Few things on this earth
live up to their name and Meghalaya is surely one of them. Meghalaya, ‘the
abode of clouds’ truly defines every bit of it. And if there is one thing, we
should not miss about this petite state of North East India, it is a trip
during monsoons. The state of Meghalaya hosts a massive amount of rainfall from
the month of May to September every year. Along with the rains it also brings
the ambiguity and magic of monsoons. Undoubtedly, the occurrence of perpetual
rainfall for about 5 months of the year crowns Meghalaya as one of top two rainiest
places of the world. The commencement of the rain swiftly brings a unique
change in the landscape, the air gets filled with mist, caves become more
profound and numerous waterfalls come alive with their thunderous presence.
Meghalaya becomes all the more enticing!
A
few experiences you cannot afford to miss during your trip to Meghalaya during
monsoons are:
The
Barapani/Umiam Lake:
Situated at about 15Km ahead
to of Shillong on the Guwahati-Shillong Road will offer you one of the most
magical panoramic views of hills and subtle landscape reflected in the
blistering waters of the lake. A mesmerizing evening at the lakeside hotel or
resort, a boat ride in the calmest of places and some coffee in the evening
enjoying the trademark rain would sum up a perfect monsoon day.
Walk to the Living Root Bridge in Mawlynnong and trek to the Umterming
Waterfall:
Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in
Asia is located 90 Kms away from Shillong. The road to the village is through
some of the most beautiful countryside possible, starting with deep gorges and
smooth plateaus ends up with beautiful broomstick cultivation fields.
The ‘Sky Watch’ a 85 feet high bamboo
structure, built by the villagers will offer you a lovely view of the
Bangladesh plains and a trek to the nearby Riwai Village, 2 Kms away will take you
to Living Root Bridge. Another trek from Mawlynnong through Thiepsky village
will take you to the elegant Umterming waterfall. This trek would again offer a
vast view of Bangladesh plains.
Waterfalls
and Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge in Cherrapunjee:
A trip to Cherapunjee (Sohra),
particularly during the monsoons, is always rewarding as then, uncountable
waterfalls come to life and offer their magnificence. Amazingly most of them
have folklore or a myth connected to them. Some of the must visit waterfalls in
Cherapunjee are Dain Thlen Falls, Noh Kalikai Falls, Nohsngithiang (Seven
Sisters) falls.
Another appealing visit in Cherapunjee is a walk to the
'Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge', located in the Nongriat Village is
located at the bottom of the valley. The Decker Root bridge is built over the
Umshiang Steam is very unique and is the only one of its kind.
Caving in Mawsmai, Village Life in Mawphlang and Mawsynram:
A visit to the Mawsmai Caves and Mawsmai Monoliths in
Mawsmai Village will take you through some history of Meghalaya and add some
adventure to your trip. The Sohra Syiem (Kingdom) was located at Mawsmai and the
entrance to the village boasts of the only monolith in Meghalaya with a crown
of stone. A little into the village is the entrance to the Mawsmai cave that
will take you into a world of stalagmite and stalactite rock formation which resemble
huge pile of chocolates.
‘Mawphlang’ village connects its roots to Khasi History
and was named after Monoliths. Mawphlang is the site of one of the Khasi Hills
sacred groves and in the village you can experience the lifestyle of the Khasi
people and spend the night star gazing.
‘Mawsynram’ village, apparently the wettest place on
earth will offer you one of the most stunning rain walks amidst mystical
atmosphere.
Stay at Shillong for Wards Lake, Botanical Garden, Lum Khyriem
Viewpoint and more
Shillong, known as the ‘Scotland of the East’, is the
capital of Meghalaya. It still has a strong British influence as seen in its bungalows,
cottages and many offices bear architecture similar to that in Britain.
While in Shillong, a visit to the ‘Wards Lake’
(Nan-Polok) is a must. The artificial lake is beautified by a fine structured
wooded bridge, flower landscaping, and a huge gathering of Geese and colourful
collection of Fish. In a corner near the lake, the ‘Botanical Garden and
Orchidarium’ is strategically located. This Orchidarium works on conserving
ethnic varieties of Orchids typically found in Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and
the other North Eastern hill states and is a visual treat during the blooming
season.
‘Lum Khyriem Viewpoint’ is the much celebrated viewpoint
that offers you get a full 180 degrees panoramic view of Shillong. Apparently
the Smit village, Madan Rting, Happy Valley, Nongthymmai, Laitumkhrah, Malki,
Upper Shillong, Lumdienggiri, Mawlai and the stretch upto Mawiong and Umiam is
clearly visible from the point and the ambience is clear and freshening.
‘Shillong Peak or View Point’ is located at a hill top
about 20 Kms from Shillong, is a very famous and ideal Picnic spot and offers a
spectacular view of the city and the Eastern Himalayan Ranges. The peak is the perfect place to spend a lazy
monsoon afternoon and enjoy the rain.
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| Ward's Lake, Shillong Photo: Ujjal Borah |
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| Umiam lake Photo:Ujjal Borah |
