Tourism in Shillong deals with the nature tourism sites like the natural waterfalls, stalagmite and stalactite caves, while on the contrary, one can get the leisure tourism sites like Lady Hydari Park, Wards Lake, Motphran, Shillong Peak and many other spots of prime importance. Shillong is the only hill station in the country that is easily reached from all sides.

Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya. It also served as the hill station of Meghalaya. It is the headquarters of the East Khasi Hills district. Shillong is situated at an average altitude of 4,908 feet (1,496 m) above sea level, with the highest point being Shillong Peak at 6,449 feet (1,966 m).

Popular Places of Shillong
Shillong is said that the rolling hills around the town reminded the European settlers of Scotland. Following are the tourist places of Shillong:

Mawlynnong: It is famous for its matrilineal society in addition to having been announced as Asia"s cleanest village. It is a small village in the East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya. The people living here belong to the Khasi Tribe.

Umiam Lake: It is a man-made lake or reservoir which is situated at a distance of 15 kilometres to the north of Shillong. It is spotted with a few islands and there is also a park for picnics. Adventure lovers can also have different water-sports like kayaking, water cycling, boating and scooting. Another attraction of Umiam Lake is Lumpongdeng Island which is in the middle of the lake.

Elephant Falls: Elephant Falls is 12 kilometres on the outskirts of the city. The mountain stream descends through two successive falls that set in dells of fern covered rocks. It is a collection of three smaller falls which finally join together into one.

Mawsynram: It is the wettest place on earth. It is a village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. It features a subtropical highland climate with an extremely rainy and long monsoonal season and a short dried up season.

Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures: Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures comprises the research on cultures, publications, training, animation programmes and the museum, which is a place of knowledge-sharing on the cultures of the northeast in particular and of culture in general. Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures with its Don Bosco Museum is situated at Mawlai, Shillong.

Shillong Peak: Shillong Peak is a well acclaimed picnic spot in Meghalaya. It is about 10 kilometres from the city and it is 1965 meters above sea level. Shillong Peak offers a panoramic view of the scenic countryside and is the highest point in the state.

Wards Lake: Wards Lake is known locally as Nan-Polok. It is an artificial lake with garden and boating facilities. The complex also has a cafeteria and a Botanical Garden. The lake is situated beneath the Governor`s house.

Lady Hydari Park: Lady Hydari Park stretches over a kilometre and has an adjacent mini zoo. This park is one of the popular tourist attractions in Meghalaya. It is dedicated to the first lady of the province - Lady Hydari.

Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum: Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum is an ethnic tribal museum. It shows the tribal culture and tradition. Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum is in the State Central Library complex where monuments for the great patriots of the state were erected besides the statue of Indira Gandhi and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

David Scott Trail: It is a popular trekking route of Meghalaya. This trail was at first laid by David Scott in the 1800s. It is still used to travel between Assam and Bangladesh.

Sweet Falls: It is one of the steepest and the most fascinating falls of the country. The Sweet falls are near the Happy Valley which is a famous picnic spot.

Nohsngithiang Falls: Nohsngithiang Falls are the wonder in Cherrapunjee. It is also known as the Seven-Sister Falls. Falling from a height of 315 meters on to the ground these are one of the tallest waterfalls in the country.

Spread Eagle Falls: It is also known as the Sati Falls. It is located in the East Khasi District, 6 kilometres from Shillong. These falls are considered to be the widest in all of Shillong.

Shillong Golf Course: Shillong has one of the largest golf courses in Asia. It is known as Gleneagles of the East. Shillong Golf Course enjoys the rare distinction of being one of the few natural golf courses in Asia. The present 18-hole course was inaugurated in 1924.

Motphran: Motphran is known as the "Stone of France". It was erected in memory of the 26th Khasi Labour Corps who served under the British Government in France during World War I.

Kyllang Rock: It is a distinctive giant rock made out of red granite. It is a huge dome placed in the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. The rock is 5400 feet above sea level and has a breadth of around 1000 feet which is part of the Khasi folklore.

Diengiei Peak: It is a very sharp and sheer which is excellent for mountain climbing. It is situated on the western side of Shillong, is 6200 feet in height.

Bishop Falls: It is located at Mawprem area. It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 135 metres (443 feet). This can be viewed from the same point off the thin road at Mawlai.

Khasi Heritage Village: It is located on the edge of the Maphlang field. It is a beautiful artificial village of Shillong. It has a view point of Bangladesh which is an amazing place of architecture.

Mawjymbuin Cave: It is situated in Mawsynram. The rock formations, stalactite and stalagmite are wonderful. It is a very adventurous natural cave with man made lights surrounding the cave.

Laitlum Canyons: It is a very thrilling and adventurous place which is famous for adventurous sports. From here one can see Rasong, a small village; the residents of Rasong rely on an old ropeway crane to transport food grains and necessary commodities down to the valley.

The Grand Madina Masjid: It is a beautiful masjid and is extremely well maintained. It"s made out of beautiful green glasses which is India`s first glass mosque. It is located in Laban area and is the largest masjid in Shilong. It is famous for its architectural wonder.

Shillong is known as "Scotland of the East". This beautiful city is 103 kilometres from Guwahati.