DAY TRIP DEEP INTO MEGHALAYA FORESTS VIA RANI

Photo Travelogue :


Meghalaya, a northeastern state lies to the south of Guwahati, Assam and there are multiple ways to go there. Its one of the most beautiful places to visit in India...with raw untouched beauty. The GS road or NH 40 that starts from Jorabat ( in outskirts of Guwahati ) splitting into two - one going shillong and the other to Dawki ( near India-Bangladesh border ) is the most common route. However, there are other routes which are less travelled and less crowded. They are more scenic and adds to the fun and adventure. I love roads that passes through forests; and whenever I come to know about some I just have to be on that road. So, I heard about this alternate road going into Meghalaya...I just had to try it. I didn't want to go all the way to shillong...but, just ride couple of hours...enjoy and come back. Interestingly, this road passes through a thick forect ( Deciduous and Evergreen Tropical Forests ) and my excitement knew no bounds. I sped to the location and it was just a thrilling time I had. I simply loved being one with nature. Here's my trip in pics. Enjoy :-)


those hills are beckoning....


the entire road they give company...


village roads...and it begins to rain...oh no!

determined, I move ahead...rain not gonna stop me, cos' I have the raincoat...lol...

passing by the rani forest office...




the sal forests begins ...plenty of those on the way...

passing by beautiful hills and fields...



am quite envious of the people who live here and see this view everyday of their lives...


and, the ride continues...hello bakri ( goat )...are you gonna gimme company?


the bakri vanishes and I'm alone on the road once again...


more sal trees come up...


the sign at corner of a fork says Chandubi 23 kms ( right ) and ahead is Meghalaya...


the road to Chandubi...in the rain it looks quite narrow and spooky...


moi, deciding which way to go ahead...hmmm...


chalo Meghalaya...






sal trees are so disciplined...they stand tall; in perfect lines, and, in-attention!

I went pretty deep about almost two hours ride into Meghalaya. It was all green forests every where...it was drizzing too and there was no one in the rain soaked road except me...oh how I loved it...just pecfect... me and nature!

sadly, time to speed back home...

With reluctance I had to turn back.as it was getting quite late and dark. There are no street lights in these forest roads and driving around alone after dark gets bit scary too ( not recommended ). But I totally loved it...and am going to be back someday soon.



Meghalaya's forests are rich in biodiversity, endemism, and forest cover. They are also a source of clean air, water, and livelihood. Meghalaya translating to 'abode of clouds' has some of the highest rainfall regions in this world.
Address : Jirang Nongrim Road, Meghalaya.
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A FUN RIDE TO NONGPOH, MEGHALAYA AND BACK

Photo Travelogue :


As I was trying my scooty on the various Guwahati roads, I was wondering if I could make a quick trip to some interesting place which was within 1 hour or so radius from my place. Where I could make the trip and be back in a single day. But the place had to be interesting, adventurous and most importantly in another state. There are many states close to Guwahati, Assam; but, none quite as close like Meghalaya. So without a doubt it had to be Meghalaya. But I didn't want to go to shillong as its three hours away,and, very crowded. I knew the route well and got ready. I'll ride one hour, I thought to myself...see where I reach...enjoy and then come back. So without a proper location in mind I got on the NH 40. To keep time on my side and also to beat the nasty city traffic I always start my trips early. Fall season is comparatively cooler and pleasant, so, just the best time to be out on the roads.. After crossing the Khanapara section, I soon found myself speeding up the hills. There are some crazy twist and turns near Jorabat. Uptil Byrnihat, you do encounter several truckers, but, gradually they fade off and you gradually find yourself alone in the highway. I loved this part the most as I didn't have to navigate traffic and had the full road to myself. One comes across a flyover, so, be mindful to notice the sign that says "shillong" and take right; else, you might find yourself someplace else ( the other route goes to sonapur ). I followed the sign... however, my end destination was not Shillong. One hour was not up yet so I rode on and on, on the fabulous wide roads. The Guwahati Shillong road is one of the best and well maintained.

I spotted a sign on left that said 'Amsing Forest' but had to supress the temptation. A small narrow path behind the sign board promised sheer 'green heavens'. But, that would be another adventure ~ another day. Reluctantly, I peeled my eyes away and concentrated on the road ahead. The place I was riding through was no less magic. When it rains it becomes quite an experience.

I halted at Nongpoh, 40kms from Ghy...
There is a toll-plaza on the way, but they don't charge two-wheelers. I wheezed past the other vehicles who were stuck there.. With the splended road cutting through green 'leafy' hills on both the sides I was reaching my one hour deadline fast. And soon I saw the board that said 'Nongpoh'. So, that was it...my destination for the day. It was an exhilirating trip. I enjoyed it thoroughly. And my watch indicated that my one hour was up as well. Mission successfully accomplished.
clicking a mirror selfie ( watch the blue sky ), down below lies those meadering roads I came up...
No matter how many times I go, this is one trip ( route ) I'll always enjoy and cherish the most and recommend to everyone for a quick relaxing getaway. There are several restaurants and resorts nearby. But I love eating at the local dhabas the most that one finds in their plenty along the whole way. Also, don't miss those khasi ladies selling pineapples and yummy home-made pickles. They make the journey so much more fun and refreshing with their wide friendly welcoming 'smiles'.


tiny khasi kids waving at moi..I wave back...
Alas, it was time to head back. Before sunset I reached back home with an equally interesing downhill fun-ride. Oddly, the return journey took way less than an hour ;-)



November is also the month of the 'Cherry Blossom Festival' held in Shillong every year with international artists lining up to entertain everyone along with exotic khasi and garo cuisines. Lots of fun, games, art, shopping, music, camping and other creative activities. Venue for the 2024 Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival is RBDSA Sports Complex in Bhoirymbong, Ri Bhoi District,Shillong on November 15–16
Address : Nongpoh, Meghalaya. A Skywatch Post!
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SHILLONG CITY IN PICTURES - DAY TIME

Photo Travelogue :
Read first part - Here!

Although, the highways to reach Shillong from Guwahati are smooth and wide, being a city in the hills, the roads get considerably narrower towards, and in the the city itself. As such. lanes are often crowded with traffic. For instance, from Umiam Lake our pace slowed down to almost that of a snail's to reach the city center. However, its an experience in itself and I found Shillong to be a cute little hill-station. Being near to Ghy, I wouldn't mind going there again. Some City Shots!


the bridge cum road that goes to Upper Shillong...


the busy city outskirts, just before entering main city...


some directions around the city, military hospital, traffic point, air force ground...


the circle opposite Shillong Centre Point, decorated due to Christmas...


the crowded main city Centre Point, Shillong, connected by various lanes...


market area...near the the centre point...


a random traffic circle...


shillong traffic...due to narrow roads it gets conjested in no time...


shillong roads in the evening time...bumper to bumper...


encountered some more traffic as we start leaving the city...


bye bye Shillong...

Shillong is a hill station in northeast India and capital of the state of Meghalaya. It’s known for the manicured gardens at Lady Hydari Park. Nearby, Ward’s Lake for its walking trails. North, the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures features displays on the region’s native people. Waterfalls include the Elephant Falls to the southwest. East of here, forested Shillong Peak offers city views.
Meghalaya or "the abode of clouds" in Sanskrit, is a hilly state in northeastern India ( wiki ).

Address : Shillong, Meghalaya
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( Images - ©Mine. All rights reserved. )
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