Since the time we started travelling, we always try to explore places in a different manner altogether. Not taking the usual touristy way, trying to create an adventure in our every travel. Sometimes it happens, other times we end up doing the same touristy things, but we always try to make our travels better than the next one. So when our friend, mentioned having set of four wheels with literally having a house with it on the move, we were very much tempted to experience this. So we planned to Explore Meghalaya with Camping Co and we couldn’t have been much happier with our decision.
The pre-booking support and interaction with members of the Camping co was so assuring and confident, that we had no doubts regarding our decision to travel this way. Of course, we were a bit apprehensive, as we have always stayed in decent hotels / apartments, if not luxury and living in a tent on the car was something new for us. But as they say, don’t travel unless u want to learn something new, experience something unreal. So we took the plunge and decided to explore Meghalaya – The Adobe of Clouds with Camping Co. The car gave us so much freedom to explore the state at out own pace, cook our own meals, sleep under the stars, wake up next to the best locations, that we personally are in love with this style o travelling now. Of-course, it comes with its own set of challenges, you don’t get to rest in the afternoons as you would in AC rooms, you gonna adjust with shared washrooms, that too Indian style, skip showers for a day or two, but isn’t exploring and experiencing something difference the essence of all travelling?
The customer satisfaction level of Camping co can be ascertained by the fact that we had a minor hiccup in the sleeping tent on the first night, due to which we had to adjust in a small room for the night, but Camping Co made sure that the problem was resolved the next day. The sent a guy from Guwahati who drove for 6 hours one way to fix an issue which hardly took 15 mins, and he went back the same day. In addition to this, their continuous support through WhatsApp is a blessing in disguise. Although you are travelling in unchartered territories, but just a small hint that someone is keeping an eye on your safety and well being makes it much more easier.
GETTING THERE:
Guwahati in Assam is the nearest big transport hub. Fly in or train it here and you’ll find taxis and shared cabs by the dozen to Shillong, Meghalaya’s capital city and the hub for all surrounding places of interest. If you’re on a self-drive trip, Zoom Cars can be rented at the airport/online.
MEGHALAYA TRAVEL ITINERARY
We skipped Shillong as we find it more crowded and touristy. So, we started our trip with the less explored place in Meghalaya. Although, we did a pit stop and didn’t miss a chance to admire the beauty of famous Ward’s lake.
Day 1: Guwahati to Nongkhnum Island
Nongkhnum Island is the largest river island in Meghalaya and second largest in Asia, well hidden from the prying eyes of general tourists. Our love for all things unconventional took me to this place. It lies 100 kms west of Shillong in the lush green west Khasi hills.
Activities: Waterfall hopping, river beach trekking, strawberry farm visit.
Not to be missed: Wenia falls
Day 2-3 Nongkhnum Island to Cherrapunjee (Sohra)
Cherrapunjee sits neatly on the edge of the Himalayas towering the pancake low lying plains of Bangladesh. This alluring village was once regarded as the wettest place on the earth given the massive monsoon rainfall that it sees. Road leading from Shillong to this miniscule village passes through the magnificent scenery. Here you’ll come across a photogenic V shaped valley that deeply slits into the plateau. The lush green surroundings of Cherrapunjee very well justifies the Meghalaya’s over-used ‘Scotland of the East’ tag.
Things to do: Waterfall hopping, caving, trekking, hiking
Places to explore: Dainthlem falls, Wei Saw Dong falls, Nohkalikai falls, Garden of Caves, Arwah Cave
Not to be missed: Wei Saw Dong falls, Nohkalikai falls (the tallest plunge waterfall in India with a height of 350 metres.).
Stay Recommendation: There are many beautiful homestay options available. We recommend you stay with locals and enjoy their warm hospitality and lip-smacking food. We met some of the amazing people during our stay.
Day4: Cherrapunjee to Double Decker root bridge
Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya – A Nature’s Marvel
Deep in the dense tropical forest of Meghalaya and shrouded in cloud and rain for much of the year, are some astonishing man-made natural wonders. Known as living root bridge. The root bridges provide a stable alternative to wooden bridges, which decay and get destroyed during the lengthy monsoon seasons.
The Double Decker Root Bridge is one of a kind in the whole world, so why wouldn’t you want to visit?
What’s great about this living bridge is that the roots keep growing ‘hence’ living root bridge.
To get to the Double Decker Root Bridge is an epic hike which will lead you to 3500 step each way! The hike is going to be a very scenic as well as adventurous one. You’d be crossing many suspension bridges and root bridges along the forest trail. The Double Decker root bridge would be the highlight of your trip to Meghalaya.
We also recommend staying down in Nongriat Village enjoy the laid back village life surrounded by most beautiful views and hike back next day.Sit by the Double Decker root bridge and soak in the raw beauty of nature; this place will exceed your expectations in all possible means.
Activities: Hike and trek to rainbow falls, single and double root bridges.
Stay Recommendation: Serene Homestay, Nongriat
Day5: Nongriat to Kong Thong (Whistling Village)
In Kongthong, every time a baby is born, the mother composes a lullaby that becomes a unique identity of the child for life. Moreover, the lullaby has no words and is just is a tune, a kind of hum that only the villagers can recognize and remember. The villagers here have two names-a regular name and a song name. The Ministry of Tourism has nominated this village, for the World Tourism Organization’s “Best Tourism Villages" award.
However, this place is not for everyone and within few minutes our excitement converted into disappointment. The villagers were not at all welcoming and would only stare at you in a weird manner. Also, there is only one place to stay and camp i.e. Traveller’s nest that lack the basic hygiene and parking place.
Day6: Kong thong to Mawlynnong Asia’s Cleanest Village
Welcome to “GODS OWN GARDEN”
This village was awarded the title “cleanest village in Asia” by Discover India in 2003. Cleanliness must be its most important aspect, but it has achieved so much more than that. From a full hundred percent literacy rate to a highly progressive scenario for women, it has struck all the correct chords.
This day would be dedicated in exploring the Asia’s Cleanest Village, a sleepy town, full of soul.
Activities: Visit Churches, interact with locals and try local cuisines, Single root bridge, Balancing rock, Bangladesh view point.
Day7: Mawlynnong to Dawki and camp at Paradise Adventure camp
Dawki, a tiny hamlet in the border of India and Bangladesh is famous for its crystal-clear river waters, views of Bangladesh plains and boat rides. Upon reaching, you’d feel as if you’ve arrived at a place where time has frozen. The calmness of the river, the beauty of the hills and the plains of Bangladesh visible at a faraway distance, would make you fall in love with the place at once. Do not miss out on taking a boat ride over the waters of Umngot river.
Unfortunately, the water was not that clean due to rains. So, we recommend you visit Dawki during December to February for best experience.
Paradise Camp is a perfect place to end your Meghalaya trip, just sit back and enjoy some relaxing time, enjoy the beautiful landscape and admire the beauty. In the evening sit back, listen to your favorite music with bonfire and tasty food.
Activities: Boating, river side camping, International border visit, swimming and Hiking.
Not to be missed: Phe Phe waterfalls
Day 8: Drive back to Guwahati
Point of interest: Visit Kamakhya Temple, Umananda Temple (The smallest river island in the world) and shop at Fancy Bazaar.
Day 9: Fly back home.
Happy Travelling!
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Some random pictures from road...:)
