Northeast India Travel: Ultimate Shillong Experience
Northeast India Travel: Ultimate Shillong Experience
Imagine trading your home office for misty mountain views and lightning-fast internet. Shillong might be that dream come true. Known as the “Scotland of the East,” this small city in Northeast India has become a quiet favorite for freelancers and remote workers looking for something offbeat. With cool weather, scenic drives, and energetic local culture, it’s easy to see why. But does it support remote work? And is it safe for solo travelers?
This guide blends my personal experience and recent data to help you decide if you should work from Shillong next—and how to make it smooth and exciting. From internet speeds and budget living to cafes in Shillong and weekend escapes, here’s everything you need to know.
Here’s how Shillong can transform your remote work experience.
Read: How to Pack Smart as a Digital Nomad Using AI
Quick Takeaways
- Shillong offers reliable internet (30-75 Mbps) and power backups for uninterrupted remote work.
- Affordable living at ₹25,000-35,000 monthly with great food, homestays, and café workspaces.
- Safe for solo travelers, including women exploring Northeast India (local insights included).
- Perfect weekend getaways to Cherrapunjee, Dawki, and Mawlynnong – all within 3.5 hours.
- Well-tested Northeast India travel recommendations from someone who’s actually worked there.
Table of Contents
- Internet and Connectivity in Shillong
- Cost of Living in Shillong
- Top Coworking Spaces and Cafes
- Safety and Solo Travel in Northeast India
- Weekend Trips from Shillong
- Frequently Asked Questions
Internet and Connectivity in Shillong: Can You Really Work Remotely?
Let’s be honest: No matter how beautiful a city is, if the internet sucks, it’s out of the question for remote work. So the big question is—how good is Shillong’s connectivity?
What’s the average internet speed?
In central areas like Police Bazaar and Laitumkhrah, broadband speed typically ranges between 30–75 Mbps download and 15–40 Mbps upload. This is quite solid for Zoom calls and file uploads.
Mobile data (Airtel and Jio) is widely available, with 4G speeds hovering around 18–35 Mbps. That said, rains can affect speeds temporarily—that’s just Shillong being Shillong.
Broadband access + hotspots
- ACT Fibernet and BSNL are most common.
- Plans start from ₹499/month for 40 Mbps unlimited.
- Many cafes also offer free Wi-Fi for customers.
Best areas for stable internet:
- Laitumkhrah
- Police Bazaar
- Rynjah
During my three-month stint working across Meghalaya, I discovered carrying a portable Wi-Fi device (JioFi) was essential when heading out of town. One rainy afternoon while trying to upload client files from a small café near Cherrapunjee, my JioFi backup saved what would have been a missed deadline when the café’s connection dropped. Always have a plan B in hill stations!
According to a 2023 survey on remote work from mountain towns, Shillong ranked in the top 5 for internet reliability in non-metro hill stations, outperforming even some popular destinations in Himachal Pradesh.
Cost of Living in Shillong: Budget-Friendly Paradise?
If you’ve been working remotely from metro cities, Shillong is a breath of fresh air—including for your wallet.
Rent & Accommodation
- 1BHK apartment – ₹8,000–₹15,000/month (in Laban, Laitumkhrah)
- Homestays/Guesthouses – ₹500–₹1,200/night
- Monthly stays in cozy Airbnbs – ₹15,000–₹25,000
My personal find was a charming ₹12,000/month apartment in Upper Lachaumiere with morning views of Shillong Peak. The landlady would sometimes bring freshly picked plums from her garden—a side benefit you won’t find in Bangalore!
Food & Groceries
- Local restaurant meal – ₹80–₹150
- Café meal with coffee – ₹200–₹400
- Groceries for one week – ₹800–₹1,200
Transport & Other Expenses
- Shared taxis (city) – ₹20–₹50
- Self-drive scooter rentals – ₹400/day
- Weekend getaway trip – ₹2,000–₹4,000 including stay
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₹10,000–₹15,000 |
| Food (Dining + Groceries) | ₹6,000–₹8,000 |
| Transportation | ₹1,000–₹3,000 |
| Internet/Phone | ₹1,000–₹2,000 |
| Leisure & Weekend Trips | ₹4,000–₹6,000 |
The Times of India recently highlighted Shillong as one of the top budget-friendly remote work destinations in 2023, noting its combination of affordability and amenities.
Top Coworking Spaces and Cafes: Where to Work and Connect
This is where Shillong stands out—it’s not overloaded with coworking chains, but hidden gems make working here enjoyable.
Coworking Options
- La Krem Coworking & Café
📍 Laitumkhrah
💻 Wi-Fi, private desks, great coffee
₹350/day or ₹3,500/month - Shillong Co.
📍 Laban Area
🖨 Wi-Fi, printer, power backup
₹300/day or ₹3,000/month
Best Cafes in Shillong for Remote Work
- Café Shillong Heritage – Cozy and green, perfect afternoon workspace
- ML 05 Café – Great coffee and music, decent Wi-Fi
- Dylan’s Café – Bob Dylan-themed, laptops welcome
I personally spent most late mornings at ML 05—their masala chai and smoked pork momos became my unofficial “productivity fuel.” I once ended up in an impromptu brainstorming session with a local musician and a photographer there, which led to a collaboration that I never would have found in a traditional office. That’s the magic of working from cafés in Shillong—unexpected connections happen naturally.
