Top 12 Places To Visit In Shillong In October: An Autumn Trip

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.

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Top 12 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

Ward's Lake in Shillong with a large water body and a white architectural bridge over the 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)

Shillong view point with distant buildings, houses of Shillong city, green trees and mountains

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

Elephant waterfalls with water flowing in the water body and grass growing on the rocks, one of the best places to visit in Shillong in October.

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

Suggested Read: Waterfalls In Meghalaya

4. All Saints’ Cathedral

Church in Shillong with black & white architecture, multiple windows and electricity wire poles

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

Cathedral of Mary help of Christians with its blue architectural building and multiple cars parked

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

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Shillong In April

6. Sweet Falls

Waterfalls in Shillong with water flowing on the rocky surface and small rocks in the water, one of the best places to visit in Shillong in October.

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

Inside a museum with old structures and things on display in the heritage gallery, one of the best places to visit in Shillong in October.

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)

Suggested Read: Air Force Museum Shillong

8. Polo Grounds & Golf Course

Golf course in the early morning in Shillong with yellow sunrays hitting the tall green trees, one of the best places to visit in Shillong in October.

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

9. Umiam Lake

Scenic view of Umiam Lake surrounded by hills under partly cloudy sky in Shillong, Meghalaya.

Photo: Prof. Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons

Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani, is a breathtaking reservoir surrounded by pine-covered hills, making it a popular getaway. It offers boating, kayaking, and lakeside walks, making it one of the most scenic Shillong picnic place options. October is the best time to enjoy clear skies, cool weather, and beautiful reflections on the water. Perfect for families, friends, or couples, the lake is also dotted with viewpoints offering stunning sunrise and sunset scenes.

Location: 15 km north of Shillong
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

10. Don Bosco Centre For Indigenous Cultures

Front view of the historic Don Bosco Youth Centre building, Pune, with white facade under bright daylight sky.

Photo: DesiBoy101 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures is a seven-story museum dedicated to showcasing the vibrant traditions of North East India’s tribes. With its cultural exhibits, handicrafts, and rooftop viewing gallery, it ranks among the most informative places to visit in Shillong. October weather ensures clear views from the top and comfortable exploration indoors. The museum’s well-organized displays make it perfect for history lovers, students, and curious travelers keen on learning about Meghalaya’s heritage.

Location: Mawlai, Shillong
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM

11. Lady Hydari Park

Scenic view of Ward’s Lake with footbridge, lush greenery, and calm water in Shillong, Meghalaya

Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Lady Hydari Park is a beautifully landscaped garden with manicured lawns, colorful flowers, and a mini-zoo that adds charm for children and families. Its serene setting makes it one of the most relaxing things to do in Shillong in October. The park’s Japanese-style layout, seasonal blooms, and tranquil atmosphere are perfect for unwinding during your trip. It’s ideal for photography, leisure walks, and enjoying Shillong’s fresh air in a well-maintained green environment.

Location: Lachumiere, Shillong
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Shillong

12. Laitlum Canyons

Huge green canyon cliffs at Laitlum, with rolling hills and misty sky in Meghalaya’s serene landscape

Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons

Laitlum Canyons, often called the “End of the Hills,” offers breathtaking panoramic views of deep gorges and lush valleys. A favorite among nature enthusiasts, it is one of the most rewarding things to do in Shillong if you love trekking and photography. October’s clear skies make the views especially spectacular. The short hike to the top rewards visitors with untouched beauty, fresh mountain air, and a sense of peace that perfectly captures Meghalaya’s natural charm.

Location: 24 km from Shillong, East Khasi Hills
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

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