Meghalaya

Meghalaya is a state in northeast India, with Shillong as its capital city. Meghalaya was formed on 21 January 1972 by carving out two districts from the state of Assam: the united Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills, and the Garo Hills. The estimated population of Meghalaya in 2014 was 3,211,474.

Meghalaya is a beautiful state in northeast India known as the "abode of clouds,”. Shillong as its capital, Cherrapunji as one of the wettest places, and amazing living root bridges. 

I suddenly remembered that I have visited Meghalaya, one of the last place I visited in India.

On reaching Gauhati we first drove to a lake Umiam 

Umiam Lake (also called Barapani)

• This is the most famous lake on the road to Shillong and Guwahati 

• It lies about 15 km before Shillong, so almost everyone driving from Assam into Meghalaya stops there.

• The vast blue reservoir surrounded by pine-covered hills makes it one of the iconic views of Meghalaya.

For many years, the Orchid Lake Resort (formerly known as the Meghalaya Tourism resort) has been the classic place to stay or stop for refreshments right beside the lake. From its lawns and rooms, you look directly over the water. Many visitors driving from Guwahati to Shillong spend a night there because it is so peaceful.

We stayed for two days. The hotel was beautiful, but rather empty. Besides us there was a couple who stayed just for the night.

It is a beautiful resort in a magnificent setting, yet surprisingly quiet, especially outside the peak tourist season. It sits right on the edge of Umiam Lake, with spacious grounds sloping down towards the water.

Even today, it is not as busy as hotels in Shillong because many visitors continue straight into the city. Umiam Lake would have been exactly the kind of place where one would pause to enjoy nature before exploring the waterfalls, caves, and living root bridges of Meghalaya.

So "Our journey into Meghalaya began at the serene Umiam Lake. We stayed in a beautiful lakeside hotel where the silence was broken only by the breeze over the water. For most of our stay we had the place almost to ourselves, sharing it only briefly with another couple who stopped for the night. It was a peaceful introduction to one of India's most beautiful states.”

Later I realised that it is not too far from Shillong - which is always overcrowded, I would have stayed longer. Our driver drove us to Golf course for sight seeing close to Shillong. It was peaceful mornings beside the water, and easy day trips to Shillong and nearby attractions.

The drive from Umiam Lake to Shillong is only about 15–20 km, usually around half an hour depending on traffic. Many visitors stay in Shillong, but the city has become increasingly congested over the years, especially during the tourist season.

The Shillong Golf Course is one of the city's best-known attractions. It is a vast, rolling green course surrounded by pine trees and is often described as one of the most beautiful natural golf courses in Asia. Even people who do not play golf visit simply to enjoy the scenery.

After that we drove straight to Cherapunjee. The first stop was at the edge of the hill to enjoy the scenery. 

Another very first major scenic stop is usually Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint.

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This viewpoint has:

• A dramatic railing at the edge of a deep green gorge.

• Steep cliffs dropping into a lush valley.

• Clouds drifting through the valley during the monsoon.

• Small tea stalls and a parking area where tourist vehicles stop.

It is one of those places where almost every driver pauses because the scenery is so spectacular. For many visitors, it is their first unforgettable glimpse of the Khasi Hills.

From there, the road continues to Cherrapunji, passing famous attractions such as:

• Nohkalikai Falls, India's tallest plunge waterfall.

• Mawsmai Cave.

• Seven Sisters Falls (best seen during the rainy season).

Returning from that spot we passed through a village Sohra (Cherrapunji) itself and after that passing through this small town we reached our hotel which was very comfortable. Most interesting thing was that from dining room we could see a tall hill with more than one waterfall. It was Seven Sisters Falls.

Seven Sisters Falls is unique because:

• It drops from a high cliff in several parallel streams, not just one.

• During the rainy season, you can see multiple waterfalls flowing side by side down the same escarpment.

• Many hotels and resorts in Cherrapunji have rooms and dining halls facing this valley, allowing guests to enjoy the view while eating.

It is one of the iconic landscapes of Cherrapunji.

Khasi Hills

The southern edge of the Khasi Hills drops sharply into the plains of Bangladesh. On a clear evening, especially after the monsoon rain has washed the air clean, you can indeed see:

• the lights of villages and towns in Bangladesh,

• roads lit up at night,

• and, occasionally, aircraft approaching or departing from Sylhet, which lies just across the border.

Many visitors are astonished because the international border is invisible from the top of the escarpment. It simply looks as if the hills end and a vast plain stretches away with twinkling lights.

Where culture meets nature

Meghalaya, situated in the northeastern region of India, is a land of unparalleled natural beauty that beckons travellers from across the globe. The name "Meghalaya" is derived from the Sanskrit words 'alaya,' meaning 'abode,' and 'megha,' meaning 'clouds,' signifying the state as the 'abode of clouds.' Deep dive into this mystical paradise and explore its rich heritage that showcase traditions of the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes, breathtaking nature, spiritual sanctuaries, thrilling adventures, and vibrant festivals.  

The living root bridges: Nature’s miracles!

Step into a realm of natural wonder in Meghalaya – the living root bridges, a breathtaking testament to human ingenuity and nature's artistry. Recently added to UNESCO's tentative world heritage site list, these bridges are meticulously woven from intertwined roots. Crafted over centuries by the indigenous Khasis and Jaintias, these bridges celebrate sustainability, tradition, and the enchanting spirit of coexistence. Meghalaya boasts of around 100 such wonders scattered across different villages. Among the most renowned are those in Nongriat, Sohra (Cherrapunjee), Nongbareh, and neighbouring locations.  

This captivating region, resplendent with lush valleys, breathtaking waterfalls and mist-clad hills, beckons nature lovers to embark on an amazing journey through its spectacular landscapes. Cherrapunjee embodies the raw beauty of nature at its finest, offering lush vegetation, clean mountain air and vibrant forest sounds to provide a relaxing haven for anyone seeking a spiritual reconnection with nature and serenity within its embrace. Cherrapunjee offers something magical for everyone who visits, be it caves and waterfalls that leave visitors spellbound, dense jungle treks through breathtaking countryside or magnificent waterfalls that mesmerize you. The region's stunning landscapes are shrouded in mist and feature dramatic peaks, tranquil valleys, and breathtaking vistas that leave an imprint upon visitors. Among its natural marvels, Laitlum Canyons stand out as an extraordinary natural phenomenon. Khoh Ramhah, which means ‘rock basket of a giant’, also stands as an impressive natural wonder near Cherrapunjee, providing stunning panoramas of scenic landscapes.

Dain-Thlen Falls features Dain-Thlen Rock which many believe symbolizes a demon being killed off and adds mystique and mystery to the area.

Nohkalikai Falls stands as one of nature's crowning gems with its remarkable height of over 1,100 feet. The lush forest surrounding this enchanting cascade creates an almost surreal atmosphere for visitors to experience lush vegetation, melodious waterfall music, and stunning viewpoints - an experience many will find breathtakingly captivating!  

Dawki, Famous for the clear, glass-like Umngot River where boats look like they are floating in the air.