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Day 1
I started from Kaziranga around 12 . Today it was mostly about 300 km drive to the hotel to Shilong. On the way I stopped at Anurag dhaba . Food was amazing , it was traditional Asamia lunch. I reached Shilong in the evening . Rolling hills around Shilong reminiscent of Scotland hence it is known as “Scotland of East”. I stayed overnight at Hotel Janeira
Day 2
After waking up , I had a bit of morning walk and also had to get some cash out.
Today morning after having breakfast we left for Cherrapunjee . It is a high altitude town also named as Sohra. On the way we drove through Mawkdok Dympep Valley . There is a viewpoint to admire the beauty of the Khasi hillsGreen . Then we came to Green Valley View Point (Tyngam Masi View Point). It’s a popular scenic spot on the way to Cherrapunjee (Sohra), known for its stunning views of the valley and surrounding hills. Then we visited Garden of caves . Tickets cost 100 bucks. The Garden of Caves offers a unique opportunity to explore a variety of attractions such as caves, waterfalls, bamboo bridges, unique rock formations and a forest trek experience. Garden of Caves was broadly used by the Khasi tribes for hiding from the British during the days of their colonial rule. As the whole area is surrounded by virgin forests, it became easier for them to hide amidst the deep jungle and entwining creepers.
Then we visited Wah-Kaba Falls, Arwah Cave, Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Nohsngithiang falls (Seven Sister falls) before checking-in the hotel – Abode of Cloud Resort
Day 3
Today I trekked down to Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge is a living root bridge in Meghalaya, India. The bridge is at Nongriat . The trek typically begins at Tyrna village, which is a short taxi ride from Cherrapunji. I had to trek down 3200 steps approximately each way to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. There is also a single decker root bridge almost half way down . This bridge is a beautiful natural creation and a great spot to pause for photos and a rest before continuing to the double-decker bridge. It’s a bridge formed by intertwining the aerial roots of the Ficus elastica ( a type of rubber) tree over a period of decades. This natural structure is a testament to the ingenuity of the Khasi people, who guided the roots to create a two-tiered bridge capable of withstanding heavy monsoon rains and supporting human passage.
I decided further trek down to the Rainbow Falls which take about 60 to 90 minutes from the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. There was no signage and I had no guide.The forest was dense and full of exotic trees and flowers. Meghalaya is one of the best places in India finally butterflies. I saw many of them. The first half an hour was an easy series of ascents and descents. I came across another suspension bridge. The bridge was in a dire state and it was closed . I had to climb through some rocks and a makeshift bolders . The “stairs” give way to hilly trails and it is a continuous ascent after that which takes the maximum amount of time and effort. Aftera while I saw a hint of turquoise blue through a a small hole in the middle of thick green foliage. This is a very popular swimming hole called blue lagoon of Nongriat. The portions after this were even more steep and slippery. After about 20 more miniutes I could see the glimpse of the actual Rainbow Falls. The Rainbow Falls is called so because you can always see a rainbow over it when there is sunshine. It was beautiful . I spent some time around the fall, enjoying the views and then started walking back. I also stopped for sometime at the blue lagoon. On my way back I had maggi soup and eggs. I started early , by the time I reached back double decker bridge the area was full of tourists . I spent some more time and then slowly walked back towards that village . It was climbing another 3500 stairs . Total disctance was 6.7 mile and total climb was about 922m.
Today we moved to a different hotel called Aisha Guest house and it was a good night sleep after that.
Day 4
After breakfast we drove to Mawlynnong, which is famously known as “Asia’s Cleanest Village.” As of 2019, Mawlynnong had 900 residents. As of 2014, there are about 95 households in Mawlynnong. The literacy rate is 90%. The population is mostly Christian and the village has three churches. Mawlynnong is known for its cleanliness. There are some bamboo structures , one can pay a small fee and climb up to have an aerial view of the whole area .The waste is collected in the dustbins made of bamboo, directed to a pit and then used as manure. A community initiative mandates that all residents should participate in cleaning up the village. Smoking and use of polythene is banned while rainwater harvesting is encouraged. Mawlynnong boasts various fascinating attractions, including the Living Root Bridge and a peculiar natural phenomenon of a boulder delicately balanced on another small rock. Afterward, we proceeded to Dawki, a small town near the India-Bangladesh border. There are also adventure sports like kayaking, cliff jumping, Zip lining, etc. Here, one can enjoy the awe-inspiring view of the Umgot River. Also, there is another single Living Root Bridge. We did the boating in the river . There is a rope which seperate Bangladesh side of the river from the India side . However people do chit-chat from the other side of the rope , sometimes vendors sell stuff as well.
