Through Mist and Water: Hansraj's Meghalaya Trip Review with Thrillophilia
My family and I had been craving an adventurous yet relaxing getaway, and Meghalaya’s charm had us sold. While looking for travel packages online, Thrillophilia popped up with its exceptional itineraries. The fantastic reviews and exciting experiences for families sealed the deal, and we knew they were the right fit for our journey.
Through Nature’s Hidden Treasures
Our trip to Meghalaya was nothing short of magical. From the moment we landed in Guwahati, we felt the excitement building up as we made our way to Shillong, the ‘Scotland of the East.’ The views of lush green hills, misty valleys, and small, charming villages along the way were just outstanding. The real highlight, however, was our first stop at Umiam Lake. The man-made lake took our breath away with its sparkling blue waters surrounded by green hills. My parents, who were a bit tired from the journey, couldn’t resist admiring the view.
As we arrived in Shillong, we were welcomed by a cool and refreshing breeze. We didn’t explore much that evening, and just took a walk around the local market. My kids were fascinated by the small shops, and they picked up a few souvenirs. But I was the most excited about our trip to Cherrapunjee, which was scheduled for the next day.
The drive to Cherrapunjee was an adventure in itself, with several stops along the way that made the journey even more memorable. We visited Elephant Falls, where it felt as if all the travel fatigue vanished. The falls were surrounded by lush greenery, and the sound of water crashing down created such a peaceful ambience. Since the hike was short and easy, it was a lovely experience for my parents too.
Our next stop was Mawkdok Dympep ViewPoint, and wow, what a sight that was! The green slopes looked like something out of a postcard. It was one of those moments where you just pause and let the beauty of nature wash over you. But nothing could have prepared us for the stunning Wei Sawdong Falls.
We hiked for about 200 meters to reach this hidden gem, and it was worth all the effort. The water gushed down with such force, and the entire setting just felt otherworldly.
Later, we also explored Nohkalikai Falls and Seven Sisters’ Falls. Each one was unique in its own way. Our kids had a great time running around while my parents enjoyed the scenic views. We wrapped up our day with a visit to Mawsmai and Arwah Caves. The fossils in the caves were a great learning experience for the kids, and the interiors made the caves feel like something out of a fantasyland.
The Double Decker Root Bridge
Day 3 was the most exciting one for me personally. We woke up early and set out for the trek to the famous Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat. We had heard about the trek and the bridge from friends who had visited earlier, but nothing could have prepared us for the experience of actually walking on a roots bridge.
Our journey began with a short drive to Tyrna village, and from there, we started our descent down hundreds of steps. It was a bit challenging, especially with my parents, but the breathtaking view of the forest around us made it all worthwhile.
The living root bridge was even more impressive than I had imagined. The roots of the trees had intertwined over the years to form a bridge. We stood there for a while, admiring such an incredible marvel of nature. My kids were super excited to cross it, and I could see my parents taking in the beauty of it all, though they were a little cautious about walking on it.
The hike back, however, was a different story. Climbing up those many steps was no easy feat, especially for my parents. But the kids were full of energy and kept us motivated. By the time we made it back to Cherrapunjee, we were all exhausted but incredibly satisfied with the day’s adventure.
Exploring Mawlynnong, Dawki, and Beyond
The fourth day of our trip helped us change the pace of exploration as we travelled from Cherrapunjee to Dawki, with a stop at Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village. As we arrived in the village, I was amazed by the cleanliness of the place. There wasn’t a speck of litter anywhere. The villagers took such pride in maintaining the village, and it was inspiring to see how they lived in harmony with nature. We also saw the Balancing Rock, a natural wonder that had stood the test of time.
After Mawlynnong, we visited the Single Decker Living Root Bridge in Riwai village. It was smaller than the Double Decker but still impressive in its own way. Later, we made our way to Dawki, and I must say, the experience of boating in the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River was something I’ll never forget. The water was so transparent that we could see the riverbed, and the surroundings were simply stunning.
On Day 5, we left Dawki and stopped at Krang Suri Waterfalls on our way back to Shillong. It was one of the most magical places I had ever seen. The falls were magical, and the natural pool at the base of the falls was perfect for a quick dip. The water was cold and refreshing, and we spent a lot of time just relaxing by the falls.
By the time we were heading back to Guwahati on Day 6, I was filled with a sense of awe at how extraordinary the journey had been. Every moment and every place we visited was more beautiful than the last. Meghalaya had exceeded all our expectations, and I couldn’t have asked for a better family vacation.
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