Ad

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Dawki River Experience – Where Water Turns Into Glass | Meghalaya

 

Some places don’t just impress you — they slow you down.

Dawki River, also known as the Umngot River, is one such destination. Tucked away in the West Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, this river is famous across the world for its crystal-clear water, so transparent that boats appear to float in mid-air. Visiting Dawki isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about experiencing silence, stillness, and nature at its purest.


Reaching Dawki & Shnongpdeng

Our Dawki experience began at Shnongpdeng, a small riverside village located upstream from Dawki town. Surrounded by green hills and rocky cliffs, this village sits right on the banks of the Umngot River and serves as the main hub for camping, boating, and adventure activities.

For the night, we stayed in tents along the riverbank, close to the Shnongpdeng suspension bridge. Falling asleep to the gentle sound of flowing water and waking up to misty hills was an experience in itself.


Camping by the Umngot River

As evening set in, we explored the suspension bridge and watched the river reflect the fading sky. After dinner, our group gathered around a small campfire, sharing stories under the open sky. With no city noise and minimal network connectivity, the night felt peaceful and grounding — a rare escape from everyday life.


Morning at Dawki – Pure Magic

Morning at Dawki is something truly special. We woke up around 6 AM to cool mountain air and a river that looked like a giant mirror. Fishermen quietly moved across the water, and boats glided so smoothly that their reflections looked unreal.

The Umngot River is often considered one of the cleanest rivers in Asia, especially during the dry season from November to April. The clarity here is astonishing — you can clearly see rocks, plants, and the riverbed several feet below the surface.


Boating on the Crystal-Clear River

By mid-morning, it was time for boating. As the boat moved slowly across the river, the famous illusion appeared — boats floating above water, with no visible surface beneath them. Rocky shores, tiny waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, and dense green hills surrounded us on all sides.

During the monsoon, water levels rise and the current becomes stronger, which is why camping tents are removed before the rainy season. Visiting during the dry months ensures the best visibility and safest conditions.


Cliff Jumping & Adventure

We also visited the cliff jumping zone, an optional but thrilling activity. Standing above the clear blue water, the jump requires courage and trust in the depth of the river. For those who prefer a calmer experience, kayaking is also available at an additional cost.


Dawki at the Indo–Bangladesh Border

Later in the afternoon, we visited the Dawki boating point near the Indo–Bangladesh border. A simple rope in the river marks the international boundary, with security forces from both countries monitoring the area.

On one side, families in Bangladesh enjoyed picnics along the riverbank, while boats moved calmly on the Indian side. Watching the sun set here — disappearing into Bangladesh while standing in India — was a surreal moment that perfectly captured the shared beauty of nature beyond borders.


Why Dawki Is More Than Just a River

Dawki is not about rushing from one activity to another. It’s about slowing down, observing, and feeling connected to nature. The silence, clarity of water, and untouched surroundings make it one of the most peaceful places in Meghalaya.

Whether you’re camping by the river, boating across glass-like water, or simply watching the sunset, Dawki leaves you with memories that stay long after you leave.


Travel Tips for Dawki River

  • Best time to visit: November to April

  • Life jackets: Mandatory for swimming and water activities

  • Stay options: Riverside tents, homestays, and campsites in Shnongpdeng

  • Network: Limited or no mobile signal — plan accordingly


Dawki is not just a destination — it’s an experience where nature speaks softly and time seems to slow down.

If you love raw landscapes, quiet moments, and unique natural wonders, the Dawki River should definitely be on your Meghalaya travel list.

Saturday, January 24, 2026

Botanical Garden Munnar – A Peaceful Green Escape in the Hills


Munnar is famous for its rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, and cool climate, but tucked close to the town is a lesser-known gem that nature lovers will truly enjoy — the Botanical Garden Munnar. This beautifully maintained garden is a perfect place to slow down, breathe fresh mountain air, and admire a wide variety of plants and flowers.

Whether you are traveling with family, as a couple, or even solo, the garden offers a refreshing break from busy sightseeing.