Tonight I stayed as Lamin Guest house
Day 5
After breakfast, we proceeded to Krang Suri Falls. It is one of the best waterfalls in Meghalaya. One can also swim in a naturally formed pool here. You can also go behind the waterfall and see the water falling in front of me. Next I went to Phe Phe Falls. Phe Phe Falls is located in Shkentalang Village near Jarain in West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya on the Jowai-Dawki Road. From the car parking I had to cross a river and then trek towards the falls. There are local people who do these crossing in country boats. There was a winding downhill path to the base of the waterfalls. Like in majority of the waterfalls in Meghalaya, you have to hike down first to see the waterfalls in their full glory. I started our hike downhill. The Phea Phea Falls is a two-tiered waterfall. From the base of the fall, we could only see one of the tiers. In the local Jaintia dialect, the word “Phe Phe” translates to “Paradise”. The towering waterfall falling into the clear blue pool, the rocks and the surroundings indeed made the place a paradise. Once you are there, you will definitely have the urge to jump into the pool!
Final stop was Tyrshi Waterfalls. This cascade is located about 5 km from Jowai. A pretty arch bridge connects an expanse of green paddy fields, which open up to the Tyrshi Falls thundering down to the Pynthor (paddy-fields) below. A winding footpath offering a breath-taking and panoramic view of the Pynthor Nein eases your trek down to the bottom of the falls, which glide down like milk over a vertical drop. Then we drove back to Shilong .
Tonight I stayed at Cloud social . In the evening we walked to City hut family dhaba . It was a very nice place with delicious food.
Day 6
Today is the day to sight seeing some places in Shilong . After breakfast we had an early morning visit Mawphlang Scared Forest. For centuries now, Khasi customs and traditions have been woven into the land and the forests. One of these forests still retains its significance today – the Sacred Groves of Mawphlang. Visitors are not allowed to take anything away from this hallowed forest, not even a pebble or a twig. The dark canopy above and soft humus under your feet will transport you to a primaeval age – a contrast from the green meadows and sprightly pines that dominate the surrounding hills.Apart from rare plants, mushrooms, and trees, the forest is also home to old coronation and sacrificial sites. This was where Khasi kings and ceremonial leaders (Ki Lyngdoh) had their meetings and new chiefs were anointed here. The sites are marked with monoliths, still reminders of a dignified past as the forest creeps around them. We had a local Khasi guide acompanied us.
Next was Shillong Peak. At the height of about 1970 m above sea level, Shillong Peak is the highest point in Shillong. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city. Though because of polution view was not super . There were two towers to catch the glimpse .The area is located within an Indian Air Force area. Access to the peak is controlled by the Air Force, requiring security checks and ID verification at the entry point.
My next stop was Elephant Fall , a two-tier waterfall in Shillong, The mountain stream descends through two successive falls set in dells of fern-covered rocks. The name originated in the British era when the Englishmen spotted a giant rock that looked like an elephant near the fall. However, this rock was destroyed in the 1897 due to an earthquake . The first fall is very broad and is hidden among trees. The second fall however, is quite domesticated and in the winters (and drier months) looks inconsequential. The third fall is the tallest and comes into view suddenly and looks most spectacular with crystal clear water falling over sharp rocks of myriad shapes
Our final stop was Laitlum Canyons. Laitlum Canyons is a great spot for sweeping and beautiful views of Meghalaya. The name ‘Laitlum Canyons’ means “end of the world” or “end of hills.” It’s about 45 km from Shillong city. We also stopped at the catholic church and the Tagore memorial museum . Both were closed but nevertheless had a good look from outside.
Tonight I stayed again at Cloud social . In the evening we again walked to City hut family dhaba for food.
Day 7
Today was the last day . We woke up late had our breakfast . I then visited Ward’s Lake and walk around that area . This is an horseshoe shaped artificial lake . It was meticulously planned by William Ward, the chief commissioner of Undivided Assam, and brought to life by the skilled hands of Colonel Hopkins in 1894. What sets this 100-year-old lake apart is its unique horseshoe shape and the lush botanical garden that surrounds it, boasting a mesmerising array of endangered plants and trees. A graceful wooden bridge adds to its allure, elegantly spanning the crystal-clear waters of the lake . Also visited cathedral church in Shilong . Then on the way to airport we went to Umïam Lake. Flanked by hills on all sides and lined by striking roadways and bridges, the gentle Umiam Lake is one of the reasons why the Guwahati-Shillong route is considered one of the most scenic in the region. The lake was formed when a dam was built over the Umiam River in the early sixties as part of a hydel power project. I bought some packed lunch. We had our lunch here and then we were off to Shilong airport. However upon reaching airport we were told that flight is cancelled and we have to make our way to Guahati airport for our flight.
So , I had to call back my taxi and then another few hours on road to Airport . Finally reached home late evening after a satisfying trip.
