The capital of Meghalaya or Shillong sits high on the Shillong Plateau. Shillong is a beautiful hill city which is also nicknamed the “Scotland of the East.” Expect elegant colonial-era churches, live-music cafés, viewpoints, and waterfall day-trips. The city’s average elevation is 1,496 m (4,900+ ft), which keeps temperatures pleasant for most of the year.
How to reach Shillong?
Most travelers land at Guwahati and drive up to Shillong on NH6. The highway is the shortest, fastest route (99–100 km), usually about 3 hours in normal conditions. If you’re self-driving, fuel up in Guwahati, carry cash for tolls, and start early before the city traffic.
Do you need any permits or registrations to visit Shillong?
No Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for Meghalaya as of August 2025. Separately, after recent safety reviews, the state has moved toward mandatory tourist registration for homestays/resorts—your host will typically handle it via the official app. Always carry a photo ID and follow your accommodation’s check-in requirements.
What’s the best season to visit Shillong?
For easy sightseeing and road conditions, September–May is popular. If you love dramatic clouds and full-force waterfalls—and don’t mind rain—July–September is magical but wet; pack rainwear and waterproof shoe covers.
How can you book a Shillong car rental or a Guwahati to Shillong taxi/cab?
A reliable local operator makes all the difference in the hills. Taxi Nation offers customized inter- and intra-state car rentals with professional drivers and a range of vehicles. Taxi Nation is the top choice for a Guwahati to Shillong cab transfer, airport pick-ups, or multi-day Meghalaya trips in the North-East. Call/WhatsApp: +91 9395961515 for quotes and availability.
What practical tips should first-timers know?
- Monsoon driving: Expect low visibility; avoid late-night hill drives.
- Cash + UPI: ATMs exist but carry backup cash for rural visits and shopping.
- Network: Coverage is decent in the city but on valley roads networks usually fluctuate.
- Responsible travel: Stick to marked trails, keep plastic to a minimum, and respect local customs at sacred sites.
Whether you book a Guwahati to Shillong taxi, arrange a Shillong car rental, or join a curated itinerary, the capital of Meghalaya rewards slow travel: café hopping after rain, lakeside sunsets at Umiam, and day trips to some of India’s most spectacular waterfalls. So pack your bags and start your journey today.
