A Much-Needed Escape: Sheetal’s Journey Through Meghalaya with Thrillophilia
As a software engineer working in the fast-paced environment of Bangalore, Sheetal often found herself craving an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This time, she wanted to experience something different that felt like a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. Meghalaya, often called the “Abode of Clouds”, seemed like the perfect place for such a retreat.
Sheetal and her partner went on a week-long journey to Meghalaya arranged through Thrillophilia, and what followed was nothing short of mesmerising.
The Perfect Beginning to the Perfect Trip
From the moment they landed in Guwahati, they were greeted by their driver, who would also be their guide throughout the trip. They were assigned a Toyota Innova, and it made a whole world of difference. The car was spacious, with well-designed seats that made long drives feel like a breeze.
Known for their tricky roads and steep climbs, the hilly terrains of Meghalaya were crossed masterfully by their driver. The strong build and smooth suspension of the vehicle made sure that the ride was not just comfortable but also enjoyable. For someone like Sheetal who prefers calm and stress-free travel, this was a huge plus.
Their first destination was Kaziranga National Park. Even after reading a lot about it, nothing quite prepared them for the real deal-
The sight of the majestic one-horned rhinoceros during the early morning jeep safari was surreal. They were lucky enough to spot a few rhinos soaking up the morning sun, and it set the tone for the rest of the trip.
They then made their way to Shillong, known as the “Scotland of the East”. The drive itself was a treat as they moved through the wide and winding roads with stunning views of the rolling hills and deep valleys. They made a quick stop at Umiam Lake, which was the perfect place to stretch their legs and soak in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings.
One of the highlights of the trip was the drive from Shillong to Cherrapunjee, where the natural beauty of Meghalaya truly came to life. On the way, they stopped at several beautiful spots, including Elephant Falls and the Mawkdok Dympep Viewpoint.
To Have Adventures in the Heart of Nature
The real adventure began when they trekked to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat. This natural attraction made from the roots of trees was as magical as Sheetal had imagined. The trek itself was challenging with over 3,000 steps, but the sight of the bridge was well worth the effort. Walking across it felt like stepping back in time, into a world where nature and human imagination worked together in harmony.
They also visited several other beautiful waterfalls, including Wei Sawdong Falls and the famous Seven Sisters’ Falls. Each one had its own unique feature, and the sound of the cascading waters of the falls was both soothing and awe-inspiring.
Another worth-remembering adventure was their visit to Dawki, where they took a boat ride on the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River. Sheetal had seen pictures of this river online, but seeing it in person was something else entirely. The water was so clear that they could see the pebbles at the bottom, and the surrounding landscape made it feel like they were in a different world altogether.
They also stopped at Mawlynnong, which is the cleanest village in Asia, where they walked along the well-kept streets and admired the simple yet beautiful lifestyle of the locals. The village exuded an air of serenity that made Sheetal wish to stay there forever.
A Journey to Remember, and Cherish!
Throughout the trip, they stayed at various hotels, with each one offering its own speciality. While the accommodations were comfortable, there was one aspect that could have been improved: the breakfast. At most of the hotels, the morning meal consisted of puri bhaji. Sheetal enjoys this dish, but having it every day became a bit monotonous.
Eager to try the regional delicacies, Sheetal and her partner set out to savour the dishes on their own. They tried Jadoh (a local rice and meat dish) and even some Sakin Gata and Pukhlein. Although clearer communication regarding the breakfast options would have saved some effort, when they look back at the experience in Meghalaya, the overall experience was just fantastic.
The scenic beauty of Meghalaya, along with the comfort of their reliable Innova and the warmth of the local people, made this trip worth remembering. The journey was well-organised by Thrillophilia, and their guide was so friendly that he was always ready to share interesting facts about the places they visited. It was a perfect balance of adventure, nature, and relaxation.
Would they go back? Absolutely! And next time, Sheetal will make sure to ask for a different breakfast option from day one. Barring that instance, the trip was planned wonderfully, and she would highly recommend a Meghalaya trip to anyone looking for an escape into nature’s lap.
Read More: Thrillophilia Meghalaya Reviews