Arpan’s Meghalaya Trip with Friends: From the Kaziranga to Nature’s Paradise
The sun had barely begun to rise when our jeeps started up, cutting through the morning mist of Kaziranga National Park. There was an electric anticipation in the air - this was what we had been waiting for. Twelve of us, friends who had once been inseparable, were now here with our families, ready to relive the thrill of adventure together.
As we entered the vast area of the park, a deep silence settled over us, broken only by the chirping of birds and the occasional rustle of leaves. Kaziranga was raw, untamed, and brimming with life.
Into the Wild Heart of Kaziranga
“Look there!” our guide whispered excitedly, pointing toward a clearing.
And there it was: a magnificent one-horned rhinoceros, standing tall and unbothered. Its thick and prehistoric skin glistened under the golden rays of the morning sun. For a moment, time stood still. We had all seen pictures and read about them, but nothing compared to seeing this incredible creature closely in its natural habitat.
“Papa, it looks like a dinosaur!” my daughter gasped, clutching my hand.
I smiled. “And it has been here long before we ever existed.”
We watched in surprise as the rhino walked toward a waterhole and disappeared into the thick foliage. As we drove deeper, the park unfolded its treasures. We saw a herd of elephants playfully spraying water, a majestic Bengal tiger lazily stretching under a tree, and vibrant hornbills gliding through the emerald canopy.
However, what fascinated us the most was when the two massive rhinos engaged in a territorial battle. The sheer power of their clash sent dust and leaves flying and their grunts echoed through the jungle. It was wild, primal, and breathtakingly real.
We all stood silent and enjoyed the moment. No luxury vacation, no five-star resort could compare to the thrill of witnessing nature in its rawest form.
From Kaziranga to Meghalaya
Leaving Kaziranga was difficult, but Meghalaya had its own magic waiting for us. Our first glimpse of its beauty came as we stopped by Umiam Lake. The reflection of the sky on the water was so perfect that it was hard to tell where one ended and the other began.
Shillong welcomed us with its cool breeze and old-world charm, but the real adventure lay ahead. The next morning, we made our way to Cherrapunjee.
First on the list was Elephant Falls, where water cascaded down like a silk curtain, and its roar was almost meditative. Further ahead, we reached Wei Sawdong Falls, which was hidden deep in the forests. The trek to this waterfall was challenging, but the moment we saw the three-tiered waterfall, exhaustion melted away. The water was so clear that the kids ran toward it without hesitation, laughing and splashing like they had discovered a secret world.
But it was the trek to the Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat that left us truly speechless. Thousands of steps cut through dense forest, and then we finally reached the location.
Ancient roots, intertwined over centuries, had created a bridge strong enough to hold us. I ran my fingers along the twisted roots, marvelling at how nature had crafted something so resilient and beautiful.
“This place,” I whispered, “feels alive.”
The Beautiful Waters of Dawki
From the dense forests of Cherrapunjee, we moved towards Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia. Walking through its pristine paths lined with flower-laden homes, it was hard to believe such a place existed. The air smelled of fresh earth, and the people welcomed us with warm smiles.
Further ahead, we reached Dawki, home to the Umngot River, which is famous for its crystal-clear waters. The moment we set sail on the river, we realised that the river was so transparent that our boat looked like it was floating on air. I dipped my hand into the cool water and watched the ripples distort the pebbles beneath.
Sitting there, with the river reflecting the sky, I remember the simple joys of life.
The adventure continued as we moved towards Shnongpdeng, where the thrill-seekers among us tried cliff jumping. I watched my friends, who had been corporate professionals for years, suddenly turn into fearless kids.
We ended the day at Krang Suri Falls in Jowai, surrounded by lush green landscapes. Taking a dip in its turquoise waters was refreshing, and for a while, all worries faded away.
As our journey came to an end, we returned to Guwahati, where a sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra awaited us. The sky burned in shades of orange and pink as we watched the mighty river carry its stories along.
We all raised our glasses. “To old friendships and new memories.”
I smiled and added, “And to never waiting too long for the next adventure.”
Read more: Thrillophilia Meghalaya Reviews