๐ŸŒธ What Makes the Botanical Garden Special

The Botanical Garden in Munnar is designed as a landscaped green space filled with vibrant flowering plants, ornamental shrubs, medicinal plants, and rare species. As you walk through the garden, you’ll notice neatly laid pathways, shaded seating areas, and well-labeled plant sections that make the visit both relaxing and educational.

The garden is especially appealing for:

  • ๐ŸŒผ Flower lovers who enjoy colorful seasonal blooms

  • ๐ŸŒฟ Plant enthusiasts interested in unique and medicinal plants

  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Photography lovers looking for scenic natural backdrops

  • ๐Ÿ‘จ‍๐Ÿ‘ฉ‍๐Ÿ‘ง‍๐Ÿ‘ฆ Families wanting a calm, safe place to stroll

The peaceful atmosphere, combined with Munnar’s cool climate, makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely nature walk.

๐Ÿ“ Location & Accessibility

The Botanical Garden is located close to Munnar town, making it easy to include in your sightseeing plan. It can be reached by car, taxi, or auto-rickshaw without much difficulty. Since it’s not too far from the main town area, many visitors combine it with other nearby attractions on the same day.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Entry Fee & Timings

Here’s what you need to know before visiting:

  • Entry Fee:

    • Adults – ₹100

    • Children – ₹50

  • Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon, when the weather is pleasant and the lighting is perfect for photos.

๐ŸŒค Best Season to Visit

Although the garden is open throughout the year, the best experience is during the cooler months from September to March, when the weather is comfortable and the plants are lush and vibrant. After the monsoon, the greenery looks especially fresh and beautiful.

๐ŸŒบ What to Expect During Your Visit

A visit to the Botanical Garden is not about rushing from one point to another. Instead, it’s about enjoying the small details — the patterns of leaves, the colors of flowers, and the quiet charm of nature. Benches placed around the garden allow you to sit and relax while soaking in the serene environment.

It’s also a great place to visit with kids, as they can explore nature up close in a safe and open space.

✨ Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a trip to Munnar and want to add a calm, scenic, and nature-filled stop to your itinerary, the Botanical Garden Munnar is well worth a visit. It may not be as famous as tea gardens or viewpoints, but its peaceful vibe and natural beauty make it a delightful hidden retreat in the hills.

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Mawsmai Cave: Exploring Meghalaya’s Hidden Underground World

 

Hidden beneath the limestone hills of Sohra (Cherrapunji), Mawsmai Cave is one of Meghalaya’s most fascinating natural wonders. Though it is one of the most accessible caves in the state, stepping inside feels like entering an entirely different world — quiet, cool, and shaped by time itself.

Located just a short distance from Cherrapunji, Mawsmai Cave offers travelers a rare opportunity to experience Meghalaya’s underground landscapes without the need for technical equipment or long treks. Before entering the cave, the surroundings are bright and green, with rolling hills and open skies. But once inside, the contrast is immediate and striking.


Stepping Inside the Cave

As you enter Mawsmai Cave, daylight slowly fades, replaced by narrow passages, dripping limestone walls, and naturally sculpted rock formations. The temperature drops instantly, and the outside noise disappears, giving way to silence broken only by the sound of water echoing through stone.

The cave extends for approximately 150 meters and is formed through the chemical weathering and dissolution of limestone over thousands of years. What we see today is the result of nature’s patience — water slowly shaping rock, drop by drop.


A World of Stalactites and Stalagmites

Inside the cave, visitors can observe stunning stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the floor. These formations appear in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, often sparking imaginative interpretations. Each structure is a natural sculpture, created by mineral-rich water flowing over countless years.

Soft lighting placed along the main path highlights the textures, curves, and shadows of the cave walls, enhancing the experience while maintaining safety for visitors.


An Adventurous Walk Through Stone

Although Mawsmai Cave is open to tourists and well-maintained, the experience is far from ordinary. The pathways are uneven and slippery in places, and some sections require visitors to bend, duck, or carefully squeeze through narrow gaps. These tight passages add a sense of adventure, making the journey feel raw and immersive.

