Never Ending Footsteps

Travel is inextricably linked with human life. Boredom comes in people’s lives without travel. So in order to get rid of the fatigue of the mind, sometimes you have to go somewhere without going anywhere. So travel is very necessary in our life.

From Howrah to Guwahati Saraighat Express, after crossing the ascent and descent route, we went to Guwahati to know the unknown and to know the unknown. After getting at Guwahati station in Assam, having lunch at a hotel, we took a rest and set off in the afternoon to visit the famous KAMAKHYA temple in the Nilachal hills of Assam and near the Brahmaputra River. The KAMAKHYA temple is the seat of Magic and Tantra. The architectural style of this temple will fascinate everyone. Pushing the crowd along the line, the memory of seeing the goddess is so sweet. The Kaziranga sanctuary is located in Assam, which is the roaming land of Rhinos.

Once you pass the chaotic Guwahati to Shillong (2.5-3 hours) highway stretch, this road trip is unbelievably picturesque. But it's a good idea to have a night halt at Guwahati before you proceed. The next day we set out for Meghalaya in the early morning with the unearthly beauty of the waterfalls and lakes and the joy of running around. Meghalaya is called the home of clouds. Rabindranath Tagore named the state of Meghalaya in October 1919. Shillong is a hill station on the East Khasi hills in northeastern India, which is the capital of Meghalaya. Shillong is called the “Scotland of the East”, which is because of its cool weather and natural beauty. Shillong is home to some of the most prominent local tribes of the Northeastern region like the Khasis, Jaintias, and the Garos. These tribes are also known to be one of the earliest ethnic group settlers in the Indian subcontinent. With centuries of history and ancient traditions to back them, these tribes have a unique culture that is significantly different from the rest of the country.

On my visit here I stayed in some great hotels in Shillong that helped me get acquainted with regions rich culture. And here are some of my observations that might astonish you.

Unlike most parts of India, It’s the Females that are given more Importance here. Meghalaya is a women - dominated state.

All of these tribes have a matrilineal society, meaning that descent is traced through the mother. This doesn’t mean that the father’s role is not important in the family. While the mother is the caretaker of the family, the father remains the breadwinner and the maternal uncle takes care of all social and religious matters.

In the Khasi society, the youngest daughter of the house is entitled to inherit the ancestral property. If this daughter dies without a surviving daughter of her own, her next elder sister gets the property and after her, her youngest daughter.

There is ample staying and sightseeing options at this hilly town make sure to explore Elephant Waterfall, Wards Lake, Police Bazar, Shillong Golf Club; as evening falls head over to the town to soak in the vibrant nightlife and rock music scene.

Here is Elephant Falls, where 3 steps can be seen. Moreover, the famous Cathedral church will fascinate everyone. There is a prayer arrangement for many people at once. Moreover, there is Sunrise Point from where one can enjoy the natural beauty of the entire city of Meghalaya. The second largest golf garden in Asia is located in Shillong. When you come to Shilong, don’t forget to eat street food here. Momos, Tungrymbai, Jadoh, Dohneiiong, Smoked Meats, Dohkhlieh, Pukhlein, Chilly Pork are some of the tempting street food here. These are very tasty. 

The most interesting thing about Shillong is the village called Mawlynnong. The village has received a presidential Award for cleanliness. Tourists flock to see the infrastructure of this village. This village has overnight accommodation for tourists. There is also a very nice hotel, which is usually managed by village women. Next to it is naturally made Living Root Bridge. Under which the rapid river flows.

Dawki is another important place in Meghalaya, where India and Bangladesh border, which you can call the ‘Gateway of North East India’. This place has a river, known as the Dawki River, which has gained recognition for its crystal clear water. The water of this river is so clear that can be seen up to the bottom of the river. There are many small boats to enjoy the beautiful natural environment of this river. By which tourists can enjoy the scenic view. In the middle of this river is the border of India and Bangladesh.

After you have had a lovely stay at Shillong, move on to stunning Cherrapunji the next day. You will enjoy this trip because the view is spectacular and traffic is moderately low. Cherrapunji will spoil you with its gorgeous views -- Mawsmai Caves, the Seven Sisters Fall, Nokhilakhai Falls and Nature's Park. The local cuisine is amazing and the weather will perk you right up. Consider bringing camping equipment so you can commune with nature and do some star gazing.

Cherrapunji has taken place on the map as the place with the highest rainfall in the world. The scenery is very beautiful. People are very simple in nature. They are very friendly. Most of the people in Northeast India are Christians. Most of the schools in Cherrapunji are run by the Ramakrishna Mission.

There are small villages with three or four houses at some distance along the road. We rented a car and drove along the beautiful hilly road to Shellapas (Mawryngkhong village), which is located near the Bangladesh border. There is a Ramkrishna Mission here, where very beautiful Durga puja is. People from outside gather here during the puja season to watch Durga puja. At that time, the smell of puja became amusing all around. The river Wah umiam is flowing close to the mission, whose water is crystal clear. There is an iron bridge over the river; on which the people of the village cross.

The day of our return finally arrived. With a new experience of traveling to Meghalaya and leaving the natural beauty behind, I set off for home with a heavy heart. Overall the trip to Meghalaya was the best trip of my lives.

    Written by :- Sayan Mandal ( https://www.facebook.com/sayan.mondal2017)

    In Photography:- Chinmoy Mandal (https://www.facebook.com/chinmoy.mandal.587)