Rewinding Time with Friends: Arpan’s Reunion Trip to Meghalaya
Arpan Patel stood at the departure gate of Ahmedabad airport, his boarding pass clutched in one hand and his phone buzzing in the other. The group chat was alive with excitement.
“Guys, it is finally happening! After years of planning, we are off to Meghalaya!” one message read.
A smile played on Arpan’s lips. This was not only a vacation but also a promise kept. Life had taken them all in different directions, swallowed up by careers, family, and responsibilities. But this trip was different. Twelve friends, with their kids, were finally making time for the adventure they had spoken about for years.
It was indeed a long-awaited reunion. A chance to step away from boardrooms, meetings, and school schedules. A chance to relive old memories and create new ones.
As the flight took off towards Guwahati, Arpan gazed out of the window. The usual business trips had never felt this thrilling. But this time, it was about friendship, adventure, and the unexplored beauty of Northeast India.
Starting Our Journey in Kaziranga
The journey began in Kaziranga National Park. The group’s SUVs rolled into the vast greenery, and the golden glow of the setting sun painted the grasslands in hues of amber and green. As they settled into their hotel, the scent of fresh earth and distant bonfires filled the air.
In the evening, they went to the Orchid Garden, mesmerised by the cultural performances of Assam. The rhythmic beats of the dhol, the graceful movements of Bihu dancers, and the hauntingly beautiful folk music set the perfect tone for the days ahead.
Early the next morning, a jeep safari awaited them. Wrapped in jackets, with cameras slung around their necks, they ventured into the heart of Kaziranga. The mist hung low over the grasslands as the first rays of sunlight kissed the treetops. And then, there it was - a one-horned rhino, majestic and undisturbed, grazing in the wild.
Moving a few steps further, they were lucky enough to see herds of wild elephants and playful swamp deer grazing by the water. They also spotted the paw prints of a royal Bengal tiger, vibrant hornbills soaring overhead, and a massive wild buffalo cooling off in the mud.
Chasing Waterfalls and Walking in the Clouds
Shillong welcomed them with its cool breeze and rolling hills. Their journey through Meghalaya had truly begun.
The next morning, the convoy of cars wound its way to Cherrapunjee, the land of clouds and cascading waterfalls. The first stop was Wei Sawdong Falls, a hidden gem that required a short but steep trek down. The three-tiered waterfall poured down into an emerald pool, untouched and breathtakingly beautiful.
From there, they hopped from one marvel to another: Nohkalikai Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, and the eerie depths of Mawsmai Caves. The ancient caves, with their naturally sculpted limestone formations, felt like nature’s own secret chambers.
But it was the trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat that truly tested them. Nearly 3,000 steps down, through dense forests, bamboo bridges, and crystal-clear streams. The bridge itself, formed over centuries by interwoven roots, was proof of Meghalaya’s deep connection with nature.
Exhausted yet exhilarated, they dipped their feet into the cool river below. Arpan leaned back on a rock and let the sound of flowing water wash over him.
Floating on Crystal Waters and the Magic of Dawki
On the fifth day of their trip, they travelled to Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia, where neat bamboo huts lined the flower-laden pathways. The simplicity and warmth of the locals made them feel at home. They marvelled at the Balancing Rock, an ancient boulder that stood improbably balanced on top of one another.
But nothing could have prepared them for Dawki (Shnongpdeng).
As they reached the banks of the Umngot River, the entire group fell silent. The water was so clear that it seemed as though the boats were floating on air. They boarded wooden boats, and the oars sliced through the glass-like surface to reveal pebbles beneath.
The silence of the river and the hills standing like silent guards around them - it was serenity in its purest form.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the group gathered around a bonfire at their riverside campsite. Under a sky full of stars, with the gentle lapping of water in the background, they shared stories, laughter, and the warmth of friendship that had withstood the test of time.
A Farewell with a Promise
Their final day took them back to Shillong and then Guwahati, where they sought blessings at Kamakhya Temple. They also visited the magical Umananda Island, the smallest inhabited river island in the world. As evening fell, they boarded a sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra River.
The sky burned with shades of orange and purple as the river stretched infinitely before them. With music playing softly in the background, the group stood at the deck and took in the moment.
Arpan glanced around. These were the people who had been there through college pranks, first jobs, weddings, and now, parenthood. Life had changed, but some things remained the same.
“Next year, same time, new place?” someone suggested.
He smiled. “Absolutely.”
As they parted ways the next morning, the goodbyes did not feel like goodbyes. They were simply pauses - until the next adventure.
Read More: Thrillophilia Meghalaya Reviews