Shillong is beautiful, but staying right in the heart of the city is not always the best choice. For travellers looking for peace, greenery, mountain views and a more relaxed holiday, the outskirts of Shillong offer a wonderful alternative.
Areas around 7th Mile, 8th Mile, Mylliem, Mawpat and Umiam provide a quieter atmosphere while keeping travellers within reach of Shillong's major attractions. Umiam and Mylliem, in particular, offer a countryside feel that is very different from the busy city centre.
Here are six properties worth considering for a peaceful stay around Shillong.
Located around 7th Mile, Upper Shillong, Pine Hill Homestay is a comfortable option for travellers who prefer a quieter setting. The property offers a homely atmosphere with facilities such as a living room, lounge and barbecue area.
The surrounding area gives guests a more relaxed experience compared with staying in the busy central parts of Shillong. It can be a good choice for families, couples and travellers who want to enjoy the natural side of Shillong.
Best for: Families, couples and leisure travellers
Experience: Peaceful homestay and local atmosphere
2. Woodstock Farmhouse
For travellers looking for something more distinctive, Woodstock Farmhouse in Mylliem is an excellent choice.
Located at 8th Mile, Lumdewsaw on NH40, the farmhouse combines a relaxed countryside setting with comfortable accommodation. It offers Farmhouse Cottages, Premium Farmhouse Cottages and Suites, with features including hill views, patios, thematic interiors and comfortable lounging spaces.
Its farmhouse character makes it particularly appealing to travellers who want their accommodation to be part of the holiday experience rather than simply a place to sleep.
Best for: Couples, families and travellers seeking a unique stay
Experience: Farmhouse living, hills and relaxed surroundings

Situated in Mawpat, HILLS ABODE is another option for travellers wanting to stay away from the busiest parts of Shillong.
The property has a strong homestay character and is surrounded by the quieter residential and green areas of Mawpat. It is especially suitable for guests who prefer a peaceful base while exploring Shillong and its surrounding attractions.
Best for: Couples, families and longer stays
Experience: Quiet neighbourhood and homestay comfort
4. Manoah Homestay

Located on NEIGRIHMS Road in Pynthorumkhrah, Mawpat, Manoah Homestay offers another alternative to staying in central Shillong.
Its location makes it suitable for travellers who want a residential environment rather than the busy atmosphere of Police Bazaar. It can also work well for guests looking for a comfortable base for exploring different parts of Shillong.
Best for: Families and independent travellers
Experience: Residential Shillong and peaceful surroundings
5. Orchid Lake Resort

For travellers who want to go further outside Shillong and enjoy a lakeside setting, Orchid Lake Resort in Umiam is a strong option.
Umiam is known for its scenic lake and relaxed surroundings, making it ideal for travellers who want to combine sightseeing with downtime in nature. The area also has attractions such as the Umiam Water Sports Complex.
This is particularly attractive for travellers who want a resort-style experience rather than a city hotel.
Best for: Families, couples and leisure travellers
Experience: Lake, nature and resort living

For travellers who want to stay away from the bustle of Shillong while remaining close to Umiam Lake, Rishat Sngi Orchid Resort is an excellent option.
Located near Umiam on the GS Road, the resort offers a comfortable stay surrounded by greenery and the scenic landscapes of Meghalaya. Its location also makes it convenient for travellers exploring Umiam and the surrounding areas before or after visiting Shillong.
The resort-style setting makes it a good choice for families, couples and leisure travellers who want a more relaxed base away from the city centre.
Best for: Families, couples and leisure travellers
Experience: Resort living, greenery and proximity to Umiam Lake
Choosing accommodation outside the city centre has several advantages.
Instead of busy streets, traffic and crowds, travellers can wake up to greenery, hills and quieter surroundings.
Homestays and farmhouses around Shillong provide a more local experience and allow guests to experience a different side of Meghalaya.
Areas such as Mylliem, Mawpat and Umiam offer easier access to forests, hills, valleys and the famous Umiam Lake.
For travellers exploring Shillong along with destinations such as Sohra, Mawphlang, Mawlynnong, Dawki and Umiam, staying outside the city can be a convenient choice depending on the itinerary.
Shillong is more than Police Bazaar and the city centre. The quieter areas surrounding the city offer a different experience—one filled with pine forests, hills, local homes, peaceful mornings and beautiful landscapes.
If your idea of a Meghalaya Holiday is to slow down, enjoy nature and stay somewhere memorable, consider exploring the outskirts of Shillong instead of limiting your stay to the city centre.
Looking for the right property around Shillong? Explore curated stays with OurGuest and find a property that matches your itinerary, budget and travel style.
Written by Charity Matlai: Meghalaya's Unveiling Guide
Charity Matlai, a 25-year resident of Meghalaya, the "Abode of Clouds," isn't just a travel blogger – she's a local expert. Fueled by a lifelong love for exploration, Charity's passion for her home state led her to pursue degrees in Tourism and a career crafting unique adventures. With 5 years of travel industry experience, Charity unlocks Meghalaya's hidden gems, offering a glimpse into the region's untouched beauty and rich culture. Join Charity as she unveils the secrets of her beloved Meghalaya, one adventure at a time.
For a customized tour experience you can contact us at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in
What are the best areas to stay in a homestay near Shillong?
If you prefer a quieter stay away from the city centre, consider areas such as 7th Mile, 8th Mile, Mylliem, Mawpat and Umiam. These areas offer a more relaxed setting while keeping you within reach of Shillong and its surrounding attractions.
Are homestays on the outskirts of Shillong better than staying in the city centre?
It depends on your travel style. Staying outside central Shillong can offer more peace, greenery and space, while the city centre is more convenient for shopping, restaurants and busy urban attractions. For travellers who value nature and a slower holiday, the outskirts can be a better fit.
Which are the best homestays near Umiam Lake?
Umiam and the surrounding areas have a growing selection of homestays, cottages and resorts. They are especially suitable for travellers who want scenic surroundings and easy access to Umiam Lake and its outdoor attractions.
Are Shillong outskirts homestays good for families?
Yes. Homestays, farmhouses and resorts around Mylliem, Mawpat and Umiam can be good options for families looking for quieter surroundings and more space. The right property will depend on room configuration, facilities and your sightseeing plans.
What is the advantage of staying in Mylliem or Mawpat?
Mylliem and Mawpat offer a quieter alternative to the busiest parts of Shillong. They can be a good base for travellers who want a residential or countryside atmosphere while exploring Shillong and nearby destinations.
Can I stay outside Shillong and explore Sohra, Mawphlang and Mawlynnong?
Yes. Staying on the outskirts can work particularly well for road-trip itineraries that combine Shillong with destinations such as Sohra, Mawphlang, Mawlynnong, Dawki and Umiam. Your ideal location will depend on the order of your itinerary.
What should I look for when choosing a homestay in Shillong?
Look at the property's location, room type, parking, meals, views, heating and hot-water facilities, accessibility and distance from the places you plan to visit. A quieter property may be preferable for a nature-focused holiday, while a more central stay may suit travellers who want easy access to restaurants and markets.
Is Umiam a good place to stay near Shillong?
Umiam is a good choice for travellers who enjoy lakes, greenery and resort-style stays. Umiam Lake is one of the scenic highlights along the Guwahati–Shillong route, and the area offers opportunities for boating, water sports and enjoying the surrounding landscape.
Planning a Shillong stay?
Explore curated Shillong homestays, cottages and resorts with OurGuest to find a stay that matches your itinerary, budget and travel style.