Shakti's Musings & Travelogue

Meghalaya, aka the land of clouds, could easily win the “Most Likely to Need an Umbrella” award. I mean, come on, Cherrapunji gets more rain than a tropical rainforest, and that’s saying something! So there we were, starting our adventure from Guwahati, hopping into a cab like we were in a Bollywood movie, heading straight to our Airbnb host’s place nestled among the mountains and green fields. Meghalaya is like the ultimate green paradise, surrounded by the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills. The wet atmosphere? Well, let’s just say it gives you a free spa experience whether you like it or not! And kudos to the locals for keeping this natural wonder safe and sound. Seriously, they deserve a medal for dealing with all that rain with such a sunny disposition!

The Cherrapunji area boasts some seriously impressive attractions! First off, there’s the Nohkalikai waterfall, clocking in as the fourth highest waterfall worldwide, no big deal. As if that’s not enough, you’ve also got the Mawsmai and Arwah caves, where you can marvel at some rock formations that are way cooler than James Bond Island in Thailand! And let’s not forget the drive to Mawsynram, the supposed “wettest place on earth.” If you ever wanted to experience what it’s like to be a soggy sponge, this is the place to be!

The trek to Nongriat village is not for the faint-hearted, with a whopping 3500+ steps to conquer before reaching the double decker bridge. Don’t miss the chance to visit the “cleanest village in Asia,” Mawlynnong Village, where even the dust bunnies probably take vacations! Be sure to experience the village’s charm by staying in one of the many homestays and reveling in its pristine beauty. Calling all foodies! Meghalaya offers a culinary extravaganza for both herbivores and carnivores. From the staple diet of rice, including the tantalizing Jadoh (a form of pulao), to mouthwatering pork dishes, the culinary journey here is a delight. To explore all of Meghalaya, consider taking a generous 10-day holiday to uncover the hidden gems, like Kongthong, Mawlyngna, Umden, and Tura. Who knows, you might even find the fabled land of unicorns and rainbows!