Overview
About Wankhar Entomology Museum
The Wankhar Entomology Museum, widely known as the Butterfly Museum, is a privately run collection of butterflies, moths and other insects in the Riatsamthiah locality of Shillong. It is a family enterprise: the collection traces back to entomologist S. K. Sarkar, who, as the story goes, married into a Khasi family and took the surname Wankhar. Collecting is said to have begun in the 1930s, and the museum is still run by his descendants. The displays are old-fashioned glass cases of mounted specimens. Official listings put the holdings at about 1,600 kinds of butterflies and moths, alongside beetles, stick insects, centipedes, spiders and other invertebrates from the Northeast, the wider subcontinent and abroad. The family has also bred rare butterflies and moths, which is part of what makes the place unusual; it is often described as one of very few museums in India devoted to Lepidoptera. It is a small, quiet stop that suits families, students and anyone curious about the insect life of Meghalaya's forests. Because it is tucked inside a residential building, many visitors pair it with Ward's Lake, the State Museum or a walk around Police Bazaar.
On the day
What to expect at Wankhar Entomology Museum
Displays: Rooms of glass cases with pinned butterflies, moths, beetles and other insects, labelled by type and region. Guide: A family member often explains the collection and the history of the museum; ask if one is available. Photography: A separate camera charge has been reported; check at the counter before taking pictures. Size: It is a compact museum, not a large gallery, so expect a short, focused visit. Finding it: The museum sits in a residential lane in Riatsamthiah; asking locals for the 'Butterfly Museum' is the easiest way to locate the entrance.
Before you go
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
All year (weekdays)
As an indoor attraction, the museum can be visited in any season, which makes it a useful option on rainy monsoon days (June to September) when outdoor sightseeing is limited. October to May brings drier weather for combining it with walks around Ward's Lake and Police Bazaar. Official listings give hours of about 10 am to 4 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 1 pm on Saturdays, with Sundays closed; another guide gives 11 am to 4 pm on weekdays, so call ahead and avoid arriving late in the afternoon.
Getting There
The museum is in Riatsamthiah, in central Shillong, roughly 1 to 2 km from Police Bazaar.
The museum is in Riatsamthiah, in central Shillong, roughly 1 to 2 km from Police Bazaar. Official listings describe it as about a 10-minute walk from the Shillong bus stand, so most visitors either walk or take a short local taxi ride. From Guwahati, the drive to Shillong is about 100 km and takes around 3 hours; the nearest railhead is Guwahati and the nearest airport is Shillong (Umroi). The final approach is through narrow city lanes, so parking close to the door is limited. A private cab from Shillong for a city sightseeing day can be booked with Tour Meghalaya.
Entry & Duration
Entry Fee: Approx. ₹50 for Indian visitors and ₹100 for foreigners (as per Meghalaya Tourism); camera charges may apply
Plan about 30 minutes to an hour, longer if a family member walks you through the collection.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the butterfly museum in Shillong?
The Wankhar Entomology (Butterfly) Museum is in Riatsamthiah, central Shillong, about a 10-minute walk from the Shillong bus stand.
What are the Wankhar Butterfly Museum timings?
Official listings give about 10 am to 4 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 1 pm on Saturdays, closed on Sundays. Timings vary between sources, so call before you go.
What is the entry fee for the Butterfly Museum Shillong?
Meghalaya Tourism lists about ₹50 for Indians and ₹100 for foreigners, and a camera charge has been reported. Confirm at the counter.
What can you see at the Wankhar Entomology Museum?
Mounted specimens of about 1,600 kinds of butterflies and moths, plus beetles, stick insects and other invertebrates from the Northeast and beyond.
Is the Butterfly Museum in Shillong open on Sunday?
No, official listings show it closed on Sundays.
