Meghalaya – the land of misty mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers – had been on my bucket list for a long time. So, when six of my friends and I finally set off on this adventure, I knew it was going to be a trip to remember.
The Journey Begins: Chaos and Excitement
Our trip started in the most chaotic yet exciting way possible. Waking up at an ungodly hour, scrambling to catch the train from Sealdah, and finally settling into our seats, we were buzzing with excitement. Long train journeys are a different kind of joy – the endless banter, impromptu card games, and a shared playlist that had everything from nostalgic Bollywood tracks to the latest hits. After hours of fun, I eventually dozed off for most of the journey, only waking up for food and occasional conversations.
Kamakhya Temple: A Spiritual Start
Reaching Guwahati at the crack of dawn, we decided to visit Kamakhya Temple before heading to Shillong. The temple had an air of mystery and divinity, and the energy of the place was unlike anything I had experienced before. It wasn’t just a tourist stop – it felt like a moment of calm before the adventures ahead.
Umiam Lake: A View to Remember
On the way to Shillong, we made a stop at Umiam Lake, and wow – what a sight! The lake was so still, mirroring the sky like a perfect painting. We just stood there for a while, breathing in the crisp mountain air, letting the calmness of the place wash over us. A couple of us even rented a kayak and paddled across the serene waters, laughing at our terrible rowing skills.
Mawlynnong & Living Root Bridges: Nature’s Marvel
Visiting Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village, was something special. Every house was adorned with colorful flowers, and the streets were spotless. But the highlight was definitely the Living Root Bridge. Walking across a bridge made entirely out of tree roots felt almost surreal, like something straight out of a fantasy novel. The bridge had been shaped by nature over centuries, and standing there, I couldn’t help but be in awe of how seamlessly humans and nature had coexisted in this place.
Dawki: A River So Clear It Feels Like Flying
If you’ve ever seen pictures of Dawki River and thought they were photoshopped, trust me – they’re not. The water was so unbelievably clear that our boat seemed to be floating in the air. Some of us couldn’t resist the temptation and jumped right into the freezing water. The initial shock was brutal, but once we adjusted, it was pure bliss. We spent the afternoon swimming, taking a thousand pictures, and just lying on the pebbled banks, soaking in the beauty of the place.
Camping Under the Stars at Shnongpdeng
That night, we camped at Shnongpdeng, right by the river. There was something magical about sitting around a bonfire, sharing stories, and watching the sky explode into a million stars. With no city lights around, the Milky Way was visible in all its glory. It was one of those rare moments where time felt like it had slowed down, and we just existed in the present.
The Grueling Trek to the Double Decker Root Bridge
One of the toughest but most rewarding experiences was trekking to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. 3,500 steps down might not sound like much until you actually do it. The descent was easy, but knowing we had to climb back up made it daunting. But once we reached the bridge, all exhaustion melted away. The bridge itself was a masterpiece of nature, surrounded by lush greenery and flowing streams. We even took a dip in the cool, natural pools nearby, letting the icy water refresh our tired muscles.
Cherrapunji’s Waterfalls and Caves: A Day of Adventure
Cherrapunji did not disappoint. Nohkalikai Falls, with its roaring plunge, was simply majestic. The sheer force of the water hitting the rocks below sent a fine mist into the air, creating tiny rainbows every time the sun peeked through the clouds.
Then came Arwah Cave, a mysterious and expansive cave filled with fossils embedded in its walls. The eerie silence, coupled with the thrill of exploring its winding tunnels, made it an unforgettable experience. Later, we also visited Krem Chympe, a hidden gem among Meghalaya’s caves, where underground waterfalls and unique rock formations left us in awe.
Saying Goodbye
On our way back, we stopped at Khatarshnong, but we ultimately decided to skip the bungee jumping. Instead, we just enjoyed the scenic beauty of the area and took a few moments to reflect on the adventure we had.
As we packed up and made our way back to Guwahati for the train home, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. This trip had been everything – thrilling, peaceful, exhausting, and incredibly fulfilling. Meghalaya is a place where nature still reigns supreme, where adventure waits around every corner, and where memories are made that last a lifetime.
