In the Lap of Nature: Hansraj’s Thrillophilia Review of His Family Trip to Meghalaya
'Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion.' - Leo Christopher
One evening, while watching the film 'Piku' with my family I thought about how amazing it would be for all of us to travel together.
“Let's go for a trip together. I've heard Meghalaya is a beautiful place to explore!” I suggested.
"One of my colleagues visited Meghalaya recently, and he can't seem to stop talking about its waterfalls, and living root bridges," my father added with enthusiasm.
With that, our family jumped into a full-blown travel discussion about a trip to Meghalaya. We talked about the stunning waterfalls, the cleanest village in Asia, and boating tours on the Umngot River. After several minutes of discussion, my Mom exchanged a look with Dad, then asked, “It sounds wonderful, but will we be able to manage everything with the kids?”
My wife clasped my mother’s hand and nodded, hinting that we would make it all work.
Lakes, Falls, and Local Treasures
Our sightseeing began even before reaching Shillong, as we got a chance to admire Umiam Lake, also known as Borapani, en route. It was a sight to remember - the lake stood among the mountains, reflecting the peaceful ambience of the region. After enjoying a leisurely walk around the lake and taking in its natural beauty, we continued our journey and reached the hotel.
We spent the rest of the day exploring the market area, which was home to a variety of local shops. Several shops were selling traditional Khasi jewellery that included necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, decorated with local gemstones. Moreover, the market also had several local vendors that we visited to try some of the local snacks. I especially loved tasting Pukhlein (rice flour delicacy), and Tama (fermented bamboo snack). We also bought some local handicraft items like traditional handwoven shawls and stoles for Mom and Dad.
The next day we began our sightseeing tour of Cherrapunjee, our driver told us was once known as 'Sohra'. Our first stop was Elephant Falls, which our kids found to be very fascinating. The waterfall was home to huge rock formations that resembled the shape of elephants.
We also visited Mawkdok Dympep viewpoint, where we got an opportunity to admire the rolling hills and lush green valleys of Meghalaya, covered in mist. My wife particularly loved visiting the Seven Sisters Waterfall, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in the country.
From Root Bridges to Rainbow Falls
Nongriat Trek was one of the most beautiful experiences for my family during our time in Meghalaya. We visited Tyrna Village, which was our starting point for a trek to the Nongriat double-decker root bridge. I initially thought the trek could prove to be a bit difficult for my parents, but thanks to Thrillophilia, our guide made sure we didn't face any problems.
He also told us several stories about the Khasi culture and described how the bridges are considered a part of the region's natural heritage. Our kids had a great time climbing the bridge, and we clicked a lot of pictures with the lush green backdrop. My father was teeming with excitement for our visit to Rainbow Falls, but when I asked him why, he just smiled and told us to wait for it. As soon as we arrived, we understood - the sunlight reflected off the cascading waters, creating a stunning rainbow around the falls.
The boat ride on the Umngot River was simply magical - it felt as if we were gliding over a thin sheet of glass. The water was so calm and clear that it seemed heavenly, allowing us to even spot the riverbed underneath. The kids laughed as they spotted their reflections in the calm waters, playfully splashing water at each other. The crystal clear waters, surrounded by lush green hills, created a scenery that couldn't be captured even through a million pictures.
Mystical Caves and Thrilling Adventures
Exploring the Mawsmai and Arwah Caves was another highlight of our vacation in Meghalaya, an immersive experience that captivated all of us. We found the caves to be easily accessible and got a chance to admire unique limestone formations. It felt very safe to explore the caves as they featured well-lit paths and we were also accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. We also came across several ancient fossils that our guide told us were formed hundreds of centuries ago.
We also visited the Balancing Rock in Mawlynnong, which sparked everyone's wonder and curiosity. The fact that the huge rock has stayed perfectly balanced on a relatively smaller rock, for several hundred years, blew our minds. It reminded us of how nature, at its peak, can sometimes flaunt its power and beauty even through a rock.
We also had a great time indulging ourselves in some exciting adventure sports in Dawki. My wife and I tried ziplining across the river while taking in the mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscape. My heart pounded with excitement while soaring through the zipline, as we could spot our kids playing with each other in the calm waters below.
After our ziplining adventure, we settled by the riverbank and enjoyed a picnic together. Dawki felt like a hidden gem that helped us reconnect with nature, and with each other.
From serene moments to thrilling adventures, Meghalaya truly gifted us memories that would last a lifetime. As we lounged by the riverbank, with hearts full of joy, we promised to return to this magical land.
Read more: Thrillophilia Meghalaya Trip Reviews