Walking through the cave feels intense despite its short length. Every step demands attention, and every turn reveals something new — a sudden opening, a low ceiling, or a beautifully textured wall.


Cultural Roots and Meaning

The name “Mawsmai” comes from the Khasi language, where Maw” means stone and Smai” means oath, reflecting the deep cultural connection between the local communities and the natural landscape. For the people of Meghalaya, caves are not just geological formations but part of a living environment shaped by tradition, belief, and respect for nature.


A Gateway to Meghalaya’s Underground Wonders

Mawsmai Cave is more than just a tourist attraction. It serves as an introduction to Meghalaya’s vast cave systems — some of the longest and deepest in India — many of which are still being explored today. While Mawsmai may be short in length, it offers a powerful first glimpse into the underground world that lies beneath the hills of the state.


Emerging Back into Daylight

After completing the walk through the cave, stepping back into daylight feels almost surreal. The bright green hills, open sky, and fresh mountain air create a dramatic contrast to the dark, enclosed space below. It feels like emerging from the heart of the earth itself.

Standing outside, one realizes how small we are compared to nature’s creations. Mawsmai Cave doesn’t impress with size alone — it captivates through atmosphere, mystery, and silence.


Final Thoughts

If you are visiting Meghalaya, Mawsmai Cave is a must-experience destination. It offers a perfect balance of accessibility, adventure, and natural beauty, making it suitable for first-time explorers as well as seasoned travelers.

Exploring Mawsmai Cave is not just about seeing rock formations — it’s about experiencing time, patience, and the quiet power of nature beneath the surface.

Saturday, January 17, 2026

เด…เดคിเดฐเดช്เดชിเดณ്เดณി เดตെเดณ്เดณเดš്เดšാเดŸ്เดŸം – เด•േเดฐเดณเดค്เดคിเดจ്เดฑെ เดจเดฏാเด—്เดฐാ


เด•േเดฐเดณเดค്เดคിเดฒെ เดเดฑ്เดฑเดตും เดช്เดฐเดถเดธ്เดคเดตും เดฎเดจോเดนเดฐเดตുเดฎാเดฏ เดตെเดณ്เดณเดš്เดšാเดŸ്เดŸเด™്เด™เดณിเตฝ เด’เดจ്เดจാเดฃ് เด…เดคിเดฐเดช്เดชിเดณ്เดณി เดตെเดณ്เดณเดš്เดšാเดŸ്เดŸം. เดคൃเดถൂเตผ เดœിเดฒ്เดฒเดฏിเตฝ เดธ്เดฅിเดคിเดšെเดฏ്เดฏുเดจ്เดจ เดˆ เดช്เดฐเด•ൃเดคി เด…เดค്เดญുเดคം, เด•േเดฐเดณเดค്เดคിเดจ്เดฑെ เดจเดฏാเด—്เดฐാ เดŽเดจ്เดจ เดชേเดฐിเดฒാเดฃ് เด…เดฑിเดฏเดช്เดชെเดŸുเดจ്เดจเดค്. เดฎเดดเด•്เด•ാเดฒเดค്เดค് เดชാเดฑเด•เดณിเดฒൂเดŸെ เดถเด•്เดคിเดฏാเดฏി เด’เดดുเด•ുเดจ്เดจ เดตെเดณ്เดณเดš്เดšാเดŸ്เดŸം เด•ാเดฃുเดฎ്เดชോเตพ เดช്เดฐเด•ൃเดคിเดฏുเดŸെ เด…เดคിเดฎเดนเดค്เดค്เดตം เดจเดฎ്เดฎเตพ เดจേเดฐിเดŸ്เดŸ് เด…เดจുเดญเดตിเด•്เด•ുเดจ്เดจു.


