A picturesque hill station in the state of Meghalaya in northeast India, Shillong is referred to as the ‘Scotland of the East.’ Shillong is perhaps best known for being enveloped in rolling clouds, jeweled with pine trees, and blessed with waterfalls and colonial charm. It is nothing if not a refreshing antidote to the ordinary.
As it is very high on beauty, the only big question for travellers is, how much does a Shillong trip cost? So, plan your trip and budget well to make your visit to Shillong memorable, be it a romantic getaway, a backpacking trip, or a family trip without burning a hole in your pockets. So, how much do things cost so you can plan your budget and understand the actual trip to Shillong cost?
The Shillong trip cost from India can vary based on your travel style, including flights and local transport, stays, food, and shopping. If you’re traveling solo or visiting with family, here’s a breakdown to help you budget wisely.
Shillong travel cost (₹2,000 – ₹6,000 per person one way).
Shillong does not have an airport or train station of its own, and the nearest major entry point is Guwahati, Assam (approx 100 km). The majority of visitors fly or train to Guwahati and then drive to Shillong. Travelling to Shillong is half the adventure — the winding route from Guwahati has stunning scenery, waterfalls, and tea plantations along the way.
How to get there:
Flight to Guwahati: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 (one way) from major Indian cities.
Train to Guwahati: ₹600 – ₹2,000 (class-dependent)
Guwahati to Shillong:
Shared cab: ₹400 – ₹500 per person
Private cab: ₹2,500 – ₹3,000 (best for groups)
Bus: ₹200 – ₹300 (limited frequency)
Accommodation in Shillong (₹800 – ₹4,500 per night)
Homestays, budget lodges, and boutique hotels are easily available all over Shillong. It largely depends on your style of travel — are you looking to be close to nature, do you prefer a little heritage, or simply to be in the city center? In the ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 range, you’ll find some truly charming stays that offer misty hill views from wooden-framed windows, peaceful surroundings, and the occasional melody of early morning birdcalls.
Budget Travellers: Hostels, basic homestays: ₹800 – ₹1,500 per night
Mid-range: Guesthouses and 2-3 star hotels: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 per night
Premium: Boutique resorts and heritage stays: ₹4,000 – ₹4,500 per night (e.g., Ri Kynjai, Café Shillong Bed & Breakfast)
October to December and April to June are peak season; you might find a price increase of 20–30%. If you are travelling over the holidays, book as early as you can.
3. Food & Dining (₹400 – ₹1,200 per day)
There’s a surprising diversity to Shillong’s food scene. There are North Indian meals and local Khasi fare, plus plenty of cafés dishing up fusion food. A thali with a zillion varieties, spicy momos, a bowl of jadoh — eating in Shillong is part of the journey just as much as sightseeing.
Average Food Costs:
Local eateries & dhabas: ₹400 – ₹600/day
Cafes and mid-range restaurants: ₹700 – ₹900/day
High-end dining: ₹1,000 – ₹1,200/day
Popular spots include:
Trattoria: for authentic Khasi meals
Café Shillong: for continental bites
Dejavu: a blend of Indian and oriental cuisine
4. Sightseeing & Local Transport (₹300 – ₹2,000 per day)
Shillong is a city rich in natural beauty, and the Shillong sightseeing cost is surprisingly affordable, from serene lakes to gushing waterfalls. Many attractions are free or have nominal entry fees, so sightseeing won’t break the bank. Cab — Just look around, stop, click, and breathe in places like Cherrapunji and Dawki.
Must-Visit Attractions:
Umiam Lake: ₹20 entry fee + boating ₹100 – ₹300
Elephant Falls: ₹30 entry fee
Shillong Peak: ₹20 – ₹30 entry
Don Bosco Museum: ₹100 entry
Ward’s Lake: ₹10 – ₹20 entry
If you’re visiting Cherrapunji or Dawki (highly recommended):
Private cab (full day): ₹2,000 – ₹2,500
Shared tour vehicle: ₹500 – ₹800 per person
5. Shopping & Souvenirs (₹500 – ₹2,500)
The markets of Shillong are colourful and full of rustic local charm. There are plenty of keepsakes, from handwoven shawls to bamboo crafts and organic honey. A walk around Police Bazaar or Bara Bazar is not merely shopping — it’s a part of the local culture and the heartbeat of Shillong life.
What to Buy:
Handmade woollens, shawls: ₹500 – ₹1,500
Bamboo & cane items: ₹200 – ₹1,000
Organic honey, pickles, spices: ₹150 – ₹500
Price for Tribal jewellery & handicrafts: ₹300 – ₹800
Note: Bargaining is accepted at local bazaars; be courteous and respectful- it’s part of the fun!
6. Total Cost Estimate for 3 Days in Shillong
Here’s a typical budget for a 3-day Shillong trip per person:
Expense
Budget (INR)
Comfort (INR)
Travel (round trip)
₹2,500
₹6,000
Stay (2 nights)
₹1,600
₹6,000
Food
₹1,000
₹2,500
Sightseeing
₹800
₹2,000
Shopping/Misc.
₹500
₹1,500
Total
₹6,400
₹18,000
One can get a rough idea of the total Shillong tour cost for solo or group travellers with these numbers.
Costs can be significantly diminished when traveling with a friend or family member, who can split the costs.
While doing your Shillong trip costassessments, understand that the cost is fairly flexible and can be adapted to a romantic escape or a backpacker adventure.
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02 May 2025
5 mins read
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