Waterfalls, Root Bridges and Crystal-Clear Rivers: Laxmi’s Meghalaya Escape with Thrillophilia
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PNR: BKDRRFCHNIA
Rating: ★★★★★
Traveller: Laxmi Bhavani Narayanan
Trip Duration: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Travel Date: 26 Dec 2023 to 29 Dec 2023
Destination: Meghalaya
“I would like to appreciate the team of Thrillophilia, especially Abhash & Harsh, for helping us to plan and finalise the itinerary. I would also like to appreciate the prompt responses and immediate support as and when required.”
Four days might sound short for Meghalaya, but Laxmi Bhavani Narayanan's trip managed to pack in some of the state's most spectacular experiences.
The journey moved from Guwahati into the misty hills of Cherrapunji, deep into the forests of Nongriat, across the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River and finally to Shillong. There were enormous waterfalls, limestone caves, living root bridges and plenty of moments when the landscape seemed almost too green to be real.
Cherrapunji Made an Entrance
The road from Guwahati towards Cherrapunji quickly changed the mood of the trip. The plains gave way to rolling green hills, winding roads and viewpoints overlooking Meghalaya's dramatic landscape.
The first major stop was Umiam Lake, a vast reservoir surrounded by forested hills. From there, the journey continued towards Wei Sawdong Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall tucked away in the hills. The route also brought Laxmi to Nohkalikai Falls, one of India's tallest plunge waterfalls, dropping dramatically from the cliffs into a vivid blue-green pool below. Nearby, Seven Sisters Falls stretched down the limestone cliffs in multiple streams, especially striking during the monsoon months.
The day ended underground. Inside Mawsmai Cave and Arwah Cave, the scenery changed from open valleys to narrow passages, limestone formations and naturally carved rock walls. After spending the day surrounded by waterfalls and forests, crawling through Meghalaya's caves was an entirely different kind of adventure.
Into the Forests of Nongriat
The next morning called for comfortable shoes.
Laxmi headed to Tyrna Village to begin the trek towards Nongriat, home to Meghalaya's famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Unlike conventional bridges, these structures are grown rather than built. Khasi communities have traditionally trained the roots of rubber fig trees across streams, gradually creating strong natural crossings that can last for generations.
Getting there involves a proper hike, with hundreds of steps winding through dense forest. The effort pays off when the two-level root bridge finally appears among the trees. The bridge is one of Meghalaya's most remarkable examples of traditional living architecture, and standing on it feels very different from simply seeing it in a photograph.
For those wanting to go further, Rainbow Falls lies deeper along the trail. The waterfall gets its name from the rainbows that can appear in the mist around the falling water when the sunlight hits it just right.
Dawki Looked Almost Unreal
The scenery changed again on the way towards Shillong.
At Dawki, the star of the day was the Umngot River, famous for its remarkably clear water. On a calm day, boats seem to float above the riverbed, with the stones beneath the surface visible through the water. Laxmi's itinerary included a boat ride on the Umngot, giving her a chance to experience the river rather than simply admire it from the shore. The surrounding Jaintia Hills added another layer to the scenery, with green slopes rising around the river.
For anyone feeling more adventurous, Dawki also offers activities such as kayaking, ziplining and additional boating experiences. It is one of those places where the view alone is enough to make you stop, but getting out onto the water makes the experience even better.
Shillong Brought a Change of Pace
After days spent around waterfalls, caves and forest trails, Shillong offered a more urban end to the Meghalaya experience.
Known as the “Scotland of the East", the hill city sits at around 1,500 metres and has a character quite different from the quieter villages and landscapes encountered earlier in the journey. The drive into Shillong brought the trip back towards cafés, markets, colonial influences and the everyday rhythm of a hill city.
But the journey wasn't quite over. On the way back to Guwahati, Laxmi's itinerary included a visit to Kamakhya Temple, one of India's most important Shakti Peethas. Located on Nilachal Hill, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya and is deeply connected with the Shakta tradition.
It was a fitting final stop after a trip that had moved between Meghalaya's natural wonders and the cultural traditions of the Northeast.
Why Laxmi Chose Thrillophilia for her Northeast Adventure
For Laxmi, a memorable trip wasn't just about the places she visited. The planning and support behind the journey mattered just as much.
She specifically appreciated Abhash and Harsh, Thrillophilia's Northeast Destination Experts, for helping her plan and finalise the itinerary. She also highlighted their prompt responses and immediate support whenever required, making it easier to enjoy the trip without having to worry about the details behind the scenes.
In four days, Laxmi experienced a remarkable slice of Meghalaya: standing before Nohkalikai Falls, exploring the limestone caves of Cherrapunji, trekking through Nongriat to reach a living root bridge, floating along the clear waters of the Umngot River and ending the journey at the sacred Kamakhya Temple.
It was a short trip, but Meghalaya clearly made sure there was very little about it that felt ordinary.
