8 Best Places To Visit In Shillong In July: Waterfalls, Valleys & Monsoon Bliss

Shillong city from above with green trees, grass and distant tall buildings of the city

Rain-soaked trails, forest canopies, and mist-covered hills turn places to visit in Shillong in July into vivid, living landscapes. The city greets you with full waterfalls, clean air, and roads lined with wildflowers. Each spot comes alive differently, some echo with the rush of water, and others stay still and green. July is when Shillong’s colours deepen, and the natural rhythm slows, giving you time to see and feel each place as it is. The rain does not stop travel here; it shapes it.

8 Best Places To Visit In Shillong In July

These amazing places to visit in Shillong in July bring a mix of fresh greenery, gushing streams, and peaceful surroundings.

1. Spread Eagle Falls

Waterfalls in Meghalaya with water flowing on the rocky surface and greenery, one of the best places to visit in Shillong in July.

Photo: Rajesh Rane / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Spread Eagle Falls is one of the more peaceful places to visit in Shillong in July. It sits quietly inside the Shillong Cantonment, not far from the main roads but still tucked behind trees. The waterfall gets its name from the way the stream spreads outward at the edges before it falls, shaped like wings outstretched. In July, the flow picks up pace, fed by steady rainfall, and the water moves clean and strong. You can walk to the viewing area in just a few minutes, and the ground stays manageable even after showers. Around the fall, the trees grow thick and close, offering plenty of cover and shade.

Location: HWG6+Q3F, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, Meghalaya
Timings: Open all day
Nearby Attractions: Shillong Cantonment area, Polo Grounds

2. Shillong Peak Viewpoint

Shillong Peak viewpoint with distant buildings, houses in Shillong city and mountains

Photo: Aadri / Wikimedia Commons

Shillong Peak Viewpoint is the highest spot in the area and remains one of the best places to visit in Shillong in July for views across the hills. The viewpoint sits at an altitude of over 1,900 metres and is managed by the Indian Air Force. Entry is allowed after a basic ID check, and from the top, you can see the city spread below, the distant Sylhet plains, and the lush East Khasi Hills in full monsoon bloom. July brings shifting clouds and soft fog, which move quickly, revealing sudden clear views followed by light mist again. Early afternoons are ideal when the clouds part briefly, letting you take in the full horizon.

Location: Peak Viewing Point, Shillong, Meghalaya
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Indian Air Force Museum, Elephant Falls

3. Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake in the evening with still water body, two boats in the lake and mountains, one of the best places to visit in Shillong in July.

Photo: Gargi Gore / Wikimedia Commons

Umiam Lake, also called Barapani by locals, is one of the most calming places to visit in Shillong in July. This reservoir was created after the construction of a dam and has grown into a large, quiet lake surrounded by wooded hills. In July, after the rains begin, the water level rises and the entire lake looks still and wide, with reflections of thick clouds and green slopes around it. The boating point is a popular stop, with several kinds of boats available: rowboats, paddle boats, and motorboats, depending on what you prefer. The lake also draws photographers looking to capture the quiet mood of the season.

Location: MV2V+FJF, National Highway 40, Shillong, Umiam, Meghalaya
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Orchid Lake Resort, Nehru Park

4. Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum

Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum on a red street and a white architectural building

Photo: Nomu420 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum is one of the most informative places to visit in Shillong in July. Situated within the State Central Library premises, this government-run museum displays a wide range of tribal artefacts, traditional weapons, musical instruments, tools, and costumes from different ethnic communities across the state. In July, when showers are frequent, the museum offers a dry, quiet space to move through the exhibits at a steady pace. Each display is clearly labelled, and the collection is laid out in sections that cover different aspects of Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo life.

Location: HV9M+VJ6, Secretariat Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya
Timings: 11 AM – 4 PM (Monday to Friday); closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
Nearby Attractions: State Central Library, All Saints Cathedral, Ward’s Lake

5. Sweet Falls

Sweet Falls with water flowing on the uneven rocky surface and greenery, one of the best places to visit in Shillong in July.

