March 2023 took me on an unforgettable seven-day journey through the heart of Northeast India – to two states that are as breathtaking as they are humbling: Assam and Meghalaya.

The landscapes? Surreal.
The culture? Deep-rooted and inspiring.
The experience? Nothing short of extraordinary.

From sacred shrines and serene lakes to balancing boulders and living root bridges, every step of this trip opened a new window into India’s lesser-seen magic. Come along as I recount the winding roads, misty valleys, and the stories etched into this corner of the country.

Kamakhya Temple – A Sacred Start

Our journey began at Guwahati airport, and after a brief lunch, we headed straight to the iconic Kamakhya Temple, perched on Nilachal Hill, overlooking the Brahmaputra.

This temple is no ordinary spiritual site; it’s one of the 108 Shakti Peethas, and it’s believed to be a powerful center of divine feminine energy. The architecture with its dome-shaped shrine and age-old sanctum is impressive, but it’s the atmosphere that truly leaves you awestruck. Peaceful, reverent, and timeless.

The panoramic view of the Brahmaputra River from the hilltop was a beautiful preview of what Assam had in store.

Kaziranga National Park – Into the Wild

No trip to Assam is complete without a safari in the world-renowned Kaziranga National Park, home to the one-horned rhinoceros, a species native to the Indian subcontinent.

Our jeep safari through the park was an experience straight out of a nature documentary – rhinos, deer, wild buffaloes, and birds in every direction. There’s something truly humbling about watching these animals in their natural habitat, unbothered and majestic.

We also visited the Kaziranga Orchid and Biodiversity Park, a treasure trove of regional flora. With hundreds of orchid species, medicinal plants, and cultural displays, it felt like walking through a gallery of living art. The riot of colors and fragrances was unlike anything I’d seen before.

Meghalaya: Cloud-Kissed Mountains, Living Bridges & Crystal Rivers

Shillong & Umiam Lake – Nature’s Calm

From Assam, we drove into Meghalaya, with our first destination being Shillong, famously known as the ‘Scotland of the East’. Enroute, we paused at the gorgeous Umiam Lake (also called Barapani), a tranquil expanse surrounded by pine-covered hills.

We checked into Ri Kynjai, a lakeside resort that’s as serene as it is luxurious. With its traditional Khasi-inspired architecture, bamboo décor, and views of the water, it was the perfect escape into silence and green.

Mawlynnong – Asia’s Cleanest Village

Next, we visited Mawlynnong, a small Khasi village that has earned international fame for being the cleanest village in Asia. Every path is spotless. Every home, crafted from bamboo and thatch, blends seamlessly into its surroundings.

But the real marvel here is the Living Root Bridge, naturally formed over years by guiding the roots of the Ficus elastica tree across streams. Standing on this living structure felt surreal – a true fusion of human patience and nature’s power.

We also saw a balancing rock, a massive boulder resting impossibly on a much smaller one. It’s the kind of natural oddity that leaves you smiling and shaking your head.

Cherrapunji – Mist, Music, and Marvels

Our adventure continued into Cherrapunji (Sohra) – famous for being one of the wettest places on Earth. Despite the rain, or maybe because of it, the region was mesmerizing.

At Jiva Resort, nestled in the hills, we were treated to panoramic views, Khasi cuisine, and cozy moments around a campfire with live music. We explored the Umkar Living Root Bridge that is still growing and connecting communities, the incredible Arwah Caves, filled with prehistoric limestone formations and Soso Than Viewpoint, where the sunset made the clouds glow in orange-pink hues.

Dawki – Sailing on Glass

Then came Dawki, a village on the India-Bangladesh border, known for the Umngot River, whose water is so clear it appears invisible. We took a boat ride across what felt like floating air, surrounded by rocky hills and peaceful silence. It was one of those rare moments where time seems to pause – a deep breath for the soul.

Laitlum Canyon & Village Rasong – Lasting Impressions

Our final day in Meghalaya led us to the breathtaking Laitlum Canyon, with its endless valleys, terraced hills, and winding trails. Along the way, we stopped at Village Rasong, where locals shared stories, fruits, and the gentle rhythm of their lives.
In Shillong’s Police Bazaar, we wrapped up with some local shopping and cultural indulgence – a contrast to the quiet of the canyons, but equally memorable.

Final Reflections: A Journey that Reconnects

This trip was more than sightseeing. It was a journey into stillness, a dive into local wisdom, and a reminder of the quiet power that lies in nature, tradition, and human connection.

From sacred temples in Assam to the living bridges of Meghalaya, every destination had something profound to offer – whether it was a landscape, a legend, or a moment of pause.

As I returned from the hills to the hustle, I carried back more than just memories – I returned with a quieter mind, a fuller heart, and a deeper sense of wonder.