serving fusion dishes, local ingredients and desserts — a good spot for relaxed dinner in the city. Typical dinner hours until ~10:00pm; check opening hours on Sundays.
A 1.5–2 hour scenic drive from Shillong; leave early to maximise daylight and avoid afternoon cloud/fog that can obscure viewpoints. Road travel time varies with traffic and monsoon conditions.
Iconic high waterfall with dramatic drop and panoramic viewpoints — best seen early before clouds roll in; open all day with no formal charge for the viewpoint platform.
Easy, well-lit limestone cave where you can walk short stretches underground — interesting for geology and quick exploration. Typical opening hours: ~9:00am–5:00pm; small entry fee applies.
Choose a short visit to Arwah Caves for more subterranean formations or relax at the Sohra Eco Park with views over the plateau; both are short stops and weather dependent.
Eat at a local family-run restaurant to try Khasi dishes such as jadoh, dohneiiong and bamboo shoot preparations; hearty, authentic regional food that balances the outdoor day.
Visit the famous multi-tiered falls (especially scenic in the wet season) and nearby viewpoints; great for photos and short walks. Open all day; viewpoint access is quick but watch slippery trails in monsoon.
Relax after the day with multi-cuisine options in central Shillong; choose a restaurant offering local ingredients or continental dishes for variety. Typical dinner service until ~10:30pm; confirm specific opening hours with the restaurant.
Around 2.5 hours from Shillong; start early to enjoy the village before mid-day visitors. Mawlynnong is open all day and has a small skywalk/tower with panoramic views (tower may have a small fee).
Stroll the immaculately kept village, interact with villagers and climb the bamboo Sky View Tower for region views — great for photography and cultural observation. Sky tower usually open from morning to late afternoon; small fee often charged.
Short drive from Mawlynnong to Dawki with beautiful rural scenery; aim to reach the river before midday when the water is clearest. Road travel 45–60 minutes depending on conditions.
Legendary crystal-clear river boat trips where boats appear to float on glass — popular photo stops and relaxing short rides (usually 20–40 minutes). Boat services typically operate 9:00am–4:00pm; check availability and bring sunscreen.
Casual riverside stalls and small restaurants offer fresh, simple meals — eat local fish or rice-based dishes while enjoying the river view. Stall hours vary but are usually open through lunch.
Finish your trip with a comforting dinner at a reliable city restaurant — choose local favourites or international dishes depending on your taste. Check current opening hours; many places close by 10:00–11:00pm.