- Hetvi Shah
Meghalaya, a state situated in Northeast India was formed on 21st January, 1972 by carving out two districts from the state of Assam adjacent to it. The term Meghalaya, meaning “abode of cloud” was coined by Dr.Chatterjee to the unknown block of peninsular. This state, in spite of being overshadowed by various foreign countries and progressively developed states in India, is a great tourist destination. This place has it all, right from scenic beauty to the most innovative ideas created by man. Being an economically backward country does not hamper the spirits of its inhabitants. They in fact, have worked to make it a better place to live in, and have also made it a presentable tourist attraction. The impeccable handicrafts made by cane and bamboo sticks are again, one of the many specialties of the artisans in this specific region, which also make a really good souvenir and are fit for gifting purposes as well, to our near and dear ones. Apart from the handicrafts made here, the artisans also specialise in the arts of textile weaving, carpet weaving, ornament making and also woodcarvings.
I quite sadly have not been to Meghalaya, but really do plan on going in the near future. I find this place quite astounding and it has a very deep connection with nature, which is just the ideal spot for vacationing, personally for me, coming from a busy city like Bombay. Because of my fondness for hiking and trekking, I would first really like to visit the Mawryngkneng Bamboo Trail of Meghalaya. This trail is a short 3-4 hour trek, and the scenery from the top is just show stopping. This trail is also known as the scariest trek of Meghalaya, but that's what makes it even more exciting for me as I love taking huge and partially dangerous risks, I find it thrilling.The entire trail of Wahkhen trek is made from Bamboos attached to the steep surface of beautiful gorges and a river stream below it. The Mawryngkhang trek is an off-beat destination and less crowded than other tourist places.
The next destination that just caught my eyes is truly one of a kind. The Double Decker Living Root Bridge, situated in the Nongthymmai village in Cherrapunji. The bridge is made up of the roots of an Indian rubber tree and is 3 km long. You will have to trek to the exact location, the view making it absolutely worth it. The construction of this Bridge is honestly so cleverly thought of over a flowing river and surrounded by greenery. This is one of the most out of the box ideas that I have come across and I have genuinely never heard or seen anything like this before. This place seems so surreal and aesthetic, it almost looks like it has come out of a dream.
Another place I would really want to visit in Meghalaya is Nongkhnum, which is the largest river island in Meghalaya and the second largest river island in continental Asia. The place is completely unconventional and filled with solitude. Nongkhnum Island is located around 15 km from Nongstoin. The island has nothing but masses of greenery all around. There are no inhabitants here. Just a few shepherds working and cows grazing the land. The entire area is very peaceful and quiet, with only trees spread around for 20-25 kilometers straight. You can also go for a waterfall hunt here and sit on the beach and admire the blue waters that are right in front of you. This place gives me such peaceful vibes and the fact that there aren't many people there just makes it all the more appealing for me. You are able to just sit there and relax, it's just you and your thoughts. It is like a refreshing break which I am pretty sure everyone needs from reality.
The Laitlum Canyon qualifies for one of the most spectacular landscapes in India and one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. This not-so-explored Meghalaya tourist spot is worth at least a visit for more than just a couple of reasons. If you are a photographer, this place is your chance to capture paradise through your lens.
If you are a nature lover, this abode of clouds, perched into the East Khasi Hills is your escape into nature. If you like living on the edge, this place has a 3000-steps-stairway that lets you climb up and down on the edge while staring at dreamy vistas that surround this place. Sunsets and sunrises add a magical charm to the beauty of its scenic hill slopes and make it appear almost too good to be true.
There are a number of short hikes here that will take you to beautiful waterfalls or the fossil park where you can have a look at the fossils. You can visit the pitcher plant farm from where you can actually drink nectar from the plant. You can head towards the Um-kha-koi reservoir. You can do kayaking, angling and cliff jumping here.
Be your adventurous self at Mawlyngbna. And after a thrilling day of adventure, you will love to stay in cottages or tents inside the jungle.
There are honestly so many more places to visit in this unique state, that one article is just not enough. The fact that Meghalaya is not that popular as a tourist spot is what makes the trip even more intimate. This place has everything you could ask for and the best part about it is that it is extremely cost friendly. One is able to have the fun and the experience he/she wants at a very reasonable cost.
Thank you to all those who tuned in and spent their time reading this article, it means a lot.
Comments