Air Force Museum Shillong
Explore India's air power history with real aircraft, historical artifacts, and panoramic views from Shillong Peak.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Air Force Museum Shillong
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore India's air power history with real aircraft, historical artifacts, and panoramic views from Shillong Peak.
"A must-visit for aviation enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the glorious history of the Indian Air Force."
Carry Original ID! :id:
Mandatory for entry into the Air Force base. No exceptions for foreign nationals.
Affordable Entry Fee :ticket:
Very budget-friendly tickets, around ₹30-40 for adults.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Real Aircraft Displays
Outdoor Exhibition Area
Marvel at actual fighter jets like the MiG-21 and historic helicopters. A true aviation spectacle!
Indoor Galleries
Main Museum Building
Explore uniforms, medals, missile models, and miniature aircraft showcasing IAF history.
Shillong Peak Viewpoint
Inside Air Force Base
Enjoy panoramic views of Shillong valley on clear days. Requires a separate ticket and local taxi.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
ID is Key for Entry
Best Time to Beat Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Carry Original ID! :id:
Mandatory for entry into the Air Force base. No exceptions for foreign nationals.
Affordable Entry Fee :ticket:
Very budget-friendly tickets, around ₹30-40 for adults.
Photography Allowed (Mostly) :camera_with_flash:
Capture the outdoor aircraft and indoor exhibits, but avoid photographing the base itself.
Kid-Friendly Fun :child:
Kids love the massive planes and the fighter jet joystick game (extra fee).
Tips
from all over the internet
Carry Original ID! :id:
Mandatory for entry into the Air Force base. No exceptions for foreign nationals.
Affordable Entry Fee :ticket:
Very budget-friendly tickets, around ₹30-40 for adults.
Photography Allowed (Mostly) :camera_with_flash:
Capture the outdoor aircraft and indoor exhibits, but avoid photographing the base itself.
Kid-Friendly Fun :child:
Kids love the massive planes and the fighter jet joystick game (extra fee).
Combine with Elephant Falls :waterfall:
It's conveniently located near Elephant Falls, making for a great combined visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Air Force Museum Shillong for its impressive collection of real aircraft and historical artifacts, offering a glimpse into India's air power. The affordable entry fee and proximity to Shillong Peak and Elephant Falls add to its appeal. However, some note the museum is relatively small, and foreign nationals are not permitted entry.
"Actually the viewpoint here is Shillong peak which is a hidden gem in meghalaya. Most of the people don't know about this view point from where you can get panaromic view of the whole shillong valley . Even Tour agencies don't go to this place . But this is a must go spot . On a clear weather you can see the whole city from here . This is inside indian air force base . To go here you have to take tickets which costs Rs.100 per person. From the ticket counter you take local taxis (price included on tickets) which you take to shillong peak and get back again. One must carry original ID cards like Adhaar or Voter to enter this air force base camp inside which shillong peak resides. Another information is this shillong peak is near Elephant falls so after visiting shillong peak you can go elephant falls which is about 10 min by car . Do not take pictures or videos of air force base but once you get to shillong peak you can take videos and pictures."
sumit kundu
"A must-visit destination for aviation and military enthusiasts! Located near Elephant Falls in Upper Shillong, this museum offers a unique glimpse into the glorious history of the Indian Air Force.
The outdoor display is impressive — featuring real aircraft like the MiG-21, Mi-4 helicopter, Hunter fighter, and Caribou transport plane. Inside, the galleries are well-maintained, showcasing war medals, uniforms, aircraft models, missiles, and even a working flight simulator. One section also highlights the rich culture of Northeast India, which adds a unique regional touch.
The museum is clean, organized, and has decent facilities like restrooms, parking, and a small souvenir shop. Entry is very affordable (₹30 for adults), but carry a valid Indian photo ID as it's mandatory for entry. Foreign nationals are not allowed due to security reasons.
Photography is allowed in most outdoor areas, and you can easily spend 1–2 hours exploring everything. I highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Shillong!
✅ Best Time to Visit: Wednesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays & Tuesdays)
✅ Don't miss the aircraft cockpit you can sit in!"
Nishan Dutta
"It's an amazing experience to visit the museum. Make sure you carry a valid ID as they will register your name and ID details for security reasons. The museum is quite small but has a good collection of miniature aircraft models and lots of photos. The area outside has life size helicopter, planes, etc. that are just massive and awesome."
Sachin William
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located inside the Air Force Eastern Command Campus in Upper Shillong, about 13 km from the Shillong bus stand. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus towards Upper Shillong.
It's approximately 13 km from the main Shillong bus stand, so plan for a short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride.
Yes, it's very close to Elephant Falls, about a 10-minute drive, making it easy to visit both in one trip.
If you're visiting Shillong Peak, local taxis are included with your ticket price from the ticket counter to the peak and back.
Yes, there is parking available at the museum premises.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is very affordable, typically around ₹30-40 for adults. Children might have a different rate.
Absolutely! You must carry an original Indian photo ID (like Aadhaar or Voter ID) for security checks. Foreign nationals are not allowed entry.
The museum is generally open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with a lunch break. It's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
No, unfortunately, foreign nationals are not permitted to enter due to security reasons.
Tickets can usually be purchased using cash, card, or UPI.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
You'll find real aircraft like the MiG-21 and helicopters outdoors, plus indoor galleries with uniforms, medals, missile models, and aircraft miniatures. There's also a section on Northeast Indian culture.
Photography is generally permitted in most outdoor areas and for the exhibits inside. However, avoid taking pictures of the Air Force base itself due to security.
You can typically spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the museum and its exhibits.
Yes, there's a fighter jet joystick game available for kids inside the museum for an additional fee, which they seem to enjoy.
Shillong Peak offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire Shillong valley on clear days. It's considered a hidden gem.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a canteen on-site where you can enjoy food at relatively cheaper rates.
The canteen primarily accepts cash and UPI payments.
The museum is near Elephant Falls, and there might be local eateries in that vicinity.
One reviewer mentioned an issue with mutton quantity in a dish, so it's advisable to be mindful and count pieces if ordering.
You can bring a water bottle inside, but it's best to check specific rules about bringing outside food.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Aircraft Collection
Inside the museum, the galleries continue the narrative with a curated collection of aircraft models, missiles, and rockets. You can also see uniforms worn by pilots, significant war medals, and rare photographs from key conflicts like the Indo-China and Indo-Pakistan Wars. This blend of real aircraft and detailed historical artifacts provides a comprehensive look at the Indian Air Force's legacy.
The Shillong Peak Experience
It's crucial to remember that while photography is allowed at the peak, you must refrain from taking pictures or videos of the Air Force base itself due to security regulations. This dual offering—military history and stunning natural scenery—makes the visit to this area particularly rewarding.
Practicalities for Visitors
The entry fee is quite nominal, making it an accessible attraction. Inside, you'll find decent facilities including restrooms and parking. There's also a small souvenir shop, though prices might be higher than outside. For a bite, a canteen offers food at reasonable rates, accepting cash and UPI.
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