We all love to travel, but unfortunately, the world is on a pause right now. The pandemic is preventing all the backpackers from hitting the road. But, eventually, everything will be alright, and we will be allowed to travel again.
The one place that I had decided to visit before the pandemic hit was Meghalaya and I have spent my lockdown days to daydream about visiting this sister state.
Before I dive in to talk about visiting my dream destination, after the lockdown madness ends, let me tell you a little bit about Meghalaya.
Meghalaya is known to be one of the most beautiful states in north-east India. The name Meghalaya means ‘the abode of clouds’ – it is a small mountainous state which is covered with dense forests, calm lakes, countless waterfalls, and pristine rivers. The biodiversity of Meghalaya makes it the perfect getaway place for animal lovers, since it inhabits many rare species of birds and animals. This picturesque north-eastern state is bordered to the north with Assam and to the south with Bangladesh.
The meaning of travel is different for every individual. For me, traveling means many things. One of them is to find inner peace, which is lost within the chaos of city life. I have chosen Meghalaya this time, as this state is filled with charm and tranquillity. Moreover, it is a place that is complete enough to provide me peace after the never-ending lockdown.
Since I am a solo traveller, the first concern for me is safety, so I did my research on the same and concluded that the state is perfectly safe to visit for female solo travellers. Most states in the north-east, function in a maternal line manner – women are more authoritative towards the household chores; also, they carry forward the family name. The state is more open towards giving responsibility and respect to a woman as compared to other states in India. Furthermore, the standard of living is managed by women in Meghalaya, making it absolutely safe for female travellers to visit.
I have planned to reach the Scotland of India by taking a flight to Guwahati. I prefer a budget-friendly trip, so I am going to opt for shared cabs to reach Meghalaya from Guwahati after covering a distance of 100 km. One can also take a train to Guwahati and reach Shillong by road.
The major population of Meghalaya is contributed by the tribals Garos, Khasis, and Jaintias. People in Meghalaya are known to be cheerful, and quite helpful. Each of the ethnic communities of Meghalaya has its unique customs and cultural beliefs. 70% of the people in Meghalaya have converted to Christianity, and one can visit numerous churches there.
Now, let me tell you about some of the places that I have shortlisted to visit in Meghalaya. The wettest place on the earth – Cherrapunji that is often covered in the mist – is my first choice. Cherrapunji has the gorgeous Mawkdok valley and Nohkalikai waterfalls. I am an ardent animal lover, hence, there is no chance that I wish to miss the Balpakram National Park and the Elephant falls of Meghalaya. The enticing Umiam lake in Shillong looks immensely gorgeous at the time of sunset, making it my next option to visit. As the time approaches, I am sure that I will be adding more and more places to my now-short list of places.
Till that time, I am waiting for the hustle-bustle of the exhausting and tiring pandemic to end. The state of Meghalaya is perfect to visit for providing the much-needed breather from stress and anxiety.
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