10 Places To Visit In Shillong In April: A Complete Travel Guide

Shillong city from above with multiple vibrant houses, buildings, trees and mountains.

April brings a quiet rhythm to Shillong, with soft sunlight, blooming pathways, and temperatures that stay easy on the skin. It is a time when walks feel unhurried, and landscapes appear richer in colour. Places to visit in Shillong in April open up comfortably, from cliffside canyons to heritage museums. The weather allows for slow exploration, with no discomfort from heavy rains or stifling heat. This month suits those who want to experience Shillong at its most welcoming, with nature and culture both easily accessible.

10 Beautiful Places To Visit In Shillong In April

With pleasant weather and blooming flowers, below are the top 10 places to visit in Shillong in April.

1. Laitlum Canyons

Laitlum grand canyons from above with railings and distant broken rock structure.

Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons

Laitlum Canyons is one of the most striking places to visit in Shillong in April, offering a wide, open view of the East Khasi Hills without any weather obstruction. The month brings clear air that sharpens the details of the valleys and ridgelines. From the top, Rasong village appears deep below, and the old stone staircase that cuts through the slope is still used by locals every day. Local women sit at the entrance selling tea in paper cups, along with boiled snacks, but the cliffs themselves remain completely natural and undisturbed.

Location: East Khasi Hills
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Rasong village view, cliff-edge viewpoint, stone steps trail, hilltop sitting platforms, cloud cover photography

2. Ward’s Lake

Ward’s Lake in Shillong with ducks on the lake, people standing and boats on the lake.

Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons

Ward’s Lake remains one of the most peaceful places to visit in Shillong in April, especially without leaving the city centre. April brings fresh blooms around the lake, including orchids and seasonal flowers that brighten the cobbled paths. The wooden bridge at the centre gives a full view of the water, where paddle boats glide across quietly. A small café beside the boating area serves tea and fried snacks, making it a good break spot before heading back into the city’s busy lanes.

Location: Police Bazar, central Shillong
Timings: 8:30 AM – 7 PM (closed Sundays)
Cost: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children
Major Attractions: Pedal boating, cobblestone walking path, wooden bridge, orchid garden, musical fountain

3. Umiam Lake Viewpoint

Umiam Lake in Meghalaya with sandy shorelines, green trees and mountains at a distance.

Photo: RMehra / Wikimedia Commons

Umiam Lake Viewpoint stands as one of the most peaceful places to visit in Shillong in April, especially for those arriving by road. The lake stretches out below in full clarity, with no mist covering its edges. April offers wide, uninterrupted views of the pine-covered hills mirrored on the water. At the top, the viewpoint gives a straight look across the entire expanse. Zip-lining is set up just beside the viewing area, and the line cuts over the forest before ending in a clear patch facing the lake.

Location: NH6 highway, 15 km before Shillong
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: ₹30 entry
Major Attractions: Sunset view deck, zip-lining zone, lakeside café, kayaking centre, pine forest photography zone

4. Shillong Peak

Shillong city from Shillong Peak with green trees, buildings and houses of the city.

Photo: Rachit / Wikimedia Commons

Shillong Peak remains one of the most visited places to visit in Shillong in April, offering a full view of the city and the hills that surround it. The road climbs steadily to the air force-controlled zone where the viewpoint is located. On clear April days, the visibility from the top is excellent, letting you spot Umiam Lake in the distance and the town’s white rooftops below. A viewing platform with telescopes lets visitors take in the skyline with detail.

Location: Air Force Station, Upper Shillong
Timings: 9 AM – 3:30 PM
Major Attractions: Panoramic city view, telescope point, traditional Khasi photo booths, binocular hire station, radar dome observation point

5. Don Bosco Museum

Don Bosco Museum in Shillong with distant buildings, dense green forests and mountains

Photo: Arindambasu2 / wikimedia commons

Don Bosco Museum is one of the most detailed cultural stops among the places to visit in Shillong in April. The building rises floor by floor, with each level dedicated to a different aspect of life in Northeast India. You’ll find traditional jewellery, handwoven textiles, musical instruments, and farming tools from all eight states of the region. The bamboo work on display is particularly striking, crafted with care and preserved in glass sections across two floors. On quieter April days, you can take time to read the exhibit notes without crowds pushing through.

Location: Mawlai, Shillong
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM (closed Sundays)
Cost: ₹100 for adults, ₹50 for students
Major Attractions: North East tribal gallery, skywalk terrace, bamboo art section, traditional costume photo zone, 3D cultural theatre

6. Elephant Falls

Elephant waterfalls with water falling in the water body and grass growing on the rocks.

Photo: Guddu123456 / Wikimedia Commons

Elephant Falls is one of the most visited natural spots among the places to visit in Shillong in April, especially for those who want to experience the region’s waterfalls without the heavy flow of the monsoon season. The falls descend in three separate levels, each reached by a well-maintained stone pathway. A short walk leads to the second tier, narrower and tucked between shaded trees. The third and final drop is the tallest and most photogenic, with a viewing deck placed directly in front.