เด…เดคിเดฐเดช്เดชിเดณ്เดณി เดตെเดณ്เดณเดš്เดšാเดŸ്เดŸเดค്เดคിเดจ്เดฑെ เดช്เดฐเดค്เดฏേเด•เดคเด•เตพ

เดšാเดฒเด•്เด•ുเดŸി เดจเดฆിเดฏിเดฒാเดฃ് เด…เดคിเดฐเดช്เดชിเดณ്เดณി เดตെเดณ്เดณเดš്เดšാเดŸ്เดŸം เดธ്เดฅിเดคിเดšെเดฏ്เดฏുเดจ്เดจเดค്. เดเด•เดฆേเดถം 80 เด…เดŸി เด‰เดฏเดฐเดค്เดคിเตฝ เดจിเดจ്เดจ് เดคാเดดേเด•്เด•് เดชเดคിเด•്เด•ുเดจ്เดจ เดตെเดณ്เดณเดš്เดšാเดŸ്เดŸം, เดฎเดดเด•്เด•ാเดฒเดค്เดค് เด…เดคിเดจ്เดฑെ เดฎുเดดുเดตเตป เดญംเด—ിเดฏിเดฒും เดถเด•്เดคിเดฏിเดฒും เด’เดดുเด•ുเดจ്เดจเดค് เด•ാเดฃാเตป เดธാเดงിเด•്เด•ും. เดšുเดฑ്เดฑും เด•ാเดŸുเด•เดณും เดชเดš്เดšเดช്เดชും เดจിเดฑเดž്เดž เดˆ เดช്เดฐเดฆേเดถം เดซോเดŸ്เดŸോเด—്เดฐാเดซเตผเดฎാเตผเด•്เด•ും เดช്เดฐเด•ൃเดคി เดช്เดฐേเดฎിเด•เตพเด•്เด•ും เด’เดฐുเดชോเดฒെ เดช്เดฐിเดฏเดช്เดชെเดŸ്เดŸ เดธ്เดฅเดฒเดฎാเดฃ്.


เดŽเตปเดŸ്เดฐി เดซീเดธ് & เดธเดฎเดฏเด•്เดฐเดฎം

  • เดŽเตปเดŸ്เดฐി เดซീเดธ്:

    • เดตเดฏเดธ്เดธുเด•ാเตผ – ₹40

    • เด•ുเดŸ്เดŸിเด•เตพ – ₹20

  • เดชാเตผเด•്เด•ിംเด—് เดซീเดธ്:

    • เด•ാเตผ – ₹60

  • เดธเดฎเดฏം: เดฐാเดตിเดฒെ 8:00 เดฎുเดคเตฝ เดตൈเด•ിเดŸ്เดŸ് 6:00 เดตเดฐെ

เดฎเดดเด•്เด•ാเดฒเดค്เดค് เดœเดฒเดจിเดฐเดช്เดช് เด‰เดฏเดฐുเดจ്เดจ เดธเดฎเดฏเด™്เด™เดณിเตฝ เดธുเดฐเด•്เดทാ เด•ാเดฐเดฃเด™്เด™เดณാเตฝ เด…เดŸിเดตാเดฐเดค്เดคിเดฒേเด•്เด•ുเดณ്เดณ เดช്เดฐเดตേเดถเดจം เดคാเตฝเด•്เด•ാเดฒിเด•เดฎാเดฏി เดจിเดฏเดจ്เดค്เดฐിเด•്เด•ാเดฑുเดฃ്เดŸ്.


เดต്เดฏൂ เดชോเดฏിเดจ്เดฑുเด•เดณും เดจเดŸเดช്เดชാเดคเด•เดณും

เด…เดคിเดฐเดช്เดชിเดณ്เดณിเดฏിเดฒെ เดŽเตปเดŸ്เดฐി เดชോเดฏിเดจ്เดฑിเตฝ เดจിเดจ്เดจ് เดช്เดฐเดงാเดจ เดต്เดฏൂ เดชോเดฏിเดจ്เดฑിเดฒേเด•്เด•് เดŽเดค്เดคാเตป เดเด•เดฆേเดถം 5 เดฎിเดจിเดฑ്เดฑ് เดจเดŸเด•്เด•േเดฃ്เดŸിเดตเดฐും. เดชാเดค เดฎുเดดുเดตเตป เดชാเดตുเดšെเดฏ്เดคเดคാเดฏเดคിเดจാเตฝ เดจเดŸเด•്เด•ാเตป เดธുเด–เด•เดฐเดฎാเดฃ്. เดช്เดฐเดงാเดจ เดต്เดฏൂ เดชോเดฏിเดจ്เดฑിเตฝ เดจിเดจ്เดจ് เดตെเดณ്เดณเดš്เดšാเดŸ്เดŸเดค്เดคിเดจ്เดฑെ เดฎുเด•เดณിเตฝ เดจിเดจ്เดจുเดณ്เดณ เด•ാเดด്เดš เด…เดคീเดต เดฎเดจോเดนเดฐเดฎാเดฃ്.

