Best Photo Spots in Shillong
Shillong's best frames are about hills, water and cloud rather than monuments. Five spots cover it, from a reservoir on the Guwahati road to a ridge that falls away into a gorge.
Entry Nominal
Elephant Falls
- Best timeMorning, soon after the gate opens, before groups fill the platforms; just after the monsoon for the most water.
- ColorsYellowWhiteTeal
Entry Free
Laitlum Canyons
- Best timeMid-morning on a clear day, once any early fog has lifted; late afternoon for long shadows on the ridges, leaving before dark.
- ColorsRedWhiteOchre
Medium crowdEntry Nominal
Shillong Peak
- Best timeMorning, before cloud builds over the hills, on a clear day between October and March.
- ColorsRedCreamNavy
Medium crowdEntry Nominal at viewpoints
Umiam Lake
- Best timeEarly morning, when mist lifts off the water and the hills look layered; late afternoon for warm light on the pines.
- ColorsWhiteRustForest green
Medium crowdEntry Nominal
Ward's Lake
- Best timeMorning, when the water is still and the bridge reflects cleanly; late afternoon for soft light on the gardens.
- ColorsPastel pinkWhiteSage
Work with the cloud
In Shillong the weather decides the photo more than the hour does. From June to September, mist can hide a view completely, then clear in ten minutes. From October to April, skies are usually clearer, and early mornings give the sharpest views before cloud builds over the hills. Carry a lens cloth; drizzle and fog settle on glass fast.
Water
Umiam Lake is the big one, a reservoir winding between pine-covered hills about 15 km north of the city. Stop at the viewpoints above the Guwahati road for the wide shot. Ward's Lake in the centre is small and calm, and its wooden bridge is the frame everyone takes. Go early for a still surface and a clean reflection.
Ridges and viewpoints
Laitlum Canyons is the most dramatic place near the city: a grassy ridge that drops into deep gorges. There are no railings, so keep your distance from the edge while you frame. Shillong Peak looks down over the whole city, but it sits inside an Air Force station, and the state tourism site says cameras must be left at the gate. Go expecting a view, and treat any photo as a bonus.
Waterfalls
Elephant Falls is at its fullest from the end of the monsoon into October. By late winter it thins to a few ribbons of water. The steps down are wet and slippery, so shoot from the platforms rather than the rocks.
Photographing people
Ask before you photograph anyone, especially at church, at markets and during festival dances. Khasi dances like Shad Suk Mynsiem and Nongkrem are religious occasions, not staged shows. Watch from the edges and follow what the organisers and local people ask.
Questions
Shillong — FAQ
Can I take photos at Shillong Peak?
It depends on the day. The viewpoint is inside an Indian Air Force radar station, you need photo ID to enter, and the state tourism site says cameras must be surrendered at the gate. Ask the guards before you shoot.
Which months give the clearest views around Shillong?
October to March is usually clearest. Monsoon months bring heavy fog that can hide Laitlum and Shillong Peak for hours at a time.
When do the cherry blossoms flower in Shillong?
The Himalayan cherry trees usually flower in November, which is why the Cherry Blossom Festival is held that month. Blooming depends on the weather, so check local reports.
Is Elephant Falls worth photographing in the dry season?
It is still pretty, but the flow is much thinner from about January to April. For the fullest falls, go from August to October.