Winding Roads and Waterfalls: Hansraj’s Thrillophilia Review of His Meghalaya Adventure
On a rainy afternoon, our living area buzzed with laughter and warmth, as we sipped tea and enjoyed crispy fried snacks. Mom and Dad were busy watching an action movie on TV while the kids ran around, giggling and playing.
As I flipped through a travel magazine, my wife chimed in, “Look at these photos of Meghalaya! The landscapes look breathtaking!”
Curiosity sparked in my father's eyes as he leaned in for a closer look. “Wow! What are the most famous spots over there?” he asked my wife.
My wife quickly started describing the region, mentioning the living root bridges, the cleanest village in Asia, and the stunning scenery. As she spoke about the attractions in Meghalaya, our excitement grew multifold. My Mom, the best planner among us all, raised an important issue, “It sounds like a great idea, but we'll need to ensure that the activities suit everyone, particularly the kids.”
“Don't worry, Maa. I’ll ensure that the itinerary has something exciting for everyone and that we all have a great time,” I assured her.
The Wonders of the Wild
Our travel adventure began in Cherrapunjee, a town known for its stunning landscapes and breathtaking waterfalls. We visited the Mawkdok Dympep viewpoint, from where we could admire the views of the lush green mountains. To make things better, the monsoon had begun in the region, highlighting the landscape in different shades of green.
Our guide informed us about a hidden gem just ahead of the viewpoint. So we headed out on a short hiking expedition along the natural trails and there it was - Wei Sawdong Waterfall. My heart skipped a beat the moment I saw it for the first time, its beauty felt like poetry in motion. We were told that it was named after the scenic Wei Sawdong River, which held immense cultural importance among the locals of the region.
We also visited the Nohkalikai Falls, the 4th highest plunge waterfall on the globe and the tallest in the country. Mom and Dad, being huge nature enthusiasts, fell in love with the views that it offered. My wife and I were equally amazed by the sight of clear water flowing down the cliffs from a height of more than 1,000 feet. The kids, on the other hand, couldn't wait to visit the Double Decker Root Bridge, located in Nongriat.
Our journey to the bridge was nothing short of an experience in itself as we climbed around 3,000 steps across the village of Tyrna. As we made our way along the misty paths, we also got a chance to admire the stunning scenery that surrounded us. Upon reaching the bridge, we were greeted by the sight of a naturally built multi-level root bridge built over several years. It was a sight to behold - since it's not every day that we get to see nature's engineering skills.
Exploring Mawlynnong - Asia's Cleanest Village
One of the most unique experiences we had during our trip was when we visited Mawlynnong, popularly known as one of the cleanest villages in Asia. Right from the moment that we arrived, we could notice the carefully managed gardens and a strong community spirit. We spoke to the locals who took immense pride in keeping their environment neat and tidy. Their efforts were prominently visible in the neat pathways that were lined with flowers. We enjoyed taking a leisurely stroll around the region, taking in the scenic views. It was really inspiring to see how the locals had embraced nature-friendly practices to protect their culture.
As we wandered, we also came across the famous Balancing Rock, a natural rock formation that has stayed frozen in time, despite the harsh weather conditions over time. The kids particularly loved listening to the stories related to the rock, as it sparked their curiosity about geology and nature. A local family also invited us to a traditional lunch prepared at their home, which was a memorable experience. The food was delicious and was prepared using locally sourced flavours and ingredients.
We found Mawlynnong to be a unique blend of culture, sustainability, and beauty, that left a lasting impression on all of us. We had a great time engaging with the community and got a chance to learn about their way of life. The place taught us about the importance of environmental conservation and how we can bring about change in our society.
Where Adventure Meets Relaxation
Our trip to the Krang Suri Waterfalls was yet another memorable experience. We spent several hours relaxing by the natural pool, located right next to it. Mom and Dad particularly enjoyed its peaceful ambience and scenic views of the surrounding landscapes. It was an ideal spot for our kids, as they ran around splashing each other. Their laughter echoed against the background of the waterfall, creating a delightful atmosphere that captured the essence of our family adventure.
Our time in Dawki was just perfect! My wife and I being adventure enthusiasts, opted for a ziplining adventure, which took us across the lush green landscapes. On the other hand, Mom and Dad opted for a boat tour along the Umngot River, where the water was so clear that we could even see the riverbed. We also enjoyed visiting the Dawki Suspension Bridge, built over the Umngot River, which acts as a natural border between Bangladesh and India.
During the last few hours of our trip, we decided to visit the local markets to buy souvenirs. There were several local vendors selling a wide range of handicraft items to choose from. We enjoyed trying many traditional snacks and bought several handicraft items like shawls and stoles, made by local artisans.
As we checked out the stalls, we reflected on the memories we had created together in Meghalaya. Each souvenir that we bought felt like a piece of our adventure, that we were taking back home. As we left the market, we knew that this trip had brought us closer as a family and filled our lives with memorable experiences.
Read More: Thrillophilia Meghalaya Reviews