Is Shillong safe to travel to?
I guess you have the plan to visit the picturesque hill station of Meghalaya. Am I right?
Then this is a common question that everyone asks before planning their first trip to Shillong, Meghalaya.
Now the answer is yes; Shillong is a relatively safe place to travel. I am a frequent visitor to this hill station, which is just 80 kilometers away from Guwahati.
Again, it is very important to consider the safety measures before making a tour plan, not only for Shillong but also for any other place.
In this blog post, I am going to tell you about a couple of safety aspects of traveling to Shillong so that you can make an informed decision about whether it’s safe for you to visit.
Shillong is one of the safest places to visit throughout the year and provides opportunities to enjoy its natural beauty in both the summer and winter seasons. If you remember the rain-calling rhyme of your childhood;
Rain, rain! Come again,
Come again today.
Little children love to say,
“Rain, rain! Come again.”
And the famous winter song;
I’m a little snowman, short and fat,
Here’s my scarf!
And here’s my hat!
When I see the snowflakes, hear me shout!
All you children, please come out!
However, every living being and little children want rain and snow. If you would have enjoyed them in your childhood, then you can plan a trip to Shillong on both a monsoon trip and a winter trip.
Safety in Shillong: An Overview
Shillong is a safe destination for tourists, and the local people are very friendly and welcoming. Still, you may need to consider a few things depending on the season you are coming to Shillong and with whom you are traveling.
When talking about a tourist or a traveler, you will be staying here in Shillong for a very short period of time. However, it is essential to exercise caution and take some basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Since the local people of Shillong are very friendly and welcoming by nature, they usually respect tourists as long as you are not going against their tradition, local culture, or violating any local rules. They simply understand that if people are coming to visit Shillong, obviously they are going to spend money on accommodation, food, transportation, and shopping.
Again, you can observe that approximately 90% of the local women run their businesses. They are really polite and good to their customers and buyers. But you should remember that they do not entertain negotiations, and if you try to bargain, they might feel a little upset.
Is Shillong safe to travel to?
Here are some important factors to consider when it comes to safety in Shillong:
Political Situation:
There are some occasional demonstrations and protests that happen in Shillong related to local issues. However, these are usually conducted in a peaceful way and do not create any threat to tourists directly. You should check the current updates about the situation in Shillong before planning your trip.
Traffic Conditions:
Basically, you can experience a lot of traffic congestion while traveling from Guwahati to Shillong and vice versa during office hours. As I see it, most of the people who work in Shillong live in Guwahati, because the city provides more facilities. Again, the distance between Guwahati and Shillong is just about 80 kilometers, which takes around two hours to travel.
Petty theft:
Once you are in Shillong, you should remember that there is a common issue in every tourist destination in India, so Shillong is not an exception. So, be a little careful and do not leave your belongings unattended.
Outdoor Activities:
There are a lot of outdoor activities available in Shillong. You can enjoy the beautiful natural landscape and take part in activities like trekking and exploring caves. However, these activities are safe to take part in, but it is important to follow safety guidelines.
Use reputed tour operators to plan your trip, and be a little careful during monsoon seasons when trails and roads can be slippery.
Health and Hygiene:
It is important to take care of your health and hygiene. So avoid street food and use packaged drinking water. Use insect repellent and carry useful medications.
Transport:
While talking about transportation, Shillong is a well-connected city by road. You can use the inter-state bus and taxi services or hire a cab service to move from place to place in and around the city. Hire a taxi from an authorized and reliable transportation service. Do not accept any rides from any stranger. While renting a vehicle, make sure to get it from a reliable source and check the condition of the vehicle before using it.
Accommodation:
There are different kinds of accommodations available to stay in Shillong, which may include hotels, guest houses, and homestays. While most of these are considered safe to stay at. Always choose a reputed and established place to stay, and it’s a good practice to check reviews online. However, once you reach there, check the safety measures practically.
Weather:
The weather in Shillong is always very pleasant, but remember that you can experience heavy rainfall and fog during the monsoon season. In such cases, get ready with appropriate clothing and footwear and follow safety measures while driving or trekking in such conditions.
Conclusion
In brief, I can say Shillong is a safe destination to travel to; with its breathtaking landscapes, unique culture, and warm hospitality, Shillong is a destination worth exploring. If you really seek an offbeat travel experience in Northeast India, pack your bags, be prepared, and get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of Shillong.
Again, it’s wise to exercise caution, follow local regulations, and take necessary precautions, to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Happy travels!
