Capital to Meghalaya, Shillong is one of those few places that hit the right chords with travellers of all quirks. Whether you travel with the agenda of finding solace in the hidden nooks and corners of the world; for cuisine; music, or even for fun and adventure, the ‘Scotland of East’ will entice and charm you in ways unimaginable. Here we tell you how to navigate through the best of this dreamy mountain destination in 24 hours. By Kumar Shree
1. Shillong Peak
Sitting at an altitude of around 2,000 m above sea level, Shillong Peak is one of the highest points in the state. Trek your way to the peak and be rewarded with a splendid view of the city below. You can also expect to come across some rare flowers and plants on your way to the top. Apart from the cityscape, on a clear and sunny day, the peak also rewards climbers with a glimpse of the Himalayan range and Bangladesh’s plains.
2. Bara Bazar
Exploring the local markets at any destination is one of the best ways to understand the nerve of a place. Hence, we pick the Bara Bazar. Bara Bazar is replete with vibrant shops dealing in exotic spices, handicrafts, souvenirs, vegetables and delectable local food that will have you drooling even long after your return. Local pork and fish preparations with Kyat, a local beverage are something you can easily find at Bara Bazar, and are a must try.
3. Boating At Umiam Lake
Popularly known as Barapani, Umiam Lake is one of the many popular tourist spots in Shillong. While Umiam Lake enjoys rave popularity among water sports and adventure enthusiasts for its offering like kayaking, water skiing, rowing, water cycling, sailing, scooting, and many more, it is spending a quiet evening boating in the lake that we totally recommend. Umiam Lake also has a beautiful history behind it, making it one of the must-visit spots on our list when exploring Shillong in 24 hours.
4. Mawphlang David Scott Trail
Shillong’s abundant natural diversity brimming with a gorgeous presence of numerous flora and fauna makes it an ideal destination for those seeking some adventure in the lap of nature. While some of the noteworthy adventure options are a little distant from the city, you can still manage your fair share of adventure by trekking through one of the most popular trails — the Mawphlang David Scott Trail
5. Cloud 9
After a day of exploring, a fun evening unwinding over some delicious gourmet delicacies, music and dance seems like the perfect idea. That’s what brings us to the pioneer of nightlife in Shillong — Cloud 9. This rooftop establishment is known to host some of the best local talents over the weekend. It should not be missed by anyone trying to capture the essence of Shillong.
Related: Shillong Is Under Our Spotlight For Its Amazing Offerings!
