Sohra/Cherapoonji in Monsoon - Meghalaya

I like to travel during the Monsoon Season. Nature is always at its best in the rainy season (Varshakal), especially in places bestowed with heavy rainfalls.

My work brought me to Guwahati during the Monsoon when Assam was under the floods-rains - a regular feature due to the state's topography. As usual, the national media was occupied covering news of other importance. I have grown fond of traveling in the Monsoon since my school days, which provided a distinct view of a place. A few months ago, my travels had taken me to Bhutan under heavy Monsoon, and within two months, I found myself on another Monsoon trail in Bharat.

A friend recommended me to an experienced driver who has been a migrant but has spent over two decades in the state and can't be strictly called a migrant now. He shared experiences, and I shared my travel accounts with him of various places. We reached Barapani, a mid-way stop/viewpoint - a massive artificial lake, a famous picnic spot, and a photo-documentation site. After rejoicing with its charm, I continued the journey, passed through Shillong, and took the road to Sohra.

An exciting feature of this road voyage was the rain, rain, and only rain. It was raining or cloudy with mist and fogs, so picture-taking was tricky. So much was the dew on the Shillong-Sohra road that it was impossible to step out to regard the beauty of the hills because of either driving among the clouds/fog or musladhar baarish. I encountered hundreds of waterfalls (small or big)! Later my friends from Assam said you have finally got the authentic experience of what it is like traveling in Meghalaya. This journey made me understand how it feels to be in some of the world's wettest places.

The rain had no stopping, and finally, after a total of 4 and half hour journey from Guwahati - I arrived at Sohra, which was under heavy rain. I started to feel why I chose this particular day to travel to Sohra as I was missing all the legendary beauty, clear view of Bangladesh plains and the waterfalls, etc. After waiting a few hours, I sadly decided to return to Shillong. There aren't many pictures I can share, but every traveler should experience this rainy season of Meghalaya, especially Sohra and its surroundings!!

Sohra has accommodation - though many may not be the best, more like back-packing style apart from that there are few resorts. Later I spent a few days in Shillong and checked out a few places.

Important to remember - If traveling in Monsoon

1. Keep a rain-proof jacket/Umbrella - You can buy umbrellas at different stop-points too

2. Water-proof camera

3. Water-proof floaters/sandals

Gateway to the famous seven-sister states in the north-eastern part of India, Guwahati is a cultural hub and one of the fastest growing cities in India. So much so that the city cannot cope-up with the urban pressure and increasing traffic, migration of people, and other aspects associated with every Indian town and city. As the abode of Kamakhya Mata and one of the most sacred places for Hinduism, it attracts pilgrims all-round the year. Guwahati is also the launchpad for traveling to other states, especially Meghalaya.