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Shillong opens up beautifully after the rains before October. The roads are cleaner, the skies clearer, and the breeze carries a slight chill that feels refreshing rather than cold. Many of the best places to visit in Shillong in October stay fully accessible, with fewer tourists and uninterrupted views. This makes it an ideal time to explore nature spots, churches, and viewpoints across the city. Whether you’re walking along pine-lined paths or spending a quiet hour by a forest lake, the season brings a calm that lets you enjoy every moment without rushing.
Top 8 Places To Visit In Shillong In October
Explore places to visit in Shillong in October, the perfect time without crowds or weather disruptions, with places at its scenic best during this season.
1. Ward’s Lake
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
Ward’s Lake is a quiet escape tucked inside the heart of the city, surrounded by willow trees, seasonal flowers, and a curved walking path that loops around its still waters. In October, the gardens look their brightest and the weather makes it comfortable to walk without feeling tired. This is not just a boating spot. Families come here to relax under the shaded corners, photographers love capturing the wooden bridge, and solo travellers often bring a book or simply watch the ducks glide by.
Location: Centre of city, Shillong, Meghalaya
Timings: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
2. Shillong View Point (Air Force Base)
Photo: Hemantraj8873 / Wikimedia Commons
Perched atop Shillong Peak, this viewpoint is the highest accessible spot in the region and gives you a sweeping, panoramic view of the entire city. On an October afternoon, the visibility is often perfect, and the wind stays steady without being too cold. Visiting this location feels more immersive than simply taking a photo. You stand at the edge of Shillong’s natural skyline, watching how the city blends with the hills. This viewpoint also offers a rare glimpse of how the terrain changes as autumn slowly sets in. The area is managed by the Indian Air Force, so entry is regulated, and you must carry valid identification.
Location: Peak Viewing Point, Shillong, Meghalaya
Timings: 9 AM – 3:30 PM
3. Elephant Falls
Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Elephant Falls flows down in three levels, each step forming its own distinct cascade surrounded by dense ferns and slippery rocks. October brings just the right amount of water, full enough to roar but gentle enough for safe viewing. The steps leading down to the falls are well-maintained, and the light spray from the lower tier feels refreshing without being harsh. This is one of the most accessible places to visit in Shillong in October and also one of the most photogenic. The first level is partly hidden by trees, the second is broad and fan-shaped, and the final plunge is tall and narrow, falling sharply into a rocky pool.
Location: Upper, Shillong, Meghalaya
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
4. All Saints’ Cathedral
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
All Saints’ Cathedral stands quietly on Kacheri Road. It is one of the oldest churches still in use in Shillong, built in 1877. The structure is made mostly of wood, with polished beams, carved arches, and stained-glass windows. In October, the weather makes it easy to walk around the grounds or sit on one of the benches outside without heat or rain. Inside, the light coming through the windows highlights small details of old memorial plaques, brass lamps, and neatly arranged pews. Among the quieter places to visit in Shillong in October, this cathedral offers calm, shelter, and a glimpse into the city’s colonial past without any commercial buzz.
Location: HV9M+QRF IGP Point, near Barik Point, Lachumiere, Shillong, Meghalaya
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
5. Cathedral Of Mary Help Of Christians
Photo: Vijayakumarblathur / Wikimedia Commons
The Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians stands in Laitumkhrah with tall arches and a blue exterior. Built in 1939 after the earlier chapel was destroyed in a fire, it has remained an important landmark for the Catholic community in Meghalaya. The steps leading up to the entrance offer a view of pine-covered slopes. Inside, the cathedral is spacious and quiet, with stained-glass windows that reflect coloured light across the floors and walls. As one of the most visited places to visit in Shillong in October, it draws those looking for history, prayer, or just a few quiet minutes in a calm setting.
Location: HV9R+CFP, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, Meghalaya
Timings: 7 AM – 6:30 PM
6. Sweet Falls
Photo: Vũ Bụi / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Sweet Falls is hidden in a quieter part of Shillong, away from the main traffic and tourist routes. The water drops steeply from a high cliff into a densely forested gorge, creating a narrow stream that disappears into thick greenery. The sound of the fall is sharp and constant, echoing off the rocks around it. The approach road winds through Happy Valley, and the final stretch is lined with pine trees and old cement benches where you can sit before reaching the viewpoint. Among the natural places to visit in Shillong in October, Sweet Falls remains one of the most dramatic yet less crowded spots.
Location: HX74+WJ6, Lynti SweetFalls, Shillong, Meghalaya
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
7. Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum
Photo: Nomu420 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum is located inside the State Central Library complex and offers a detailed look into the cultures and communities of Meghalaya. Named after the first Chief Minister of the state, the museum holds collections that include tribal clothing, ornaments, musical instruments, tools, and everyday items once used in rural homes. There are also models of traditional huts, bamboo crafts, and farming tools placed inside glass displays. This is one of the most informative places to visit in Shillong in October, especially for anyone interested in local history before exploring nearby villages or forest areas.
Location: HV9M+VJ6, Secretariat Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM (Closed weekends)
8. Polo Grounds & Golf Course
Photo: Shareef Taliparamba / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Polo Grounds and Shillong Golf Course cover a wide stretch of land with pine trees, open grass, and winding paths. The golf course was first set up in 1898 and is still active, with regular players using the space throughout the week. You’ll often see early morning matches or evening practice sessions. In October, the grass is thick and healthy after the rains, and the trails stay dry, making it a good time to walk or sit outdoors. This remains one of the most open and relaxing places to visit in Shillong in October.
Location: HVQX+QGP, Golf Links, Shillong, Meghalaya
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Shillong stays pleasant throughout October, making it easy to visit waterfalls, forest trails, churches, and quiet corners across the town. If you’re planning to travel this month, choosing the right places to visit in Shillong in October will help you see the town at a time when everything feels clear, peaceful, and easy to enjoy. Start planning your Shillong trip this October with TripXL and experience the season at the right pace.
Cover Photo: Abhishek Barooah / Unsplash
