Why you need to visit Meghalaya as a family

Why you need to visit Meghalaya as a family

The Gem of North East India : Meghalaya

India is indeed Incredible, right from snow, desert, lakes, sea, caves, dense forests to waterfalls, it has all in its girth. And one such gem is the North east India, full of lush green fields, and lots for the backpackers to explore. North east India never failed to amaze me. It has always made me feel proud of its heritage, culture and the environment. We basked in this beautiful part of India, Assam and Meghalaya during our New Year’s. And nothing could have been a better treat as a family. It is a grandeur charisma, which pulls the roamer across the world.

Though, all of the places we explored, will have a detailed review on our Travel blog FOTW, this post will highlight why you need to ensure that Meghalaya is in your Bucket List for 2019.

 

Meghalaya, the North east indian state needs to be added in your bucket list. It is one of the best place for nature lovers, explorers and even for families. Read to know more. #travelIndia #Incredibleinda #explorer #naturelovers #Meghalaya #lakesofIndia #shillong

 

Interesting facts about Meghalaya :

  • Women and Girls have a strong foothold here, it is only state which follows matrilineal system , in which a person’s lineage is traced through women. Perfect example of women empowerment!
  • Did you know that Meghalaya’s Sex ratio is 986[F]:1000 [M], which is much higher than India’s average. Kudos
  • Meaning of Meghalaya is “abode of clouds”, as you’ll witness walking in the clouds if you visit it during the months of June – October .
  • Cheerapunji and the village near it “ Mawsynram” receives the highest rainfall in the world.
  • Meghalaya also has India’s longest cave in the Jainita hills, which is said to be 22kms long, whoa!
  • Its Sacred forests are rich in biodiversity and are yet unexplored. Explorers, are you listening!
  • It borders with Assam and internationally with Bangladesh. You can view the Bangladesh border from various spots in Meghalaya.
  • It has Asia’s Cleanest village “Mawlynnong”, Let’s cheer out loud.

Excited enough?

Let’s take a virtual round why you need to visit Meghalaya as a family :

 

For the love of Lakes :

Who doesn’t loves the tranquility of watching the sunset over the waters? Meghalaya, has ample beautiful lakes for you to witness. 

Umiam lake (Barapani Lake) : very close to the capital city of Shillong, is spread over 220kms. Surrounded by Khasi Hills, it is really picturesque. The panoramic views kept us mesmerized for every single moment. There are some water activities as Boating, kayaking, Speed Boat , cruise also for some adrenaline rush.

Once you are through with the boating options, simply play the music, enjoy the beautiful settings and indulge in some twisty moves right amidst this thrilling lake. After all, it is often compared with the Lakes of Scotland!

Meghalaya, the North east indian state needs to be added in your bucket list. It is one of the best place for nature lovers, explorers and even for families. Read to know more. #travelIndia #Incredibleinda #explorer #naturelovers #Meghalaya #lakesofIndia #shillong

 

Dawki Lake : Located In the southern part of Meghalaya, bordering Bangladesh (2kms away from Bangladesh), Dawki town encapsulates a precious masterpiece, Dawki Lake or Umngot lake. Have you ever witnessed a boat on completely transparent water? May be on Social Media? Well, that’s what this happening place has got to offer. It is one of the cleanest rivers. Look at the boats sailing from a distance, you’ll be tempted to exclaim wow. 

Surrounded by Jainita and Khasi hills,  this river is a box full of magical surprises. We opted for boating here, to witness the serenity. Our lil boy was amazed at the underwater views (fishes , stones and sands), all so crystal clear in the blue green waters. While boating, you’ll witness the last edge of India and a big stone on the other side which demarcates India and Bangladesh. It’s a perfect setting to view the sunset too.

Meghalaya, the North east indian state needs to be added in your bucket list. It is one of the best place for nature lovers, explorers and even for families. Read to know more. #travelIndia #Incredibleinda #explorer #naturelovers #Meghalaya #lakesofIndia #shillong #dawki #rootbridge #livingrootbridges

 

Explore the hinterland of Caves :

So how would be the thrill of walking through the unknown be? Meghalaya has some of the longest caves in the world. 

Did you know that out of the 10 longest and deepest caves in India, 9 are in Meghalaya?

Most of these caves are formed of limestones and some might even need one to swim to enter inside. It was the first Cave exploration for us, and we opted to cover 2 caves, Arwah cave [ comparatively new discovery], Mawsmai Cave, both near Cheerapunji . These caves will leave you spell-binding for sure. Both caves are unique in their own way, while Mawsmai Cave is well lit on one part, its another, comparatively very narrow part is not lit at all. As you enter more and more, the passage become narrow, dark and really scary. You’ll have to creep, squeeze to fit in some of the openings and that’s what the real adventure is! 