เด…เดŸിเดตാเดฐเดค്เดคിเดฒേเด•്เด•ുเดณ്เดณ เดชാเดค เดเด•เดฆേเดถം 10–15 เดฎിเดจിเดฑ്เดฑ് เดจീเดณเดฎുเดณ്เดณเดคാเดฃ്. เด•ാเดŸിเดจുเดณ്เดณിเดฒൂเดŸെ เดชോเด•ുเดจ്เดจ เดˆ เดจเดŸเดช്เดชാเดค, เดตെเดณ്เดณเดš്เดšാเดŸ്เดŸเดค്เดคിเดจ്เดฑെ เดถเดฌ്เดฆเดตും เดคเดฃുเดค്เดค เด•ാเดฑ്เดฑും เดšേเตผเดจ്เดจ് เด’เดฐു เดช്เดฐเดค്เดฏേเด• เด…เดจുเดญเดตം เดจเตฝเด•ുเดจ്เดจു. เดฎเดดเด•്เด•ാเดฒเดค്เดค് เดตเดดുเด•്เด•เดฒുเดฃ്เดŸാเด•ാเตป เดธാเดง്เดฏเดคเดฏുเดณ്เดณเดคിเดจാเตฝ เดถ്เดฐเดฆ്เดงเดฏോเดŸെ เดจเดŸเด•്เด•േเดฃ്เดŸเดคാเดฃ്.


เดธเดจ്เดฆเตผเดถിเด•്เด•ാเตป เดเดฑ്เดฑเดตും เดจเดฒ്เดฒ เดธเดฎเดฏം

เดœൂเตบ เดฎുเดคเตฝ เดธെเดช്เดฑ്เดฑംเดฌเตผ เดตเดฐെ เด†เดฃ് เด…เดคിเดฐเดช്เดชിเดณ്เดณി เดตെเดณ്เดณเดš്เดšാเดŸ്เดŸം เดธเดจ്เดฆเตผเดถിเด•്เด•ാเตป เดเดฑ്เดฑเดตും เด…เดจുเดฏോเดœ്เดฏเดฎാเดฏ เดธเดฎเดฏം. เดˆ เด•ാเดฒเดฏเดณเดตിเดฒാเดฃ് เดตെเดณ്เดณเดš്เดšാเดŸ്เดŸം เดชൂเตผเดฃ്เดฃ เดถเด•്เดคിเดฏോเดŸെ เด’เดดുเด•ുเดจ്เดจเดค്. เดตേเดจเตฝเด•്เด•ാเดฒเดค്เดค് เดœเดฒเดช്เดฐเดตാเดนം เด•ുเดฑเดตാเดฏിเดฐിเด•്เด•ും เดŽเด™്เด•ിเดฒും, เดถാเดจ്เดคเดฎാเดฏ เด…เดจ്เดคเดฐീเด•്เดทം เด†เดธ്เดตเดฆിเด•്เด•ാเตป เด† เดธเดฎเดฏเดตും เด…เดจുเดฏോเดœ്เดฏเดฎാเดฃ്.


