Experience the Politeness of north east Indian culture, and escape into its wilderness!!

Tripoto
4th Feb 2018

Heart filling sunset at East Godavari

Photo of Experience the Politeness of north east Indian culture, and escape into its wilderness!! by Manoj D Kashyap
Day 1

With a lot of excitement, Our journey by train started !

Photo of Secunderabad, Telangana, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Early morning on the 4th of Feb, we started our journey by train. The train journey itself takes around 2 to 2.5 days, we took it anyway because we were informed the journey itself is fun in this route. And trust me, what they said is true!

The Peacocks (4 of them) in the fields.

Photo of Telangana, India by Manoj D Kashyap

I soon spotted some peacocks. Tried to capture them, but the moving train blurred it. You can see 4 of them close to the front tree.

Green farms, east Godavari

Photo of East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Travelling through east Godavari is a feast to the eyes of vegetation/greenery lovers. I felt like this one district is satisfying the hunger of the whole state and even more people!

The sacred Godavari !

Photo of Godavari River, Andhra Pradesh by Manoj D Kashyap

The river is absolutely humongous!! It seemed unending with the banks so wide away, it took more than 5-6 minutes to cross the bridge at around 60 Kmph speed! I understood why is it sacred to people. This is the reason behind all the greenery in the east Godavari district.

Beautiful sunset from train! Close to Rajamundry

Photo of Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India by Manoj D Kashyap

The train journey was really fantastic. I could witness the dramatic skies, filled with colors, such beautiful dusk and dawn, green fields, etc, etc,. I never felt too exhausted to capture the next scene in the camera I had bought new for this trip! My excitement increased by the hours!

Day 2

Another bridge, Mahanandi River crossing!

Photo of Mahanadi River, Odisha by Manoj D Kashyap

This came the second day. The river Mahanandi is also big enough that it took more than 2 minutes at around 40Kmph

Day 3

From Guwhati to Shillong

Photo of Guwahati, Assam, India by Manoj D Kashyap

We were welcomed politely at Guwahati railway station by the driver. Yes we had booked a vehicle at our dispense from a travel agent. Then our road journey to Shillong, Meghalaya started. I would recommend someone to go by themselves rather than booking a travels, if you are young and would love to explore a lot by yourselves.

Spectacular scenery while on road to Shillong from Guwahati.

Photo of Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

The road through ghats and it's again a travel of excitement. You can see mist covered dense forest and steep hills.

Tasty Paneer mix Veg.

Photo of Experience the Politeness of north east Indian culture, and escape into its wilderness!! by Manoj D Kashyap

After a continuous journey of 2 and a half days through train and on road, we were anticipating a pit stop somewhere like this. We just wanted to satisfy our cravings and the food was delicious and less spicy. This is exactly what we wanted while travelling. Low on spices and nutrient rich food.

Delicious Kashmiri Biriyani!!

Photo of Experience the Politeness of north east Indian culture, and escape into its wilderness!! by Manoj D Kashyap

Farms and farm houses on the contours of hills!

Photo of Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Just the sight of the houses constructed here and there in the middle of the contour farms on the hilly areas, away from the bustling city traffic and noise, sends a positive wave. Your mind relaxes immediately and forgets all the stress. Then you are all set to enjoy the trip with a mind that is ready for it.

Sunset at Umiam lake, Meghalaya.

Photo of Umiam Lake, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

As if the day was planned to end perfectly, we reached the Umiam lake on the way to Shillong, exactly at the sunset time!! Isn't it perfect? The lake and sky was coloured with orange and in the distant background, I can see the hills blurred by the mist. I was running here and there to catch the moments with the camera.

The sheer size of the Umiam lake!

Photo of Umiam Lake, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

I was astonished when I heard that the lake was man made! Because just to grasp the sheer size of the lake, it took 5-8 minutes! It is really huge to be man made.

A resort by the side of the lake!

Photo of Umiam Lake, Meghalaya by Manoj D Kashyap

And there was a resort by the side of this lake. They also have boats! How romantic to go on an evening!!

One more picture of sunset at Umiam lake.

Photo of Umiam Lake, Meghalaya by Manoj D Kashyap

Golf course at the entrance of Shillong

Photo of Shillong Golf Course, Golf Links, Shillong, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Soon as we entered Shillon, we started feeling cool breeze. it was around 6 P.M and dusk was just happening. We stopped to roam around in the Golf course and the weather was cooling fast! I felt it was too cool for me and looked at the temperature, It was 10 degrees in celcius scale!