Location: Upper Shillong, approx. 12 km from city centre
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Cost: ₹20 per person
Major Attractions: Three-tiered waterfalls, stone pathway walk, wooden bridge viewpoint, lower deck photography, handicraft stalls

7. Lady Hydari Park

Lady Hydari Park in Shillong City with multiple benches, plants, green trees and plains.

Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons

In this park, visitors usually take slow walks around the central pond, where the reflection of blooming trees adds to the park’s appeal. The play area, fenced neatly, attracts young families, while others choose to sit under the older trees that form natural shade in the afternoon. The animal enclosure inside adds variety to the visit, especially for children seeing deer and smaller species up close. Though the space is not large, it’s well-kept, and April brings out its best features of soft grass underfoot, clean paths, and trees beginning to shed petals across the walkways.

Location: Barik Point, Shillong
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM (closed Mondays)
Cost: ₹10 for adults, ₹5 for children
Major Attractions: Mini zoo, rose garden, children’s play area, duck pond, seasonal flower beds

8. Sweet Falls

Waterfall in Meghalaya with multiple water streams falling, uneven rocks and greenery.

Photo: Abhai Kollara / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Sweet Falls remains one of the quieter places to visit in Shillong in April, surrounded by dense woods free from tourist rush. The waterfall drops in a single narrow stream that disappears into thick green foliage below. The forest path stays shaded most of the way, lined with tall trees and birdsong that are easy to catch during the silent hours of the day. At the edge, the railing faces the drop, and though you cannot go near the base, the view itself is steep and powerful.

Location: Happy Valley, Shillong
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Narrow water stream fall, forest walking trail, echo zone, cliffside benches, secluded picnic area

9. Mawphlang Sacred Grove

Unique rock monoliths on Mawphlang sacred grove with green grass and grove trees.

Photo: Daniel Romanson / Wikimedia Commons

Mawphlang Sacred Grove is under the care of the local village council. Entry is allowed with a guide. The trees are very old, and many roots grow across the trail. Monoliths and ritual stones are found inside the grove. People are not allowed to touch or take anything. Some plants here are used in traditional medicine. The guide explains their purpose while walking. April is a good time because the soil stays dry and doesn’t slip underfoot. The guide points to sacred spots and explains their importance. The entire walk takes about 40 minutes.

Location: Mawphlang village, 25 km from Shillong
Timings: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Cost: ₹20 for entry, ₹100 for guided tour
Major Attractions: Monolith stones, sacred altars, medicinal plants trail, moss-covered footpaths, forest canopy walk

10. Air Force Museum

Entrance to the Indian Air Force Museum with multiple sign boards and a missile model.

Photo: Rahul buddala / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Air Force Museum is located in Upper Shillong, inside the Eastern Air Command campus. It is open to visitors during fixed hours and requires ID at the gate. The exhibits cover the Indian Air Force’s history in the northeast. Uniforms, medals, equipment, and mission details are placed in glass cases. One section focuses on past operations and documents the role of this command in wars. Photos from training camps and real flight missions are displayed on the walls. Outside, two aircraft models are kept on the lawn with short descriptions about their type and use.

Location: Upper Shillong, near Shillong Peak
Timings: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (closed Sundays)
Cost: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for students
Major Attractions: Vintage aircraft models, Indo-China war gallery, Air Force uniforms display, missile section, jet cockpit simulator

April lets Shillong breathe without the pressure of crowds or difficult weather. From forest trails to quiet museums, each stop adds something different. If you’re planning a trip that’s both restful and rich in local culture, the places to visit in Shillong in April offer just that, variety without chaos. For detailed travel plans, stay options, and local tips, check out TripXL and make your Shillong journey smooth from start to finish.

Cover Photo: Shashank Sharma / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Black and yellow shared taxis run from Police Bazar to places like Laitumkhrah and Mawlai. For places outside Shillong, travellers hire cars from agencies near Jail Road or Centre Point.
ML 05 Café in Upper Shillong has ridge views and local snacks. Café Shillong in Laitumkhrah serves pork sandwiches and hosts live music. Dylan’s Café near Risa Colony is themed on Bob Dylan.
Buy bamboo trays from Bara Bazar, pepper and bay leaves from Police Bazar spice shops, Khasi shawls from Purbashree Emporium, and wildflower honey from local stalls near Wards Lake and Laitumkhrah.
Yes. Café Shillong often hosts local bands on weekends. Dylan’s Café holds acoustic nights, usually on Fridays. The Evening Club sometimes organises poetry or jazz sets. Events are posted at the entrance.
Exit Guwahati airport and take a prepaid taxi from the counter outside. It costs ₹2300. Shared sumos leave from Khanapara and Paltan Bazar, ₹500 per seat. The drive to Shillong takes 3 hours on NH6.

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