Meghalaya — often called the “Abode of Clouds” — is one of India’s most magical travel destinations. From crystal-clear rivers and powerful waterfalls to ancient forests and living root bridges, this northeastern state offers experiences that feel untouched by time.
In this journey, we explored Meghalaya in its fullest form — covering waterfalls, caves, treks, sacred forests, and hidden natural gems. This is not just a trip — it’s an adventure into one of the most beautiful landscapes in India.
๐ Arrival & First Impressions
Our journey began as we entered Meghalaya from Guwahati, where the landscape slowly transformed into rolling hills, mist-covered valleys, and endless greenery.
One of the first stops along the way was Umiam Lake, a vast reservoir surrounded by hills. Calm, scenic, and peaceful — it’s the perfect introduction to the natural beauty of Meghalaya.
๐ Krang Suri Waterfalls – A Hidden Blue Paradise
Nestled in the Jaintia Hills, Krang Suri Waterfalls is one of the most stunning waterfalls in the region.
What makes this place special is its turquoise-blue water, created by limestone minerals. A short walk through greenery leads to the falls, where visitors can even swim with life jackets.
Standing here feels surreal — as if you’ve stepped into a hidden paradise.
๐️ Dawki River & Shnongpdeng Camping
One of the highlights of our journey was the Umngot River in Dawki, known for being one of the cleanest rivers in Asia.
At Shnongpdeng, we stayed in riverside tents, surrounded by nature. The experience of camping beside such a clear river is unforgettable.
Boating here is magical — the water is so transparent that boats appear to float in mid-air.
We also visited the Indo–Bangladesh border, where a simple rope separates two countries — a quiet yet powerful experience.
๐ Mawryngkhang Bamboo Bridge Trek – A Thrilling Adventure
This trek features narrow bamboo bridges and ladders built along mountain cliffs, with the river flowing below. There are no railings — just balance, focus, and trust.
The trek leads to U Mawryngkhang, also known as the “King of Stones,” surrounded by stunning landscapes and local folklore.
๐ง️ Cherrapunji – Land of Waterfalls
We then reached Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth.
Here, nature reveals its most dramatic side.
๐ณ️ Mawsmai Cave – Into the Earth
Exploring Mawsmai Cave felt like stepping into another world.
This limestone cave is filled with narrow passages, stalactites, and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. The cool, damp interior contrasts sharply with the outside world.
๐ Nohkalikai Falls – Beauty with a Legend
One of the most powerful sights in Meghalaya is Nohkalikai Falls, one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India.
Beyond its beauty, it carries a tragic legend of Ka Likai, giving the place a deep emotional presence.
๐ฟ Wei-Sawdong Waterfall – A Hidden Gem
A short but steep trek leads to Wei Sawdong Waterfall, a stunning three-tiered waterfall.
With crystal-clear water and lush surroundings, this place feels raw, untouched, and peaceful.
๐ฅพ Tyrna Trek & Living Root Bridges
One of the most iconic experiences in Meghalaya is the Tyrna Trek, leading down over 3,000 steps into the village of Nongriat.
Protected by Khasi traditions, nothing can be taken from this forest — not even a leaf. The dense greenery and ancient trees create a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
๐️ Shillong & Journey Back
We ended our trip in Shillong, exploring local markets and enjoying the vibrant culture.
As we returned, passing Umiam Lake once again, it felt like the journey had come full circle.
๐ Final Thoughts
Meghalaya is not just a destination —
it’s an experience.
From waterfalls and treks to living bridges and sacred forests, every place tells a story of nature and harmony.
This journey reminded us that the most beautiful places are often the hardest to reach — but the effort makes them unforgettable.
If you’re planning a trip to Northeast India, Meghalaya should be at the top of your list.
Magical Meghalaya – A Journey Into the Land of Clouds (Part 1)
Meghalaya has always been on my travel bucket list — a land spoken of in whispers, wrapped in clouds, flowing rivers, and untouched nature. This journey was all about slowing down, connecting with nature, and experiencing Meghalaya beyond just photographs.
I began my journey from Chennai on a Saturday morning, flying to Guwahati. Since our Meghalaya trip was scheduled to start on Sunday morning, I chose to arrive a day earlier to avoid any travel delays. From the flight, I was treated to a beautiful sunrise — the perfect beginning to what was going to be a magical adventure.
Journey Begins from Guwahati
Early Sunday morning, our group assembled outside Guwahati Airport, where we met fellow travelers and our guide. We were traveling with a Chennai-based adventure group, and together, we began our road journey towards Meghalaya in a tempo traveller.
