A Much-Needed Escape: Sheetal’s Journey Through Meghalaya with Thrillophilia
As a software engineer working in the fast-paced environment of Bangalore, I often find myself craving an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This time, I wanted to experience something different that felt like a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. Meghalaya, often called as the “Abode of Clouds”, seemed like the perfect place for such a retreat.
My partner and I got along 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 we landed in Guwahati, we were greeted by our driver, who would also be our guide throughout the trip. We were assigned a Toyota Innova, and I must say, 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 our 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 me who prefers calm and stress-free travel, this was a huge plus.
Our first destination was Kaziranga National Park. Even after reading a lot about it, nothing quite prepares you for the real deal-
The sight of the majestic one-horned rhinoceros during the early morning jeep safari was surreal. We were lucky enough to spot a few rhinos soaking up the morning sun, and it set the tone for the rest of the trip.
We then made our way to Shillong, known as the “Scotland of the East”. The drive itself was a treat as we moved through the wide and winding roads with stunning views of the rolling hills and deep valleys. We made a quick stop at Umiam Lake, which was the perfect place to stretch our legs and soak in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings.
One of the highlights of our trip was the drive from Shillong to Cherrapunjee, where the natural beauty of Meghalaya truly came to life. On the way, we 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 we trekked to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat. This natural attraction made from the roots of trees was as magical as I 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.
We 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 our visit to Dawki, where we took a boat ride on the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River. I had seen pictures of this river online, but seeing it in person was something else entirely. The water was so clear that you could see the pebbles at the bottom, and the surrounding landscape made it feel like we were in a different world altogether.
We also stopped at Mawlynnong, which is the cleanest village in Asia, where we 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 me want to stay there forever.
A Journey to Remember, and Cherish!
Throughout the trip, we stayed at various hotels, with each one of them offering their own speciality. While the accommodations were comfortable, there was one aspect that I felt could have been improved, and that was the breakfast. At most of the hotels, the morning meal consisted of puri bhaji. I enjoy this dish, but having it every day kind of bored me.
As I really wished to try the regional delicacies of the place, I and my friend set out to savour the dishes on our own. We 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 us the effort, nonetheless, when we look back to the experience we had in Meghalaya, we realise that the overall experience was just fantastic.
The scenic beauty of Meghalaya, along with the comfort of our reliable Innova and the warmth of the local people, made this trip worth remembering. The journey was well-organised by Thrillophilia, and our guide was so friendly that he was always ready to share interesting facts about the places we visited. Thus, it was a perfect balance of adventure, nature, and relaxation.
Would I go back? Absolutely! And next time, I will make sure to ask for a different breakfast option from day one. But barring that instance, this trip was planned wonderfully, and I would highly recommend a Meghalaya trip to anyone looking for an escape into nature’s lap.
Read More: Thrillophilia Meghalaya Reviews