Escaping the Urban Rush: Ajay’s Thrillophilia Review of a trip to Meghalaya
It all started with a conversation my wife and I had over dinner one night. We had been feeling the weight of our routine lives, and we were really craving a getaway from urban life. I had been reading a lot about Meghalaya and I thought it'd be a great place to explore together.
“What do you think of Meghalaya?” I asked my wife, thinking about the rich culture and stunning landscapes.
"I've always wanted to explore North East India, and not to forget...the Living Root Bridges," she exclaimed at the idea.
So I got into the research mode and explored a variety of travel forums and blogs. We also watched countless YouTube videos that showed lush green landscapes, and beautiful waterfalls of Meghalaya. Our anticipation for the journey knew no bounds as we received our personalized itinerary from Thrillophilia. We marked the calendar, starting a countdown until we could step out for the adventure together, ready to explore the stunning beauty of Meghalaya.
Winding Paths to Hidden Wonders
I remember reading somewhere once about how the journey becomes as beautiful as the destination sometimes. That is exactly what it felt like when we were on our way to the Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat. We navigated down the winding and steep paths that passed through lush green landscapes. Along the trail, we also happened to stumble upon a small, magical waterfall, where the water toppled over rocks, creating a soothing sound. We made a stop to admire the hidden gem we had just discovered.
“It’s so peaceful that I could live here forever," my wife said, smiling.
As we continued trekking, we also met a local who offered stories about the culture of the Khasi people. He even took us to a village nearby where we got a chance to see their traditional huts made of thatch and bamboo. We enjoyed learning about the significance of the Living Root Bridges in their community and the sustainable lifestyle that they lead. My wife and I were amazed by the fact that generations of families living there had crafted the root bridges, blending nature with their daily lives.
Before we left, we also got to try some freshly made bamboo rice, a popular delicacy among the locals. When we finally reached the Root Bridge, its majestic presence felt even more powerful and meaningful. We clicked several pictures at the spot, trying to capture whatever we could, of its unbelievable beauty.
The Allure of Nature's Masterpieces
After diving into the beauty of the Double Decker Root Bridge, it was time for us to explore Cherrapunjee. Our guide for the tour told us that its original name was 'Cherrapunji' which translates to 'The Land of Oranges'. Our first stop during the sightseeing tour of the region was Wei Sawdong Falls. As we made our way to the waterfall through the lush greenery, we could hear the sound of the cascading water, taking our anticipation through the roof. After reaching the viewpoint, the sight took our breath away.
“This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen,” my wife said. I nodded, standing speechless, as she clicked pictures of Wei Sawdong Falls.
After admiring the waterfall, we decided to explore the nearby area. To our surprise, we discovered another site featuring the living root bridges. These natural wonders stand as a symbol of the cultural heritage of the Khasi people. Our guide told us that the bridges usually take decades to grow completely, as we marveled at the complex craftsmanship achieved by nature and humans together.
“It's crazy how the roots of a tree can become a pathway to walk on,” I remarked.
Later, we also visited the Seven Sisters Falls, which was among the most scenic places we explored during our trip. Cherrapunjee had us falling head over heels for its natural beauty, leaving us eager for more.
Baskets, Bites, and Breathtaking Views
Shillong felt like a delightful blend of cultural immersion and relaxation. We began our day by visiting a local marketplace, which was an energetic hub of activity filled with street vendors selling everything from local delicacies to handicrafts.
“Look at those pretty woven baskets!” my wife exclaimed, pointing to a stall. “We should bring home a few,” she suggested.
While shopping for unique souvenirs from the local vendors, we stumbled upon a cozy café popular for its Khasi cuisine. We ordered a platter that included Jadoh and a local fish delicacy. All of the items were made from locally sourced ingredients, maintaining the authenticity of the traditional dishes.
“I’ve never tasted anything like this before - the flavors are outstanding!” My wife nodded, taking another bite of Jadoh.
Later, our driver took us to Shillong Peak, where we got a chance to admire the panoramic views of the city from the top. It was amazing how different it felt up there, feeling the cool breeze against my skin. We leaned against the railing, taking in the views, and realized why its called 'The Scotland of India'.
As the sun began to set, we found a quiet spot to watch the colors change in the sky. Shillong had been a lovely chapter during our time in Meghalaya, filled with moments of tranquility and joy that we would talk about forever.
Read More: Thrillophilia Meghalaya Reviews