From being the wettest place on earth to housing some of the most indigenous species of man and animals alike, Meghalaya is one extraordinary place to be in the country. With its pristine beauty, perpetual clouds, mists, huge waterfalls, limestone caves, lush green, and dense forests, amazing living root bridges, you will easily fall in love with it. And not to forget, the matrilineal society of Meghalaya. It is something you would not want to miss, especially if you are a woman. 

Monika Guwalani is an investment banker turned traveler, Monika loves to explore everything new and document her journey creatively. She wishes to see sunrises from every corner of the world and live for the little things in life!. Her 9 day trip to Meghalaya will leave you in nothing but awe!

DAY 1

The first day of her solo trip started with arriving in Guwahati from Hyderabad by flight. She then took a shared taxi to reach Shnongpdeng which took about 6-8 hours. It is a beautiful place located in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya where the serene Umngot river flows.

And stayed at Pioneer Adventure Tour Camp. Being located near the river, in the forest, it is a perfect place to stay. The magical full moon, bonfire, and people to share stories with are nothing but a dream. Monika recalls playing the ukulele. 

DAY 2

The Morning of her second day started with a warm breakfast and was jam-packed with fun and adrenaline-filled adventure sports, arranged by the same company (Pioneer Adventure Tour Camps). She had the time of her life while Snorkeling, Ziplining, Kayaking, and Cliff jumping. She says the guides and instructors were very careful and gave proper instructions while ensuring safety. 

DAY 3

The third day started in Mawlynnong with visiting tourist places like Zero point, India-Bangladesh Friendship gate, and many more and enjoying the local cuisine. While keeping the day light, she spent it doing touristy things, talking to local people, sightseeing, observing culture. 

DAY 4

On the fourth day, she left for Sohra which also is a local name for Cherrapunjee, and booked a tent at Cindy Homestay. There are both hotels and tents for accommodation. You can choose according to your preference. However, she booked a taxi to reach Sohra and paid the driver to take her sightseeing. She went to seven sister falls, elephant falls, an eco-park, a local market, and many more. The second accommodation was later in the Khasi hills. It is a low mountain formation on the Shillong Plateau in Meghalaya. She again chose a tent that was big, spacious, and surrounded by lush greenery. There are many beautiful sunset points nearby the property. Having stayed the night there. She left for the Double-decker trek the next day. 

DAY 5 and 6

Leaving for the trek in the early morning, she was accompanied by a local child as her guide for the trek who charged her INR 600 for the round trip. She describes this 20-25 min trek as easy to moderate on the level of difficulty. Starting from the village of Nongriat, she started descending the hill. The trek goes through a dense forest. So you’ll be able to witness the real beauty of nature, birds, root bridges, humongous trees, and flowing rivers. Make sure to wake up early in the morning if you want good, clean, and clear pictures.

It took her about 4-5 hours to reach the double-decker bridge and another 2 or so to reach the Rainbow falls. Upon reaching the Nongriat, she stayed at the local homestay which cost her around INR 300-400 per night, including food. 

DAY 7

The next day, after having tea, she left back with her guide. Monika says that the trek uphill is more challenging than downhill. But the trail is well maintained and should not be a problem. After reaching back to the hotel, she took her bag and left for Milieum, for the night. It is, however, the beauty in traveling that you meet unknown people, and some bonds last longer. This is exactly something that happened to Monika. She met some people at the stay whom she met long back during her trip to Ladakh. Isn’t that a wonderful coincidence!

DAY 8

After heading back to Shillong, she did some local sightseeing- Ward’s Lake, Elephant Falls through local transport. While keeping the day light, she took some rest. 

DAY 9

On the last day, she went back to Guwahati, to a friend’s place. It was a beautiful Christmas eve and the festival is celebrated with much joy in Meghalaya. She went to church and had a good warm dinner at her friend’s place. And at midnight, there were carols and a Christmas march onto the streets. And the next morning she flew back. 

Monika highly recommends visiting Krang Suri waterfalls, Mawlongbna trek, David Scot’s trek, Kaziranga National Park. And suggests booking the most stays before leaving for the trio, especially if you are traveling solo. Good and thorough research is the key and carry a sufficient amount of cash for your expenses. Conversation is a must, talk to local people and know the situation better. 

Other than that you will have the time of your life. Meghalaya is a must-visit place and should be on the checklist!

So this was Monika’s wonderful trip! For more photos and videos check out her Instagram page: @bootsofahitchhiker

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