Through the Soul of Meghalaya: Himanshu's Thrillophilia Review of a Magical Trip
My partner and I had been thinking about visiting Meghalaya for a while. One day, a friend who’d recently returned from a trip there mentioned how smooth and enjoyable his experience was with Thrillophilia. Curious, we looked them up and saw they offered exactly the kind of personalized tour we were looking for. A few conversations later, we booked our adventure with them - and it turned out to be the best decision!
Between Trees and Rhinos
After arriving in Guwahati, we made our way to Shillong. The car ride itself was an experience, as we drove through scenic roads that seemed to lead to the clouds. Our first stop in Shillong was Phan Nonglait Park, where we spent some time just walking around. The park had a relaxed ambience, with families out for a walk and kids playing. There was a particular tree in the park, so massive that we couldn't help but stop and take pictures. We also had a small chat with a local man who was sitting on a bench nearby. "This is the best place to take a break from the hustle," he said with a smile.
Later, we decided to visit the Rhino Heritage Museum. It was a small, quiet place but packed with informative displays about the state's wildlife and conservation efforts. We were amazed by the collection of rhino skulls and other animal relics. A staff member, noticing our curiosity, gave us a brief history lesson. “You know,” he started, “the one-horned rhino is an iconic symbol of Assam and Meghalaya.” That was a fun and informative moment, helping us appreciate the wildlife even more.
From Shillong to Cherrapunji
The next morning, we enjoyed a sightseeing tour around Shillong before heading to Cherrapunji. Our first stop was the famous Elephant Falls. We were fascinated by the different angles from which we could view the falls, each offering a refreshing view. As we were clicking pictures, we overheard a couple behind us. "I can't believe this place isn’t more crowded," the woman remarked. “I thought everyone would be here, it’s stunning!”
After exploring Elephant Falls, we visited the Mawkdok Dympep Viewpoint. We were lucky that the weather was perfect – not too cloudy and not too sunny. We spent a while just standing there, soaking in the view. A guide, who had been with us throughout the day, casually mentioned, “This is where the Khasi people come to find peace.”
In the afternoon, we finally made our way to Cherrapunji. The drive was super scenic, and as we got closer to the area, we could feel the weather change. We stopped at a small tea stall near the roadside, and the vendor served us some local tea. “This will warm you up,” I said to my partner. That hot cup of tea made the journey even more memorable. Afterall, everything's better with Chai!
Finding Peace in Mawlynnong and Dawki
The next day, we visited Mawlynnong, and we could clearly see why the village had earned this title. The streets were spotless, the locals were friendly, and everything seemed so well-maintained. We were greeted by a local guide, who showed us around. "This village runs on collective effort," he told us proudly. "Everybody does his to keep it clean."
One of our favourite places was the Balancing Rock. We couldn’t believe how it managed to stay in place despite the gravity-defying position it was in. A child from the village came up to us and said, “My grandmother says the rock has been here for generations." It felt like a living part of the village’s history.
After Mawlynnong, we proceeded to Riwai village to experience more of the Khasi culture. We were welcomed warmly by the villagers, who gave us a brief tour of their traditional homes.
Our next stop was Dawki, famous for its crystal-clear Umngot River. As soon as we saw the river, we couldn't help but stop for a few moments. The water was so clear you could see all the way to the riverbed. We had a boat ride along the river, and it was one of the most peaceful experiences of the trip.
Krang Shuri Waterfalls & Kamakhya Temple
The following day, we made our way back to Shillong, with a quick stop at the Krang Shuri Waterfalls. The waterfall was not as famous as the others we had seen, but it had its own charm. We climbed down to get a closer view, and the sound of the water crashing against the rocks was just magical. It was one of those rare, quiet places where you could connect with nature.
After spending some time at the waterfall, we headed back to Shillong. We took the afternoon to visit some of the local spots like Sweet Falls and Bishop Falls. The day was relaxed and gave us plenty of time to reflect on the beauty and calmness we had experienced throughout the trip.
The final day of our trip brought us to the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati. Despite the huge crowd, the temple had a peaceful energy that we both felt instantly. A local woman standing near the entrance turned to us and said, “This place is full of history. You should spend a little time here to really feel its power.” We did, and it truly was a memorable way to end our journey.
The trip was an adventure filled with moments of connection, culture, and natural beauty. Each place we visited had its own charm, but the people and the experiences stood out the most. We left Meghalaya with memories that we would cherish for years to come.
Read More: Thrillophilia Meghalaya Reviews