เดฏാเดค്เดฐเด•്เด•ാเตผเด•്เด•് เดšിเดฒ เดจിเตผเดฆേเดถเด™്เด™เตพ

  • เดฎเดดเด•്เด•ാเดฒเดค്เดค് เดตเดดുเด•്เด•ാเดค്เดค เดšെเดฐുเดช്เดช് เดงเดฐിเด•്เด•ുเด•

  • เดธുเดฐเด•്เดทാ เดฌാเดฐിเด•്เด•േเดกുเด•เตพ เด•เดŸเด•്เด•ാเดคിเดฐിเด•്เด•ുเด•

  • เด•ുเดฐเด™്เด™ുเด•เตพ เด‰เดณ്เดณเดคിเดจാเตฝ เดญเด•്เดทเดฃเดธാเดงเดจเด™്เด™เตพ เดถ്เดฐเดฆ്เดงിเด•്เด•ുเด•

  • เดช്เดฒാเดธ്เดฑ്เดฑിเด•് เดฎാเดฒിเดจ്เดฏเด™്เด™เตพ เด’เดดിเดฏുเด•, เดช്เดฐเด•ൃเดคിเดฏെ เดธംเดฐเด•്เดทിเด•്เด•ുเด•

  • เด…เดŸിเดตാเดฐเดค്เดคിเดฒേเด•്เด•് เด‡เดฑเด™്เด™ുเดจ്เดจเดคിเดจ് เดฎുเดฎ്เดช് เด†เดฐോเด—്เดฏ เดธ്เดฅിเดคി เดชเดฐിเด—เดฃിเด•്เด•ുเด•


เดธเดฎീเดช เดตിเดจോเดฆเดธเดž്เดšാเดฐ เด•േเดจ്เดฆ്เดฐเด™്เด™เตพ

  • เดตാเดดเดš്เดšാเตฝ เดตെเดณ്เดณเดš്เดšാเดŸ്เดŸം

  • เดšാเตผเดช്เดช เดตെเดณ്เดณเดš്เดšാเดŸ്เดŸം

  • เดคുเดฎ്เดชൂเตผเดฎുเดดി เดกാം & เดฌเดŸ്เดŸเตผเดซ്เดฒൈ เดชാเตผเด•്เด•്

  • เดถോเดฒാเดฏാเตผ เดกാം

เด’เดฐു เดฆിเดตเดธം เด•ൊเดฃ്เดŸുเดคเดจ്เดจെ เดˆ เดธ്เดฅเดฒเด™്เด™เตพ เดŽเดฒ്เดฒാം เดธเดจ്เดฆเตผเดถിเด•്เด•ാเตป เดธാเดงിเด•്เด•ുเดจ്เดจเดคാเดฃ്.


เดธเดฎാเดชเดจം

เด…เดคിเดฐเดช്เดชിเดณ്เดณി เดตെเดณ്เดณเดš്เดšാเดŸ്เดŸം เด’เดฐു เดตിเดจോเดฆเดธเดž്เดšാเดฐ เด•േเดจ്เดฆ്เดฐം เดฎാเดค്เดฐเดฎเดฒ്เดฒ, เดช്เดฐเด•ൃเดคിเดฏുเดŸെ เดถเด•്เดคിเดฏും เดธൗเดจ്เดฆเดฐ്เดฏเดตും เด’เดฐുเดฎിเดš്เดš് เด…เดจുเดญเดตിเด•്เด•ാเตป เด•เดดിเดฏുเดจ്เดจ เด’เดฐു เด…เดจുเดญเดตเดฎാเดฃ്. เดฎเดด, เดฎเดž്เดžുเดฎൂเดŸเตฝ, เดตെเดณ്เดณเดš്เดšാเดŸ്เดŸเดค്เดคിเดจ്เดฑെ เด—เตผเดœ്เดœเดจം — เด‡เดคെเดฒ്เดฒാം เดšേเตผเดจ്เดจ് เด’เดฐിเด•്เด•เดฒും เดฎเดฑเด•്เด•ാเดจാเด•ാเดค്เดค เด“เตผเดฎ്เดฎเด•เตพ เดธเดฎ്เดฎാเดจിเด•്เด•ുเดจ്เดจเดคാเดฃ് เดˆ เดธ്เดฅเดฒം.

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya – Where Nature Meets Legend

 

Nohkalikai Falls, located near Cherrapunji in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, is one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India. Dropping from a staggering height of over 1,100 feet (approximately 340 meters), the waterfall crashes straight down into a deep green plunge pool, creating a scene that is both powerful and mesmerizing.

