Located in North-East India, Shillong is one of the most mesmerizing hill stations in India and is the capital of Meghalaya. Shillong is an alluring place embraced by beautiful gardens with full-bloomed flowers, sparkling lakes that flow untamed and unhindered, and cultural centers that proudly preserve and display the traditions and mores of the native people of Shillong. One can only hope to not be absolutely flabbergasted by the captivating city!
Shillong in May is really delightful and in fact ideal for a visit because of its pleasant and comforting weather conditions. The average temperature ranges between a minimum of 18 degrees Celcius to a maximum of 26 degrees Celsius; and since it is a hill-station, the weather is always windy and breezy despite what the temperature may be. May is even more ideal because it is neither too warm like the weather in April nor too rainy like the weather in June; and another reason being the awesome traditional festivals you get to enjoy such as Shad Sukra, which is a celebration before the sowing season.
Such weather allows you to experience the natural beauty of Shillong as you explore the amazing places to visit in Shillong in May that are both enchanting and sometimes, even daunting.
9 Best Places To Visit In Shillong In May
While traveling to Shillong, one can have many places in their wish list and we have covered some of these places in depth in our list of best places to visit in Shillong in May:
1. Umiam lake
Umiam Lake is a human-made reservoir formed by the construction of a dam for generating Hydroelectric power. The lush green Khasi hills surround the Umiam Lake and thus provide for a stunning nature’s sight for the visitors. The lake is surrounded by thick forests, and there are parks near the lake providing for a picnic spot. People also enjoy long boat rides in the lake and sometimes also visit early enough to witness the beautiful sunrise. Thus, Umiam Lake offers a fascinating natural surrounding for the visitors and is one of the best places to visit in Shillong during summer.
Location: East Khasi Hills
Timings: Always open, water sports activity- 9 am to 5 pm
Entry fees: Pedal boat/ canoe- INR 20, Skiing- INR 200, Scooter and River bus- INR 50, Yacht- INR 100
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2. Elephant Falls
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Another one of the most fascinating places to visit in Shillong during May is Elephant Falls. The Falls are called ‘ka said lai paving khohsiew’ by the people of the Khasi tribe, which means ‘The Three Step Waterfalls’. The first step of the Elephant Falls is covered by dense forest while a thin line of the waterfall is seen in the second step. The third step is the most enchanting step of the fall which is the most visible step for the visitors and is the tallest step. One must visit the Elephant Falls while visiting Shillong for sure!
Location: Upper Shillong, Shillong, Meghalaya 793009
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
Entry fees: Free
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3. Don Bosco Museum
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The Don Bosco Museum is Asia’s largest museum and it proudly represents the indigenous culture and tradition of northeastern India. The seven-story building of the museum dazzles the viewers as the building scraps into the sky of Shillong. The museum is considered one of the captivating places to go in Shillong in May as it has 16 galleries displaying beautiful artifacts, numerous paintings and also figurines representing the northeast culture. The museum also has its research wing, publishing house, and cultural calendar.
Location: Malwai Area, Shillong
Timings: 9 am to 5:30 pm
Entry fees: Adult Indian- INR 100, Students Indians- INR 50, an Adult foreigner- INR 200, Student foreigner- INR 150
Suggested Read: 19 Places To Visit Near Shillong For Experiencing Meghalaya’s True Beauty
4. Lady Hydari Park
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Lady Hydari Park is named after the First Lady of the state, that is, the wife of the Governor of Assam. The most alluring feature of the park is that it is built in the form of a Japanese park. The park features round-shaped willow trees, small ponds and also a small lake with ducks and colorful fishes in it. Also, there are orchids and rhododendrons captivating visitors. Another unique feature of the park is its inbuilt museum and a mini zoo.
Location: Lower, Lachumiere, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm. The park remains closed on Mondays
Entry fees: Adult- INR 10, children, senior citizens, and differently-abled person- INR 5
Suggested Read: 31 Popular Places To Visit In Shillong That Will Treat Your Eyes, And Calm Your Soul!
5. Spread Eagle Falls
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The Spread Eagle Falls is the widest fall in Shillong and is named so because it is believed that it looks like an Eagle which has its wings spread wide. Considered as a popular picnic site, the Falls is located in a calm and secluded area where you can sit and relax as you listen to the pouring of the water.
