The hidden heaven of Meghalaya

 Debashmita Kalita

Wondering about a vacation trip this winter? Seize up your belongings! Fasten your seatbelts and ride through the abode of heavenly beauty- the Meghalaya!

Northeast India's Meghalaya, which means "abode of clouds", is a region of breathtaking beauty. One of the Seven Sister states of the Northeast, Meghalaya is bordered by theJaintia, Khasi and Garo hills which contribute to its geographical uniqueness. Adorned with fascinating cliffs, hills, dark caves, numerous lakes,

magnificent waterfalls and lush green valleys all around, Meghalaya is the best destination for any vacation. The climate of Meghalaya is consistently very pleasant throughout the year. Regardless of the season, you will require a blanket at night. And also, do remember to have an umbrella along, anytime you venture outside. The rains here are unpredictable nonetheless! It has the world's wettest climates, with monsoons that last for days and provides almost constant rain. A perfect place for a pluviophile. The capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong, is referred to as the "Scotland of the East." It is located in the East Khasi Hills of the state, located at a height of 1,496 metres above sea level. Meghalaya is home to numerous stunning natural wonders. Ward's Lake, Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Nohkalikai Falls, Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Seven Sisters Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Krem Mawmluh Cave, Mawlynnong Village, Dawki, Shnongpdeng, among other breath-taking locations, are just a few of Meghalaya's must-see attractions. Many of these locations are already well-known throughout the world for their beauty and as popular tourist destinations.

However, there are other locations that are less popular with tourists. These places are basically hidden heaven. Let's take a peek at some of these less-explored gems of Meghalaya-

1. Wei Sawdong: Meghalaya is home to a number of amazing waterfalls, but Wei Sawdong is a lesser-known yet incredibly beautiful 3-tiered waterfall that is located around 60 kilometres from Shillong. It's a great location for hikers as well. The climb here is a bit challenging. It takes a good deal of physical fitness to witness the falls. You will have to walk 200 metres along a nearly 90-degree slope. The trail was created by the native dwellers with bamboo which is a bit slick. Therefore, it is recommended to wear comfortable anti-skid shoes to ensure a good grip. The entire trek consists of two parts, each of which is difficult, dangerous and exhausting. However, no matter how challenging the journey, once you are at the base of the waterfall, you can't stop admiring them. The peace of nature and the magnificence of the falls will make you feel accomplished. The WeiSawdong Falls are simply exceptional.

2. Arwah Cave: The Arwah Cave in Meghalaya is a true delight for adventure lovers. The cave is a huge one, even larger than the Mawsmai Cave. However, only a limited part of it has been made accessible to tourists. The limestone structures and the allegedly million years old fossils in the Arwah Caves are known for their beauty. Diverse types of fossils in various shapes have been spotted by various explorers and travellers. You will also come across fish bones and crustacean shells fossilized in its walls. People can simply traverse through the spontaneously carved and sculpted rocks within the cave. Some stalactites and stalagmites formations are also found in the cave along with a running stream. In addition to being a destination for nature enthusiasts, Arwah will astound you through its numerous twists and turns. It's like a maze where one minute you're wandering under a lofty ceiling and the next minute you're sliding through a cramped path that connects to another area. Near the trail is a seating area where you may chill and enjoy the scenery.

3. WariChora: Never heard of WariChora before? Well, it's a recently discovered tourist attraction located in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. It is a tiny village surrounded by thick green forests. Taking a private taxi from Shillong is the most convenient way to reach this wonderful destination. Despite the fact of being just lately founded, it offers a wide range of activities such as-

• River Rafting- The rivers in this area are actually clear blue in colour, making the river canyon a superb destination for river rafting. One such river, the River Rongdik is flanked by several caverns, a thick canopy of greenery, tumbling waterfalls, and babbling water—the ideal ingredients for a fun and exciting adventure.

Hiking to the falls - There are two significant waterfalls in this area, the Chibok Dare Falls and the Renang Dare Falls, both of which require a strenuous trek to the gushing waters. Even though the walk may not be very easy, it is absolutely worth the time and effort.

A visit to these amazing places in Meghalaya is worth remembering. The trip to Meghalaya is hassle-free and it only takes you to hire a cab or a bus from Guwahati and in no time you will reach this place of magnificent beauty. You don't need any visa or permit to travel freely in Meghalaya. The people here are incredibly friendly and will always extend a warm welcome whenever you visit. If you want to have an adventurous trip that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, Meghalaya is the best destination for you to be!