Standing at the viewpoint, the sheer scale of Nohkalikai is overwhelming. The sound of water hitting the valley below echoes through the cliffs, and the vast openness of the landscape makes you pause and absorb the moment. This is not a place that can be rushed — it demands silence and reflection.

A Waterfall That Changes with the Seasons

During the monsoon months, Nohkalikai Falls transforms into a roaring giant. The water volume increases dramatically, and the falls thunder down with immense force, making it one of the most dramatic sights in Meghalaya.

In the drier months, the waterfall reveals an entirely different personality. With reduced water flow, the layered rock formations behind the cascade become visible, and the surroundings take on a quieter, more contemplative mood. Both seasons offer unique experiences, making Nohkalikai a destination worth visiting more than once.

The Legend Behind the Name

Nohkalikai Falls is not just known for its height or beauty — it carries a haunting legend deeply rooted in Khasi folklore.

According to local belief, a woman named Ka Likai once lived near these cliffs. After losing her first husband, she remarried, but her second husband was cruel and jealous of the affection she showed her infant daughter. One tragic day, while Ka Likai was away working, her husband killed the child in a fit of rage and cooked the flesh.

Unaware of what had happened, Ka Likai returned home and ate the meal. When she later discovered the horrifying truth, grief overwhelmed her completely. In despair, she ran towards the cliff and leapt into the abyss.

From that day on, the place came to be known as “Noh Ka Likai,” which translates to The Leap of Ka Likai.”

Beauty and Tragedy in One Frame

Today, Nohkalikai Falls stands as a striking contrast between breathtaking natural beauty and heartbreaking human tragedy. The calm green pool at the bottom of the falls hides unimaginable depth, while the towering cliffs above silently watch over the valley — as if guarding the memory of the story passed down through generations.

This emotional contrast is what makes Nohkalikai truly unforgettable. It is not just a waterfall to admire, but a place that makes you feel the weight of history, legend, and nature together.

Visiting Nohkalikai Falls

Nohkalikai Falls is easily accessible from Cherrapunji, with a well-maintained viewpoint offering panoramic views of the waterfall and surrounding valley. The area is best visited during clear weather when the full drop of the waterfall is visible.

Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for photography, as soft light enhances the colors of the cliffs, greenery, and plunge pool below.

Final Thoughts

Nohkalikai Falls is more than a destination — it is an experience. A place where water, wind, and silence come together to tell a story that time has not erased. Whether you visit for its natural grandeur or its haunting legend, Nohkalikai leaves a lasting impression long after you walk away from the viewpoint.

In Meghalaya, where clouds drift low and stories live in the land itself, Nohkalikai Falls stands as one of the most powerful reminders that nature holds not just beauty, but memory.

Saturday, January 10, 2026

Carmelgiri Botanical Garden, Munnar – A Peaceful Green Escape in the Hills


Munnar is known for its misty hills, tea plantations, and scenic viewpoints, but tucked away along the Munnar–Mattupetty route lies a calm and refreshing stop — Carmelgiri Botanical Garden. This beautifully maintained garden is an ideal place for travelers who want to slow down, enjoy nature, and take a break from crowded tourist attractions.

A Walk Through Lush Greenery

Carmelgiri Botanical Garden features a wide collection of exotic plants, flowering varieties, cacti, succulents, ornamental plants, and medicinal herbs. The garden is well laid out with neat walking paths, making it easy to explore at a relaxed pace. As you walk through the garden, you’ll be surrounded by greenery, colorful blooms, and a soothing atmosphere that instantly calms the mind.

This spot is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, families, and couples looking for a quiet place to unwind. Unlike busy viewpoints in Munnar, the garden offers a peaceful experience where you can truly connect with nature.

Cafรฉ, Shop & Relaxing Ambience

Inside the garden, there is a small cafรฉ where visitors can enjoy light refreshments, including hot drinks. There’s also a shop selling local products such as tea, spices, chocolates, herbal items, and plant saplings, making it a nice place to pick up souvenirs or gifts.