As we crossed into the hills, the landscape slowly transformed — plains gave way to rolling green hills, misty roads, and fresh mountain air.
Umiam Lake – The First Glimpse of Meghalaya
One of the first sights welcoming us into Meghalaya was Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani. Surrounded by endless greenery and gentle hills, the calm waters reflected the sky like a mirror. Built in the early 1960s by damming the Umiam River, the lake was originally created for hydroelectric power generation.
Today, Umiam Lake is also a popular destination for water sports like kayaking, boating, and water cycling. While returning later, we got an elevated view of the lake from the hills — an absolutely surreal experience.
Krang Suri Waterfalls – Turquoise Beauty
Our first major stop was the breathtaking Krang Suri Waterfalls, located in the Jaintia Hills near Amlarem. After a short walk of about 10 minutes, we reached a stunning sight — turquoise-blue water cascading through lush green cliffs.
Swimming is allowed here, but wearing a life jacket is mandatory, which costs around ₹100. Krang Suri is famous for its jewel-toned waters, though as we arrived closer to sunset, the intensity of the blue gradually reduced.
Standing there, surrounded by mist and flowing water, it truly felt like we were in the abode of clouds. Interestingly, sunset in Meghalaya happens quite early — around 4:15 PM — due to India following a single time zone, while neighboring Bangladesh is about 30 minutes ahead.
Once we settled in, we took a short walk across the bridge, enjoying the cool breeze and the sound of the river below. After dinner, we gathered around a small campfire session where everyone introduced themselves and shared stories. As the night grew quiet, we returned to our tents, resting up for the next day’s adventure.
Morning at Dawki – Pure Magic
We woke up around 6 AM, greeted by a surreal scene — the calm Dawki River flowing right in front of our tents. Morning at Dawki is pure magic. The silence, gentle breeze, and soft ripples of water create an unforgettable atmosphere.
We could see fishermen rowing quietly, boats gliding over the water, and reflections so clear that the boats seemed to float in mid-air. The Umngot River, known as one of the cleanest rivers in Asia, forms a natural border between India and Bangladesh.
Although recent construction upstream has caused some turbidity, the water was much clearer during our visit, especially a crystal-clear stream joining the river from the left.
Dawki River Boating & Cliff Jumping
By 9:45 AM, it was time for boating — an activity included in our package. Gliding through the river felt surreal, surrounded by rocky shores, tiny waterfalls, and lush greenery. Along the banks, we could see tents that are removed before the monsoon season when water levels rise.
The boats dropped us near the cliff jumping area, where we tried a bit of adventure before heading back. Optional kayaking was available for an extra cost, but we chose to return by boat. By noon, we were back at the starting point, rested for a bit, and then continued our journey.
Indo–Bangladesh Border Experience
After lunch, we visited the Indo–Bangladesh border, a place that quietly reminds us how close cultures can be, separated only by lines on a map. We could see the Indian welcoming arch, Bangladesh’s gate, and the flag posts of BSF India and Border Guard Bangladesh.
Later in the afternoon, we visited another Dawki boating point right at the border. A rope clearly marked the boundary between the two countries. On one side, Bangladeshi families enjoyed picnics, while boats moved gracefully on the Indian side.
Watching the sunset over Bangladesh while standing on Indian soil was a rare and humbling experience.
Night at Pynursla
As daylight faded, we continued our journey and reached Pynursla for the night. Our stay was at Deli-Baiar Guest House, Pongtung, where we rested well, preparing for the next day’s big adventure.
The next morning, after breakfast, we headed to Wahkhen Village, the starting point of the legendary Mawryngkhang Bamboo Bridge Trek. By 10:30 AM, we began our trek into one of Meghalaya’s most thrilling landscapes.
The trail led us along steep ridges, roaring streams, and narrow bamboo bridges clinging to cliff faces. Below us flowed the pristine Umrew River, and along the way, we crossed waterfalls, caves, bamboo ladders, and vertical climbs.
After several ascents and descents, we finally reached U Mawryngkhang, the “King of Stones” — a massive cylindrical rock standing tall in the middle of the river, connected by bamboo bridges. Local folklore tells the story of Mawryngkhang and Mawpator, two rocks that battled for love, leaving visible scars still seen today.
This bamboo bridge trail is a collective effort of the village community, reflecting the Khasi people’s deep respect for nature and their sustainable way of life.
Journey Back & Conclusion
After spending time at the rock, we began our trek back, stopping for a traditional Khasi lunch served on banana leaves near the first bamboo bridge around 2:30 PM. We reached Wahkhen village by 4 PM, just in time to witness another beautiful sunset.
