Meghalaya
Do you feel excited at the thought of shopping in the clouds? Or visiting the wettest place on earth; or clambering over a living root-bridge; or relaxing in a tree-house in Asia’s cleanest village…Then Meghalaya is your paradise…
The closest major airport to visit Meghalaya is at Guwahati, Assam. We took an early morning flight and landed at Guwahati by about 9.30 am. Shillong, Meghalaya’s capital, is about 3-hour drive from Guwahati. The journey through the mountains was truly amazing, with stops for breakfast and soaking in mesmerizing valley views.
Exploring Shillong…
We reached Shillong early in the afternoon and after lunch we decided to explore the local market.
The local market was crowded with local people and vendors selling all types of sweaters, jackets, and cold-weather clothing. As we weaved our way through the throngs, a white mist began descending all around us, forming interesting patterns and shapes. The mist was nothing but clouds, which we learnt was a usual daily phenomenon!
The clouds settled in on us, spreading an eerie feeling of unique coldness. We were shopping in the clouds!!! Amazing!!! I was thrilled!!!
The next day, we visited the Elephant Falls – its peaceful ambience was otherworldly; and followed it up with lunch at one of the many amazing cafes. Shillong is a vibrant town worth spending at least 2-3 days enjoying the vibes, food and the town itself.
After spending couple of days in Shillong, we set out for the wettest place on earth (2019) – Cherrapunji
On the way, we stopped by the many breath-taking waterfalls; Dainthlen Falls, the Seven-sister falls and many other, names of which I do not remember…sigh!
We trekked down a couple of waterfalls. I am literally short of words describing the experience and the views from the base of the falls.
After an exciting drive of detouring and trekking for waterfalls, we reached Cherrapunji by late evening.
Early the next morning, we set off on a trek to living bridges! These bridges are called ‘root bridges’, and are made (stretched) entirely out of tree roots of rubber trees, some of which are hundreds of years old!
We set off with our local guide, spotting butterflies and spiders, learnt about plants and shrubs, and most importantly our guide explaining us about the life of locals in forest.
We passed by rivers with spectacularly blue waters, and after a lot of toil and fun, we reached the first root bridge. It was an indescribably phenomenal experience to walk across it. To be walking on a living bridge, to be touching tree roots hundreds of years old, coupled with a beautiful scenery and a butterfly on my hand; all this was just superb!!!
We then trekked to a double-decker root bridge: two root bridges, one on top of the other! After clicking beautiful pictures, we took a dip in the pool below the bridges, and then retraced our footsteps, heading back to our homestay.
While leaving the charming Cherrapunji behind, we stopped by Nohkalikai Falls, India’s tallest plunge waterfall!
Read more about my trekking experience in Cherrapunji
After visiting the falls, we headed to Asia’s cleanest village: Mawlynnong!
We reached by dusk, and all the way to our homestay, we marvelled at the wonderfully clean streets, the flowers alongside the alleyways, and the tiny houses adding to the beauty of the atmosphere.
The next morning, we set out for an early morning walk, and heard the local school bell ringing, chased the butterflies and observed the insects hovering around the flowers, and even sighted a pitcher plant with a dead fly inside!
We then climbed into a little tree house, and after relaxing for a while, headed back for a late breakfast.
Later that day we headed to Dawki, the small border town of Meghalaya (bordering Bangladesh).
The place is known for Dawki lake which is formed on the base of Umngot river which originates from Eastern Shillong Peaks.
The water of Umngot river / lake is so clear that the boats floating on it, look as if they are on a crystal glass surface!
Mom Says:
dad Says:
My kid’s 8th and my wife’s 40th birthday had to be special. While we three walked hand in hand at 9 PM, sucking in the fragrance of the flowers at the Asia’s cleanest village Mawlynnong on my wife’s 40th birthday, the kid got a special date with Gangetic river dolphins cruising in the mighty river Brahmaputra on her 8th birthday.
The broadest smiles on their birthday faces, were my reward and treasure for sure!
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Mawlynnong
Mawlynnong (in the state of Meghalaya) is one of Asia’s cleanest villages; and it is truly beautiful.
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