Best Homestays & Cottages in Shillong (2026)
Shillong — the "Scotland of the East" — is best experienced through its homestays. The Khasi families who run these homes cook the best jadoh and tungtap you'll find anywhere, and their local knowledge turns a good trip into an unforgettable one.
We have 20+ verified homestays in Shillong, all with real Google reviews and photos. Here's our curated list.
Why a Homestay in Shillong Beats a Hotel
- ●Khasi home cooking — jadoh (rice & pork), doh khlieh, tungrymbai
- ●Music culture — Shillong is India's rock capital; many hosts are musicians
- ●Pine forest locations — cottages outside town offer peace you won't find in hotels
- ●Half the price of comparable hotels on MG Road
- ●Local tips — David Scott Trail shortcuts, best cafés, Laitlum Canyon timings
Top Areas to Stay
Laitumkhrah & Police Bazaar (Downtown)
Walking distance to cafés, markets, and Ward's Lake. Best for short stays and first-timers.
Upper Shillong & Mawphlang Road
Pine forests, valley views, quiet. Best for couples and remote workers.
Smit & Mawkdok
30 minutes from town but feels like a different world. Best for nature lovers and photographers.
Our Top Picks
1. Pine Ridge Cottage
A standalone cottage in a pine forest, 15 minutes from downtown. Two bedrooms, a fireplace, and a kitchen. The owner drops off fresh bread in the morning.
- ●Rating: 4.8★ on Google
- ●Price: From ₹2,500/night (whole cottage)
- ●Best for: Families, groups
2. Heritage Khasi Home
A 60-year-old Khasi house converted into a guesthouse. Original wooden architecture with modern bathrooms. The host's grandmother's recipes are legendary.
- ●Rating: 4.6★ on Google
- ●Price: From ₹1,500/night
- ●Best for: Culture lovers, foodies
3. Hilltop View Homestay
Panoramic views of the Shillong valley from the common balcony. Clean rooms, strong WiFi, and a host who's a trekking guide on weekends.
- ●Rating: 4.5★ on Google
- ●Price: From ₹1,800/night
- ●Best for: Solo travellers, digital nomads
Airbnb Shillong vs Fursat
Searching "Airbnb Shillong"? Most Airbnb listings in Shillong are managed by operators, not local families. On Fursat, every host is verified and every review is real — from Google, not the platform.
20+ homestays in Shillong, rated 4.3★+ on Google → Browse all Shillong stays
Best Time to Visit Shillong
| Season | Months | Weather | Best For |
|---|
| Spring | March-May | 15-25°C, clear | Sightseeing, Cherry Blossoms (Nov!) |
| Monsoon | June-Sept | Heavy rain, lush green | Waterfalls at peak flow |
| Autumn | Oct-Nov | 10-20°C, crisp | Photography, trekking |
| Winter | Dec-Feb | 2-12°C, foggy | Quiet, budget stays |
Getting There
- ●Nearest airport: Shillong (SHL) — limited flights. Guwahati (GAU) is more reliable, 3-hour drive.
- ●From Guwahati: Shared Sumo taxis from Paltan Bazaar (₹400/person, 3 hours)
- ●Local transport: Shared taxis and auto-rickshaws within Shillong
Tips
- ●Carry an umbrella always — Shillong can rain any month
- ●Book homestays outside town for peace — the city centre is noisy
- ●Try kwai — betel nut is a Khasi tradition (but maybe just once)
- ●Visit Laitlum Canyon early morning — fog clears by 8 AM for the best views
- ●Sunday markets in Iewduh (Bara Bazaar) are worth a half-day