Meghalaya For The First Timer

With a statistical top spot in the ‘highest rainfall in the country’, cloud play is expected in the state of Meghalaya. It offers a breathtaking background of these moody clouds and lush hillsides, perfect for a nature-filled trip. Plus, there is the charm of the famous root bridges, cafes thumping with rock music in Shillong and hiking to waterfalls.

Plan a trip: The best time to visit Meghalaya is post October, when the rains have abated, and access is better for walking trails and hikes. Though, romantics ill insist that Meghalaya is best seen in the rains.

Here are some top recommendations for the state:

Mirror-flat waters of Dawki and Shnongpdeng

The small border villages of Dawki (82km from Shillong) and Shnongpdeng (7.5km away) are not popular for lying at the edge of Bangladesh, but for the Umngot River that feels like glass. Peep over the edge of the boat to see a clear bed of river. The water of Umngot is crystal clear enough to see schools of fish and boulders. In fact, the boats look like they are hanging mid-air.

Root Bridges

The concept of root bridges has been around in Meghalaya for thousands of years, but caught the attention of travellers via the village of Laitkynsew. The valleys close to Cherrapunji are dotted with these unique bridges that are made from diverting roots of trees through bamboos. The bridges are sturdy enough to have people walk on them to cross over streams. The most famous Double Decker and Long Route bridges lie close to the village of Nongriat (12.3 km from Cherrapunji). One has to trek about 3000 steep steps and cross suspension bridges over rivers to get here. But the legging is worth it, once you see this marvel with your eyes.

Rainbow Waterfall

On the same route as the Double decker bridge, walk 3km ahead, to reach the Rainbow Waterfall. The moniker is well assigned as the haze of water around the falls invariably forms a rainbow. Not too many people make the additional journey which means that this is relatively untouched and you can enjoy some solitude.

Caving

The vast number of underground channels that exist in Meghalaya make it a great caving destination. Sign up with Gregory Diengdoh (0364-2545621) to go for an adventure of a lifetime. Crawl, jump and wade through knee deep water in different sections on this guided trip. Well-equipped and trained instructors take people on daylong caving trips. There are a number of caves in the state but not all are open to general public. Krem Liat Prah is the longest in the country at 34km length and famous for the sport.

Nohkalikai Waterfall

The highest plunge waterfall of the country, Nohkalikai, is the highlight of Cherrapunji. The cascade of water drops 340 meters down to a bed of large boulders, forming a thick haze of mist around. While most people stand by the edge of the valley at different viewing points, some choose to venture to the head of the falls for a short trek. This can be only done in the summer months.

Teer

The local sport of archery offers a daily dose of gambling to thousands in the state. There are about 1500 kiosks in the towns that sell tickets to people who bet on numbers that a group of archers might plug into a hay target every afternoon. The sport is known as Thoh Tim and about 60 archers come every afternoon at 3.45 to shoot arrows into a target in quick succession. The total number of arrows shot inside the target determines the amount that can be won. Gamblers have a chance to win 80 times the money over two rounds if they guess the number correctly. If they get both round 1 and 2 correct, the money can multiple 4000 times. Teer is organised in Shillong on a daily basis but the bets are placed all across Meghalaya.

Rock Music in Cafes

There are a handful of places and people that have put Shillong on the rock music map of the country. The leading rocker of the town, inspired by Bob Dylan himself, is over 70 years now. Lou Majaw, can be seen singing in Cloud 9 bar and Café Shillong every week. Shillong is famous for a number of music themed cafes and excellent food to go with it.

Jadoh Stalls

Jadoh or ‘rice meat’ is referred to the local khasi food that can be found in Meghalaya. While a number of great cafes dot the capital city, it’s the Jadoh stalls adds the local flavour – quite literally. The stalls can be found in Bada Bazaar and Police Bazaar where one can try local Khasi delicacies like Dohnud (liver), Nierbah (pork entrails), Tungtap (dried fish chutney) and other dishes. The most popular Jadoh stall in Police Bazaar is Tratorria.

Laitlum

Bollywood has recently immortalized Laitlum area, on the outskirts of Shillong. Sprawling meadows that end in a large rocky plateau defines the topography of Laitlum. Villages tucked away in deep gorges make for great destinations for valiant trekkers who enjoy narrow, cliff-clutching trails. Close to Laitlum is the village of Smit, the traditional seat of power of the Hima Khyrim, a sub-tribe of the Khasis.

Mawlynnong

Declared as the cleanest village of Asia since 2003, the village is a delight to visit. The criteria for this have been proper drainage, attached toilets and a garbage disposal system. Even though hundreds of travellers come to this small village everyday, it is immaculately clean. It is recommended to stay a night in a homestay to support the local community and experience life at close quarters.