Police Bazaar
Police Bazaar, also known locally as Khyndailad, is the main commercial and cultural hub of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, India. It is a vibrant circular marketplace where traditional Khasi culture meets modern retail, serving as both a shopping destination and a social center for locals and tourists alike.
Key facts
- Location: Khyndailad Circle, Shillong, Meghalaya, India
- Main roads connected: G.S. Road, Thana Road, Quinton Road
- Alternate name: Khyndailad (meaning “flat rock” in Khasi)
- Popular for: Handicrafts, street food, apparel, hotels, and nightlife
- Pedestrian-friendly zone: Ongoing government efforts to limit vehicles and improve walkability
Shopping and Local Crafts
The market offers a lively mix of modern stores and traditional stalls. Visitors can find Khasi handicrafts, bamboo and cane works, handwoven shawls, and woollens alongside branded goods. Street vendors sell affordable fashion and souvenirs, while emporiums such as Khasi and Megha Emporium specialize in regional crafts.
Tourism and Atmosphere
As Shillong’s busiest district, Police Bazaar serves as the gateway to Meghalaya tourism. It hosts many of the city’s hotels, including Hotel Centre Point and Hotel Polo Towers, making it an ideal base for exploring nearby natural attractions. The area’s lively yet safe environment, illuminated evenings, and cosmopolitan crowd make it one of the most recognizable urban landmarks in Northeast India.
