Scotland of the East: 5 Days Journey of Adventure from Delhi to Shillong
Introduction
Learn all about Shillong with this valuable travel guide from Delhi to Shillong. Identify flights, trains and bus prices, the finest accommodation deals, must-see sites, what’s good to do, great places to dine and prominent places such as Shillong Peak, Umiam Lake, Happy Valley and nearby waterfalls. If you’re planning a relaxing trip to Meghalaya, this is the perfect place for you!
Living in Delhi usually means living in a bubble of deadlines, honking cars, fast food, faster lives. At times, a need for fresh air, wind and green hills comes from the heart.
That desire took me to Shillong, also called as the “Scotland in the East”. Situated in the East Khasi Hills of the North East Indian State of Meghalaya, this gorgeous town has a perfect combination of cultural life, nature, friendly people and outstanding food. As a North Indian, I was surprised by how different – yet comforting everything felt.
Here, I will share tips on traveling, how to reach Shillong from Delhi, flight and train ticket price, where to stay, what to eat, shopping, weather and what to do there, complete with a personal story.
How to Reach Shillong from Delhi
Flying directly to Guwahati Airport in Assam is the best way to reach Shillong. From there, it is just 100 km to Shillong by road.
✈️ My Travel Itinerary:
- Flight: Delhi to Guwahati (2.5 hours).
- Flight price: ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 (one-way)
- Self-Driven Car: I hired Zoom car self-drive vehicle, which I picked at the airport. This provided me total freedom to explore at my leisure.
- Road Journey: Guwahati to Shillong is about 3-4 hours.
Tip: Shared cabs and buses are offered at the airport in Guwahati. Bus fares are between ₹300 and ₹500 and a seat in a shared cab will cost you about ₹500 to ₹700. You can’t buy train tickets for Shillong as it does not have a railway station, but Guwahati’s is the next closest one.
🏨 Best Places to Stay in Shillong
🛏️ Budget Options
Shillong has accommodation for every traveler.
- The Travelers Nest
- Isabella Hostel
🛏️ Mid-Range Hotels
- The Loft – Executive Inn: Stylish and centrally located.
- Cafe Shillong Bed & Breakfast: Clean, cozy, and very homely.
🛏️ Luxury Stays
- Ri Kynjai—Serenity by the Lake: A peaceful resort near Umiam Lake
Tip: Stay in Laitumkhrah or Police Bazaar area if you want to be near cafes, shops, and attractions.
🥘 Where to Eat in Shillong – Food & Drinks
I was not sure about the local food but it really impressed me.
🍲 Must-Try Dishes:
- Jadoh : Cooked rice with pork or chicken.
- Dohneiiong : Pork seasoned with black sesame sauce – stable and intense
- Smoked Meat and Tungrymbai : A fermented dish for ones who like to try something different.
☕ Best Cafes & Local Spots:
- Dylan’s Café
- Cafe Shillong
- ML05 Café
- Police Bazaar Street stalls: Momos and spicy chowmein
🍷 Drinks to Try:
- Local rice beer (ask locals for areas to safely get the taste of it).
- lemon soda
🛍️ Shopping in Shillong – What to Buy and Where
- Police Bazaar: The heart of the town. From local snacks to fashion.
- Lewduh (Bara Bazaar): One of the Meghalaya’s oldest and traditional markets
What to Buy:
- Bamboo & cane handicrafts.
- Handmade shawls and woolens.
- Local Spices, Organic honey, black sesame, and fruit pickle.
- Locally made wines and spices.
🌤️ Shillong Temperature and Best Time to Visit
Like moods, Shillong changes its weather. Romantic and unpredictable.
- March–June (Spring/Summer): Best time. Flowers full blown in good weather.
- July–September (Monsoon): Misty magic, waterfalls come alive. But roads can be slippery.
- October–February (Winter): Cold, often foggy mornings. Great for cozy getaways.
Carry a light jacket, umbrella and a pair of walking shoes- Shillong is all about surprises.
🏞️Top Places to Travel
- 🌼 Umiam Lake: A pleasant walking or paddle boating
- 🏔️ Laitlum Canyons: Best view in Shillong.
- 📸 Shillong Peak view of the whole city
- 🖼️ Don Bosco Museum: Incident tales and fascinating history of entire North East
- 🚗 Drive to Mawlynnong The Travel magazine Discover India has declared this as Asia’s cleanest village in 2003 (3 hrs. of day trip)
- 🔦 Mawsmai Caves (near Cherrapunji): Natural limestone caves
Conclusion
Shillong is not a mere place after all. It’s a pause. A moment or two to pause and breathe and remember the sort of beauty that doesn’t require filters or tourist traps. Shillong is silent and slow when Delhi is noisy and fast.
You’ll come back lighter, calmer, better, somehow more you.
Thus, next time you are browsing the internet in search of a holiday – something different. Choose Shillong.
Also Read: 5-Day Bali Trip from Delhi in June | Budget & Travel Guide
Planning your trip to Shillong? Have questions or want tips? Post a comment below or DM me – I am there to help you and get what Shillong gave me, a memory for life. 🌄🎶