Photo: Trideep Dutta Photography / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Sweet Falls is one of the more secluded places to visit in Shillong in July, located near Happy Valley. This waterfall plunges from a height of nearly 100 metres into a deep gorge below. The falls are surrounded by thick greenery, and the path leading to the viewpoint passes through the forest. There’s no fencing or developed sitting area, which adds to its raw appeal but also means visitors must be careful near the edge. Most people come here for the view and the silence; it’s not a place for picnics or crowds. In July, the foliage grows dense and wild, and mist often lingers around the falls.

Location: HX74+WJ6, Lynti SweetFalls, Shillong, Meghalaya
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Nearby Attractions: Crinoline Falls, Lady Hydari Park

6. All Saints Cathedral

Mary help of Christians cathedral in Shillong with blue architectural building and finely cut trees

Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

All Saints Cathedral is among the most peaceful places to visit in Shillong in July, especially when the rain picks up and you want a calm stop in the centre of the city. Located near the State Central Library, this church was built during the British period and still carries its original charm. The wooden interiors are polished and worn smooth with time. Tall windows let in soft light, and the roof rises sharply in the old colonial style. People drop in throughout the day, some to pray, others just to sit quietly for a few minutes. Visitors are free to walk around as long as they’re respectful.

Location: HV9M+QRF IGP Point, near Barik Point, Lachumiere, Shillong, Meghalaya
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Wards Lake, State Central Library

7. Rhino Heritage Museum

Detailed Bronze model of rhinoceros on a white surface in the glass cube at a museum, one of the best places to visit in Shillong in July.

Photo: Gary Todd / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Rhino Heritage Museum is one of the most overlooked places to visit in Shillong in July for those drawn to military history. It’s located inside the Shillong Cantonment, in a structure that once served as a prison barrack during the Second World War. The building has thick walls, high ceilings, and a quiet that lingers. You will find rifles, medals, uniforms, and old documents that trace the journeys of soldiers from the region. There are black-and-white photographs on the walls, some showing Khasi warriors and others capturing moments from the days of the Assam Rifles.

Location: HVCC+GH7, Zigzag Rd, Ïewduh, Bara Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Nearby Attractions: Don Bosco Centre, Police Bazar

8. Crinoline Falls And Pool

Crinoline Falls And Pool flowing into a water body, one of the best places to visit in Shillong in July.

Photo: Chirag1745 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Crinoline Falls is among the most refreshing places in Shillong in July, especially if you’re looking for a short break within the city itself. Hidden behind trees near the city centre, this small but charming waterfall drops into a natural catchment surrounded by ferns and thick plants. The nearby public pool uses the water sourced directly from the fall. While swimming might not always be ideal due to the rain, many visitors still come by to sit or walk around the area. The falls are quiet, with just the sound of water and birds in the trees.

Location: HV7J+8VQ, Laban, Shillong, Meghalaya
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Lady Hydari Park, Shillong Golf Course

The best places to visit in Shillong in July are those that let you move with the weather, not around it. The rain brings out the sound of flowing water, deep greens in every direction, and spaces that feel quieter than usual. Every stop, from the forest trails to the old churches and misty cliffs holds a different kind of calm. If you travel with patience, Shillong in July will show you things you’d miss in any other season. Start planning with TripXL and let your July trip to Shillong unfold naturally, one place at a time.

Cover Photo: Angshu Purkait / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Most long treks are not ideal in July because of wet paths and leeches. But short walks, like the one near Mawphlang, are still manageable if the rain is light. Ask someone local before starting.
Yes, but you’ll need to plan around the rain. Indoor places like the Don Bosco Museum or cafés with play corners work well. On clearer days, Ward’s Lake or the nearby parks are good for a short outing. Carry extra clothes and snacks if you're heading out with kids.
Try Jadoh from Trattoria in Police Bazar, pork Dohneiiong at Café Shillong, and tungtap with putharo from street stalls in Laitumkhrah. Warm dishes and local black tea are perfect during the rain.
Yes. Rentals are available in areas like Laitumkhrah and Police Bazar. Scooters start from ₹500 a day, cars from ₹1500. Roads are wet in July, so avoid night rides and always carry a rain cover.
Visit Laitlum early in the day before fog sets in. Smit Village is close and doesn’t take long. Mawlyngbna is possible too, but leave by afternoon. Roads can get tricky after rain, so don’t stretch the return.

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