Clouds, Waterfalls, and Memories: Hansraj’s Family Getaway to the Enchanting Meghalaya
Ever since a colleague told me about his honeymoon trip to Meghalaya, I hadn't been able to stop thinking about visiting it. Our family has always had a tradition of going on vacations together every summer. Earlier it used to be my parents who'd finalize the destination for a family trip, but this time I wanted to plan it for us.
"Imagine lush green mountains, scenic lakes, stunning waterfalls, and walking among clouds..." I said while sipping tea, and looking at the clouds in the sky.
"Sounds like a dream to me", my wife responded with a smile.
My parents asked me what I was up to and I couldn't hold myself. I told them that I had been thinking about visiting Meghalaya for a family vacation and that I'd been in touch with Thrillophilia's destination experts. My parents, being huge travel enthusiasts themselves, agreed to it right away and before we knew it, we were in 'Abode of Clouds' aka Meghalaya.
Scenic Drive and Delicious Discoveries
We landed in Guwahati, and a gush of cold air welcomed us to its natural beauty. We looked around us and soon realized that this was going to be one of the most memorable family trips. Our driver informed us that we'd be heading towards Shillong and would also be checking out some attractions on the way. What a way to begin the journey!
The drive to Shillong felt magical, with lush greenery surrounding us, and creating a scenic landscape that seemed to come right out of a postcard. As we drove along the winding roads, we felt a sense of excitement building within us.
Our first stop was Umiam Lake, which was a man-made reservoir, surrounded by rolling hills. My kids raced ahead to the water’s edge, wide-eyed with enthusiasm, and looked at the river in awe. The sight of the dazzling blue water, set in contrast with the lush green hills, left us all spellbound. My Mom and Dad smiled at each other, taking in the scenery and thinking about the time when they visited lakes on their honeymoon trip.
Later, upon reaching Shillong, we got a chance to dive into the local markets that sold a variety of items including snacks, jewelry, handmade shawls, and stoles. We walked along the busy streets near our hotel, charmed by the vibrant handicrafts showcased in shops. The aromas of local food items moved swiftly in the air, and I couldn’t resist trying the delicious momos and jadoh, a Khasi rice dish. My wife bought some traditional Khasi shawls as souvenirs that would always remind us of our time here.
Joyful Explorations in Nature’s Playground
One of my friends at work once said that when nature picks up paint brushes, it creates artwork that no artist can beat.
Our next day was in Cherrapunjee, and that's when I realized that his lines were true to the core. Cherrapunjee, as told by our driver, housed several breathtaking waterfalls and stunning landscapes. Our first stop during the sightseeing tour was Elephant Falls, where cascading water flowed along the rugged cliffs like mist. My wife and I exchanged glances, both feeling the excitement of discovering such a beautiful hidden gem together.
The Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat was something out of a fantasyland. We'd seen it many times in online blogs and YouTube videos earlier, but watching it up close was an entirely different experience. The path that led us down to the bridge was teeming with lush green trees and the sounds of birds chirping.
It was such a height to watch the kids admire the intricate roots and play around in the surrounding greenery. We even spent some time talking to the locals over there, who told us about the importance root bridges carry in their cultural heritage. The hike back up included around 3,000 steps, but the challenge was met with determination and laughter from everyone in the family.
Laughter and Splashing Fun at Krang Suri
A trip to Meghalaya wouldn't have been complete without exploring the natural beauty of Dawki and the mesmerizing Krang Suri Waterfalls.
We began our day in Shnongpdeng, a scenic village in Meghalaya, where we enjoyed a hearty breakfast before heading out for the journey. Our first stop was Mawlynnong, also known as one of the cleanest villages in Asia. It was a great experience to stroll across the village and notice the commitment of the locals towards sustainability and cleanliness.
We also visited the Balancing Rock, which was located on the outskirts of the region. The kids felt very intrigued about it and ran to the guide, who answered all of their questions and even shared some of the local stories around it. As we continued our day trip to Krang Suri Waterfalls, excitement filled the air. It was one of the places that Mom and Dad were the most excited to visit. They were awestruck with its crystal-clear turquoise waters that dazzled under the sunlight.
Our guide even suggested we take a dip in its waters. After some initial reluctance, all of us decided to jump into the refreshing waters. It was one of the best decisions ever, as the calm waters took away all of our exhaustion from walking within a few minutes.
As we splashed around in the pool, I couldn’t help but think about how special this trip had been for our family. From scenic lakes to thrilling treks and breathtaking waterfalls, every moment teemed with exploration, connection, and laughter.
Read More: Thrillophilia Meghalaya Reviews