Thrillophilia Review: Nandu’s Meghalaya Surprise for His Beloved Wife

Nandu is not the one who always gives surprises. But when it came to expressing love for his wife, he believed in sweet gestures that spoke volumes. For their anniversary, he planned something different. It was neither a dinner at a fancy restaurant nor jewellery. But the gift was something that would stay with them forever. 

A trip to a serene, layered, and beautiful land - MEGHALAYA.

He kept it a secret until the last minute. When they arrived at the airport, she looked confused. “We are not going to Kerala?” she asked, glancing at the boarding passes. Nandu smiled. “This year, we are chasing clouds.”

A Slow Walk into Nature’s Lap

Their flight landed in Guwahati in April 2025, and soon they were on their way to Shillong. The journey was a gentle curtain-raiser, filled with pine trees, roadside chai, and a playlist that mixed Kishore Kumar with Khasi folk tunes.

Thrillophilia had ensured every detail was handled. Their driver was friendly and full of stories. He introduced them to the soul of the Northeast. Upon reaching Shillong, they checked into their hotel, and Nandu took his wife to Phan Nonglait Park, where they walked slowly, hand in hand, surrounded by families, flowers, and laughter.

Later, the Rhino Heritage Museum sparked curiosity in both of them. Nandu, who loved history, paused at every artefact and narrated tidbits he remembered from books. On the other hand, his wife took photos of displays, of him, and of tiny moments.

That night, over hot thukpa and momos, she finally said, “This is the best anniversary gift ever.”

Waterfalls, Caves, and the Power of Awe

The next morning, the real adventure began. They checked out and drove toward Cherrapunji, stopping first at the glorious Elephant Falls. Her laughter echoed as the mist sprayed her cheeks. “It is like nature planned this scene just for us,” she said.

In Cherrapunji, they also visited the magnificent Seven Sisters Falls and the hauntingly beautiful Nohkalikai Falls. Nandu explained the tragic legend behind it. “Even sorrow becomes part of nature here,” he murmured.

Later, they explored the darkness of the Mawsmai and Arwah caves. Every turn inside those limestone corridors was different. At one point, Nandu shone a flashlight upwards, and they both caught their breath when they saw the grandeur of the formations.

Their hotel that night was simple, surrounded by greenery. “You planned all this?” she asked, curling up beside him. “With a little help from Thrillophilia,” he replied, smiling.

Steps of Love and Strength

The third day began early. Tyrna Village awaited them for the iconic trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. “3,500 steps?” she asked. 

The journey was tough with narrow paths, deep valleys, and the stillness that makes you listen to your own breath. But every step led them closer to something ancient and magical. The bridge itself, which was woven from the roots of centuries-old trees, stood as a metaphor for their own bond: living, growing, and unbreakable.

They sat beside the stream that flowed beneath it, soaked their tired feet, and simply… existed. No phones. No talking. Just the music of water and wind.

A Day of Wonders in Mawlynnong and Dawki

After the trek, Nandu had set up more surprises for his wife. They set out the next morning for Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia. She adored it instantly. The neat bamboo dustbins, flower-laced paths, and the warm smiles of villagers won her heart. “This feels like a place where the Earth smiles back,” she said.

From there, they trekked to the Single Decker Root Bridge in Riwai and admired the Balancing Rock nearby. But the highlight of the day was Dawki.

The Umngot River here gleamed, and their boat seemed to float on glass. Nandu noticed her eyes shining with childlike joy. “You always dreamt of Venice,” he said. “But I think Meghalaya beats it.”

They stayed overnight at a quiet riverside lodge, and the sound of the water lulled them into one of the best sleeps they had had in years.

Exploration of Krang Shuri and Laitlum

Their final day started with a stop at Shnongpdeng for a bit of adrenaline - boating, kayaking, and watching daredevils dive from bamboo bridges. She was hesitant at first, but eventually dipped her toes into the clear water. “Your gift keeps revealing itself,” she said.

But Krang Shuri Waterfalls was where time stopped. The blue waters crashed down, and the light filtered through the trees. Nandu captured her silhouette against the mist and planned secretly to frame it once they got home.

Then came Laitlum Canyon, the ‘end of the hills.’ Standing on the edge, the valley stretched before them. They did not speak much here, just enjoyed the beauty of it all.

A Blessing in the End

On the final morning, they drove to Guwahati. Thrillophilia had arranged one last touch: a visit to Kamakhya Temple. As they climbed the steps and stood in line with the other devotees, there was respect between them.

They offered flowers and said a quiet prayer. She turned to him, “Thank you for this gift. For showing me beauty, I did not even know I needed.”

He looked at her and replied, “It was never about the destination, but about us. And the moments we carve together.”

Read more: Thrillophilia Meghalaya Reviews