Picture this and soak yourself: The monsoon clouds hung low, wrapping the landscape in a soft, misty embrace. I stood at the edge of the cliff, peering down. Below me, Nohkalikai Falls plummeted—a sheer drop—its waters transformed into a silvery veil by the rain. The legend whispered through the damp air: Nohkalikai, the heartbroken mother. She leaped from this very cliff after her husband murdered their daughter out of jealousy. The falls, they say, carry her grief eternally.

Picture this and soak yourself As the rain intensified, the falls roared louder. The lush greenery clung to the cliffs, defiant against the elements. Ferns sprouted from every crevice, and moss painted the rocks in shades of emerald. The air smelled of wet earth and pine needles.

I hiked down the slippery trail, my boots full of mud, with leap of faith I keep walking and climbing the stairs. The forest enveloped me —a symphony of dripping leaves and distant birdcalls. The moss-covered stones seemed enchanted, as if they held secrets whispered by centuries of raindrops.

And then, there it was: the much awaited base of Nohkalikai Falls. The pool churned with ferocity, its turquoise depths both inviting and intimidating. I dipped my fingers, feeling the icy touch. The water tasted of ancient stories and forgotten sorrows.

As I sat on a mossy boulder, raindrops danced on my skin. The falls sprayed mist, creating rainbows that shimmered briefly before vanishing. I wondered if Nohkalikai’s spirit still lingered here, seeking solace in the ceaseless cascade.

At that very moment, I understood why Meghalaya is called the “Abode of Clouds.” It’s a place where nature weaves its own tales, where waterfalls are more than geological wonders—they’re living poetry. Let the rain soak your soul, and listen. Perhaps you’ll hear Nohkalikai’s lament carried by the wind, echoing through the mist.

Living Root Bridges One of the most unforgettable experiences is the trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. The journey itself is an adventure, with 3500 stairs one way, through dense forests and across crystal-clear streams, iron bridges – a scenic view. As you approach the bridge, the sight of the ancient roots intertwined to form a sturdy pathway is nothing short of magical. Standing on the bridge, you can feel the history and the ingenuity of the Khasi tribes who created this natural marvel. Possibly one of Meghalaya’s most famous attractions, these living root bridges are awe-inspiring. Imagine bridges made not of steel or concrete, but of living tree roots! Enroute to the Bridge, you will pass through the forest, which is a house of spices, smell the great aroma, sit down a bit, relax and try to listen to the “Silence of the Forest”. In the heart of the forest, silence reigns supreme. It’s a silence that isn’t empty, filled with the subtle symphony of nature. As you sit beneath the towering trees, the world around you seems to slow down, allowing you to truly relax and connect with the environment around you. The gentle rustling of leaves as a breeze passes through, the distant call of a bird, and the soft crunch of twigs underfoot create a soothing backdrop. This natural orchestra invites you to let go of your worries, fears, anxiety and simply be present in the moment. This silence is a balm for the soul, offering a sanctuary from the noise and chaos of everyday life, breathe deeply, feel the earth beneath you, and find a sense of peace that is often elusive in the modern world. The silence of the forest has a profound effect on your thoughts. It creates a space where your mind can wander freely, unburdened by the constant noise and distractions of daily life. The bridge, woven from the roots of ancient rubber trees, felt like a natural marvel beneath my feet. The gentle sway as I crossed added to the sense of adventure, and the view of the lush forest below was breathtaking.

Mawlynnong: The Cleanest Village in Asia: Mawlynnong, often called “God’s Own Garden,” lives up to its reputation. Not only does it boast a living root bridge nearby, but it was also declared the cleanest village. As I stepped into Mawlynnong, the first thing that struck me was the sheer cleanliness and orderliness of the village. Impeccable Cleanliness : The first thing you’ll notice is the immaculate cleanliness. Every corner of the village is spotless, with bamboo dustbins placed strategically to ensure no litter is left behind. Not a single piece of paper was thrown on the streets, no plastic anywhere. The air was so fresh, I loved filling my lungs with this fresh air, and the streets were lined with vibrant flowers, creating a picturesque scene that felt almost surreal. Scenic Beauty - The natural beauty of Mawlynnong is captivating. From the well-maintained gardens to the fruit orchards and cool mountain streams, every aspect of the village is a visual delight. The monsoon season, in particular, transforms the village into a lush, green paradise. In short : Visiting Mawlynnong is not just about seeing a clean village; it’s about experiencing a way of life that harmonizes with nature and community. It’s a reminder of the beauty that can be achieved when people come together with a shared commitment to their environment.

