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Solo travel was never on my bucket list—I’ve always preferred the energy and camaraderie of group trips. That said, I never had an issue with traveling solo; it’s just that I enjoy the company of my friends. However, when I planned my trip to Meghalaya - for exploring the wettest place on earth, my friends could not make it due to scheduling conflicts. So, for the first time, I decided to venture out alone. Admittedly, I was a little nervous; it was my first solo trip, and I was heading to the North-East, a region quite far from my comfort zone in Delhi.
My plan focused on Shillong and Cherrapunji. I booked a flight from Delhi to Shillong with a layover in Kolkata, which was a logistical mistake. For anyone traveling to Shillong, I’d highly recommend flying to Guwahati instead. Guwahati airport is more accessible, and from there, you can rent a two-wheeler—a perfect option for solo travelers—and enjoy the breathtaking drive to Shillong. On the other hand, Shillong Airport is located outside the city, and the cabs are notoriously expensive.
My accommodation was at Isabella Hostel in Laitumkhrah, conveniently close to the main market. On the way from the airport to the hostel, I made the cab driver stop near Umiam Lake. The serene view of the lake was mesmerizing, and I couldn’t resist clicking a few pictures before resuming my journey.
One thing I noticed immediately was the lack of autos or rickshaws in Shillong; cabs were the only public transport option, and they were pricey. I decided to explore the city on foot instead, and it turned out to be the best decision. Solo travel gives you the freedom to set your own pace, and walking through Shillong’s streets allowed me to soak in the local life, culture, and the charming simplicity of their day-to-day activities.
I visited the Don Bosco Museum, known as the largest cultural museum in Asia. It was an enriching experience, showcasing the diverse traditions of the North-East. Afterward, I stumbled upon a quaint little cafe called “Three Little Birds.” Its cozy vibe, delicious food, and excellent service made it a delightful spot—a must-visit for anyone in Shillong.
At the hostel, I made a new friend named Dhilip Kumar from Tamil Nadu. One of the joys of solo travel is meeting people from different places and sharing experiences. Coincidentally, Dhilip’s itinerary for the next three days was almost identical to mine. Since he had rented a two-wheeler from Guwahati, we decided to explore the region together for a couple of days.
Our first destination was the stunning Elephant Falls. This multi-tiered waterfall is accessible through a short, easy trail of stairs. The sound of cascading water and the lush greenery around made the visit refreshing. As soon as we left the falls, it began to rain—typical Meghalaya weather. One moment it’s sunny, and the next, you’re caught in a downpour. It’s essential to carry an umbrella or a poncho when traveling here.
Next, we visited the Shillong Viewpoint, located within the Air Force headquarters. To enter, we had to present our IDs at the security checkpoint. The viewpoint offered an enchanting 360-degree view of Shillong city. A telescope installed in the observation tower allowed us to take a closer look at the picturesque scenery.
After a quick lunch, we headed to our last stop for the day—the Laitlum Grand Canyon in Smit Village. Words can hardly do justice to the beauty of this place. The panoramic views of the canyon were breathtaking. For a moment, I just stood there, mesmerized by the sheer grandeur of the landscape. It was one of those moments where nature leaves you in awe.
We spent some time clicking pictures and soaking in the serenity before heading back. Dinner in the main market marked the end of an amazing day, and then it was back to the hostel to rest. The next morning, we had Cherrapunji on our agenda.
The next morning, Dhilip and I set out on our journey to Cherrapunji. Covering a distance of about 60 kilometers, the trip took nearly three hours as we made a couple of pitstops along the way. The road trip from Shillong to Cherrapunji was mesmerizing. The entire route was lined with scenic landscapes, waterfalls, and lush greenery. The roads were in great condition, but we also faced heavy rain while riding on our two-wheeler, which added a thrilling twist to the journey.
Our first pitstop was for breakfast, and the second was at the Tyngam Masi Viewpoint. The views from here were nothing short of spectacular. Surrounded by verdant valleys stretching as far as the eye could see, it felt like nature was at its finest. A set of stairs led us to a higher vantage point, offering even more breathtaking panoramas. We spent around 20-25 minutes soaking in the beauty and clicking pictures before resuming our ride.
Continuing our journey to Cherrapunji, we came across the stunning Wah-Kaba Falls. This beautiful waterfall required us to descend a few stairs to get a better view, but it was worth the effort. The cascading water against the lush green backdrop was mesmerizing. Adding to the charm was a local legend—it's said that two fairies reside at the falls, making the place feel even more magical.
As we continued our journey at a steady pace, the weather took a sudden turn. Heavy rain began pouring down, forcing us to stop in a nearby shed. The intense raindrops made it difficult to see clearly, especially for Dhilip, who was driving. It was one of those unpredictable moments that reminded us of the ever-changing weather in Meghalaya.