Location: East Khasi district
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
Entry fees: No entry fee
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6. Air Force Museum
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Amongst the best places to visit in Shillong during May is the Air Force Museum. The museum displays the country’s defense force and also provides knowledge of the history of defense. Various aircraft models, pilot’s uniforms, miniature missile models, rockets and pictures of the Indo- Pak, and Indo- China wars are displayed in the museum, thus adding up to its excellence.
Location: 7th mile, HQ, EAC, Shillong, Meghalaya 793005
Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. The museum remains closed on Mondays
Entry fees: No entry fee
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7. Nohkalikai Falls
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The Nohkalikai Falls is also known as the seven sister’s waterfall. The fall is considered as the tallest waterfall in India. Since the waterfall is located near Cherrapunji, the wettest place on Earth, it is provided with the water collected at the small plateaus. There is also a small pool below the falls, and the water appears to be green in color. The people who have a great love for nature can take a walk along with the beautiful place of the falls as they experience one of the best places to visit in Shillong during May.
Location: East Khasi Hills
Timings: From dawn till dusk
Entry fees: INR 10
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8. Laitkor Peak
The Laitkor Peak, also known as the Shillong Peak, is the highest peak in Shillong and provides a view of the entire city of Shillong. There are tea stalls located at the mountain, and also sellers found selling the traditional items of Shillong. People visit the peak for its spellbinding view of the city.
Location: Upper Shillong Forest, East Khasi Hills.
Timings: 9 am to 3:30 pm. It remains closed on Wednesdays.
Entry fees: INR 30/ person.
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9. Laitlum Grand Canyon
The Laitlum canyon is termed as one of the most valuable gems in the Shillong region of India. Laitlum means ‘ The End of Hills’ and is a gateway spot. Often people visit the site as it provides for a very peaceful place and one can always spend time in solitude since the area is located away from the daily chaos of the city. Therefore, one can consider Laitlum Canyon as one of the best places to visit in Shillong during summer.
Location: Meghalaya 793015
Timings: Laitlum Canyon remains open 24 hours and is closed on Thursdays
Entry fees: None
Further Read: 30 Amazing Places In India To Celebrate New Year !
As you explore these aforementioned places to visit in Shillong in May, you give yourself the opportunity to imbibe the true beauty of Indian landscapes and valleys along with its falls and peaks. Explore the depths of the alluring surroundings and the rich cultural heritage of Shillong as you plan your trip to Meghalaya with TravelTriangle this summer!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places to Visit in Shillong in May
Which month is best for a Shillong trip?
If you want to visit during the summer months, the months between March to June are the best ones. In case you want to visit during the winter months, October to February is the best time.
How many days are enough for Shillong?
A trip of 3-4 days would be enough to witness the best of Portugal. To enjoy your vacation, you can go sightseeing and indulge in outdoor activities.
How to reach Umiam Lake?
One can always take a taxi or a cab to reach Umiam Lake via the scenic NH6 route. The trip can take up to one hour. However, if one travels directly from the airport, it takes hardly 25 minutes to reach the lake through the bypass road.
What activities can be done in Shillong?
Some of the things to do in Shillong are:
1. Angling
2. Rafting
3. Trekking
4. Horse riding
5. kayaking
What should be carried along when visiting Shillong Peak?
It is crucial to remember that one should carry a valid ID proof while visiting the Shillong Peak.
How to travel to Shillong?
Shillong can be reached either by car or flight. Also, during one’s stay in Shillong, one can take an Uber, Ola or Savaari available in the city.
What are the best shopping places in Shillong?
Shillong has several shopping places to visit such as:
1. OB Shopping Malls
2. Glory’s Plaza
3. Raps Mansion
4. Paltan Bazaar
5. Police Bazaar
How is the climate of Shillong?
Mostly, the climate of Shillong is warm and temperate. However, one needs to keep an umbrella with oneself as the weather might get uncertain and it may rain at any point.
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An Aerospace Engineer by profession and a freelance content writer by passion, Ankur has always had a zeal to write. He has been born and brought up in Allahabad, and strongly believes that the pen is mightier than the sword.
