A Mesmerizing Journey through Assam & Meghalaya (10 – 16 May 2025)
Assam – The Land of Rivers and Rhinos. Mood of the Land:
Assam has a gentle, slow rhythm. The countryside is tranquil, and its people live in close harmony with nature. The lushness and cultural richness give the region a peaceful and earthy charm.
Day 1 – 10 May 2025 (Saturday): Arrival in Guwahati
Our journey began with a flight from Trivandrum/Ernakulam, landing in Bangalore and taking a flight from there to Guwahati by evening. Though the day was mostly about travel, the anticipation for the adventures ahead filled us with excitement. Guwahati, nestled by the Brahmaputra, welcomed us with pleasant weather and the hustle of a lively city. We checked into our hotel for a restful night before diving into the wilderness.
Assam lies in the fertile Brahmaputra Valley, flanked by the Eastern Himalayas to the north and the hilly terrain of Meghalaya and Nagaland to the south. The mighty Brahmaputra River is its lifeline, carving through lush plains, tea gardens, wetlands, and forests. The state's terrain is mostly flat and green, with occasional rolling hills.
Night Stay: Guwahati
Day 2 – 11 May 2025 (Sunday): Into the Wild – Kaziranga National Park
At 8:30 AM, we set off for Kaziranga National Park, a 5.5-hour scenic drive through the Assam countryside. Lush greenery and rural landscapes kept us engaged as we made our way to the world-famous park. En route, we enjoyed occasional sightseeing, soaking in the regional charm.
Kaziranga National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is a haven for the one-horned rhinoceros, wild elephants, tigers, swamp deer, and exotic birds. Vast grasslands, tall elephant grass, and marshy wetlands define the park's primal beauty.
Night Stay: Kaziranga
Assam is world-famous for its tea. The sight of endless, manicured tea estates blanketing the hillsides is calming and picturesque.
Besides the Brahmaputra, Assam is dotted with oxbow lakes and wetlands that glow during sunrise and sunset, attracting migratory birds and photographers alike.
Meghalaya – The Abode of Clouds
Meghalaya is a highland state with rolling hills, deep gorges, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls. The state is divided into three hill regions: Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills. True to its name ("Meghalaya" means "abode of clouds"), mist and clouds often float low over the cliffs and valleys, especially in places like Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, among the wettest places on Earth.
Day 3 – 12 May 2025 (Monday): Safari & the Journey to Cherrapunji
An early start brought us face-to-face with the wild heart of Assam during a 7:30–9:30 AM safari. The grasslands were alive with movement – rhinos, deer, birds, and if lucky, a glimpse of wild elephants. Post breakfast, we departed at 10:30 AM for a long yet beautiful 7-hour drive to Cherrapunji. En route, we paused at the Mawkdok Dympep Valley View Point, where the endless green cliffs and cloud-kissed valleys took our breath away.
Night Stay: Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji & Mawsynram – Known for heavy rainfall, these regions are rich with living root bridges, mossy forests, and waterfalls like Nohkalikai, Seven Sisters, and Wei Sawdong.
Living Root Bridges – Unique to Meghalaya, these are hand-woven bridges made from the roots of rubber trees, crossing streams and valleys—living examples of bioengineering.
Day 4 – 13 May 2025 (Tuesday): The Roots of Wonder – Cherrapunji Adventures
By 8:00 AM, we embarked on the iconic Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek – a strenuous yet rewarding 4-5 hour journey through dense forests, narrow steps, and serene streams. For those who opted out, there were equally stunning alternatives: Umkar Root Bridge, Kynrem Falls, Sohbar River, and the Wahrew Bridge. We ended the day at the Seven Sister Falls View Point, where seven cascading waterfalls fell dramatically side by side – a magical sight!
Night Stay: Cherrapunji
Day 5 – 14 May 2025 (Wednesday): Waterfalls & Canyons – To Shillong
The day started with a visit to the stunning Nohkalikai Falls, plunging into a deep blue pool surrounded by misty cliffs. Then came the hidden gem Wei Sawdong Falls, a tiered beauty that required a short but thrilling hike. We explored the mystic Garden of Caves, and by noon, drove to Laitlum Canyon, often called the "End of the Hills." The views here felt surreal, a painter’s paradise of clouds and cliffs. By evening, we reached Shillong, the lively capital of Meghalaya.
Night Stay: Shillong
Meghalaya feels mystical and untouched. It is perfect for those seeking raw, natural beauty and a connection with nature. Its landscapes shift between wild waterfalls, silent valleys, whispering caves, and cloud-draped cliffs.
Laitlum Canyon – A breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and valleys that stretch beyond the horizon.
Umiam Lake – A tranquil reservoir surrounded by pine-covered hills near Shillong, perfect for sunsets and serene boat rides.
Caves and Forests – Meghalaya is dotted with limestone caves, many unexplored, and thick forests teeming with biodiversity.
Day 6 – 15 May 2025 (Thursday): Shillong Charms & Return to Guwahati
Our Shillong exploration began at 8:00 AM, covering local sights like the peaceful Elephant Falls and the insightful Don Bosco Museum, which beautifully captures the culture of Northeast India. Post lunch, we headed to Guwahati (4-hour drive), stopping at the serene Umiam Lake, a perfect finale to our hill sojourn.
Night Stay: Guwahati
Summary:
State Landscape Type Key Features Mood & Vibe
Assam Plains and River Valleys Brahmaputra River, tea gardens, Kaziranga NP Peaceful, Earthy
Meghalaya Hills, Valleys, Canyons Waterfalls, living root bridges, misty canyons Mystical, Enchanting
Day 7 – 16 May 2025 (Friday): Farewell Northeast
With hearts full of stories and camera rolls packed with memories, we boarded our flight back to Trivandrum/Ernakulam. But before that we did do some shopping and yes visited the famous temple. Maa Kamakhya Temple (Shakti Peetha), Located at Nilachal Hill, Guwahati, Assam.
Here the Deity is Goddess Kamakhya (an incarnation of Shakti) which is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India
Kamakhya Temple Special because Shakti Peetha Status is believed to be the spot where the womb and genitals of Goddess Sati fell when her body was dismembered by Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra. Hence, it symbolizes female power and fertility.
Unique Worship: Unlike many temples, there is no idol of the goddess. Instead, a yoni-shaped stone (female reproductive organ) is worshipped and kept moist by a natural spring.
Ambubachi Mela: Held annually around June, it marks the menstruation of the goddess, drawing thousands of devotees and tantrics from across India and Nepal. It’s deeply spiritual, mysterious, and rooted in Tantric traditions.
Architecture: The temple features a blend of Nagara and local Assamese styles, with a beehive-shaped dome, intricate carvings, and red hibiscus flowers commonly used in offerings.
Timings: Open from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM (with afternoon breaks).
Best Time to Visit: October to March for pleasant weather; June for the Ambubachi festival (expect huge crowds).
Getting There: Easily accessible by road from Guwahati city center (about 7 km from the railway station and 20 km from the airport).
This journey, from the wild plains of Kaziranga to the mystical roots and falls of Meghalaya, was nothing short of magical – a blend of nature, adventure, and serenity.
🌿 Highlights of the Trip:
Spotting rhinos at Kaziranga
Trekking to the Double Decker Root Bridge
The thunderous beauty of Nohkalikai Falls
Majestic views at Laitlum Canyon
Cultural immersion in Shillong and Guwahati
Stunning
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