Lost in the Mountains of Meghalaya: A Journey of Serendipity and Self-Discovery

Introduction: The Hidden Gem of Northeast India

When people think of traveling to India, they often picture the bustling streets of Delhi, the majestic Taj Mahal, or the beaches of Goa. But my most transformative travel experience took place far away from the typical tourist trail — deep in the cloud-kissed hills of Meghalaya, India’s “abode of clouds.”

What started as a short backpacking detour to Cherrapunji became a soul-refreshing journey that tested my instincts, redefined my understanding of connection, and left me with an unforgettable story.

The Plan That Didn’t Go as Planned

It was August 2023. I had been traveling across India for six weeks, documenting lesser-known places for my travel blog. Meghalaya had been on my radar thanks to its living root bridges, cleanest village tag for Mawlynnong, and legendary monsoons.

I planned a day trip to Nongriat village to see the iconic Double-Decker Root Bridge. I had everything mapped: leave early from Cherrapunji, trek down with a local guide, return before sunset. Simple. Or so I thought.

The Unexpected Twist

By the time I reached Tyrna (the last motorable point), dark clouds had already started gathering. My guide, an elderly local named Ramek, gave me a side glance and muttered, “It will rain soon — go fast.”

The 3,500-step descent was exhausting but ethereal. Moss-covered rocks, gurgling waterfalls, and butterflies accompanied me down. The bridges — natural wonders shaped by generations of Khasi tribal knowledge — left me speechless.

But the real twist came after lunch in the village. A sudden landslide up the trail meant we couldn’t hike back up for several hours. And my phone had no signal.

Stranded, But Not Alone

Panic would have been a natural reaction. But what happened instead was pure magic.

Ramek and I were offered shelter by a local family. They gave me tea made from forest herbs and invited me to join their evening cooking. I helped gather firewood, learned to make Jadoh (a traditional Khasi dish of rice and meat), and spent the night sleeping on a bamboo mat under a tin roof — the kind of authenticity no hotel can ever replicate.

The Realization: The Joy of Slow Travel

That night, listening to rain crash against the tin roof, I realized that sometimes the best travel moments aren’t the ones you plan — they’re the ones you’re forced to embrace.

In our obsession with itineraries, we forget that travel is also about surrender. Surrendering to uncertainty, to strangers, to nature.

I returned the next morning — muddy, tired, but glowing inside.

Why Meghalaya Should Be on Every Traveller’s List

• Nature's Marvels: From Mawsmai Caves to Seven Sisters Waterfalls, this place is an open-air geography class.

• Warm, Genuine Locals: The Khasi people are known for their hospitality and strong matrilineal culture.

• Offbeat and Untouched: Unlike over-touristed spots, Meghalaya still retains its wild, raw beauty.

• Cultural Richness: Traditional music, local crafts, and festivals make every visit unique.

Tips for First-Time Travelers to Meghalaya

• Travel light — you’ll be trekking often.

• Hire local guides — they know the terrain and stories.

• Respect the land — many areas are sacred to locals.

• Prepare for no network — embrace digital detox.

Final Thoughts: Travel Is Not Just About Places — It’s About People

That night in Nongriat didn’t just give me a travel story — it reminded me why I travel. Not for the Instagram photos or blog content, but to find connections in unexpected places.

So, if you’re looking for an offbeat destination in India, travel to Meghalaya. Get lost in its forests, drink from its waterfalls, and listen to stories from its people. You might just find a part of yourself you didn’t know was missing.