Nature’s Apotheosis

Meghalaya re-discovered!

The title of this scoop really says it all… If there is one state in India where nature is prioritized over any pecuniary objectives, then Meghalaya would surely be one of the strongest contestants for it. While the heavily frequented Rock Capital of India, Shillong and one of the top contenders for the world's rainiest place, Cherrapunji may be the polestars of tourism here, many don’t realize that there is so much more to this state especially for naturalists often left unexplored! So, my wifey and I embarked on a 3-day campaign of re-discovery of this miraculous province.

First among the places of exceptional curiosity, was Asia’s cleanest village Mawlynnong… Enter it and not only can you forget about morsels of street-side refuse, but you can safely bet on the absence of even a single dried leaf on its roads! The level of spruceness maintained here along with lines of baroque chalets, could not only challenge any 5-star resort but probably also come out the winner. And nearby one can find another global uniqueness native to only some parts of Meghalaya, the picture perfect Mawlynnong living root bridge, connecting the opposite banks of a ferocious cascade. Nature is truly the best engineer there is…!

Next up was the border town of Dawki in the West Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya… Boating on the crystal-clear waters of the Wah Umngot between sheer cliff faces, offered one of the most immersive natural experiences we’ve ever had! Although it can get a bit murky during times of heavy rains, washing the surrounding hillside soil into the river, row to its central patch and it is likely to more than live up to its reputation. The India – Bangladesh Tamabil border also offered a rare sight where Indian and Bangladeshi tourists crossed their respective national territories to exchange greetings in the no-man’s land, clicking selfies with each other.

The Mawphlang Sacred Grove, a few miles offset from the Shillong – Cherrapunji road, was another spell-binding experience, the local guide giving us an exclusive insight into their clan’s history and centuries’ old tradition practiced to this date, not to mention his skill with the camera, no less than a seasoned photographer, giving us some exquisite shots with the forest. Hope we didn't anger their deity Labasa, who legend has it, does not allow anything that belongs there to leave the grove! At the end of the day, these are the winks of time that get mortared to our minds. Personally, if my head ever needed a factory reset and I had the superpower of teleportation, then this would definitely be the spot I'd arrive at!

All in all, this was surely our most momentous trek since our Chail-Kufri getaway about a year and a half back. Our harmonious surroundings made us realize that we have already been blessed with and achieved so much in a short time, be it professional stability or overall familial well-being or being able to go places unconstrained, without having to worry much about finances or otherwise, and much more... We are grateful to be in a position, if we can say so with utmost humility, where the number of cars or properties in our family is almost equal to the number of members, be it for present convenience or envisaged future necessity. Our level of preparedness is almost as if we are waiting for life to catch up to us, albeit in a very positive way... For the next big shovel of coal in our steam engine, so to say! Sorry, I guess the philosopher in me is at it again… Hahaha… Thank you ‘Megh’-‘alaya’ or should I say ‘Abode of the Clouds’!

Back to work then... *SIGH*