Exploring Meghalaya: A Paradise Lavishly Enriched with the Gifts of Nature

If you are still confused about visiting the North East Shillong, the annual Cherry Blossom festival is sure to tempt you and there’s no state better than the calm, comforting Ward’s Lake to see the pink petal showers, where you can also catch the twilight while you’re at it. Bask in the heartstopping grace of Meghalaya with its azures almost always decorated white with clouds.

Want to soak in the abundant showers of the clouds that seem to accompany you everywhere? Cherrapunji is known to be the wettest place on earth and is best enjoyed during the monsoons. Enjoy the sumptuous awe-inspiring harmony of nature in the waterfalls generously found there- Nohkalikai falls, Nongsngithiang falls, Dain-Thlen falls, and many more. Another of nature’s miracles found in Cherrapunji is the active root bridges. Enjoy sights and muses of nature, while taking a swift dip in cool waters, or while hiking through the double-decker root bridge.

Drive through winding rocky roads and canopies to reach Shillong peak from where to get a vivid view of Shillong. Enjoy the pleasant view of Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani while on your way to Shillong. Ward’s Lake, snuggled within a well-maintained park is also a major attraction. Take a boat ride or just play dress up and click away in their indigenous attire.

Lose yourself in nature’s splendor when you visit the Mawphlang Sacred Grove, located around 20 km from the state capital. Set amidst rolling hills, Mawphlang Sacred grove has been conserved since time immemorial by legendary religious sanctions. This dense canopy of pine trees houses a wide variety of plants, flowering trees, and butterflies. A mixture of orchids forms a rich outgrowth of bushes. Take a walk with the help of an able guide to unwinding the secluded natural treasures inside the grove.

Snuggled among tall trees, near the Indo-Bangladesh border, 90 km from Shillong, is “God’s Own Garden” – Mawlynnong village. With its paths bordered with trimmed lawns and vivid hues of flowers encircling quaint thatched houses, Mawlynnong, reputed to be the cleanest village in Asia is a famous eco-destination. The inhabitants of this village not only believe in the saying “Cleanliness is next to godliness”, but make it a way of life. You will see a taste of creativity in the bamboo dustbins at periodic intervals.

Make your childhood dreams come true, or allow your children to revel in their fantasy by experiencing the unique adventure of staying in a treehouse. Enjoy your stay in the lap of nature in a treehouse 20feet above the ground, facing a waterfall and a tranquil pool. Get a bird’s eye view of the green cover surrounding the village from the Sky Walk, a bamboo platform built 60feet up in the air. If you’re fortunate, you might get a scenic view of the plains of Bangladesh on a clear day.

Far the city, Nongkhnum in West Khasi Hills region boasts of being the most extensive riverine island in Meghalaya and the second largest in Asia. With its sandy beaches, concealed pools, deep gorges, and rumbling waterfalls, Nongkhnum guarantees tourists harmony with nature. The charm of the destination unfolds from a trek through the villages of Mawduh and Mawthar.

For adrenaline-junkies, the silent rivers of Meghalaya are excellent to uncover the love for white river rafting. Pitting man against nature, sailing through the rough waters in inflatable rafts gives one the much sought-after hormonal rush.

Meghalaya is lavishly enriched with the gifts of nature. Its dazzling vistas offer endless opportunities for trekking and nature walks. A hike through the dense forests with their rich flora and fauna promises an exceptional experience with great photo opportunities for shutter-bugs to go click-happy.

Camping can also be experienced by nature-lovers who fancy sleeping beneath the open skies with only the muses of gushing waters and falling leaves. Traverse mysterious caves and marvel at the sights that greet you while traveling.

Meghalaya will always make you want to come back, and you can’t help but feel that Shillong is your alter-ego. 

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