Surrounded by beautiful pine forests and gorgeous mountains, Shillong is a hill station in India that brings to mind John Muir’s famous quote “Keep close to nature’s heart…and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods.” Also known as the “Scotland of the East” due to its eerie resemblance to the gorgeous country of Europe, Shillong is a spectacular place. Apart from the glorious natural beauty of Shillong, the town itself is unique as well. The city was founded by the British rulers to spend their summer vacations. Hence, you can see the influence of colonial architecture in the buildings located over there quite easily. If you are planning to visit Shillong, do not forget to spend a day leisurely amid the splendid beauty over there. But it doesn’t end there. Shillong is beautiful in itself, yes but the picnic spots near Shillong, increase its beauty multifold.
8 Top Picnic Spots Near Shillong
The sites included in the list are located not that far away from Shillong. Most tourists visit their love to spend some time over there with their families and loved ones. These are quite popular among travelers from all over the world.
1. Mawlynnong – 78 Km From Shillong
2. Umiam Lake – 17 Km From Shillong
3. Mawsynram – 60 Km From Shillong
4. David Scott Trail – 26.5 Km From Shillong
5. Nohsngithiang Falls – 97.9 Km From Shillong
6. Mawphlang – 25.7 Km From Shillong
7. Jakrem – 64 Km From Shillong
8. Kyllang Rock – 58.1 Km From Shillong
1. Mawlynnong
Located in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, Mawlynnong is one of the most beautiful picnic spots near Shillong. The reason why this tiny hamlet is so famous is that it was the cleanest village in Asia in 2003. Even today, this village is picturesquely gorgeous and impeccably clean. So, while you got there to have a lovely picnic with your family, remember not to make any mess and bring you lunch from your home or hotel. Many people prefer to visit the village in the monsoon as well because the scenic beauty becomes exceedingly gorgeous during that time.
Distance From Shillong: 78 km
Must Read: 16 Top Things To Do In Shillong For A Memorable Trip In Meghalaya
2. Umiam Lake
Umiam lake is one of the picnic spots near Shillong that will leave you awestruck. Surrounded by the dark green mountains of the East Khasi Hills, this human-made reservoir is one of the most beautiful places in Meghalaya. There is a park adjacent to the lake that allows you to have a picnic with your loved ones comfortably. Not only tourists but residents of Meghalaya visit the place quite frequently with their families and friends. There are some water activities available there as well that you can take part in.
Distance From Shillong: 17 km
Suggested Read: Explore These 9 Mesmerizing Places To Visit In Shillong In May On Your Next Vacay!
3. Mawsynram
Mawsynram is not only the wettest place in the world, but it is one of the most romantic places in the world as well. The entire village looks like a dream because of the gorgeous Khasi hills surrounding and the thick green forest surrounding the area. There is a substantial stalagmite formation inside the town that many people consider to be a Shivling. If you visit there with your loved ones for a nice picnic, it would be best if you visit there in the monsoon. The thought of having lunch amid the gorgeous rain of the Meghalayas is quite stunning.
Distance From Shillong: 60 km
Suggested Read: 8 Exciting Adventure Sports In Shillong To Get Closer To Marvels Of Mother Nature!
4. David Scott Trail
Image Credit: davidscotttrail.com
If you are looking for picnic spots near Shillong that will tell you about the lives of people in Shillong and you want to have an adventure-filled day, then David Scott trail is the perfect place for you. While walking on this trail, not only will you get to witness the gorgeous beauty of the surroundings, but you will also get to see the life of the local people living in the Khasi villages of Meghalaya. At the end of the trail, there is a hanging bridge, which is a hot spot for photographers. While traveling to the path, you can have a picnic with your dear ones amid the natural beauty of Meghalaya.
Distance From Shillong: 26.5 km
Suggested Read: The Famous Cherry Blossom Festival Is Ready To Paint Shillong With Hues Of Pink & White
5. Nohsngithiang Falls
Nohsngithiang fall is located quite close to Cherrapunjee, and it is one of the best picnic spots near Shillong. It is one of the top tourist destinations near Shillong as it is one of the tallest falls in India. When you reach over there, you will be dumbstruck by the vastness of the falls. Especially if you visit there in the monsoon, you will get to enjoy the fall in its full glory quite easily. It is one of the most romantic places to have a picnic with your significant other.
Distance From Shillong: 97.9 km
6. Mawphlang
Mawphlang is one of the beautiful picnic spots near Shillong that can be reached quite easily from Shillong. Surrounded by the gorgeous East Khasi hills and thick pine forests, this village is a great reflection of the life and culture in Meghalaya. It is a heritage village that has been preserved by the government to allow tourists to view the lifestyle of the tribal people living out there. It is a beautiful place to go picnicking with your family as there are several areas present in the village where you could spend some peaceful time with your family.
Distance From Shillong: 25.7 km
Suggested Read: 10 Trails That’ll Allow You To Experience Trekking In Shillong At Its Best
7. Jakrem
Jakrem is a unique tourist site located in Meghalaya that has hot springs of sulfur. People over there believe this place to be medicinal due to the presence of Sulphur, and many people bathe in the water of the springs to get rid of many ailments. It is one of the most popular places for picnicking because it is in the close vicinity of Shillong and also the presence of bathing compartments over there. There is also a health resort present over there, where people stay for a few days to refresh themselves.
Distance From Shillong: 64 km
Suggested Read: 5 Handpicked Resorts Near Shillong Which Are Known For Ultimate Luxury And Comfort!
8. Kyllang Rock
Image Courtesy: tripadvisor.in
Kyllang Rock is one massive granite rock that is located in the West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya and maalkes for one of the most famous picnic spots near Shillong. The area is located 5400 feet above sea level, and the entire area surrounding the stone is quite beautiful as well. As the rock’s height is 1000 feet, you can hike up to its peak to get a panoramic view of the surroundings. Most people prefer this place as a picnic spot because of its gorgeous locality and the soft ground present out there.
Distance From Shillong: 58.1 km.
Further Read: Shopping In Shillong: A Handbook To Guide You For An Unmatched Experience
So, with this we come to the end of our list of places that you can visit. Do, let us know if we have missed out any and yes, all these picnic spots near Shillong are picturesquely beautiful, and most of them can be reached quite easily from Shillong. Hence, next time you visit there, do not forget to explore all the fantastic places mentioned here. Maybe, it’s time for you to make that time, now and plan for a trip to Shillong.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Picnic Spots Near Shillong
What are the top picnic spots that are located near Shillong?
There are several places near Shillong where people go to have a picnic with their friends and family. Some of them are Mawlynnong, Umiam Lake, Mawsynram, David Scott Trail, and many more.
What is the distance between Mawsynram and Shillong?
The total distance between Shillong and Mawsynram is around 60 km.
Where is Nohsngithiang Falls located in Meghalaya?
Nohsngithiang fall is located in the Cherrapunjee area of Meghalaya. You will be able to reach there from Shillong within two and a half hours quite easily.
When is the famous Monolith festival held in Meghalaya?
The Monolith Festival is one of the most famous festivals for the Khasi people in Meghalaya and is held in March.
What is the height of Mawsynram near Shillong?
Mawsynram is located at an altitude of 4600 feet above sea level. It is situated a two and half-hour drive from Shillong.
How many days are perfect for exploring Shillong?
As there are many tourist sites in and around Shillong, it would take you at least nine days to explore the entire area.
What is the perfect time to visit Shillong?
You will be able to enjoy Shillong quite easily by visiting there between September to May.
Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