Caution : Get into your slimmer self. Peek-a-boo with the underground world is something you’ll cherish forever.

Highlight of Arwah Caves, were the fossils and limestone streams. Watch closely and you’ll be able to spot Mollusk shells and Fish bone fossils over here.  Does that sounds exciting enough for an adventure trail with kids?

Meghalaya, the North east indian state needs to be added in your bucket list. It is one of the best place for nature lovers, explorers and even for families. Read to know more. #travelIndia #Incredibleinda #explorer #naturelovers #Meghalaya #lakesofIndia #shillong #Caves #Caverns

 

Grand Canyons

A deep gorge between the surrounding cliffs, usually with the river stream is something worth witnessing. The weathering process, erosions, movement of rivers, create Canyons naturally. One of the Meghalaya’s Natural wonder is the Grand Laitlum Canyon. The views will leave you awe-struck. But their is a catch! Most of the times of the year, it is engulfed in thick clouds making it difficult for tourists to witness the real beauty. We were lucky enough, as it a perfect winter sunny day, with no cloud patch coming our way. 

The walk along the stairways, looks like a path to heaven, it is so breathtaking. Viewing the canyons are the scenic hill slopes, and the dazzling meadows. Bask in some sunlight, play with kids and sip some tea and binge on Maggie. Perfect holiday plan, right? Kids will have lots of fun running around these slopes and spotting goats. 

Meghalaya, the North east indian state needs to be added in your bucket list. It is one of the best place for nature lovers, explorers and even for families. Read to know more. #travelIndia #Incredibleinda #explorer #naturelovers #Meghalaya #lakesofIndia #shillong #dawki #rootbridge #livingrootbridges #canyon

 

Living Root bridges :

These are perfect examples bio-engineering, how innovative man can be wrt Natural wonders. Deep into the dense forests, with huge rocks and river streams, these bridges are made from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees.

These man-made bridges are formed by guiding the pliable roots of rubber tree across the stream and then allowing them to grow over the years. They can also be twisted together to gain more strength. Over the years, these roots strengthen till they can bear the human weight.

Meghalaya is a home to many such Living Root bridges and one of the marvel is the Double Decker root bridge. It involves a strenuous trek up and down 3000 stairs through the forests. And, we did that, with our 4yo kid. The sight of the marvel, gave us an immense satisfaction. Pristine, tranquil, masterpiece, ever step towards this bridge is worth what you get to witness.

Meghalaya, the North east indian state needs to be added in your bucket list. It is one of the best place for nature lovers, explorers and even for families. Read to know more. #travelIndia #Incredibleinda #explorer #naturelovers #Meghalaya #lakesofIndia #shillong #rootbridge #livingrootbridge

 

Tree houses :

Are you longing to climb Tree house and witness the majesty? Then Meghalaya has ample of these. Mawlynnong Tree house is one, which we climbed to witness the Sky view of Bangladesh. Usually these are made out of Bamboo and hay stacks. Climbing to reach the top of the Tree House itself is a fun for kids [for adults too, as I too enjoyed]. 

Meghalaya, the North east indian state needs to be added in your bucket list. It is one of the best place for nature lovers, explorers and even for families. Read to know more. #travelIndia #Incredibleinda #explorer #naturelovers #Meghalaya #lakesofIndia #shillong #dawki #rootbridge #livingrootbridges #treehouse

So are these 5 reasons convincing enough that your bucket list needs to be amended now? Pull up your socks, ensure that you make yourself fit and embark on this adventurous journey. Have you been to Meghalaya before, then share your experiences in the comment section.

Read more about our Goa experiences

Much Love, Jhilmil!

Jhilmil

Quest to live the life surrounded with the charming little bundle's of joy. When they speak, I sing, When they smile, I rejoice , When they hug, I hold them never to lose, Such is my passion for these Gifts of God.This love urged me to navigate separately from my Travel Blog & establish an "All-In-One" Blog for budding mothers. Mum's have multi-tasked this world ,with all her professional commitments , she still makes an extra effort to be a loving, caring and be an intellectual mommy! Cheers, for me too come from the same fraternity, post having a superb academics & close to 8 years of professional experience and blessed with a little one "who has indeed changed my life from Autumn to Spring";)

This Post Has 31 Comments

  1. India is truly incredible. The pictures are breathtaking. I have always aspired to visit the cloudy dream of Meghalaya. Hope to indulge soon, your post inspired a lot.

  2. Deepali dhabu

    I have never been Meghalaya . What excited me much by all the information you shared is tree houses ? I would love to visit here and explore their culture . Love the way you mentioned all the minute detailing as well .

  3. Pooja Budhiraja

    Wow. The place looks so calm and relaxing. The nature is really beautiful. Amazing clicks
    I loved that root bridge.