My typical workday routine involved mornings at my apartment for focused coding or writing, then afternoons at a café for client calls and creative work. The change of scenery kept ideas flowing and prevented the cabin fever many remote workers experience.
Explore our remote café guides for more digital nomad finds →
Safety and Solo Travel in Northeast India: Is it Safe for Remote Workers?
Yes. Shillong and most of Meghalaya are very safe for solo travelers, including women. The locals are friendly, curious, and respectful, especially toward foreigners or visitors.
Best Practices
- Stick to public areas after dark
- Use registered taxis (OLA works here)
- Respect local customs, especially in villages
Women Travelers’ Tips
- Stay in guesthouses or hotels with good reviews
- Join group tours for weekend getaways
- Dress modestly in local villages
During my stay, I (somewhat clumsily) managed to get lost hiking near Elephant Falls. Several local women immediately offered help, walked me back to the main road, and even arranged for a taxi to get me home safely. This level of community care is common in Meghalaya, particularly in the matrilineal Khasi society where women hold significant social standing.
As Global Gallivanting notes in their 2023 Northeast India safety guide, the region has some of the lowest crime rates against tourists in India, though normal travel precautions still apply.
Emergency Numbers
- Tourist Police (Shillong): 0364-2222822
- Ambulance: 102
- Women’s Helpline: 181
Weekend Trips from Shillong: Explore the Wonders of Meghalaya
One of the best parts of staying in Shillong is how easily you can unplug on weekends and soak up surreal views just a taxi ride away.
1. Cherrapunjee (Sohra) – 2 hours
- Highlights: Living Root Bridges, Nohkalikai Falls
- Ideal for: Hiking, nature photography
- Stay options: ₹700–₹1500/night lodges
My most productive Monday ever followed a weekend in Cherrapunjee. After a day trekking to Double Decker Root Bridge, I returned to work completely refreshed—the mental clarity from these weekend nature breaks directly improved my work quality.
2. Mawlynnong – 3 hours
- Highlights: Cleanest village in Asia, sky walks
- Popular for walking tours and Khasi food
- Transport: Shared taxis by morning
3. Dawki & Shnongpdeng – 3.5 hours
- Highlights: Transparent Umngot river, kayaking
- Weekend stays from ₹1,200/night (tents/cottages)
Pro tip: In Dawki, I discovered the internet connection is surprisingly good at Shnongpdeng riverside camps—perfect for a Friday work-and-stay situation where you can finish the workday by the river and immediately start your weekend adventure!
According to The Greener Pastures’ Northeast India travel surveys, remote workers who took weekend trips at least twice a month reported 23% higher job satisfaction compared to those who stayed in the city continuously.
Want help designing your Northeast India escape? Contact us →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the internet good enough in Shillong for full-time remote work?
Yes, most central areas offer 30–75 Mbps, which handles video calls and file transfers easily. I’ve conducted 3-hour workshops over Zoom without interruption. Always confirm speeds with your host before booking long-term stays.
Is Northeast India safe for solo travelers?
Definitely. Locals are respectful and helpful. Just follow basic safety habits like you would anywhere else. Meghalaya in particular has a strong tradition of hospitality toward visitors.
What’s the average monthly living cost in Shillong for digital nomads?
Between ₹25,000–₹35,000 depending on lifestyle. My personal budget averaged ₹28,000 including weekend trips and occasional splurges on local cuisine and handicrafts.
What are the best places near Shillong for short weekend trips?
Cherrapunjee, Mawlynnong, and Dawki are all under 3.5 hours away with stunning landscapes. If you’re staying longer, consider Nongriat (home of the Double Decker Root Bridge) for a 3-day trip.
How’s the weather in Shillong for year-round living?
Pleasant for most of the year (15-24°C), though monsoon season (June-September) brings heavy rainfall. The winter months (November-February) offer clear skies but cooler temperatures, so pack accordingly.
Ready to Work from the Scotland of the East?
There’s something magical about slowing down in Shillong while still meeting deadlines. Maybe it’s the pine-sweet air, or maybe it’s how every trip to a café feels like a mini-vacation. Either way, it works.
If you’re considering Northeast India travel as your next digital nomad move, Shillong checks all the boxes—reliable connectivity, low cost of living, safety, and nature all around.
What I value most from my time working in Shillong wasn’t just the money saved or the stunning views—it was how the slower pace actually increased my work quality. There’s something about mountain air and fewer distractions that makes deep work sessions more productive. Plus, the constant exposure to new perspectives and local creativity kept my own work fresh and inspired.
Want help planning your workation? We’ve put together exclusive Northeast India travel packages for remote workers—designed by travelers who live this life.
📩 Subscribe to our Newsletter for curated travel tips and new remote-work destinations every month.