From there, we drove towards Cherrapunji (Sohra), one of the wettest places on Earth. Tomorrow’s adventure would take us to waterfalls, caves, and the iconic living root bridges — which I’ll cover in Part 2 of this series.
This marks the end of Magical Meghalaya – Part 1.
Episode 2: Living Root Bridges, Sacred Forests & Hidden Waterfalls
Our Meghalaya journey continued deeper into nature as we moved beyond the landscapes explored in Episode 1. After witnessing waterfalls, rivers, and adventure trails, this part of the journey took us into the heart of Cherrapunji and Nongriat, where nature and human ingenuity exist in perfect harmony.
Waterfalls of Cherrapunji
The day began with visits to some of Meghalaya’s most stunning waterfalls. Nohkalikai Falls, one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India, greeted us with its thunderous roar and mist-filled valley. Local legends add a haunting beauty to this place, making it more than just a scenic viewpoint.
We then trekked through dense greenery to reach Wei-Sawdong Waterfall, a spectacular three-tiered cascade hidden deep inside the forest. The vibrant blue-green water and steep steps leading down make it one of the most breathtaking spots in Meghalaya. Our next stop was Dainthlen Waterfall, a wide, gentle cascade associated with Khasi folklore, believed to be linked to the legend of a giant serpent.
Journey to Nongriat Village
By evening, we reached Nongriat Village, a remote settlement nestled deep in the forest. From here, we began our descent toward our homestay near the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. The trail is mostly downhill, and as darkness fell, the forest grew quieter and more mysterious. It took us over an hour to reach the homestay, but the peaceful surroundings made the effort worthwhile.
With no mobile network in Nongriat, we were completely disconnected from the outside world. The night was spent sharing stories, playing games, and enjoying the simple joy of being present with our group — a rare and refreshing experience.
Double Decker Living Root Bridge
Early the next morning, we reached the iconic Double Decker Living Root Bridge. This natural marvel, grown from the aerial roots of the Ficus elastica tree, is a testament to the incredible knowledge and patience of the Khasi people. Trained and guided over decades, the roots have formed a strong, living bridge that continues to grow stronger with time.
Trek to Rainbow Falls & Blue Lagoon
From the bridge, we continued our trek toward Rainbow Falls. The journey was long and demanding, but reaching the falls made every step worthwhile. As sunlight hit the cascading water, faint rainbows appeared, giving the place its name.
On our return, we stopped at the serene Blue Lagoon, a crystal-clear stretch of water hidden within the forest. Swimming is allowed here with a life jacket, and despite the freezing cold water, the experience was exhilarating. Surrounded by rocks, trees, and flowing water, it felt like nature’s own private retreat.
Longest Single Decker Living Root Bridge
On our way back, before starting the challenging 3,000-step ascent, we took a short detour to visit the Longest Single Decker Living Root Bridge. Stretching nearly 30 meters, this bridge showcases the same living architecture as the Double Decker Bridge but in a simpler form. Surrounded by dense rainforest, it stands as another reminder of the deep bond between the Khasi people and nature.
There are over 100 living root bridges across Meghalaya, many still hidden deep within forests, silently serving generations of villagers.
The 3,000-Step Climb & Farewell to Nongriat
The climb back up was tough. We paused for breakfast during the ascent and looked back at the village where we had spent the last two days. By late morning, we finally reached the top — exhausted but filled with unforgettable memories of waterfalls, forests, and living bridges.
Mawphlang Sacred Forest
After lunch, we visited the mystical Mawphlang Sacred Forest, a protected forest revered by the Khasi community. Spread across more than 120 hectares, the forest is believed to be home to ancestral spirits. Entry is done in guided groups, led by local Khasi guides who explain the forest’s cultural, medicinal, and spiritual significance.
The forest floor is covered with moss, ferns, and ancient trees, some over 500 years old. Nothing is allowed to be taken out — not even a leaf — a rule that has helped preserve this ecosystem for centuries.
Shillong to Guwahati – Journey’s End
Our journey concluded in Shillong, where we explored the bustling streets, enjoyed local cuisine, and shopped for souvenirs. The next morning, we began our return journey toward Guwahati, catching one last glimpse of Umiam Lake, which we had explored earlier in the trip.
By noon, we reached Guwahati and flew back to Chennai, bringing an end to a truly magical Meghalaya adventure.
Final Thoughts
This episode was more than just travel — it was a journey through nature, culture, and time. From living root bridges and sacred forests to hidden waterfalls and remote villages, Meghalaya left us with memories that will last a lifetime.
