Nandu Gopal’s Thrillophilia Review of a Romantic Journey Through Meghalaya
Like all good stories, our trip began with a promise. For years, the dream of visiting MEGHALAYA had lived in the back of both my wife's mind.
“I want to see those living root bridges before my birthday,” my wife said while watching a YouTube video.
I wanted to turn that wish into a memory. So, I planned the whole thing with Thrillophilia and surprised her with a box. The box contained a note that said: “Will you go to Meghalaya with me?”
After seeing her smile, I knew she was more than ready. We quickly packed our bags and got ready for an escape to the Abode of Clouds.
From Guwahati to the gorges of Laitlum and from sacred caves to crystalline rivers, this trip was a beautiful travel story.
From Guwahati to Green Silence
We landed in Guwahati under an overcast sky. The heat of the plains gave way to the promise of the hills as we drove towards Shillong. The road twisted and turned through valleys and revealed gorgeous greenery all around.
Our first stop was the gentle Phan Nonglait Park, where children were playing on swings. We strolled through the leafy paths and soaked in the scent of rain and earth. Then we visited the Rhino Heritage Museum, where the past stood proudly on display through war relics, tribal weapons and stories waiting to be remembered.
By evening, we checked into our cosy hotel in Shillong. The hotel gave views of the surrounding hills, which were even more magical.
Falls, Fog, and a Thousand Photographs
The real adventure kicked off the next day as we drove toward Cherrapunji. First, we stopped at Elephant Falls. Three tiers of cascading water were surrounded by moss-covered rocks and green leaves. I took more photos than I care to admit, and still, nothing captured the real thing.
From there, it was waterfall after waterfall, with each one more spectacular than the last. Seven Sisters Falls looked like nature weeping joyfully down the cliffs. But NohKaLikai Falls left a mark. Standing at the edge of the tallest plunge in India, I felt as if I were the first one to discover that the earth’s window opened just for us to peek into the divine.
By the time we reached Mawsmai and Arwah caves, my heart was already full. Those caves were history, wrapped in darkness, and lit by stories in limestone and silence.
The Steps That Changed Everything
You know those days that hurt in the best way possible? That happened during our trek to Nongriat.
We began the trek from Tyrna Village, descending 3,500 steps into the heart of Meghalaya’s forests. I thought we would stop halfway. But the further we went, the more determined we became.
At the base, the Double Decker Root Bridge awaited us like a reward. It was alive, woven by time, tradition, and nature’s quiet patience. My wife dipped her feet into the water, with her eyes wide with wonder. “This,” she whispered, “is everything.”
We stayed longer than planned. Talking with locals, tasting wild fruits, and just being. Climbing back was brutal, but every step was soaked in satisfaction.
Floating on Glass in Dawki
After such a physically intense day, the drive to Dawki via Mawlynnong was a welcome change. We stopped at Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia, and honestly, I wish we had more places like it back home. The air itself felt polite.
From there, we took a short trek to the Single Decker Root Bridge at Riwai. Smaller than Nongriat’s beauty, but equally impressive. It felt like nature offered us another version of its magic.
But Dawki… Dawki stole the show.
The Umngot River looked surreal. I had seen pictures online, but nothing compares to watching a boat seem to float on air. We took a ride just before sunset. The boatman did not speak much, but I think he knew that some things do not need words. The water mirrored the sky, and our hearts felt light.
Hidden Gems and Open Horizons
The following morning, we visited Shnongpdeng, which was perfect for kayaking and gentle exploration. Though we skipped the adventure sports, watching the action from the riverside café felt enough.
Later, on our way back to Shillong, we stopped at Krang Shuri Falls. If heaven had a waterfall, I imagine it would look like this. We walked behind the waterfall curtain and laughed like kids under a shower.
And just when we thought we had seen it all, Laitlum Canyon appeared.
It was vast, dramatic, and hauntingly beautiful. The name means “End of Hills,” and it felt exactly like the world just opened up. We hiked to the edge and sat there for what felt like hours. The only sound was the wind humming secrets into the canyon’s curves.
I turned to my wife and said, “This is the kind of silence you want to carry home.”
Blessings and Goodbyes
Our last morning was bittersweet. We left Shillong early to visit the Kamakhya Devi Temple in Guwahati. Sacred and ancient, the temple felt like an ideal end to a trip filled with wonder.
As we stood there, hands folded, I thought of all the places we had seen and all the moments we had collected. Every laugh, every step, and every surprise that Meghalaya had offered us.
Before leaving, I turned to her and asked, “Would you come back here with me again?”
She smiled. “Only if we do it exactly the same way.”
Read More: Thrillophilia Meghalaya Reviews