Nearby Attraction – Carmelgiri Elephant Park

Located close to the botanical garden is the Carmelgiri Elephant Park, a popular attraction on this route. Many travelers combine both places during their visit. While the botanical garden focuses on plants and relaxation, the elephant park adds a different experience to the trip and makes this area a convenient stop while exploring Munnar.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Carmelgiri Botanical Garden is during the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for walking. The garden can be visited throughout the year, but the greenery looks especially vibrant after the monsoon season.

Why Visit Carmelgiri Botanical Garden?

  • Peaceful and less crowded location

  • Beautiful collection of plants and flowers

  • Ideal for short stops and relaxed walks

  • Close to Carmelgiri Elephant Park and Mattupetty route attractions

  • Great spot for photography and nature lovers

Location Details

Location: Near Mattupetty, Munnar, Kerala
Ideal Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Final Thoughts

If you’re exploring Munnar and looking for a calm, green space away from the usual tourist rush, Carmelgiri Botanical Garden is worth a visit. Whether you’re on a short trip or a relaxed holiday, this garden offers a refreshing pause amid nature, with the added option of visiting the nearby elephant park.

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Krang Suri Waterfalls – Exploring Meghalaya’s Blue Paradise


Hidden deep in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, Krang Suri Waterfalls is one of those places that instantly slows you down. Surrounded by dense forests and rocky cliffs, this waterfall is famous for its turquoise-blue water, peaceful atmosphere, and untouched natural beauty.

As part of my 7 Days / 6 Nights Meghalaya journey, Krang Suri was one of the most memorable stops — not because of its size or power, but because of the calm and serenity it offers.

Where is Krang Suri Waterfalls Located?

Krang Suri Waterfalls is located near Jowai, in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. It is well-connected by road and can be easily accessed from Shillong, making it one of the most accessible yet beautiful waterfalls in the region.

From the parking area, a short 10-minute walk through a well-laid path takes you to the waterfall. As you walk closer, the sound of flowing water grows stronger, building anticipation with every step.

Why is Krang Suri Water So Blue?

The most striking feature of Krang Suri is its crystal-clear blue water. This unique color comes from natural limestone minerals present in the water. When sunlight hits the pool, the water appears to glow in shades of turquoise and blue, creating a surreal visual experience.

Surrounded by lush greenery and rocky formations, the contrast makes Krang Suri look like a natural swimming pool carved into the hills.

Swimming at Krang Suri Waterfalls

Swimming is allowed at Krang Suri, and it’s one of the highlights of the visit.

  • Wearing a life jacket is mandatory

  • Life jacket cost: ₹100 per person

  • Water temperature: Very cold and refreshing

The moment you step into the water, you feel an instant rush of freshness. Floating in the calm blue pool while surrounded by forested cliffs is an experience you won’t forget.

Best Time to Visit Krang Suri Falls

Krang Suri looks beautiful throughout the year, but the best time to visit is:

  • Post-monsoon (September to November) – water is clear and vibrant

  • Winter months (December to February) – pleasant weather and fewer crowds

We reached close to sunset, and as the light faded, the vibrant blue color slowly softened, giving the waterfall a completely different mood. One interesting fact about Meghalaya is that sunset happens very early, around 4:15 PM, due to its eastern geographical location and India’s single time zone.

Why Krang Suri is Special

Unlike powerful plunge waterfalls, Krang Suri feels peaceful and inviting. It’s not a place to rush through — it’s a place to pause, breathe, and connect with nature.

Standing here, surrounded by silence, flowing water, and forested hills, you truly understand why Meghalaya is called the “Abode of Clouds.”

Part of Our Meghalaya Travel Series

Krang Suri Waterfalls is part of our complete Meghalaya travel series, where we explored:

๐Ÿ“Œ Watch the full travel experience videos on Wanderlust Channel — links are available in the video cards and descriptions.

Final Thoughts

Krang Suri Waterfalls is more than just a scenic spot — it’s an experience. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or someone looking to escape the rush of daily life, this blue paradise in Meghalaya deserves a place on your travel list.