Police Bazaar

Police Bazaar is the central commercial hub and main shopping district of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, located in the East Khasi Hills. Known as the heart of the city, it is a bustling pedestrian-friendly market area lined with shops, hotels, restaurants and street vendors. It is notable for local handicrafts, woollen clothing, traditional Khasi products, cafes and as a central point for tourists exploring Shillong and surrounding attractions.

Visitors can expect a busy, vibrant market area in central Shillong with narrow lanes and multi-storey shopping complexes, street-side stalls and eateries. The area offers clothing, footwear, handicrafts, souvenirs, local produce and Khasi traditional items, along with restaurants, cafes, bakeries and hotels. The surroundings are urban with heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic, especially in the evenings. Visitors can explore shops on foot, sample local street food and use the area as a base for sightseeing.

Police Bazaar developed as the main commercial centre of Shillong during the British colonial period when Shillong served as the capital of Assam. Named after the police outpost that once stood in the area, it grew from a small market into the city's primary business and retail district and has remained the central hub for commerce and tourism.

Police Bazaar serves as the social and cultural heart of Shillong, reflecting Khasi culture through local handicrafts, handloom products, traditional attire and cuisine. It is a gathering place for locals and tourists and showcases the blend of traditional Meghalayan heritage with modern urban commercial life.