Golf course at Shillong

Photo of Shillong Golf Course, Golf Links, Shillong, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

I could see the reason why lot of couples come here to spend the evening. It's cold, misty and sunset is beautiful here too!

Restaurant at the hotel we checked into

Photo of The Eee Cee Hotel, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Finally after dark, we had seen two places on the way. Umiam lake and Golf course at Shillong, and we checked into this hotel. We were greeted well and the staff were polite. Tired enough, we wanted to splash some water & get fresh after almost three days of journey.

Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya.

Photo of Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

We were informed that there is famous police bazar (market) just a block away from the hotel. All the tardiness vanished and after cleansing ourselves with the bone chilling water at the hotel, we were of to the market. We did not want to waste the precious time!

Police bazar, Shillong

Photo of Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Exploring the streets of bazar, I felt my ears and nose cold. Observed people breathing out smoke. I thought they might be smoking as it was cold. But then, the smoke came out of my mouth and nose. It was because of cold. Yes it was 7 degrees!!

North east Special- Momos!

Photo of Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

In the bone chilling weather, my stomach started groaning. It had to work more to generate the heat so that I can sustain the cold. Bingo! I found the street for foodies!! I am a foodie myself and love to explore different cuisines and local foods. There the momos are steamed and they are sizzling! They were delicious too. satisfying my stomach, I felt pleasant and dozy. Headed towards hotel's warm, cushy bed!

Day 4

Mawkhong View point.

Photo of Mawkhong View Point, National Highway 206, Mawkajem, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Mawkhong view point is a pit stop for you to stretch out and relax, while you can enjoy the view of the green valleys. While you stretch your muscles here, you will also want to flex your wings and wish to fly!

View of the valley at Mawkhong.

Photo of Mawkhong View Point, National Highway 206, Mawkajem, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

The view at the road we took to come here at Mawkhong valley!

The naturally formed living root bridge!

Photo of Living Root Bridge, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

The living root bridge at cherrapunjee!

Photo of Living Root Bridge, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

The naturally formed living root bridge at Cherrapunjee is just unbelievable looking at the way it has formed by itself. It seems it has been constructed.

The serene surroundings at living root bridge.

Photo of Living Root Bridge, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

At living root bridge.

Photo of Living Root Bridge, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Mawlynnong, the cleanest village!

Photo of Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

On our way to Dawki, we came accross a village at Mawlynnong. This is truly the cleanest village. The artifacts and hand crafts are made of wood and bamboo, the homes are constructed with Bamboo, even the dust bins are made with Bamboo. I couldn't even see a paper piece in the streets, let alone the plastic!

Umngot river, Dawki!

Photo of Umngot River, Dawki, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

This is another wide river close to the line of control at Bangladesh border. The pristine nature is unharmed as there are only tourists around here. Also the bridge is a great structure adding to the scene! The ground under the water's surface, fish and pebbles can be seen clearly as the waters here are crystal clear.

The BSF personnel at Umngot river banks!

Photo of Umngot River, Dawki, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

This man with the gun on his shoulders is himself the LOC! Yes you heard it right. BSF personnel like this one, are at every 300 meter distance to control tourists and guide them back into their premises if crossing the border unknowingly!

On the way back from umngot river.

Photo of Umngot River, Dawki, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

The day ended with the cool breeze and misty weather. The dusk here arrives as early as 5.30 pm. We feel like its 7.30 pm at around 6.00Pm.

Day 5

View point at Duwan sing syiem.

Photo of Duwan Sing Syiem View Point, State Highway 5, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

The day 5 starter to this! The Duwan sing syiem View point. We wanted to stretch our wings and fly here once again. Seeing the deep and steep valleys filled with mist and green covers, is an amazing experience that can't be expressed in words.

At Wah-kaba water falls.

Photo of Wah-kaba Falls, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Entry to Wah-Kaba water falls.

Photo of Wah-kaba Falls Entry Gate, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Way to Wah-Kaba falls, Cherrapunjee.

Photo of Wah-kaba Falls, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

The falls, Wah-kaba, Cherrapunjee.

Photo of Wah-kaba Falls, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

The day fifth was full of water falls and Wah-kaba was the first of them. The way to reach the falls it self is a trekking point. From the entry gate, till we reach the falls, the way is full of excitements. One feels very close to nature, if he dares to take the stairs that are at the edge of the steep valleys. But worth taking the path! See down and you'll feel like flying over the valleys into mist!!