Just as we were approaching the outskirts of Cherrapunji, we stumbled upon another stunning spot—the “Madan Shad Seng Khasi Sohra View Point.” The area was enveloped in clouds, creating a mystical atmosphere. Through the shifting mist, we caught glimpses of the majestic Latara Falls, a sight that left us mesmerized.
Finally, we arrived at the rainiest place on Earth—Cherrapunji. Upon reaching, we began searching for a homestay or hotel and eventually found a cozy place to settle in. After getting comfortable, we wasted no time and continued our exploration. Our first stop was the Eco Park, perched on a hilltop and surrounded by breathtaking mountains. The park was well-maintained, beautifully organized, and offered stunning panoramic views of the region.
Google Maps indicated that we had reached the Seven Sisters Waterfalls, but we were still inside the Eco Park, leaving us utterly confused—was Google Maps broken? Deciding to take a break, we had lunch before resuming our search for the waterfalls. After lunch, we began asking people for directions. When we finally reached the viewpoint, we realized something astonishing—the Eco Park is situated right on top of the Seven Sisters Waterfalls! All along, we had been standing and roaming directly above the waterfalls without knowing it.
The view of the Seven Sisters Waterfalls was breathtaking. Seven streams of water cascaded down from an incredible height, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. At that moment, I felt my trip had truly been worthwhile.
From the Seven Sisters Waterfalls, we made our way to the Mawsmai Caves. While Dhilip opted to stay outside, I decided to explore the caves on my own. The path inside was quite narrow, making it my first proper cave exploration experience. The caves, carved out of limestone, featured uneven footing and unique formations that added to the thrill.
At one point, I noticed a pathway leading further down into darkness, accompanied by a signboard that warned it was meant only for professionals with proper gear. Heeding the warning, I stuck to the accessible areas and soaked in the fascinating atmosphere of the caves. After about 20 minutes, I emerged back into daylight, feeling exhilarated by the experience.
Our next stop was the Dainthlen Waterfalls, a popular picnic spot surrounded by a serene landscape. The waterfall is quite impressive, cascading over the rocks in a majestic display. The name Dainthlen is derived from a legend about a giant snake, known as Thlen, that once lived in a nearby cave. According to local lore, the villagers destroyed the snake to rid themselves of its terror, and the waterfall is said to mark the spot where the creature once resided.
After a long day of traveling, with the rain adding to our exhaustion, we decided to visit one final spot before heading back to our stay. Our last stop was NohKaLikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India, standing at an impressive height of 1,115 feet. The waterfall was massive, its beauty overwhelming. We could hear the thunderous sound of the water crashing down from a distance, a reminder of the immense force with which it fell. It was the perfect end to a long and memorable day.
One of the most famous attractions in Cherrapunji is the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. To reach the bridge, you need to trek down to a certain point. While the descent isn’t too difficult, the return journey requires trekking uphill, which can be time-consuming. I recommend setting aside at least 4 hours for the trek so you can take your time to enjoy the walk down, click pictures, relax by the waterfall, and then make the climb back up.
We left our stay early, around 7 AM. The trek started from Tyrna Village, and the drive to the village was a stunning experience. The route that Google led us on was so lush and green that it felt like we were driving through a dense, untouched rainforest.
One important thing to keep in mind is that you need to carry plenty of water for the trek. In such areas, you may not feel thirsty, but your body still requires hydration as you'll be walking continuously.
The first highlight we encountered was the Living Root Bridge. This incredible bridge is crafted by shaping the living roots of trees, a stunning example of nature’s craftsmanship. It was truly a magnificent sight! ❤
After crossing the Living Root Bridge, we continued our trek toward the Double Decker Root Bridge. Along the way, we met Charanjeet, a fellow traveler from Delhi, who had lost his way. He decided to join us, and together we made our way to the iconic Double Decker Root Bridge.
For me, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge was the highlight of the entire trip. This remarkable structure is made of two intertwined tree roots, creating a truly mesmerizing sight. Just in front of the bridge, there was a small waterfall, and Charanjeet and I couldn’t resist jumping in. It felt absolutely heavenly. After snapping plenty of pictures, we began our trek back.
The next day, I had a flight back to Delhi, so I needed to reach Shillong by night. I left Cherrapunji in the evening, opting for a shared cab that cost me 100 rupees for the one-way journey. I said my goodbyes to Dhilip, who was continuing his trip to Mawlynnong (the cleanest village in India). I had always wanted to visit there, but my return flight had already been booked.
I reached Laitumkhrah around 7-8 PM, had dinner, and stayed in the same hostel for my final night in Shillong. Early the next morning, I headed to the airport.
I had a 5-hour layover in Kolkata, and since I’d never been to the city, I thought, "Why not explore?" I exited the airport and searched for nearby places on Google. I had enough time to visit two popular spots: the Wax Museum and Eco Park, the largest urban park in India.
A solo trip enhances your decision-making, boosts your confidence, fosters new connections, and encourages self-reflection. Everyone should experience a solo journey at least once in their lifetime.
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