Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds

Tripoto
27th Apr 2019
Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don
Day 1

When we were planning honeymoon,the first place came to our mind was Meghalaya and we were really glad to know that both of us wish to go there. Thus we fixed our honeymoon destination and booked tickets early,say one month before the trip. We reached the Guwahati airport at 9.30 am on 27.04.19.Then we hired a taxi and started our journey to the Scotland of the East. On the way,we visited the beautiful umiam lake, and tasted some street food like vegetable pakoda etc from the roadside shops there. We were staying at Peachtree studio,Laitumkhrah, Shillong, which we booked through oyo. A number of  homestays and rooms are available in Shillong at  reasonable prices. On the first day,we visited the Don Bosco museum and Ward's lake. Ward's lake is such a beautiful place and a must visit tourist spot in Meghalaya. Then we tasted Northeast combo from a restaurant very close to the Don Bosco Museum. Also we tasted chicken momos and it was very tasty.

Chicken momos & chicken cheesy roll

Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don

Ward's lake

Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don
Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don
Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don

Elephant falls

Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don
Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don

Strawberry village

Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don
Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don

Chicken momos

Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don

Seven sisters falls

Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don

Fish thali

Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don
Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don
Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don
Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don

Way to the caves

Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don
Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don
Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don
Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don

Shillong city

Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don

Street food

Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don
Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don
Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don

Banks of Umngot River

Photo of Meghalaya- The heaven between the clouds by Renu Don
Day 2

The next day, we rented a bike and went straight to the Dawki village. The way to Dawki is such a beautiful scenery including green mountains,deep valleys, river flowing in between...and the escorting fog and clouds. We reached the Umngot river after a two hour journey. The first pictures you get when you search meghalaya on Google will be the pictures of this transparent river with Crystal clear water. We also expected such a view but unfortunately, the water was not clear because it was raining in the prior days. The best time to visit this river is Nov- Dec when there will be no rain and the water will be clear. Anyway we took a boat and moved through the river. We saw Bangladesh on the shore and we stepped down on the other shore which was really a beautiful view with lots of perfectly shaped stones in grey,black and white colours. Then we returned back to visit Asia's cleanest village,the Mawlynong village. On the way to Mawlynong, we visited a tree house, Bangladesh view point etc. Also, we went to single decker living root bridge there. There's some steep and slippery route to the bridge but the view at the end is beautiful. Then we entered the Mawlynong village and let me say, the village really deserve that award..the cleanest village. Not only Mawlynong,the whole of meghalaya is completely clean and there is not even a single piece of paper in the roadsides. The people always maintains the cleanliness and I really wished walking through the village without sandals. We also visited the balancing rock where a giant rock is balanced on a single small piece of rock.After visiting Mawlynong,we returned back to Shillong and went to the Dylan's cafe, which is a tribute to the famous musician Bob Dylan. The food is a little costly here but you should try them once you are in shillong.

Day 3

On the third day, we planned to visit the tourist spots in the nearby areas of Shillong and we headed to the Shillong peak, where you can watch the whole Shillong city from a high altitude. On the way, you can see potato research center, beautiful cultivation lands and  panoramic view of the nature. The peak is situated in Air Force cantonment area and you have to provide your ID card there at the gate. The cool breeze at the top will refresh you and the view of Shillong city through the binocular set there is an amazing one. After the peak, we just visited a tea estate on the roadside and purchased some tea powder, jam etc. Then we went to visit Elephant falls which was a wonderful experience. You have to walk through a number of steps to see the 3 falls but the walk is worth. It is a must visit place in Meghalaya for sure. Then we had food from ML 05 Cafe where they served mouth watering dishes.  They also had a variety ambience there.

Day 4

On the fourth day,  we went straight to Sohra,  the wettest place on earth.  Sohra is popularly known as Cherrappunjee and as we all heard,  it always rains there. The road to Cherrappunjee was filled with fog and at some places, we couldn't even see the road. On the way,  we went to 'Arwa Lumshynna' caves and it was a wonderful sight.  The pathway leading to the cave seemed like the scary forests in Hollywood horror movies. The rain,  fog and the ancient trees made our walk awesome.  Finally the cave of limestone was a beautiful spot.  Next, we went to visit Nohkalikai falls, but unfortunately we couldn't see the falls due to heavy fog.  We could only hear the sound of the falls and feel the chilling cold there.  Then we went to visit Mawsmai caves and it was some sort of adventurous.  Then we went straight to visit the seven Sisters falls and I may say,  it was a mind blowing view. The falls were a beautiful scenery and a must visit place in sohra.  You can see Bangladesh border if you go straight from the falls to a little forward, but most of the tourists doesn't know that location and there are no sign boards too. The way back from Cherrappunjee were also full of heavy fog but it was a beautiful journey.

Day 5

On the last day, we went to visit the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians and afterwards we went to Lady Hydari Park.  You can see a huge variety of flowers, trees, animals and birds etc in the park.  One must try once the pineapple they sell on the roadside with slat and chilly powder.  I assure, it is mouth watering.  We then went back to Guwahati by a taxi and on the way,  we visited the Strawberry village,  the third largest strawberry producer in India.  Most of the people doesn't know this location but it is a beautiful view to see the strawberry fields.  Google map may misguide you and it is advised to ask the local people there.

The Meghalaya is really a beautiful getaway for a calm vacation and the tea they serve is extra tasty.  Also,  they serve special tea that it's taste cannot be explained through words.