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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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.
Super paranomic view point on the way to mawlynnog village.Nice place for quick snacks and tea. Entry fee Rs 10/ person.
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.
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.
On the way to dwaki we spotted borhill waterfall near the first defence line, The path is full of seneic views.
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.
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.
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 ????.
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.
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.
Ended the trip with delicious local Assamese thali at Maa Manasha hotel in Bara bazar.
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