    #Poseinstylereads

  4. Ruchi Verma

    I really want to visit after reading this for beautiful places and yes even I heard that this place is really one great example of women empowerment

  5. Tess

    Wow meghalaya sounds such a beautiful place to visit with family..my daughter wants to visit a place that snows this is perfect..love the fact that women are treated well there makes it so good

  6. Jheelam

    I’ve only seen the images of Dawki lake and it came across as purely magical! Must’ve been a life-time experience sailing on it. Great pics !

  7. Snigdha Prusti

    Wow, there are so many things to visit in Meghalay. I haven’t visited this side but I know these places are full of natural beauty.. If you need some calm and peace in life, then Meghalay is a right option for you..

  8. Deepika Verma

    Oh this definitely seems to be a great place!! I have heard so much about it ? going to definitely keep it in mind for my next vacation

  9. Rohini James

    I intend to travel more around India and one of the places in my list is Meghalaya. Your pictures and words make me want to take that trip sooner.

  10. Akanksha

    So many amazing facts about Meghalaya that we didn’t really know earlier. I had no idea that it has Asia’s cleanest village and India’s longest cave. Definitely a must visit state with Family. I bet your family enjoyed so much.

  11. Sayeri

    North East is my favorite place and Meghalaya is something you should visit atleast once in a lifetime. Its like heaven.I have a plan for it.

  12. Prerna Sinha

    Never been to this place but Meghalaya is really a beautiful place to visit. Your blog s are really informative and interesting. Definitely going to add this one in my list. Thanks for sharing this article.

  13. Dipali Bhasin

    For one has traveled to many cities both in India and abroad, Meghalaya is one place that has eluded me. I have been mesmerized by its wondrous beauty and natural landscape. Your post stirs the wanderlust in me to go and explore it at the earliest. Loved the read!

  14. Shraddha Bhalla

    I have yet to visit the North East and Meghalaya has always intrigued me so much. Your Guide is very helpful

  15. Kajal kothari

    Meghalaya never crossed my mind every time I thot of a travel destination, but after reading this it’s on my bucket list

  16. Noorain

    Never knew that Meghalaya had such beautiful wonders waiting to be explored. This is a perfect vacation to help the kids understand nature as well.

  17. Disha

    I have always loved my vacations in North east, having spent sometime living there. Meghalaya is a long pending place in my bucket list and your post is tempting me to jump on a plane right now. 🙂

  18. Priyanka Patwari

    Your post is really great and helpful. I with my family is planning to visit north east during April this year for 10 days. Is April a good time to visit these places?

  19. U K

    Wow, there are so many things in Meghalaya which can be enjoyed and I was definitely not aware of many of these. Thank you for this wonderful post. 🙂
    UK

  20. Richa MIna

    Wow it seems like you’ve enjoyed Meghalaya a lot… i’ve loved visting there but it was few years back… it’s a great place

  21. Amita

    The place meghalaya sounds so calm and relaxing.Your all pictures looks so good.Your blog s are really informative and interesting.

  22. Neha Jella

    I have read a lot about the Meghalaya’s nature and climate. This place is too calm and relaxing. I have never been there before but will definitely plan to visit Meghalaya.

  23. Noor Anand Chawla

    Meghalaya looks stunning in your pictures and through your words! Such diverse natural beauty in our own country, is something to be proud of and to be visited for sure. Thanks for sharing!

  24. Sashya Srivastava

    This is one of the most calm and beautiful place I really wish to visit heee soon

  25. Mrinal Kiran

    I have always loved the north eastern states… They are so beautiful and heavenly, but much unexplored! I have always wanted to visit the north eastern states instead of other countries! And after this post, I am surely going to visit Meghalaya some day!

  26. Savvy B

    Your experience shared makes Meghalaya look even more beautiful and a must visit for travel addicts as me and the family. Thanks for the share.

  27. Dipika Singh

    India has mesmerizing beauty, isn’t it? North East is one of the best places to be, most romantic and breathtaking sceneries. I am up for this trip with family as soon as possible. Always top in my bucket list.

  28. Amrit kaur

    Meghalaya is a heaven on earth. The place looks so close and beautiful with nature. I would surely visit this soon.

  29. Deepa

    Meghalaya is on my bucket list and your post really convinced me to plan it soon. Thanks for this virtual trip to North East.

  30. Shub

    North east of India is very beautiful and somewhat unexplored. My dad was there at Meghalaya a few years back and he loved the place. I will plan a trip with family too. Lovely pointers in this post.

  31. Deepika Verma

    I am definitely going to have this listed in my travel wishlist…looks like a great relaxing place and the tree houses are definitely very exciting and something I look forward to experiencing

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