Mystical Meghalaya

Tripoto
26th Jun 2019
Photo of Mystical Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey

Meghalaya means "The Abode of clouds" and it truly justifies it's name. It has so many hidden stories in itself which would surprise you every second.

We landed at Guwahti airport and the city welcomed us with drizzling raindrops. There began our 6 day journey of mystical east. We had pre-booked a cab for our duration of stay and our first destination was Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya and home to the Khasi tribe. It has rightly earned the sobriquet of "Scotland of the East" owing to the rolling hills, beautiful sceneries and its climate.

Day 1

Our first stop was the beautiful and gorgeous Umiam Lake encircled by lush green khasi hills. Entry fees is Rs 50 pp. You can do boating as well.

Photo of Umiam Lake, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Umiam Lake, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Umiam Lake, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Umiam Lake, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Umiam Lake, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Umiam Lake, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey

This museum is a starter kit for those who've never been to North East before. The seven floors of museum give a detailed explanation the about origin, culture, religion, music & lifestyle of the region. Visitors can also enjoy the Skywalker which gives a majestic view of Shillong city. Entry Fee is Rs 100/person and Rs100 for camera.

Dipiction of local tribe

Photo of Don Bosco Museum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Skywalker

Photo of Don Bosco Museum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

A view from skywalk

Photo of Don Bosco Museum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Bow & Arrow

Photo of Don Bosco Museum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

This small yet picturesque lake is located in the middle of the city. The wooden bridge in the middle of the lake grabs bonus points due to the lovely view it provides and the desired place for that pictures perfect.

The lake is surrounded by tall pine trees, beautiful flowers and swans, enhancing the beauty of the place. And for that quick snack, a bamboo hut cafe near the lake comes to the rescue. Entry fee is Rs20/person and Rs 40 for the camera.

Photo of Ward's Lake, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Ward's Lake, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Ward's Lake, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Ward's Lake, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Ward's Lake, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Ward's Lake, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Day 2

Today's plan was to visit the Elephant falls and proceed for excursion to Cherrapunjee and Visit Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, Mawsmai Cave or Arwah Cave.

As we visited the waterfall in monsoons it was at its best, Roaring, wild and beautiful. It’s a three-tiered waterfall. The first level of the waterfall is easily accessible but the two lower levels involve walking down hill crossing a metallic bridge with scenic view. Entry fees Rs 40PP. You can get your pictures clicked in traditional khasi dress at the entrance of fall, it costs Rs 100PP for dress and Rs 50/ hard copy.

Elephant fall 2

Photo of Elephant Falls, Upper Shillong, Shillong, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

The route from Shillong to Cherrapunjee is so scenic it keep getting beautiful and amazing. The beautiful rainy and cozy weather made the journey more exciting. The view at Mawkdok view point was breathe taking, here you will realize why it's known as home of clouds. There is a cafe where we enjoyed Maggie and tea in the mid of clouds.

Valley view point

Photo of Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Ek chai to banti hai

Photo of Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Maggie point

Photo of Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

You need to walk amongst midst of nature and clouds for 1-2 km to reach starting point of cave. These caves have fossils of marine creatures which are almost 5-6 crore year old, it signifies that this area was submerged under water back then.

Arwah Caves has Secret tunnels, underground streams and much more to explore, don't miss this place in your visit!!!

A beautiful walking trail

Photo of Arwah Lumshynna Cave, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Arwah Lumshynna Cave, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Arwah Lumshynna Cave, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Arwah Lumshynna Cave, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Arwah Lumshynna Cave, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Arwah Lumshynna Cave, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Underground Dark mysterious caves,flowing stream with ankel length water continuosly dripping water from the walls with unknown tunnels which will lead you to beautiful Jungle.It was zumanji experience for me.

Let's Explore

Photo of Mawsmai Cave, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Underground Dark Mysterious Cave

Photo of Mawsmai Cave, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Flowing Stream

Photo of Mawsmai Cave, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Rays of light stream into the Caves

Photo of Mawsmai Cave, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Unknown tunnels which will lead you to beautiful Jungle.

Photo of Mawsmai Cave, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Due to the continuous rain and mist we were unable to see anything in Seven sister fall, it was all covered with mist. rest of the evening we spend in our homestay in world's wettest place by enjoying the melodeus music of the nature the pouring rain droplets.

Photo of Mystical Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mystical Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mystical Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mystical Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Day 3

This was the thrilling moment of our trip, the heavy rain added more thrill to the trek. The trek to the double-decker root bridge starts at Tyrna village.You need to trek 3500 steps, it would take 1 hr & 45 minutes to reach the world wonder by crossing beautiful forest, serene water streams, 2 cable bridge and a single root bridge. Every scene is worth every minute. I would advise to wear comfortable clothes and trekking shoes, carry a stick which will cost you Rs 20 from starting point of trek. You can hire a guide, they will charge you Rs 600. There are few homestay where you can spend the night.

Double decker bridge

Photo of Mystical Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey

Somewhere in middle of forest

Photo of Mystical Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mystical Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mystical Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey

suspension bridge

Photo of Mystical Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mystical Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey

Nongthymmai village

Photo of Mystical Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey

Single living bridge

Photo of Mystical Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mystical Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mystical Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mystical Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey

Super paranomic view point on the way to mawlynnog village.Nice place for quick snacks and tea. Entry fee Rs 10/ person.

