Transcended Into Another World - Suraj’s Trip to Northeast with Thrillophilia
“You are nature and nature is you.”
I live in a house where every corner reflects green and clean energy. As devoted plant parents, my wife and I spend quality time every day, simply sitting and soaking in the beauty of nature.
So, when it came time to plan our vacation last year, it was only natural that we chose to explore Meghalaya—a true paradise for nature lovers. For our trip, we turned to Thrillophilia, our go-to travel partner, as they’ve always provided us with exceptional experiences.
And once everything was booked, we couldn’t stop daydreaming about how our trip would be. The cascading waterfalls, immersing ourselves in new cultures and flavours, trekking through lush landscapes, and witnessing the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
One thing was sure– it was going to be an exceptional trip.
All Green & Magical!
On our first excursion, we visited the ‘Scotland of the East’ - Laitlum Canyon, and we were wonderstruck by the rolling lush green hills and the glistening waterfall view from the top. The land was covered in vibrant greens as far as the eye could see!
As a photography enthusiast, I couldn’t resist capturing the breathtaking beauty around me. I admired the vast green landscape twice, from my eyes and through my lens, and captured it all forever through my camera.
The natural beauty of the Northeast is truly unmatched and indescribable in words. Our trip had many such breathtaking sites including the famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge (which we were most excited about!).
And to reach the bridge we had to trek through a difficult flight of stairs and an uneven path, and the trek itself was quite adventurous and thrilling.
Once we reached the natural wonder, we were truly amazed by its stunning structure, the deep significance it holds for the local community, and its remarkable sustainability in today’s concrete-dominated world. Our guide also took us to the natural pool near the bridge, where we both took a refreshing dip and felt the revitalizing energy of the water.
Cities, Culture & Craft
Apart from nature, me and my wife are big-time foodies and we love trying new dishes. So, as soon as we stepped into the bustling market of Shillong, we straight went to a local cafe and ordered the famous Ja Doh, a red rice dish with chicken. Being in Meghalaya, we couldn't resist trying the famous fruit wines.
We tried different flavours including ginger, mulberry, and passion fruit, crafted by locals from their own farms. We were truly fascinated by the authentic, homegrown quality of these wines. We also tried the pork momos in Cherrapunji, and our love for momos grew even deeper!
The food was certainly a highlight of our trip, but it was the people and their stories that made it truly memorable. My wife and I enjoyed meaningful conversations with locals at restaurants and cafes, our stay, and the local shops, learning about their simple lifestyles and their dedication to preserving and caring for nature.
My wife also bought a wood-carved owl (her spirit animal) and a traditional painting from a handicraft shop as memorabilia.
Magical Land of Mawlynnong & Dawki
The most special and enchanting times for us were the trips to Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village, and Dawki, boating in transparent clear waters.
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”, stands true for the people and community of Mawlynnong. We all talk about preserving and saving nature, while the people of Mawlynnong are living and doing it, every day.
We were captivated by the pristine surroundings and the vibrant greenery as we walked along the tidy pathways, marvelling at the beautiful bamboo houses and the warm smiles of the locals. We conversed with the villagers and learned about their commitment to sustainability and the unique traditions they uphold.
Mawlynnong's charm and the genuine hospitality of its residents left a lasting mark on our hearts.
When it comes to natural beauty, I don’t think anyone can match the beauty of Meghalaya. Our visit to Dawki village and the boating experience on the Dawki River felt surreal.
We were so captivated by the stunning scenery that we asked our guide to extend our time there by an hour, just so we could sit back and soak it all in.
The photographer in me was definitely happy with the unmatched beauty of the place - the clear waters, surrounding mountains, and the serene whispers of nature - truly a nature’s paradise.
I captured plenty of pictures, and we were fortunate to witness a breathtaking sunset in this enchanting location.
Fell in Love with the Falls
Another feather on the cap for us was the pristine waterfalls we visited, Elephant Falls and Nohkalikai Falls. When we arrived at Elephant Falls, the sound of rushing water instantly filled the air, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquillity wash over me. The lush greenery surrounding it made for a perfect backdrop for photos.
But Nohkalikai Falls truly took my breath away. Standing there, gazing at the water cascading down from such a height, I felt a mix of awe and serenity.
Our trip was indeed an adventure into nature and I think we both left a part of our soul in the places we explored.
In return, we took home beautiful memories, a sense of peace, and a deepened love for nature.
Read More: Thrillophilia North East Reviews