Sulakshna’s Meghalaya Journey with Thrillophilia: A Solo Adventure Through Waterfalls, Caves & Living Root Bridges
Thrillophilia Verified Booking
PNR: BKD7XR7FRYE
Rating: ★★★★★
Traveller: Sulakshna Suryavanshi
Duration: 6 Days | 5 Nights
Destination: Meghalaya
Travel Date: 16 September 2023 - 21 September 2023
Package Booked: Mesmerising Meghalaya | Group Tour Package
“Booked a 6 day's mesmerizing meghalaya trip through Thrillophilia... The tour was organised well, the hotels are good, and the entire trip was memorable for me. Overall, a good experience with Thrillophilia 🙂”Sulakshna Suryavanshi
A solo trip through Meghalaya sounds like the perfect recipe for adventure. Sulakshna’s six-day journey brought her waterfalls, caves, forest trails, villages and rivers. Each day offered something different to discover.
She travelled through Shillong, Cherrapunji, Shnongpdeng and Jowai. The route kept changing, but the scenery stayed spectacular. From misty hills to turquoise waters, Meghalaya kept giving her reasons to stop and look around.
Umiam Lake: The Scenic Start to Meghalaya
Sulakshna’s journey began after arriving in Guwahati. Her transfer towards Shillong included a stop at Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani. The huge reservoir stretched between the green hills of Meghalaya.
She spent some time taking in the peaceful surroundings before continuing towards Shillong. The drive itself introduced her to Meghalaya’s changing landscape. The busy city gradually gave way to winding roads, hills and thick greenery.
After checking into her hotel in Shillong, Sulakshna had the evening to herself. It was a relaxed beginning before the more adventurous days ahead.
Cherrapunji: Waterfalls, Caves and Endless Greenery
The next morning, Sulakshna left Shillong for Cherrapunji. Her sightseeing began with Elephant Falls, where water rushed down several rocky levels. The surrounding greenery made the waterfall feel especially refreshing.
She then stopped at Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint. From the viewpoint, she could see layers of green hills stretching into the distance. The vast valley made for one of the most scenic stops of the day.
The route continued towards Wei Sawdong Falls, a beautiful three-tiered waterfall hidden among dense greenery. Sulakshna then visited Nohkalikai Falls, where water plunges dramatically into a blue-green pool far below. Seven Sisters Falls brought another striking sight, with multiple streams flowing down the mountain together.
The adventure continued underground at Mawsmai Cave. Sulakshna walked through its narrow limestone passages and natural formations. She later explored Arwah Caves, where the rugged interiors revealed limestone structures and ancient fossils. It was a day packed with completely different landscapes.
The Nongriat Trek: A Bridge Grown From Trees
The following morning was dedicated to the famous Nongriat trek. Sulakshna travelled to Tyrna Village, the starting point for the trail. From there, she began walking through Meghalaya’s dense forest.
The trail took her through layers of greenery, stone steps, small bridges and natural streams. The walk demanded effort, but every section offered something interesting to see. After reaching Nongriat, she finally came across the Double Decker Living Root Bridge.
The bridge was especially fascinating because it is a living structure. Local communities have guided the roots of rubber fig trees across streams over many years. The roots gradually grow stronger and form a sturdy crossing.
Sulakshna spent time taking in the unusual sight before beginning her return journey. The trek back towards Tyrna involved around 3,000 steps. By the end, the tired legs came with the satisfaction of completing one of Meghalaya’s most memorable experiences.
Mawlynnong and Riwai: Walking Through Meghalaya’s Living Heritage
After the trek, Sulakshna continued towards Mawlynnong. The village offered a quieter experience after the demanding Nongriat trail. She walked through the village and stopped to see its famous Balancing Rock.
The journey then continued to Riwai Village. Here, she encountered another example of Meghalaya’s living root architecture. She walked across the Single Decker Living Root Bridge, surrounded by dense forest and natural greenery.
The experience offered a closer look at how local communities have shaped their surroundings over generations. The bridge itself felt completely connected to the landscape around it. It was a memorable contrast to the waterfalls and caves from the previous days.
Dawki: Crystal-Clear Waters and a Riverside Escape
From Riwai, Sulakshna continued towards Dawki. The landscape changed once again as she reached the famous Umngot River.
She took a boat ride across the river and got to see its remarkably clear water up close. The rocky riverbed could be seen beneath the surface on clear stretches. Green hills and rocky banks framed the river on both sides.
She then stayed overnight in Shnongpdeng, a riverside destination surrounded by Meghalaya’s natural beauty. After several days of sightseeing, the slower pace offered plenty of time to enjoy the setting.
Jowai and Krang Suri: One More Waterfall Before Home
Sulakshna’s next stop was Jowai, where she visited the stunning Krang Suri Waterfalls. The waterfall sits within a lush landscape, with clear blue-green water surrounded by rocks and thick greenery.
She spent time enjoying the scenery before continuing towards Shillong. After days filled with caves, treks and waterfalls, Krang Suri offered a beautiful final glimpse of Meghalaya’s natural side.
Her journey eventually brought her back to Shillong. The final transfer towards Guwahati included a visit to Kamakhya Temple. The sacred temple provided a peaceful closing moment before she headed to the airport or railway station.
Why Sulakshna Chose Thrillophilia for her Meghalaya Trip
Sulakshna’s entire Meghalaya journey was curated by Swapnil, Thrillophilia’s Meghalaya destination expert. He planned the route around the experiences that would make a six-day solo trip feel full, varied and memorable. The itinerary moved naturally from Shillong to Cherrapunji, Nongriat, Mawlynnong, Dawki and Jowai.
Swapnil’s curation brought together the big Meghalaya highlights with experiences that gave Sulakshna a closer feel of the destination. She explored caves, trekked through forests, crossed living root bridges and spent time around some of the region’s most beautiful waterfalls and rivers.
With the stays and transfers arranged throughout the journey, Sulakshna could focus on enjoying Meghalaya. From her first view of Umiam Lake to the final stop at Kamakhya Temple, Thrillophilia ensured the trip had a comfortable flow and plenty to discover along the way.
Also Read: Prateek’s Meghalaya Trip with Thrillophilia