Rain Soaked - Cherrapunji Visiting Cherrapunji is just like walking into a world where nature’s beauty and tranquility envelop you completely. Imagine you are constantly surrounded and wake up to the sound of raindrops gently tapping on your window, the air fresh and crisp with the scent of wet earth. The lush green hills stretch out before you, cloaked in mist, creating a scene straight out of a dream. Every Morning the first thing that greeted me was the sound of rain. It was a gentle, constant drizzle that seemed to envelop the entire landscape. The air was ice cool and fresh, filled with the earthy scent of wet soil and lush greenery. The rain continued throughout the day, but it only added to the charm of Cherrapunji. I found a cozy spot in a local tea house, where I enjoyed a warm cup of tea, with maggi (my favourite food whenever I am visiting the hills); while watching the rain dance on the rooftops. The locals were friendly and welcoming, sharing stories about their unique way of life in this rain-soaked paradise. The tranquility and natural beauty of Cherrapunji left a lasting impression on me, a calmness in my heart, leading to a more positive and balanced state of mind, a reminder of the incredible wonders that nature has to offer, which I have never seen. Cherrapunji is also home to the Mawsmai Caves, a labyrinth of limestone formations that spark the imagination. Walking through the narrow passages, you can’t help but marvel at the natural sculptures created over millennia. The play of light and shadow inside the caves adds to the mystical atmosphere.

The Whispering Caves of Mawsmai My Next Stop - The Mawsmai Caves beckoned—a labyrinth of limestone passages hidden beneath the verdant hills. I stepped into their cool, damp embrace, my flashlight cutting through the darkness like a sword. The entrance yawned wide, its mouth framed by moss-covered rocks. The air smelled of earth and ancient secrets. As I ventured deeper, the ceiling dripped with water, creating delicate stalactites that clung like icicles. The first chamber was vast—a cathedral of stone. My footsteps echoed, and I half-expected bats to swoop down from the shadows. I am very scared of the bats, however it wasn’t bats that intrigued me; it was the whispers—the soft susurrus that seemed to emanate from the very walls. I pressed my ear against the limestone. The whispers grew clearer, like distant conversations carried by the wind. Were they the voices of forgotten explorers, lost in these winding tunnels? Or perhaps the cave itself held memories—of monsoons and droughts, of ancient rituals and clandestine meetings. Navigating the narrow passages, I encountered strange formations: flowstones that resembled frozen waterfalls, and curtains of calcite that shimmered like bridal veils. The cave seemed alive, breathing with every drip and echo. And then, I reached the Hall of Echoes. Its name didn’t disappoint. I shouted, and my voice ricocheted—a chorus of ghosts joining in. But it wasn’t just my voice that echoed; it was my thoughts. I wondered about the people who sought refuge here during storms, their torches flickering as they huddled together. As I descended further, the whispers intensified. They spoke of love and loss, of dreams, unfullfiled desires and fears. I imagined a romantic romance—a forbidden tryst between a Khasi girl and a Garo boy, meeting secretly in these subterranean chambers. Their laughter, their stolen kisses—they lingered in the damp air. I started smiling at my thought. And then, abruptly, the whispers ceased. I stood in a narrow passage, my flashlight revealing a dead end. But was it truly dead? I pressed my palm against the rock, feeling vibrations. The cave was alive, pulsing with stories waiting to be unraveled. As I emerged into daylight, blinking against the sudden brightness, I knew I’d glimpsed something magical. The Mawsmai Caves weren’t just geological wonders; they were repositories of memory—a silent witness to centuries of life and longing. As I walk back – I cease the opportunity to reflect on my life, goals, and experiences. This introspection lea to deeper self-understanding and personal growth. Everywhere you go in Cherrapunji, you’re surrounded by the sounds of nature – the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the distant roar of waterfalls. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with the simple joys of being in nature.

After 6 days of staying in close connection with the nature, this silence allowed me to connect more deeply with nature and myself. The absence of external noise allows your mind to clear, making it easier to focus on your thoughts and feelings. You might find that solutions to problems or new ideas come to you more readily. This connection of being grounded, rejuvenated, providing a sense of peace and well-being.