View point at seven sister falls, Nohkalikhai.

Photo of Seven Sisters Falls, Nongkalikhai, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Invisible falls due to Good weather!!

Photo of Seven Sisters Falls, Nongkalikhai, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Bad timing! we couldn't see the seven sister water falls as the view point was covered with heavy mist. However, we really enjoyed the weather!

Nohkalikhai water falls, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya.

Photo of NohKaLikai Falls, Meghalaya by Manoj D Kashyap

The third was the Nohkalikhai water falls. It is the biggest of all and we can have a clear view of it. Clearly, I could see the water disintegrating into fine particles as it rushed from top to bottom. By the time it reached the earth, there was no clear stream, only the particles collected together back again. Such a huge falls it was!

Photo of Mawsmai Cave, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Into the caves, Mawsmai, Cherrapunjee.

Photo of Mawsmai Cave, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Light from other side of the cave.

Photo of Mawsmai Cave, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Sun light entering into a hole of the cave.

Photo of Mawsmai Cave, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

This was only place apart from the water falls on the day fifth of our trip. It is an exciting place to bring children and one who loves exploring. Keep in mind not to get over excited and get lost in the caves exploring on your own. There are guided paths, please follow only those paths.

Eco park, Cherrapunjee

Photo of Mawsmai Nongthymmai Eco-Park, Cherrapunjee, Eco Park, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Eco park, Cherrapunjee

Photo of Mawsmai Nongthymmai Eco-Park, Cherrapunjee, Eco Park, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Ever wanted to be in a park composed of water falls, valleys around, mist and lot of greenery, Eco park at mawsmai, cherrapunjee is exactly that place. The mist from the valley hit the rock surface of the hill and rises up and shoots into the park!

Elephant falls, Shillong

Photo of Elephant Falls, Shillong, Meghalaya, India by Manoj D Kashyap

While back from Eco park to Shillong, We arrived at this spot. The Elephant falls. It is a three step falls, wide and colorful. It attracts Many small birds that keep chirping somewhere in an otherwise the silent surroundings.

Day 6

Into the premises of Kaziranga national Park.

Photo of Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India by Manoj D Kashyap

The day next (6th day), we were into the premises of the world heritage site-Kaziranga national park. It is the highlight of the whole trip and it will be so for who ever may take this trip! You'll see why is it so in the upcoming images. The safari is for two days. One day by Jeep and the other day by an Elephant! You should reach early in the morning by 5.30 am to book and ride an elephant. Only two rounds of Elephant rides a day 6 to 7 am and 7 to 8 am. If you could reach Kaziranga so early in the morning, you can finish both elephant and Jeep safari on the same day!

Jeep safari, Kaziranga

Photo of Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Birds immigrating, Deer grazing, An elephant in the far, Birds at the pool of water, Rhino grazing. Clock wise from top left.

A deer family at Kaziranga!

Photo of Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Soon as we entered the forest in our safari by Jeep, we started spotting animals. And this was very cute frame of the trip. The whole family of deer. The young one looking into the camera!

The great Egret !

Photo of Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India by Manoj D Kashyap

I couldn't control myself as I kept continuously spotting animals and birds, my camera kept rolling for the whole safari. I have to add them as a collage to share the experience!

Day 7

Dawn at Kaziranga

Photo of Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Next day, early morning, we reached the spot for elephant savari. We booked our tickets at the time of this spectacular dawn! Then headed for the Elephants.

Into the wild with Elephants!

Photo of Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India by Manoj D Kashyap

The elephant savari was even more exciting as it goes off the roads, into the deep wild and closer to the animals. Also you feel very safe at the very fact that the magnificent, intellectual animal is carrying you safely through the forest! Despite their size, they are very kind to humans.

Rhinos at Kaziranga.

Photo of Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Seeing an elephant, the Rhino feels safer than it feels seeing a Jeep. This helps you to have an extremely close look at Rhino's scaly body. the thick skin looks like an armor on it. The baby rhino is yet to have an armor! Another thing is when the elephant carrying you closes in on a rhino, it usually tries to go away, but what the elephant riders do to help you have a closest look is, they round up rhinos with three to four elephants! Brilliant! Isn't it?

Deer herd grazing at Kaziranga.

