The Harmony of Togetherness: Sheetal’s Thrillophilia Review for a Trip to Meghalaya
As I sat in a cafe with my partner and some of my close friends, the idea of a group trip to Meghalaya sparked up.
“What could be better than visiting the lush green Khasi valleys and Garo mountains together?” I exclaimed, thinking of a group trip. My partner smiled, nodding in agreement. “I think it's time that we headed out of the town and connected with nature!”
That was when my friend chimed in, “I’ve heard the trekking expeditions over there are incredible! We should see the Double Decker Root Bridge!”
We ordered more coffee and started discussing travel dates so we could all pull off our group adventure smoothly. As we dove into the details and mapped out the itinerary, I knew this was going to be a trip to remember for a lifetime.
The Call of the Wild
Travelling in the company of those we love is home in motion. - Leigh Hunt
Meghalaya felt like a fresh breeze that swept away all of our everyday monotony, replacing it with lush green valleys, mountains, and clear skies.
And to add to our excitement, was our collective love for adventure.
Our first stop during the trip was Kaziranga National Park, where we got the opportunity to experience the thrill of a jeep safari. My anticipation went through the roof as I hopped in the jeep, eager to spot the popular one-horned rhinoceros.
As soon as we took off, the lush green forests of the wildlife park came alive with the sounds of rustling leaves, chirping birds, and the distant calls of animals. It felt like a timeshift that sent me back to my childhood, and with my eyes wide open I looked around in curiosity as we navigated the trails.
The guide’s enthusiasm was nothing short of infectious, and as soon as we caught the first glimpse of the one-horned rhino, my heart pumped with excitement. I had seen the creature a thousand times before on the TV, but watching it in real in all its majesty left me dumbstruck.
To quite an extent, it proved to be a humbling experience as well, since we could witness wild animals in their natural habitat. Our excitement for spotting the rhino reminded us of the importance of conservation, as it was truly an experience we’d want our children to have one day.
After the wildlife safari, we continued exploring the nearby region that led us to Umiam Lake.
And what a sight it was!
To watch the lake dazzle under the sun - was something right out of a dream. We took a pair and clicked several pictures, capturing the greens and blues of the scenery around us.
Dancing to the Tunes of Nature
Our trek to the Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat was one of the most memorable experiences. Despite the trails being challenging, each step deepened my connection to nature. As we strolled along the dense tropical forests, I admired the tall trees, and their roots that intertwined to build a natural bridge that has stood rock-strong for centuries.
We took a moment to sit on the root bridge, with our feet dangling over the river below. I could feel the cold wind against my hair, blending with the calming sounds of flowing water and birds chirping on the trees. It started off as a hike but it had become way more, it was like a reminder of the natural beauty that our country houses effortlessly.
After the adventurous and scenic trek to the root bridge, we opted for an extension to the adventure with a hiking expedition to Rainbow Falls. The extra cost felt negligible compared to the experience that awaited us. As we dived deeper into the dense forests, our excitement to spot the waterfall grew multifold.
Finally, the waterfall revealed itself, with its water cascading in a way that reflected a stunning display of colours. As the cool mist sprayed on my face, it took away all of the physical exhaustion of the trek. We took turns posing for photos, cherishing each moment.
And I realised, it's moments like these that truly remind us of the incredible blessing that friends are in our lives.
Connecting with the Heart of Local Culture
We also visited the place that's popularly listed as the cleanest village in Asia - Mawlynnong.
Coming from a metro city that's bustling with traffic and people round-the-clock, watching a village that's so quiet felt like a huge contrast. As we walked around the village, we were stunned by how the locals had kept the place so clean and sustainable.
The beautiful flowerbeds and well-crafted paths spoke volumes about the level of respect the locals held for nature. I remember, one of the natives approached us and shared many interesting stories about their way of life in the village. Their warmth and hospitality were palpable, making us feel at home even though we were miles away.
Our guide also took us for a visit to the balancing rock, a natural wonder that has stood the test of time. I couldn’t help but wonder how such a giant rock could balance itself on a small rock - and stay that way for years. Watching that, I thought about how my partner and I, and our friends, had survived so many storms together. We burst into laughter while trying to balance ourselves on one leg next to the rock, and our guide nearly pulled it off effortlessly.
As we wrapped up our journey, I realised that this trip was not just about the destinations we visited, but also about the memories we made together. From admiring the iconic landscapes to purchasing unique souvenirs for each other, the journey was truly unforgettable
Read more: Thrillophilia Meghalaya Reviews