Roots, Rocks, and Waterfalls: Tejeswi's North-East Trip Review with Thrillophilia
Tejeswi and her friend had been dreaming of a trip to the Northeast for some time. When they finally decided to go, they began searching for a travel company that could offer something different. That’s when they discovered Thrillophilia. The itineraries seemed just right for their love of adventure and nature.
The positive reviews from other travellers gave them confidence, and the easy-to-use booking platform made the whole process smooth. Before they knew it, they were all set for their exciting journey.
Exploring the Majestic Landscapes of Meghalaya
Tejeswi and Nishant’s adventure began with a smooth journey from Guwahati to Shillong, where they set out to discover the hidden gems of Meghalaya. The first stop was Umiam Lake, which offered them a peaceful moment to take in the serenity of the water and surrounding hills. They didn’t stay there for too long, though, as their excitement for Shillong kept them moving forward.
Once they reached the hill station, they made the most of their first day by exploring Phan Nonglait Park and the Rhino Heritage Museum, where they explored the local flora and fauna of the region. The park gave them a chance to walk through scenic landscapes, while the museum offered an interesting insight into the history of rhino conservation in the area.
The following day took them on a more action-packed journey as they travelled from Shillong to Cherrapunji. First, they stopped at the famous Elephant Falls, a series of three cascading waterfalls. As they observed the water rushing down the rocks, they couldn’t help but admire how nature had shaped the land, creating such a unique formation. From there, their day took them deeper into Cherrapunji, where the city tour introduced them to the stunning Mawsmai and Arwah Caves.
The caves were filled with fascinating limestone formations, and Tejeswi and Nishant were impressed by the natural carvings that had developed over thousands of years. The peaceful atmosphere inside the caves helped them reflect on the vastness of time and the power of nature in shaping the world around them.
3500 Steps to Paradise
The third day of their journey was one they would remember for a long time. Tejeswi and Nishant embarked on the trek to the famous Nongriat Double Decker Root Bridge, a unique and adventurous experience. The trek began with a steep climb up 3500 steps, which tested their stamina but also offered incredible views of the lush landscapes. With each step, they could feel the thrill of adventure building as they neared their destination. When they finally reached the bridge, they were awestruck by the sight of the interconnected living root bridges, which had been carefully cultivated by the Khasi people over many generations.
Although the trek itself was exhausting, Tejeswi and Nishant were glad to have made the effort. They learned about the traditional method of creating these root bridges, which involves training tree roots to grow into specific shapes over time. It was a testament to the patience and ingenuity of the local people.
They also had the option to extend their hike to the Rainbow Falls, a breathtaking waterfall hidden deep within the forest. Although they opted not to make the additional trek due to time constraints, they were happy with the rewarding experience of the Double Decker Root Bridge and felt they had truly explored an important part of Meghalaya’s unique culture.
The following day took them to Mawlynnong and Riwai Village. Mawlynnong is often called the cleanest village in Asia, and they were impressed by the level of care the villagers took in maintaining their environment. The roads were super clean, and the gardens were well-kept, making it feel like a small slice of paradise. In Riwai Village, Tejeswi and Nishant went for another trek to see the Single Decker Living Root Bridge, which was not as large as the one in Nongriat, but still a remarkable sight.
They also stopped by the Balancing Rock, an enormous rock located on top of another one, a natural wonder that left them both scratching their heads in confusion.
Waterfalls, Canyons, and a Farewell to North East
Day 5 of their trip began with a stop at Shongpeng, a peaceful area on the banks of the Umngot River. The calm waters and lush green surroundings made the experience peaceful, but they couldn’t deny the sense of adventure as they paddled their way through the area. After a few hours of fun, they continued their journey to Shillong and made two more significant stops on the way.
The Krang Shuri Waterfalls were next on the list. The sight of the waterfalls was as impressive as ever, with water cascading down in a series of steps, creating several pools along the way. The two of them also visited the Laitlum Canyon, known for its scenic views of the hills and valleys. The trek to the edge of the canyon was brief but rewarding, offering them one last glimpse of Meghalaya's natural beauty before they had to say goodbye.
On the final day, Tejeswi and Nishant made a stop at the Kamakhya Devi Temple, an important religious site near Guwahati. Though it was a short visit, the experience left them with a sense of connection to the spiritual side of the region. As they made their way to the airport, they couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible journey they had just experienced.
In Tejeswi's words:
"Thanks to Thrillophilia, I’ll hold these memories dear forever, and I couldn’t have asked for better support than what Ankit and Riya provided - they truly made everything so easy and enjoyable."
Read More: Thrillophilia North East Reviews