This year's vacation was a delightful detour thanks to a wedding invitation to Shillong, Meghalaya. This unexpected opportunity led to a delightful itinerary that blended the charm of Meghalaya with the allure of neighbouring Assam.
To avoid the fate of my previous travelogue (which, let's be honest, seemed to stretch on forever like Hanuman's tail!), I'll keep this post concise and visually driven. With a simple click, you can easily find detailed information about any of the places mentioned online.
The T-team
The Aunt, the Uncle, The Cuz and Moi
Journey begins
Shillong, the "Scotland of the East," truly lived up to its name. The lush green hills, the misty air, and the vibrant local culture created a magical atmosphere.
I was completely unprepared for the fact that the sun in the Northeast decided to call it a day around 5 PM. It was like someone flipped a switch, plunging the world into an eerie twilight. I half-expected to see a herd of dinosaurs emerge from the shadows.
Okay, let me be honest. I, a resident of the Bay, thought I was prepared for the "cold" of the Northeast. Turns out, my idea of winter involves turning the fan regulator down one notch on that one particularly chilly night when the temperature plummets to a bone-chilling 20 degrees.
Shillong, my friends, was a different beast entirely. It was butt-freezing! I swear, my nose hairs were icicles. I spent most of my time huddled in my jacket, looking like a Michelin Man. The locals, bless their souls, seemed perfectly content in one layer of jacket, while I was shivering like a leaf.
Shillong Club, the place we checked into is 142 years old and still going strong. We had a cosy cottage to ourselves, in the
middle of the city, surrounded by greenery. I don't think I have ever stayed in a place older than the Shillong Club it is 146 years old.
Wow! The Staff is friendly and helpful, and the food, is good too, especially
dal, my soul food.
The next morning, as I stepped out for a walk I was stopped by the 'self-appointed security', Oreo, checking out the new guests. He made it clear that he tolerated us in the territory. I was hoping for more friendly interaction now that we would spend time on his turf.
Nevertheless, on my way back from the walk, I was welcomed by furry two brothers from different mothers, Hugo and Happy, the former an Indie and the latter a Labrador. Friendly, just like their young owner who was walking them.
Walking around, I realised that Shillong had its fair share of festivals, celebrating its culture, geography, traditions and uniqueness. One such festival we missed was the Hill Festival and the Winter Tales Festival.
While the Elephant Falls and Shillong Peak were undoubtedly stunning, my heart truly belonged to two wonders: the Dawki River (or Ungot Lake, as the locals call it) – a mesmerizing turquoise expanse – and the mind-blowing Living Root Bridges.
After a bone-jarring two-hour drive through the Meghalayan hills, we finally reached the stunning Dawki Lake. The view was incredible – Bangladesh stretching out before us, and the riverfront was alive with activity. People from both sides of the border mingled freely, enjoying the water with reckless abandon. We jumped into a rowboat and drifted along, mesmerized by the crystal-clear water. Drifting along, surrounded by lush greenery, I felt a sense of pure bliss. It was one of those "pinch-me" moments – the kind where you're so overwhelmed by beauty that you almost forget to breathe. Alas, all good things must come to an end. We reluctantly headed back to shore, carrying with us the memory of that magical afternoon. Dawki, you were a dream!
As a traveller, I've always been intrigued by borders – those invisible lines that separate nations. So, after the magical experience at Dawki River, we drove a short distance to the Indo-Bangladesh border. I was expecting something dramatic, perhaps a heavily guarded checkpoint. But the reality was quite different. An archway, a milestone, and people taking selfies – it felt almost mundane. It made me ponder the nature of borders. Are they truly significant barriers, or just lines drawn on a map? In that moment, standing at the border, it felt more like a geographical curiosity than a political divide. This experience reinforced my belief that the human spirit transcends artificial boundaries.
On the Other Side is Bangladesh
After another long drive, we finally reached the awe-inspiring Living Root Bridges. We were immediately greeted by a local canine, a seasoned pro at charming tourists. With practised enthusiasm, she wagged her tail, gave us her best puppy-dog eyes, and even tried her luck with another couple when her efforts with us failed to yield any treats.
Walking across the bridge, I was struck by the sheer ingenuity of nature and the resilience of the people who have learned to coexist with it. Living in the challenging terrain of Meghalaya has forced them to find creative ways to navigate their environment, and the Living Root Bridges are a testament to that remarkable adaptability.
Let me share something that truly impressed me: the remarkable cleanliness throughout the entire state! Every tourist spot featured restrooms (mostly clean)which made me think—could this be a government effort or perhaps a clever local initiative? My hunch? It's all about monetization!
Visitors need to pay a small fee to use the facilities, but hey, that seems fair and reasonable, doesn’t it? Who wants to enjoy a beautiful view and then have to worry about where to go to the bathroom? This is a great example of how tourism can work well for everyone. Tourists get to enjoy the beautiful places and stay healthy, and the locals make money. Way to go, Meghalaya!"
"Soon it was time to say goodbye to Shillong, and I couldn't help but wonder what marvels awaited us in Assam." For the bit on Assam click on the link
https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/preview/4627982019380925600/9059271679767229142
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