Exploring Meghalaya beyond Cherrapunji and the usual

What visuals come to your mind when you think about Meghalaya? Maybe, the cool cafes of Shillong, the young and hip street scenes, or maybe an image of the cascading Nohkalikai Falls in Cherrapunji. What if we were to tell you that there is so much more to Meghalaya than what we know as out-of-town visitors?

We will leave behind the attractions that are done to death. Instead, we will talk about the offbeat, the hidden gems, the tips and tricks for a more wholesome holiday in the gorgeous state of Meghalaya.

You may or may not be aware of this but the northeastern part of India has a different time zone. There is a time difference of approximately two hours between east and west. For instance, if your 4:30 AM is still dark in Delhi and it’s your sleepy time, it is already bright in Meghalaya and the day has just begun.

Most visitors to the northeast ignore the timezone and plan their day according to their normal schedule. If you plan to start exploring the place around 10, half the day is already gone! So, when in Meghalaya, start early. By 5:30 PM, it gets dark anyway.

Meghalaya landscape is great for cycling enthusiasts. Gorgeous views, good roads albeit winding, good weather (during summer) what else do you need for a good ride? However, try and go a little further away from the city. Tyrna, near Cherrapunji, is 65 km from Shillong. A very good stretch for cycling, you can trek to Nongriat village once you reach here. Remember the Double Decker Root Bridge? It’s here. Make a day out of it.

This one’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Mawryngkhang Trek is easily one of the scariest treks in Meghalaya if not in India. This East Khasi Hills location boasts of stunning treks that take you to a series of connected bamboo bridges laid by the locals of Mawryngkhang. These bridges go over mountain ridges, over gushing rivers and farms. Trek starts from Wahkhen village. Tread carefully.

Just a short distance from Mawsynram is the stunning village of Mawlyngbna. Not yet popular among the out-of-town visitors, Mawlyngbna is definitely one of the favourite spots for adventure lovers in the state. The drive to Mawlyngbna will give you beautiful waterfalls by the roadside. Come here for river canyoning. You can kayak, take a dip, do free dives off the cliff and onto the water below, or just relax and sit in the ankle-deep water. Whatever floats your boat. The site is fantastic to say the least. When you reach the site, there will be plenty of guides available should you need one. And get one of those safety jackets.

Mind the road because this one’s going to be a rough ride. A rather bumpy ride will bring you to this gorgeous location in Syntung, approximately 75 km from Shillong. Here, you will be in the presence of nine waterfalls that are collectively called the Wahrashi Falls. These nine waterfalls drain into the Wah Rashi Kshaid River and it is stunning beyond words. The turquoise blue water, when the waterfall is not raging, is a perfect place to dip your toes in the water and enjoy the calming effects of nature around you. During the rainy months however, when the waterfalls get their full volume, they can give you great photo ops.

Take a guided tour of this forest because how else will you really get the significance of this sacred place? Bathed in beauty and old Khasi customs and traditions, the Sacred Grove or Law Kyntang of Mawphlang is a must-visit. As per the customary law of the land, you are not allowed to take away anything from this sacred forest, not even a pebble or a leaf. The forest is to remain as it is. This was the place where Khasi kings and chiefs performed various ceremonies. There are many monoliths marking these important sites as well. With the help of customs and traditions, the locals have been able to safeguard their forest, and we think that’s a great lesson in conservation.

This national park is located in the Garo Hills. Just 45 km away from the main town of Tura. The park is one of the two important sites for Indian wild oranges, the parent species of all citrus fruits in the world. The other site is the Dailong Biodiversity Heritage Site. Nokrek is also home to the rare and endangered Hoolock Gibbon, the only gibbon species found in India. Birding enthusiasts call Nokrek a hidden gem.

Balpakram translates to A Place Where There Are Perpetual Winds. The national park is one of the most beautiful parks in India. Least visited, yes, but beautiful for sure. Balpakram National Park is a known breeding ground for leopards, Asian golden cat, red panda, and the capped langur. The rich biodiversity supports many avian species as well, making it one of the superb birding sites in the region.