Photo of Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India by Manoj D Kashyap
Day 6

Cultural events of Assam at Kaziranga Bio diverse park

Photo of Kaziranga Orchid Nursery, Golaghat, Bokakhat, Assam, India by Manoj D Kashyap

As the day ended after Jeep safari at Kaziranga National Park, we headed to the nearby Bio-diverse park. The true Assamese colors can be seen here, with the tribal dance, Bihu (Makara Sankranti) dance, Missing tribe dance Etc.

Day 7

Ethnic village at Karbi Anglong, Assam.

Photo of Karbi Anglong, Assam, India by Manoj D Kashyap

After the safari, we went to the ethnic village close by which was yet under construction. But worth a visit. The village is built for the tourists, nobody lives here. But built in the tribal style of the Assamese. They resemble the all bamboo structures built by the old tribes who lived in this lifestyle.

Photo of Karbi Anglong, Assam, India by Manoj D Kashyap
Day 8

Next morning, we left to Majuli island. On the way we celebrated Bihu (Sankranti in other parts of India) like this!

Ferrying to Majuli Island

Photo of Jorhat, Assam, India by Manoj D Kashyap

After driving for around 3 hours, we reached Johrat. The point from where we have to go by ferry voyaging through huge Brahmaputra river. I couldn't believe at the size of it! it seemed like a sea to me than a river! it took us 1 and half an hour to traverse the river before reached the shore. There are many small islands in the river, and Majuli is biggest of them all. In fact the biggest river island in the world!

Majuli Island, Assam

Photo of Majuli, Assam by Manoj D Kashyap

Yes it is the land of Satra's (monasteries) as well apart from being the largest river Island!

The Bamboo house at Majuli

Photo of Majuli, Assam by Manoj D Kashyap

The hotel we checked in at Majuli was astonishing. It is entirely made of bamboo. It was the first Idea of some U.K traveler who had been to Majuli but couldn't find a nice place to hang out. Till date, lot of foreign explorers come and go here. The sweet part is the manager Mr. Monjit Risong is very kind and polite to people come to his place. He severs food from his house kitchen.

Samugari satra, Majuli

Photo of Majuli, Assam by Manoj D Kashyap

Samugari satra is a small place where our culture, art and play flourishes. I felt the deep condolence when I visited this place as I saw the art is still existing and flourishing. The art works there, clearly depicts how artful our Indian history was and still is. The movable jaws of the artful masks they make with simple material like bamboo and clay, gives the life to the character. I had goosebumps when he wore the mask and lived the character for few seconds! Recently they have won the 2nd price on the occasion of our (Indian) Republic day for their cultural presentation in the parade at Rajpath road.

Various Satras at Majuli

Photo of Majuli, Assam by Manoj D Kashyap

As we visited the satras one by one, we were having a closer look at the culture of the North east. The Dakhinpath satra is the one with the devoties who consider themselves females and lord Vishnu is their husband. They wont marry throughout their lives. Apart from these, there are many other small satras and a museum.

Day 9

Rong ghar and Talatal Ghar, Shibsagar.

Photo of Sibsagar, Assam, India by Manoj D Kashyap

After visiting Majuli, next was Shibsagar. This is another 2 to 3 hours drive from Johrat after coming back from Majuli by ferry. This place is for temples and monuments of old times. The Talatal ghar is the place where kings kept their artillery. And Rong ghar is the place where Kings enjoyed the wrestling of men, Fight of buffaloes etc.

Day 10

Shivdol, Vishnudol and Devidol.

Photo of Sibsagar, Assam, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Time for some religious activities and prayers. Luckily, we arrived at Shivdol on the day of Shivrathri. How miraculous! we had not planned. Each temple has some reservoir close by which is nice place to hang out as well.

Day 11

Kamakhya and Umananda at Guwahati

Photo of Kamakhya, Guwahati, Assam, India by Manoj D Kashyap

Kamakhya is the Iconic temple of the Guwahati. The whole temple is a stone sculpture inside and is covered with the cement outside. It takes more than half a day in the que to have Darshan of the Deity. After visiting Kamakhya, we straight away went to Umanada, we had no much time as the day was half way through, and it was the time of Shivrathri. The Umananda also was bustling with devotees. The cigarettes in the image are not just cigarettes. They are stuffed with weed, and are to offer for Lord Shiva. The Kalash also has a weed leaves. With this, Our trip ended and we left to Guwahati station and headed back to Hyderabad.

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