Thrillophilia Reviews: Sumit’s Solo Meghalaya Journey
When I think back on my solo trip to Meghalaya and Kaziranga, it doesn't feel like a vacation; it feels more like a journey that changed the way I lived for a while. I wanted some time alone, away from screens and deadlines, and people kept talking about Meghalaya and it kept popping up on my Instagram. I went ahead and booked this trip with Thrillophilia, and it made the whole thing much easier.
Guwahati to Kaziranga: Resting In
It was a warm morning when I arrived in Guwahati. I was both excited and scared about travelling alone. The trip to Kaziranga took a while, but it was surprisingly relaxing. The scenery changed from busy towns to open green fields. I started to feel like I was far away from the chaos of the city by the time I checked into my hotel near Kaziranga. I didn't do much that night; I just sat back with a cup of tea and let myself relax as I got ready for the next day's adventure.
The Kaziranga Rhinos and the Road to Shillong
The next morning began on a high note, as a jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park woke me up before the sun came up. Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat while the mist rises from the grasslands is almost like a dream. I was lucky enough to see the famous one-horned rhinoceros up close, as well as some wild elephants and so exotic birds. These quiet encounters felt strangely grounding for someone travelling alone.
After breakfast and the safari, it was time to head to Shillong, which is known as "Scotland of the East." The trip was beautiful, and I finally got to take a break at Umiam Lake, which is also called Barapani. I could see why so many people rave about this place when I stood there, with the water shining in the sun and the hills covered in pine trees. I was exhausted but happy when I checked into a hotel in Shillong that night.
On the way to Cherrapunjee, we saw waterfalls, valleys, and caves. I left for Cherrapunjee the next day, just as Shillong was waking up. Elephant Falls was the first stop. Even though it was a short visit, the sight of water falling through three layers set the tone for the rest of the day. The Mawkdok Dympep Viewpoint, which came a little later, was the real highlight. The valley there was shaped like a V and was covered in shades of green that went on and on.
After that, the day was full of amazing sights, like the beautiful Wei Sawdong Falls with its three-tiered cascade, which was worth the short hike. The huge Nohkalikai Falls and the Seven Sisters Falls made me feel connected to nature and grounded. Some waterfalls were loud and scary, while others were calm and peaceful; all of them were humbling. Later, I found myself wandering through the Mawsmai and Arwah caves, using my torch to trace fossils on the walls. When I got to Cherrapunjee that night, I was blown away by nature and all its grandeur.
The Double Decker Root Bridge Trek
This day was probably the most memorable of all, as I started my walk down to Nongriat from the village of Tyrna to see the famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge. The trail was beautiful, going through forests, small villages, and overhanging bridges.
Every drop of sweat was worth it to get to the root bridge. It's hard to believe that people and nature could work together to make something so beautiful and useful. I sat there and listened to the river rush by below; I felt like I had arrived at a secret tucked away from the world. It was no joke to hike back up almost 3000 steps, but by the time I got back to Cherrapunjee in the evening, I felt accomplished.
Mawlynnong and the Crystal Waters of Dawki
The next day, I went to Mawlynnong, which is known as Asia's cleanest village. I had heard about it before, but walking through its neat streets with bamboo trash cans and seeing locals sweep their streets so naturally was inspiring. I also saw the balancing rock on the edge of the village, which had been there for hundreds of years.
Later, I hiked to the Single Decker Root Bridge in Riwai village and then went on to Dawki. It was like magic to be on a boat on the Umngot River, gliding over water so clear you could see the pebbles at the bottom. I slept by the river in Shnongpdeng that night, with the sound of the water as my lullaby.
The Laitlum Canyons and Krang Suri Falls
It was special to wake up in Dawki, with a sunrise over the Khasi hills so peaceful, almost like a movie. After breakfast, I went to Jowai to see Krang Suri Falls. This might be one of the most beautiful waterfalls I've ever seen, and I'm not kidding. The turquoise pool at the bottom looked inviting, so I couldn't help but dip my feet in.
I stopped at the Laitlum Canyons on my way back to Shillong. The view was such that it made me feel both small and infinite at the same time. The cliffs dropped off into valleys, and I was back in Shillong by nightfall for my last night there.
Finishing Up
Before I flew home, I went to Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, which was the last stop on my trip. The temple is on Nilachal Hill, and even though I didn't have much time, it was the perfect way to end the trip. After days of witnessing raw natural beauty, I found this a spiritual, grounding, and deeply human experience.
Every day felt like a new adventure, from the rhinos in Kaziranga to the root bridges and crystal-clear rivers in Dawki. Not the places we visited, but the journey itself, the hikes, the quiet times of reflection, and the random chats with locals made this trip so memorable. With Thrillophilia taking care of planning and booking everything, I was able to fully enjoy each moment without worrying about what would happen next.
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