Spellbounding Serenity at Meghalaya
The state is an ode to nature and multiculturalism infused with British architecture. Here are some of the major activities you can engage in Meghalaya.
February is the month of romance and what’s better than having tickles of travel with your beloved! While most of us endure the mountain or beach, here we depart from the cliches and bathe in the bliss of rains at Meghalaya. Called as the ‘Abode of Clouds’, the serene state has a breathtaking array of vacationer sights in the lap of its highlands, misty forests, waterfalls, alluring cliffs, vibrant cultures and much more.
Some of the highlights that can define Meghalaya include its lush green landscapes as seen in Sohra, waterfalls, plateaus around Mylliem and Smit, postcard-perfect Shillong, green meadows, quaint cottages, ethereal Garo Hills, Jaintia Hills, exuberant wildlife, diverse ethnic culture, nightlife to make it a lifetime experience. Here are some of the major activities you can engage into Meghalaya.
Elixir of Waterfalls
If you have gone through Rudyard Kipling’s books, then turquoise water surrounded by large rocks and pebbles, pristine landscape and bewitching viewpoints must have had a soothing impression on your mind. Meghalaya’s waterfalls create exactly such a pacifying experience. The Krangshuri waterfalls creating a curtain of flower that falls over caved milieu in the deeply forested ambience of Jaintia Hills offers amazing sightseeing views and boating experience. The waterfall is over a 90km drive from the capital Shillong via NH6 and NH206. Some of the nearby attractions around the place include Nartiang Monoliths and Jowai. So if you are in to enjoy the ripples in the bosom of nature, and dip in the pool to dust off the heat of the plains, here’s the place for you!
Called the ‘Abode of Clouds’, the serene state has a breathtaking array of vacationer sights in the lap of its highlands, misty forests, waterfalls, alluring cliffs, vibrant cultures and much more.
Adventure at Khasi Hills- Sohra
The Khasi hills not only offer the best of the monsoon season locations but will offer a multiplicity of attractions that range from an urbane landscape of Shillong, scenic road trips, hippie cafes and rainiest places like Sohra and Mawsynram to cuddle with your beloved. If you are an adventure lover then scenic hikes and treks of mist-covered dense forested mountains of Sohra will magnetise you. The place has many homestays and resorts to get you the local tribal vibe with nearby destinations like Nongriat and Khat-ar-shnong. One can explore the Arwah cave, Dainthlen falls, Mawsmai Cave and the breathtakingly beautiful Noh Sngithiang Falls.
The cosmopolitan vibe of Shillong
As the capital of Meghalaya, Shillong, founded in the 19th century by the British has a cosmopolitan culture. The city has budding cafe culture, markets, lakes, quiet neighbourhoods and beautiful colonial history. The major attractions include Shillong Heritage Walk, Phan Nonglait Park, Golf Link, Elephant Falls, Don Bosco Museum that altogether give you a mini-view of the cultural environs of Meghalaya.
Cocoon of villages and treehouse
If you want to escape the city lights and urban milieu, then head for the panoramic views of Mawlynnong village located in East of Khasi Hills. Called the ‘God’s Own Garden’ the place will offer cool mountain streams, treehouses, fruit orchids and rock formations. For a more cosy and tropically paradise experience, one can snuggle in the treehouses in the village. Those who are art lovers can find the Church of Epiphany as a European architectural marvel surrounded by the heavenly lush green landscape. The other nearby destinations that may interest you are Dawki- Shnongpdeng, Pynursla and Kudengrim fall. Mawlynnong village is over 72kms from Shillong and can be reached via NH206.
Mesmerizing River Islands
Who would not like laying in the palliative earthy surface of the river islands in the centre of calming solitude! Well, Nongkhnum is a place for such solitary beings which is also considered as one of the largest river islands in Asia. It is a hub of gala celebration with local cuisines, music and entertainment around the gushing waters. One can also enjoy the boat ride, picturesque river banks, stargazing and witnessing the profound magnificence of Kynshi, Meghalaya’s longest river. The place is rich in biodiversity and topography and surmounted with waterfalls like Thum, Weinia and Langshiang that will surely refresh your mood.
Altogether, Meghalaya is blessed with bounties of nature. At the same time it has its unique culture with the co-existence of tribes like Khasi, Garos, Koch, Karbis, Pnars and many sub-tribes that offer a multiplicity of dialects, festivals, food, activities and clothing, that’s all waiting to be explored!
From the February-March 2021 issue of FHM India.
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