My Sojourn to Meghalaya with Economads: A Complete 6-Day Itinerary (Part 1)

My recent journey to Meghalaya, the “Abode of the Clouds,” was an unforgettable experience, meticulously planned and executed with the help of Economads․ From the moment I landed in Guwahati, I knew this would be more than just a vacation; it was an immersion into a vibrant culture, a breathtaking landscape, and a testament to sustainable tourism․ This 6-day itinerary, crafted by Economads, allowed me to explore Meghalaya’s hidden gems while minimizing my environmental impact and supporting local communities․ Through Economads, I found a path to responsible travel, discovering the true essence of this northeastern Indian state․ This is the first part of my journey․

Day 1: Arrival in Guwahati and Transfer to Shillong – The Scotland of the East

Our adventure began with a smooth arrival at Guwahati Airport, where our Economads representative was waiting to greet us․ A comfortable and well-maintained vehicle was ready to transport us to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, often referred to as the “Scotland of the East․” The drive itself was scenic, winding through lush green hills and offering glimpses of rural life․ We stopped at a local eatery for a traditional Khasi meal, savoring the flavors of Meghalayan cuisine․ Upon reaching Shillong, we checked into our eco-friendly guesthouse, a charming establishment that embraced sustainable practices․

Exploring Shillong’s Charm

• Ward’s Lake: We took a leisurely stroll around Ward’s Lake, a serene artificial lake surrounded by gardens․ Boating on the lake offered stunning views of the surrounding hills․
• Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians: A visit to this magnificent cathedral, a prominent landmark in Shillong, was a spiritually enriching experience․
• Police Bazaar: We explored the bustling Police Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace offering a wide array of local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs․

Day 2: Living Root Bridges and Dawki’s Crystal Clear Waters

Day two was dedicated to exploring the natural wonders of Meghalaya, starting with a trek to the famous living root bridges․ These incredible structures, formed by the aerial roots of rubber trees, are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Khasi people․ The trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge at Nongriat was challenging but rewarding, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest․

Dawki and the Bangladesh Border

After our trek, we headed towards Dawki, a small town located on the border between India and Bangladesh․ The Umngot River in Dawki is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, allowing you to see the riverbed even at a considerable depth․ We enjoyed a boat ride on the river, marveling at the stunning scenery and the vibrant colors of the surrounding hills․

Day 3: Mawlynnong – Asia’s Cleanest Village

Our third day was spent in Mawlynnong, recognized as Asia’s cleanest village․ The village is a testament to the community’s commitment to cleanliness and sustainability․ We explored the village, admiring the well-maintained houses, the blooming gardens, and the spotless streets․ A highlight was the Sky View, a bamboo structure offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and even glimpses of Bangladesh in the distance․

The efforts of this community serves as a lesson for us all․

Day 4: Cherrapunjee ⎼ The Wettest Place on Earth

Cherrapunjee, once known as the wettest place on Earth, beckoned with its dramatic landscapes and cascading waterfalls․ We visited Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India, a truly awe-inspiring sight․ The sheer force of the water plunging from such a height was mesmerizing․

Exploring the Caves of Cherrapunjee

• Mawsmai Cave: We explored the Mawsmai Cave, a well-lit limestone cave with stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations․
• Arwah Cave: Another fascinating cave, Arwah Cave offered a more adventurous experience with its narrow passages and underground streams․

The weather in Cherrapunjee is unpredictable, so be prepared for rain․ Pack accordingly!

Day 5: Return to Shillong and Local Exploration

Day five involved traveling back to Shillong from Cherrapunjee․ Upon returning to Shillong, we took the opportunity to explore more of the city’s local attractions․ We visited the Don Bosco Museum of Indigenous Cultures, a fascinating museum showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Northeast India․ We also spent some time at the Shillong Peak, the highest point in Shillong, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills․

Day 6: Departure from Guwahati

My incredible journey through Meghalaya, facilitated by Economads, culminated with a transfer back to Guwahati Airport for my departure․ Leaving this beautiful state was bittersweet, but I carried with me unforgettable memories and a renewed appreciation for sustainable tourism․ This 6-day Economads itinerary provided a perfect balance of adventure, cultural immersion, and responsible travel․ My final thought is about how I will soon be back and will definitely use Economads to plan my next trip․ As I boarded my flight, I reflected on the breathtaking landscapes, the warm hospitality of the local people, and the positive impact that Economads is making on the tourism industry․ I highly recommend planning your Meghalaya adventure through Economads!

Beyond the Itinerary: Whispers of Meghalaya

But the itinerary, however meticulously crafted, only tells half the story․ The true magic of Meghalaya lies in the intangible – the whispers of the wind through the Khasi pines, the earthy scent of petrichor after a sudden downpour, the shy smiles of children playing in the villages․ It’s in the rhythm of life that unfolds slowly, deliberately, in contrast to the frenetic pace of the cities I’m used to․

The Taste of Adventure: Beyond the Standard Fare

While the Khasi meals were delightful, I ventured beyond the standard fare․ I discovered jadoh, a unique rice dish cooked with pig’s blood – an acquired taste, perhaps, but one that connected me to the ancient traditions of the region․ I sampled dohkhlieh, a salad of boiled pork, onions, and ginger, a burst of freshness that invigorated me after a long trek․ And I couldn’t resist trying the local rice beer, kyiad, a potent brew that warmed me from the inside out on chilly evenings․

Unexpected Encounters: Stories Woven in the Mist

The most memorable moments weren’t always on the planned itinerary․ One afternoon, while exploring a remote village near Mawlynnong, I stumbled upon a group of women weaving intricate baskets from bamboo․ They welcomed me with open arms, sharing their stories and teaching me the basics of their craft․ Their hands, weathered by years of toil, moved with a grace and precision that was mesmerizing․ It was a reminder that true connection transcends language barriers․

The Sound of Silence: Finding Peace in the Abode of Clouds

In a world saturated with noise, Meghalaya offered a rare gift: the sound of silence․ I found solace in the stillness of the rainforest, the gentle murmur of the Umngot River, the quiet solitude of the caves․ I learned to listen not just with my ears, but with my heart, absorbing the tranquility of my surroundings․ It was a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with myself․

A Legacy of Responsible Travel: More Than Just a Trip

My journey with Economads was more than just a vacation; it was an education․ I learned about the importance of sustainable tourism, the delicate balance between preserving the environment and supporting local communities․ I saw firsthand how tourism can be a force for good, empowering people and protecting the natural beauty of Meghalaya․ I left with a renewed sense of responsibility, determined to travel more consciously and leave a positive impact wherever I go․

And so, my adventure in Meghalaya, guided by the mindful ethos of Economads, has become a chapter etched deeply within me․ It’s a story I’ll continue to tell, not just of places seen, but of lessons learned, connections forged, and a profound respect for the Abode of the Clouds and the remarkable people who call it home․ It’s an invitation to explore, to connect, and to travel with purpose․