Akshay's 6 days trip to North East
9 months agoHello,
All in all, I would say we had a very wonderful experience in Meghalaya, and a safe one too. This will be a detailed review of my 6D 5N stay in Meghalaya from 25 Feb to 1 Mar. 2024.
The driver Hatim Ali picked us up at the airport around 11.30 AM when we landed. We started off to Kazhiranga, and the first day was entirely travel, as Kazhiranga was quite far away and there are highway speed checks and animal crossings, so can't really reach Kazhiranga anytime before 6 hrs of travel.
Also, sun sets very early, around 5.30pm, so all plans need to be made before that.
The stay in Kazhiranga, Dhanshree Resort was excellent, with amazing food. Our only regret was that we stayed here for just one night.
Next day. we did the Jeep safari. at Rs.4000 per Jeep. It was a 3 hour safari through the Central range. and it was worth it. But that's that. There is nothing else to see or do in Kazhiranga.
We started off to Shillong right after the Safari.
We reached Shillong around 6pm on the 2nd day. The place we stayed here was Treetops residency. We had to climb up the stairs, to reach the entrance. the receptionist greeted us well, and showed us to our rooms. The room was big and cozy, and had heaters. This is much needed, as temperatures drop to 6-7 degrees.
The only downside to this day stays was the food. We ordered food from the hotel, and we were disappointed. Food is not good here.
On the third day, we travelled to Meghalaya around 8am in the morning. It was just 57kms, so we reached early. Now this was the best day of the entire trip.
First we visited the Arwan caves, which was amazing. Then, we went to Noh-kalikai falls. Despite water levels being low, the location and the view was mesmerizing. Then we visited the Masmui caves. The limestone cave was even better, and we spent some good time here. We went to see the Seven sister falls, but water levels were too low. Also, Thangkharang park was closed, when we visited at 4pm, so our driver took us to Eco park, which was good. There is a view point, and lot of area to walk around, in the setting sun, and worth to spend some time here.
We wrapped the day, and checked in at our stay, La Kupar. The cottage is good, with neat and cozy rooms. Having wooden walls, its much warmer and fresh. the food was served to our room, and was average. Nothing spectacular.
Next day, we visited the Garden of Caves. Now this is a spot we cannot miss in Sohra. A total of 11 amazing spots, including caves, view points, waterfalls, this Garden is truly a feast for our eyes. But beware, we do have to walk a lot, and it takes around 2 hours to complete.
Then we made our way to Maylynnong, and trekked a little to the Living root bridge. This is a natural phenomena, and worth the visit. After this, we visited the cleanest city in Asia.
We wrapped the day, with stay at Riwar cottage. This being a very remote place, cannot expect much luxury here. The cottage was small but clean. The food in the night was tasty, and the staff were good and responsive.
Next day, we went to Dawki in the morning, for the famous Umngot river boat ride. This was the highlight of the trip. On the borders of Bangladesh and Meghalaya, this place is truly a sight for sore eyes.
Beware, ask your boat paddler not the veer towards to the Bangladesh border. There is a huge cloud always, and they pass dirty remarks. My wife faced a situation, while we were on the boat. As we did not understand their language, there was nothing much we can do.
We finished the ride, and travelled back towards Shillong, through Jowai.
The car ride was good, and we visited Krang Shuri and PheePhee falls on the way. This would have been post rainy season, water levels were low.
We visited the Laitlum canyons on the way back. This is a view point, with deep gorges. Amazing time here, with photo shoots.
Then we travelled towards Shillong. As we reached early. we visited Ward's lake. Amazing place. Also, we went to the famous Police bazaar, the flee market of Shillong. Then, we stayed at TreeTops Residency. Again, disappointing food. Ordering via Zomato was the only option at 09:30 PM for us.
On the last day, we got up late, and made our way towards Guwahati airport. Our driver showed us a temple on the way, and we had lunch, and were dropped at the airport.
I would like to really appreciate our driver Hatim Ali, he was truly a gentleman, and made sure our stay and journey was safe and pleasant.