Dekho Apna Megh! - Part 2

 In the previous post (click here), I described my visit to the capital city Shillong. In this post, I write about the other places I visited during the visit – mainly, Mawlynnong, the Krang Shuri waterfalls, Dawki and Cherrapunjee.

In Mawlynnong, our first port of call was a visit to a “Living Root Bridge”. The living root bridges of Meghalaya are a unique and remarkable feature of the state's landscape. These bridges, found in the dense forests of the region, are made entirely of living trees and roots, and are woven together over time to form sturdy, naturally grown bridges.

A "Living Root Bridge" - Unique and spectacular.

Meghalaya has several such bridges which are made from the roots of the rubber (“ficus elastica”) trees. The tribal people of Meghalaya have been weaving these roots for centuries to create bridges that can support the weight of several people at once. Living root bridges are not only a fascinating engineering feat, but also an important part of the local culture and tradition. Visiting these is a unique and unforgettable experience. The bridges are located in some of the state's most beautiful and remote areas and are a testament to the ingenuity, creativity, and resilience of the local communities. They are a fascinating example of nature's ability to provide sustainable solutions to the challenges of modern life.

Mawlynnong is also famously known as the "Asia's Cleanest Village”. The village is home to around 500 people of the Khasi tribe. The villagers take pride in their cleanliness and have made it a priority to keep their village spotless. The village is a hub for eco-tourism and offers visitors the opportunity to experience traditional village life while also learning about sustainable living practices. For those having more time, almost every household offers a “homestay” option where visitors can spend a few days. Mawlynnong has received numerous awards and accolades, including the "Best Village Tourism Award" from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and has been featured in several international travel magazines and documentaries.

A street view in Mawlynnong village

We took a stroll at the village, looked around the natural beauty, dined and shopped at the local shops. I tried to speak to a few villagers but found them reluctant to engage in a conversation.

The next day, we headed to Krang Shuri. The Krang Shuri Waterfalls are located on the Eastern side of Meghalaya, roughly between Jowai and Dawki. It’s a pity many tour operators skip these falls, as the location is out of the way from the main tourist circuits of Shillong – Cherrapunjee – Dawki. But these falls are perhaps the most beautiful and spectacular waterfalls in the state and are a “must-visit” site for anyone traveling to Meghalaya. The falls are surrounded by lush green forests, and the sound of the cascading water creates a serene and peaceful ambiance. You get life jackets on rent if you want to take a dip in the (chilling cold!) water. There are changing rooms for tourists. Apart from the view of the waterfall from below, one can go on top of the waterbed from where the stream comes. Tourists can also enjoy boating and watch the scenery around. A visit to Meghalaya is incomplete without visiting Krang Shuri.

The mesmerizing beauty of Krang Shuri is not to be missed

From Krang Shuri, we came to the border town of Dawki, situated on the banks of the Umngot River. The river is known for its crystal-clear waters, so transparent that boats appear to be floating on air. The best time of the day to visit Dawki is around noon, when the sun is overhead and sun rays penetrate right down to the bottom of the river. Visitors can take a boat ride on the river, spend time on its banks filled with picturesque rocks and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding hills. Visitors to Dawki can also visit the India – Bangladesh border and snatch a bargain from the garment vendors who walk over from the other side!

Take a boat ride in the Umngot River 

A word of caution here – the roads around Dawki were in bad shape when we visited. Further, they have heavy truck traffic, so visitors should base their time calculations keeping adequate margin in mind. The distances look short on a map, but it takes much longer to reach your destination! Luckily for us, we visited Dawki on a Sunday, when the truckers have a holiday and traffic was far less.

After Dawki, we visited Cherrapunjee, which has now been renamed Sohra. The place is famous for being one of the wettest places on earth. Cherrapunjee is also known for its beautiful waterfalls, bridges and limestone caves. The most popular tourist attraction in the region is the Nohkalikai Falls, which is the fourth highest waterfall in India. The waterfall is located just a few kilometers from the town and is surrounded by lush green forests. The water here falls from a height of about 1100 feet and creates a spectacular sight. Visitors can take a short hike to the viewpoint to get a closer look at the falls and to enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding hills.

The Nohkalikai Falls is another beauty that will leave you spellbound.

Another important place to visit is the Mawsmai Caves. Mawsmai caves are a network of limestone caves located just a few kilometers from Cherrapunjee. The caves are popular among adventure seekers and cave enthusiasts as they offer an exciting and challenging experience. Visitors can explore the caves and see the interesting rock formations, underground streams, and limestone formations. Besides these, we also visited the Seven Sisters Waterfall, the Eco Park and a few other viewing points in and around Cherrapunjee.

Overall, I spent six days in Meghalaya. It was an unforgettable experience! 

It is said that if humans were meant to be in one place, we would have had roots, not feet. What are you waiting for? Pack up your bags and leave.