Photo of Mawjngih Lapynshongdor View Point, National Highway 206, Mawkajem, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mawjngih Lapynshongdor View Point, National Highway 206, Mawkajem, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mawjngih Lapynshongdor View Point, National Highway 206, Mawkajem, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mawjngih Lapynshongdor View Point, National Highway 206, Mawkajem, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mawjngih Lapynshongdor View Point, National Highway 206, Mawkajem, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mawjngih Lapynshongdor View Point, National Highway 206, Mawkajem, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Mawylynnog is a well planned village with simple lifestyle, was awarded as cleanest village in 2003. Recently it has started attracting tourist which has given employment opportunities to the villagers but still it has maintained its simplicity.

Tree house -You can see the bird eye view of Bangladesh

Photo of Mawlynnong - Cleanest Village, Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

A Bangladesh view from tree house

Photo of Mawlynnong - Cleanest Village, Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Mawlynnog village SKyview

Photo of Mawlynnong - Cleanest Village, Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mawlynnong - Cleanest Village, Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Mawlynnong - Cleanest Village, Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Balancing Rock

Photo of Balancing Rock of Mawlynnong, Surok Mawlynnong, Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Day 4

You need to trek 15 mins to reach world's longest living bridge. On the way you will find many fruit and souvenirs vendor. You will find lots of butterflies on the way and near the stream.

Photo of Living Root Bridge, Mawlynnong, Surok Mawlynnong, Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Fruit vendor

Photo of Living Root Bridge, Mawlynnong, Surok Mawlynnong, Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Longest living bridge

Photo of Living Root Bridge, Mawlynnong, Surok Mawlynnong, Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Sweet tangy litchi????

Photo of Living Root Bridge, Mawlynnong, Surok Mawlynnong, Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

My new friend

Photo of Living Root Bridge, Mawlynnong, Surok Mawlynnong, Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

On the way to dwaki we spotted borhill waterfall near the first defence line, The path is full of seneic views.

Borhill falls

Photo of Borhill water falls, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

A beautiful fall on the way to dwaki

Photo of Borhill water falls, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

The famous crystal clear umgont river.We hired the complete boat for Rs 1500. A beautiful experience to go boating in the river surrounded by mountains. The melodious singing by boatman was giving the feel of iconic song of Amitabh Bachchan "Do lafzoo ki hai, dil ki kahani .." kya kare thode se filmy hai hum ????. The one side of the river is india and other is Bangladesh. As we visited this place in june we didn't see the crystal blue water. It's best to visit in dec-jan as per the locals.

Photo of Dawki River, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey

Floating vendors

Photo of Dawki River, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey

Crystal clear water

Photo of Dawki River, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Dawki River, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Dawki River, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey

Zero point- INDIA Bangladesh border

Photo of Dawki River, Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey

The deep sulphate crystal blue heart shaped waterfall surrounded by jayanti hills will amaze you with it's Beauty. You need to walk downwards approx 20 minutes to reach waterfall.you can play in the water or can take boat ride.

Photo of Krang Shuri Waterfall, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Krang Shuri Waterfall, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Day 5

Green lush giant Mountains behind the clouds,It's the heaven on earth. You can trek down stairs and enjoy the spectacular view or enjoy hot momos and spicy Maggie choice is all yours ????.

Photo of Laitlum Canyon Ridge, Laitlum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Laitlum Canyon Ridge, Laitlum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Laitlum Canyon Ridge, Laitlum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Laitlum Canyon Ridge, Laitlum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

An enthusiastic traveller

Photo of Laitlum Canyon Ridge, Laitlum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Laitlum Canyon Ridge, Laitlum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

The Supernatural Forest in khasi Hills, it is guarded by one strict tribal RULE "YOU CANNOT TAKE ANYTHING OUT OF THIS FOREST, ELSE MISERY WILL FOLLOW YOU" To know the Tribal legends and stories you have to visit the forest, as the stories are best told by the locals!!!

A guide will charge Rs 300 for half Trek and Rs 600 for full trek.

Photo of Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Nongrum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Monolith- the flat stone represents male and standing stone females.

Photo of Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Nongrum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Strawberry mushroom

Photo of Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Nongrum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Different mushroom found in forest

Photo of Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Nongrum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Tinmukhi Rudraksh

Photo of Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Nongrum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Lush green enry of forest

Photo of Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Nongrum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

The coronation Thrones

Photo of Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Nongrum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

The local tribal people use to perform animal sacrifice to protect the village from any disasters or before going to any wars.

Photo of Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Nongrum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Orchid flower

Photo of Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Nongrum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Dung Beetle

Photo of Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Nongrum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

There are many plants which possesses medicinal properties to cure tuberculosis and cancer.

Photo of Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Nongrum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Pine cone

Photo of Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Nongrum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey

Headeche Relief Leave ( zandu baam????)

Photo of Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Nongrum, Meghalaya, India by Jyoti Pandey
Day 6

The bleeding goddess Devi Kamakhya, beautiful temple located at Nilachal hill. We took VIP tickets costed Rs 501/ person and still took 2 hrs to get darshan. Reach temple by 5:00 am and get into queue, don't get in the trap of pandas.

Photo of Kamakhya Temple, Kamakhya, Guwahati, Assam, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Kamakhya Temple, Kamakhya, Guwahati, Assam, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Kamakhya Temple, Kamakhya, Guwahati, Assam, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Kamakhya Temple, Kamakhya, Guwahati, Assam, India by Jyoti Pandey
Photo of Kamakhya Temple, Kamakhya, Guwahati, Assam, India by Jyoti Pandey

Ended the trip with delicious local Assamese thali at Maa Manasha hotel in Bara bazar.

Assamese thali-130/ person additional charges for fish/ chicken or other local varieties.

Photo of Mystical Meghalaya by Jyoti Pandey

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