Meghalaya : Off-Beat places on the way…
Hello all,
It is said that the journey is always more beautiful than the destination. I love road trips, and I love seeing stunning landscapes while traveling. The beautiful homes and amazing people smiling at you. Just a fraction of eye contact sometimes gives our hearts a soothing feel. Waving goodbyes to little kids, seeing beautiful women doing routine chores…road journeys through small villages, and less traveled roads always give a sense of calm. And when you have gorgeous destinations like these on the roads, then it’s sone pe suhaga…
Our last trip to Meghalaya also was filled with such trips, as our two days were entirely on the roads. But the best part was the serene drives and stunning locations along the way!
In Jaintia Hills:
Leshka Dam:
It is located in West Jaintia Hills. It is one of the most scenic places. The lake is a reservoir with beautiful blue water. The main part was the drive from Khileriat to Leshka Dam. The endless rolling hills reminded us of the Dzukou Valley of Nagaland. The scenic roads with equally stunning landscapes, blue sky with fluffy clouds, and cosy little villages on the roads…these all were like natural therapy in our mundane chaos.
There is a scenic viewpoint from which we can see the dam and the confluence of two rivers. The canyons with lush green mountains contrasting with the crystal blue water of the rivers and lake were a site to behold!
Further downwards, going up to the dam is magical. Don’t just drive. Take a moment or two, spare some time at the viewpoint and at the bridge and lose yourself in this epitome of beauty.
Leshka Dam (Blue lake) : Location
In Khasi Hills:
Kyllang Rock
This is a marvelous, colossal natural million-year-old monolith in the pine forests of West Khasi Hills. Locally known as Lum Kyllang is nothing but a geological wonder and is linked with a folk tale.
The story behind the monolith:
Meghalaya is a state of stunning landscapes and equally beautiful legends and folklore. Folklore of Ka Likai is the famous one…There are two stories behind this monolith.
This gigantic rock is a family rock comprising of male, a female, and a child. The story goes like this: Once, a family of the father, mother, and their child were returning from Jaintia Hills to Mawdoh. Along the way, a stone pierced the feet of the wife. The child was on her back, so it was unbearable for her to walk further. So the husband carried her on his back together with the child. After a while, the stone in the wife’s foot started growing miraculously. Unable to go further due to the massive rock, the family decided to rest for a while, and the stone engulfed all three.
Another Khasi story is that there were two Gods, Kyllang and Symper. Kyllang was mischievous, known to hurt people, and had terrible mood swings. In contrast, Symper was calm and composed. Once, there was a battle between these two rock Gods as Symper did not like the attitude of Kyllang, and Kyllang didn’t want Symper’s interference. Symper won the war and stayed at his place only and Kyllang had to move to West Khasi Hills.
So, these mysterious stories add more persona to the already monumental presence of the monolith.
This giant rock is said to have a unique magnetic field, and it is said that one doesn’t fall from it.
Trail:
The trail is well marked with steps and an easy and short trail to the gazebo on the top of the mid part of the rock.
The site from the top is magnificent, with a panoramic view of Khasi hills and greenery. There are many rhododendrons, oak trees at the base of the rock, and a dome, giving the charismatic charm to the already fascinating monolith. They said sunrise and sunset views from the top are magnificent.
It is an adventure to climb split rock and needs professional guides and rock climbing tools, but the short hike to mini rock is equally fascinating. The southern side of the rock is not accessible due to mammoth boulders while it is accessible from northern and eastern sides.
Location
Kyllang Rock : Location
Approximately 58 km to the west of Shillong and can be reached by 2-hour drive from Shillong.
Geography of Kyllang Rock
Altitude : 5400 ft
Width : 1000 ft
Stone type: granite.
Best Time To Visit Kyllang Rock
From September to March, as the weather is pleasant
Garo Hills:
Jadisil Fish Sanctuary:
Our guide of Wari Chora took us to this quiet, isolated sanctuary with serene surroundings. There are many fish sanctuaries in Garo hills, but this one is near Wari Chora in Tolegre village and is easy to approach.
Trail:
The short trek starts from the playground, and we must go to the beautiful trail along the river. You have to cross the river. There is a small bamboo bridge for that. After that, there are well-made stairs. Once you climb the flight of stairs, there is a signboard of sanctuary. Go a few more steps ahead, there is a path downwards, and you will come to a blue water body with tranquil surroundings.
These fisheries are government initiatives and run by the local community. They are using natural streams and lakes to conserve and breed fishes. Swimming and. Fishing are prohibited in such sanctuaries. And these are also developing as tourist attractions. There are heavy fines for breaking the rules. But don’t forget to take muri to give to the fish before visiting. You will want them in abundant once you see the fish
Jadisil Fish Sanctury : Location
You can also visit Other places like Krang Suri waterfall, Markham Vally, Nongstoin, Nongkhnum island and Siju caves.
After visiting such unique places, we feel like we are a tiny little part of this vast universe, and among the entire world, there are so many little corners in our country itself yet to be explored! We might need a new definition of majestic or spectacular because here in this little state, you will be dumbfounded after visiting each and every place. You will feel the later is better than the previous one. Trust us when we say that you won’t be able to pick only one favourite. After going through all worldly pleasures and in greed to achieve those, we sometimes forget the true essence of life, and we might get some of it in this magical dreamland.
Thank you..