Arpan’s Meghalaya Journey with Friends Through the Abode of Clouds
The mist rolled in gently, kissing the lush green hills that stretched endlessly before Arpan. He stood at the edge of the viewpoint to breathe in the fresh mountain air and feel a strange sense of belonging.
“Ever imagined living amidst the clouds?” his friend thought, standing beside him.
Arpan smiled, watching the soft veil of mist shift with the wind. “I think I already am.”
It had taken months of planning, a dozen calls between old friends, and a unanimous decision to escape the chaos of the city. Meghalaya, the “Abode of Clouds”, had always intrigued them. This time, they will be able to reconnect with nature, with friendships, and with something deeper within themselves.
The Gateway to Serenity Lies in Shillong
Arpan’s Meghalaya trip with friends started in Kaziranga. After enjoying the wonderful safari experiences, they visited Shillong, a city where colonial charm resides in the vibrant culture. Although exploring Shillong was not part of their initial plan, Thrillophilia managed to fulfil their expectations. As their car moved through the winding roads, music from local roadside cafes filled the air and seamlessly blended with the occasional honk of passing vehicles. Their first stop was Ward’s Lake, a serene spot in the heart of the city. The still waters of the lake reflected the colours of blooming flowers, and couples walked along the stone pathways, lost in conversation.
“Imagine waking up to this view every day,” one of Arpan’s childhood friends sighed.
From there, they visited the Don Bosco Museum, an unexpected treasure trove of Meghalaya’s rich history and indigenous heritage. Seven floors of artefacts, tribal costumes, and interactive displays painted a clear picture of the cultural heritage of the region.
But it was the drive to Laitlum Canyons that left them speechless. The vast area of rolling hills stretched as far as the eyes could see, with deep valleys hanging into mist-covered depths. A cool breeze carried the scent of wildflowers, and for a while, no one spoke. Some moments were too perfect for words.
Cherrapunjee was a Land of Endless Wonders
The next morning, they set off for Cherrapunjee, which is famous for being one of the wettest places on Earth. The drive itself was a journey through nature’s beautiful waterfalls cascading down mossy cliffs and clouds drifting so low they felt within arm’s reach.
Their first stop in Cherrapunjee was the stunning Wei Sawdong Falls, hidden deep within the forest. The descent was tricky, with a steep and muddy trail through thick vegetation, but the reward at the bottom was worth every step. When they reached the three-tiered waterfall, it looked almost otherworldly with its crystal-clear turquoise water.
“So, who is jumping in first?” another friend grinned, rolling up his sleeves.
Laughing, Arpan shook his head. “Let’s just enjoy the view before you freeze yourself.”
Next on their trip was the famous Nohkalikai Falls, plunging from dizzying heights into an emerald pool below. Their guide shared the tragic legend behind its name, a tale of love and loss that added an air of mystery to the breathtaking sight.
By midday, they found themselves trekking around the Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat. The journey was challenging - 3,500 steps down through dense jungles. But as they reached the ancient bridge, a marvel of living roots intertwined over centuries, exhaustion melted into surprise. The bridge swayed slightly under its weight, which showed the true resilience of nature.
“This is not just a bridge,” Arpan murmured, running his fingers over the twisted roots. “It is history. It is life itself.”
Some of the group continued the trek to Rainbow Falls, while others, including Arpan and the kids, simply sat by the bridge. Their feet were dangling in the cool stream below, and they absorbed the quiet beauty around them.
Floating on Air in Dawki and Mawlynnong
Their journey took them further into the hidden gems of Meghalaya - Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia. Here, the narrow pathways were lined with blooming flowers, and spotless bamboo houses stood against the emerald landscape. The locals welcomed them with warm smiles, and the group spent time exploring the charming village and climbing the Sky View Tower for a breathtaking view of Bangladesh in the distance.
But it was Dawki that truly stole the show. The Umngot River was everything they had heard and more - so clear that the boats seemed to hover above invisible waters. As they sailed through the tranquil river, Arpan dipped his hand into the water and watched the rippling effect of the water.
“This is unreal,” Arpan’s wife whispered, her voice filled with wonder.
They spent the afternoon at Shnongpdeng, where the adventurous ones among them tried ziplining across the river while the rest relaxed by the banks to soak in the magic of Meghalaya’s untouched beauty.
A Farewell to Remember
As their trip neared its end, the group made one last stop - Krand Suri Falls in Jowai. The gorgeous cascade was tucked away in a secluded paradise, and its blue-green waters shimmered under the sunlight. Some took a dip, while others simply sat by the edge with their feet in the water. All were cherishing the last moments of their Meghalaya adventure.
That evening, they gathered for a farewell dinner at a cosy cafe back in Shillong and shared stories and laughter.
“To Meghalaya,” Arpan raised his glass. “To friendships, to adventure, and to never letting life get in the way of moments like these.”
As they drove back to Guwahati the next day, they bid adieu to the beautiful place while watching the hills disappear behind them.
Read More: Thrillophilia Meghalaya Reviews