The first trip I ever took to Meghalaya was out of curiosity towards waterfalls, Shillong, Cherrapunji, and other famous landmarks in Meghalaya. However, the most unforgettable part of the trip for me is the beauty of its villages - peaceful, untouched, yet incredibly beautiful. The beauty of villages introduced me to a completely new dimension of the charm of Meghalaya.
Although many people visit Meghalaya by opting for megahalaya tour packages, I strongly recommend visiting villages that are far away from mainstream routes. Allow me to introduce you to the most picturesque villages that I visited.
Mawlynnong – Asia’s Cleanest Village
A lot of people have talked to me about Mawlynnong before my visit. But there was no way I could prepare myself for the cleanliness and serenity I found here. Every inch of the village seemed to be well maintained, with dustbins made from bamboo and neat pathways.
Wandering around the village gave me a soothing feeling. The villagers take great pride in maintaining the cleanliness of their environment. Apart from this, I also got an opportunity to take the bamboo skywalk, giving me a mesmerizing view of the Bangladesh plains on the other side.
If you are planning to visit Meghalaya, then Mawlynnong must not be missed.
Nongriat – Home of the Double Decker Living Root Bridge
Nongriat was not easily accessible, and that was precisely why it was unique. It took countless steps to reach the destination, but every single step was worth it.
Nongriat is well-known for its Double Decker Living Root Bridge, which was naturally formed through generations. Spending a night at Nongriat gave me an opportunity to experience the tranquility of the place without any disturbances from tourists.
It was the waterfall sounds, fresh air, and simplicity of the place that made me feel connected with nature.
Dawki Village – Crystal Clear Waters Like Glass
While people might be more familiar with the Umngot River, Dawki itself is equally interesting. The first time I saw the river, I got stunned at how clean it is; the boats appeared to be floating in mid-air!
Spending some quiet time around the banks of the river was relaxing. Going boating in the river was the most calming activity during my stay in Meghalaya.
While many meghalaya tour packages have Dawki on their itinerary, you may consider spending some extra time here.
Kongthong – The Whistling Village
Kongthong was the village that interested me the most. The reason for this is that it is referred to as the “Whistling Village,” and the reason behind this title is that people in this village whistled as opposed to naming each other.
I had the fortune of listening to some of the whistles, which was quite surreal. Besides this interesting phenomenon, this village is encircled with dense forestation and undulating hills.
Mawphlang – Sacred Forest & Cultural Charm
It was a different place compared to all the others that I had seen before. It is famous for the sacred forest, where no living thing can be removed; not even a leaf.
My walk in the forest was something that I will always remember. Everything seemed magical.
The town itself has a serene kind of charm to it. This is one place where you should go if you like history as well.
Laitlum Village – Where the Hills Meet the Sky
However, Laitlum is not just a perspective; it is a serene village that is hidden inside the hills. The very meaning of the name indicates the “end of hills,” which was true when I visited the place.
The scenery was endless—hills stretched across the landscape, valleys were deeply etched into the earth, and clouds were everywhere like a surreal dream. For hours, I sat there without doing anything else.
A few Meghalaya packages offer Laitlum as an inclusion for their tour, although you can spend some more time in the place.
Shnongpdeng – Adventure Meets Serenity
Situated close to Dawki, Shnongpdeng is a quaint village, where peace and adventure go hand-in-hand. This place was visited by me overnight, and proved to be one of the most memorable experiences during the entire journey.
Starting from the thrilling activity of paddling in the crystal clear river to sleeping beneath the stars, this village is a unique experience. However, it is still pristine and tranquil.
This village is ideal for those seeking peace, coupled with excitement.
Why Villages Show the Real Meghalaya
While cities and tourist spots are beautiful, I felt that villages gave me a deeper understanding of Meghalaya. Life here is simple, slow, and connected to nature.
I interacted with locals, tasted homemade food, and learned small things about their daily lives. These moments made my journey more meaningful than just sightseeing.
Even when browsing meghalaya tour packages, I now always look for itineraries that include village experiences.
More Than Just Destinations
In retrospect, the villages of Meghalaya weren’t just destinations; they were experiences for me.
They each had something unique about them, something unique that left an impression on me, even years after having been there. It was something more than anything else that I would never forget.
So, when you visit the state, don’t just confine yourself to the regular tourist areas. Instead, whether you opt for a package tour or plan your trip solo, remember these villages of Meghalaya.
About the Author
I am a travel blogger, and traveling and discovering new experiences make me happy. I talk about what happens to me on my travels and what I learn through all the adventures I go through. To me, travel isn’t just going somewhere but discovering new stories and making memories. Select 53 more words to run Humanizer.
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