Exploring the Best of Shillong: Your Ultimate Guide to Shillong Tour Packages

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Meghalaya, Shillong is a charming hill station that has earned the title of "Scotland of the East." Known for its lush landscapes, beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and vibrant culture, Shillong offers an unforgettable getaway for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those looking to explore the tranquil beauty of the Northeast. With a wide range of Shillong tour packages, it has become a favorite destination for travelers from all over the country, especially those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Why Choose a Shillong Tour Package?

Shillong is a place of great scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, which makes it a great destination to visit throughout the year. A well-curated Shillong tour package can make your trip hassle-free, as it includes accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, and other travel essentials. From affordable budget Shillong packages to luxury options, these packages cater to every kind of traveler, making it easier to explore the best that Shillong has to offer.

A Shillong holiday package, regardless of it being a weekend break or long holidays, will always be aligned to your budget and requirements. In most such packages, tourists get to cover all the most important sightseeing places in Shillong. This also includes an exciting Shillong tour from Kolkata for visitors who are interested in visiting from this city as well.

Top Sightseeing Places in Shillong

Umiam Lake (Barapani)

This is one of the most visited places in Shillong. It is famous for its calm water and scenic views. This is a reservoir that is 15 kilometers from the city. Boating and picnics can be enjoyed at this place. The beautiful hills and lush greenery around it are perfect for photography and relaxation.

Elephant Falls

About 12 kilometers from Shillong, Elephant Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. The falls are named after a rock that was once shaped like an elephant, though it has now eroded. The cascading water, set amidst a lush forest, offers a stunning view, making it a favorite among nature lovers and photographers.

Shillong Peak

Shillong Peak offers panoramic views of the whole city of Shillong and the surrounding landscapes. The place is the highest point in the area with an altitude of about 1,964 meters. The view from the viewpoint of the city, valleys, and hills, which stretches to the distant Himalayas, is a breathtaking view. It is one of the main attractions in any tour plan to Shillong.

Ward's Lake

Ward's Lake is a beautiful spot in the heart of Shillong city with serene surroundings through lush gardens. Boating facilities are available here and the place offers great walks, pathways that wind their way through the gardens, to enjoy peaceful and calm time in case of exhaustion from hectic site seeing.

Laitlum Canyons

To go to Laitlum Canyons is really a must see for those wishing to experience adventurous and breathtaking places. About 20 kilometers off Shillong, it views the entire valley in panoramic shape. It can be an awesome view for trekkers and other nature lovers so that they immerse themselves to the natural magnificence around them.

Mawlynnong Village

Famed for its being one among the cleanest villages in Asia, Mawlynnong is located almost 90km from Shillong. Being a place model of sustainable livelihood and ecotourism; one can be taken on trips through the spotlessly clean and quite picturesque village visiting the unique features of living roots bridges found in some places only on the Khasi tribes.

Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures

The Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures in Shillong is a very good learning resource for one to know more about the history and culture of Northeast India. Artifacts, textiles, and artwork portraying the various tribes of this region are put up and thus will serve as an ideal place for heritage studies.

Tour Packages of Shillong: Tailoring the Experience

Shillong tour packages come in various types, catering to different budgets and interests. Some packages are designed for families looking for a relaxed holiday, while others focus on adventure or cultural exploration. Here's how you can plan your Shillong trip:

Budget Shillong Packages: Budget Shillong packages are there if you wish to travel on a shoestring budget. There are packages that offer you basic accommodations and transportation while covering the main attractions in the city. These are group tours, and you get to see Shillong with other like-minded travelers at an economical price.

For those who want the experience of a more comfortable stay, luxury Shillong packages have upscale accommodations and personalized services. Luxury Shillong packages are mostly private tours, gourmet meals, and a visit to more off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Customized Shillong Package: There can be customized packages available if you have specific places in mind or want a unique itinerary. Packages can be adjusted according to the traveler's interest. One can look at local markets, remote villages, and a nature trek. Customized packages ensure that your preferences are given priority.

Ideal Duration for a Shillong Trip

Ideally, a Shillong trip lasts between 3 and 5 days depending on the places you wish to visit and how fast you wish to travel. A 3-day trip is enough to explore the main attractions, such as Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, and Ward's Lake, while a 5-day trip can be scheduled to visit some nearby attractions like Mawlynnong Village, Cherrapunji, and Laitlum Canyons.

The Best Time to Travel to Shillong

Traveling to Shillong would be best done in the periods September to May because the climate here is enjoyable for traveling around the site. Heavy downpour throughout June to August hampers sightseeing tours during the rainy season. During Winters, particularly in December and January, the place turns extremely cold; people can enjoy that chilliness as much as misty surroundings are attractive.

Shillong Travel Packages from Kolkata

There are many Shillong travel packages from Kolkata, ranging from a weekend getaway to several days, along with well-designed itineraries that include transport, accommodation, and sightseeing. Shillong is approximately a 15-hour drive from Kolkata, but by train or flight from Kolkata to Guwahati, one can reach Shillong.

Several travel operators offer packages which include both transport and sightseeing, which can be easily booked by tourists traveling from Kolkata. They usually offer the entire traveling plan, so you don't need to make other arrangements to get to Shillong.

Shillong Tour Package Price

The Shillong tour package varies in price from one type to another, such as the number of days a person will take for the tour, time, and the degree of accommodation. A budget tour package may go from INR 5,000 to INR 10,000 for a 3-day trip. More luxurious tours may go as high as INR 15,000 to INR 25,000 per person. Customized tours or longer trips are more expensive but more personalized.

Shillong Travel Package Inclusions

Most travel packages to Shillong would include the following:

Accommodation (budget hotels to luxury resorts)

Transportation (private cars, taxis, or buses)

Sightseeing and guided tours to key attractions

Meals (depending on the package)

Activities like boating, trekking, and cultural experiences

Entry fees for attractions and museums

Before booking, always inquire about what's included in the package to be sure that all your needs will be covered when you go for the trip.

Conclusion

Shillong is indeed a beautiful destination that has everything to offer everyone, from adventure seekers to those seeking relaxation, culture, or simply nature. Whatever Shillong tour and travel you choose from budget Shillong packages to luxury experiences, it's just easier to enjoy this beautiful hill station. Whether you choose a Shillong holiday package or prefer a Shillong trip plan that suits your needs, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience amidst the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes of this northeastern gem.