Shillong and its nearby areas are filled with lakes, parks and waterfalls. There is the man-made lake in the centre of the city, known as Ward’s lake. This lake has a beautiful garden around it and houses boating facilities. Approximately 17 kilometres off Shillong is the Umiam Lake. This lake houses a resort and water sport facilities, such as kayaking, water cycling, water skiing and many more. Approximately eight kilometres away from Shillong is the very steep Sweet Falls. The Elephant Falls is located approximately 12 kilometres from the main city and is perhaps the most scenic waterfall in Meghalaya. This waterfall also has a small path that leads to a lake that is formed at the bottom of the waterfall. Spread Eagle falls literally resembles an eagle with its wings wide spread. Bishop and Beadon Falls are equally scenic. Within the main city is the beautiful is the Crinoline Falls, which also houses a swimming pool.
The botanical garden and the Lady Hydari Park are both located within the city limits and offer a huge variety of rare and exotic species of flora. There is also a mini zoo and a deer part adjacent to the Lady Hydari Park. Both the parks have a descent collection of orchids too. Glen Eagle of the East is a huge 18-hole, natural golf course situated in close proximity to the botanical garden. Shillong houses two museums: the State Museum and the Butterfly Museum. The State Museum mostly houses artifacts from the tribes of Meghalaya and other north-eastern states. The Butterfly Museum houses a good collection of butterflies and moths.
The highest point in Shillong is located approximately 5 kilometres from the main city and is at an altitude of approximately 6,400 feet. It’s called the Shillong Peak and is accessible via road. It is usually very misty, but offers a panoramic view of the city especially at night. The Shillong peak also houses the radar station for the Indian Airforce. Near to the Umiam steam is the Diengiei hill. The path to this hill offers picturesque sights and is excellent for trekking. Being a Christian dominated place, Shillong has its share of beautiful churches; the most popular among them being the All Saints Church and the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, both these churches are very attractive in their own way. Meghalaya also has a number of caves in and around its hills that are mostly hidden from the tourist eyes. Most of these caves, such as krem mawmluh and krem phyllut have stream and river passages. Krem dam is a huge sandstone cave and a stream passage makes it very picturesque. Shillong is an excellent place to purchase woollen garments and handicrafts, especially the ones made with bamboo. One can also find a range of meat and bamboo shoot pickles. Shillong is best explored by foot. However, buses and taxis are readily available.