An uncommon path always holds the intrigue and possibility of a great adventure. The idea of exploring new cuisines, topography, culture, language gives the required adrenaline rush!
How about venturing into a land steeped with culture, nature's bounty and pilgrimage?
This is my humble attempt in chronicling my travel to the North Eastern states, hoping it would entice you to experience these on your own.
North Eastern states comprises of the 7 sisters -- Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland -- and the himalayan state of Sikkim. Nature has bestowed its best blessings on these sisters.
Lush greenery greets you right from the moment you step out of the airport and follows you like vodafone, wherever you go.
The topography of the place makes you dizzy and elated at the same time.. The curvy roads definitely calls for a bout of motion sickness but the feeling of breathing in pure air and the weather conditions makes it tolerable.
Gateway to this land of natural beauty is Guwahati, one of the largest growing cities. The connectivity to the airport is excellent. Many flights are direct from New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata or connected via Kolkata.
Guwahati
Guwahati is home to the Kamakhya Temple, which is a shakti peeth revered by the Hindu customs.
The female reproductive organ is the main deity here. The temple closes for 3 days in a year when the goddess is supposed to be menstruating. The deity is actually in the form of a vagina, which is usually decked up in flowers when you visit. One has to walk down in a crypt, below the main dome, for the darshan.
Normal queue for darshan takes minimum 3-5 hours whereas Rs.500 ticket facilitates the same in 1.5-2 hours.
The legend of the temple traces back to the time where Goddess Sati sacrificed herself in the yagna fire, conducted by her father- Daksha Prajapati. She was appalled by the disrespect shown to her husband by her father , which made her step into the auspicious fire.
Lord Shiva retrieved her body from the flames, after his massive forces destroyed everyone present. He then held her body and danced the Tandav- Destruction dance. Lord Vishnu who was mighty concerned, disambulated her body by the help of his Sudarshan Chakra.
Various bodily parts scattered all over the Earth. Her vagina fell here and thus has been revered in the form of a shakti peeth (strong and powerful place of worship)
Shillong
Termed as the "Scotland of the East" due to its topographical similarity to Scotland.
The rolling hills, The flora and fauna spouting out of everywhere, the enriched tribal culture etc makes it an interesting getaway,
Its a 3 hour drive from Guwahati which has curvaceous roads and hills. You can shop for local cane products and taste the local khasi cuisine. The temperature is simply cool and pleasant.. The massive traffic jams are the only hitch in this place.
Its like Venice but on hills.. super curvaceous city. Amazement at the construction on difficult terrain is sure.
There are many picturesque spots to be visited. Elephant falls is one of the gems found after a 20 min drive from the city centre. Elders can slowly and comfortably walk till the waterfall area.
Umiam lake should be the next stop for clicking pictures,savouring hot tea and gorge on freshly roasted corn on cobs.
How about venturing into a land steeped with culture, nature's bounty and pilgrimage?
This is my humble attempt in chronicling my travel to the North Eastern states, hoping it would entice you to experience these on your own.
North Eastern states comprises of the 7 sisters -- Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland -- and the himalayan state of Sikkim. Nature has bestowed its best blessings on these sisters.
Lush greenery greets you right from the moment you step out of the airport and follows you like vodafone, wherever you go.
The topography of the place makes you dizzy and elated at the same time.. The curvy roads definitely calls for a bout of motion sickness but the feeling of breathing in pure air and the weather conditions makes it tolerable.
Gateway to this land of natural beauty is Guwahati, one of the largest growing cities. The connectivity to the airport is excellent. Many flights are direct from New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata or connected via Kolkata.
Guwahati
Guwahati is home to the Kamakhya Temple, which is a shakti peeth revered by the Hindu customs.
The female reproductive organ is the main deity here. The temple closes for 3 days in a year when the goddess is supposed to be menstruating. The deity is actually in the form of a vagina, which is usually decked up in flowers when you visit. One has to walk down in a crypt, below the main dome, for the darshan.
Normal queue for darshan takes minimum 3-5 hours whereas Rs.500 ticket facilitates the same in 1.5-2 hours.
The legend of the temple traces back to the time where Goddess Sati sacrificed herself in the yagna fire, conducted by her father- Daksha Prajapati. She was appalled by the disrespect shown to her husband by her father , which made her step into the auspicious fire.
Lord Shiva retrieved her body from the flames, after his massive forces destroyed everyone present. He then held her body and danced the Tandav- Destruction dance. Lord Vishnu who was mighty concerned, disambulated her body by the help of his Sudarshan Chakra.
Various bodily parts scattered all over the Earth. Her vagina fell here and thus has been revered in the form of a shakti peeth (strong and powerful place of worship)
Shillong
Termed as the "Scotland of the East" due to its topographical similarity to Scotland.
The rolling hills, The flora and fauna spouting out of everywhere, the enriched tribal culture etc makes it an interesting getaway,
Its a 3 hour drive from Guwahati which has curvaceous roads and hills. You can shop for local cane products and taste the local khasi cuisine. The temperature is simply cool and pleasant.. The massive traffic jams are the only hitch in this place.
Its like Venice but on hills.. super curvaceous city. Amazement at the construction on difficult terrain is sure.
There are many picturesque spots to be visited. Elephant falls is one of the gems found after a 20 min drive from the city centre. Elders can slowly and comfortably walk till the waterfall area.
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| Elephant Falls |
Umiam lake should be the next stop for clicking pictures,savouring hot tea and gorge on freshly roasted corn on cobs.
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| Umiam Lake |
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| Khasi woman selling corn on cob! |
The Don Bosco cultural centre is a 7 storied museum which provides in-depth knowledge about the 7 sister states. Each floor is dedicated to various aspects of the people living here. Worth spending 1 hour here. Also, the terrace features a Sky walk which gives the bird's eye view of Shillong city.
Shillong boasts of quirky cafes and restaurants, making your taste buds very vey happy.
One such place is City Hut Dhaba, situated in police bazar. Quirky Decor -- Usage of huge cutleries as wall decor, keeping food grains in small sacks as counter deco, ducks in its waterfalls etc.-- and Dal Makhani to die for. The waiting time for tables will be worth it.
Dylan's Cafe is the coolest place to hang out in town. Its dedicated to the legendary singer. Record discs welcomes you and encourages you to leave your mark by the form of ceiling art. Yes, you can show your creativity on the armstrong tiles. The food is lip smacking good!
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| Dylan's Cafe |
Shillong cafe is the perfect watering hole. You can indulge in a round of pool/billiards and take the bottoms' up!
Ri Kynjai is the upscale resort situated on the umiam lake. The name means "serenity by the lake" in the local Khasi language, and trust me, it is true!
Beautifully made out of wood and cane products, the resort is the perfect getaway with family to bond and chill while soaking the nature's beauty.
A small pathway makes the trek till the lake easy. The rooms are massive (base category) for the pricing. However, the food is kinda below average.
The Spa is a must do!
Cherrapunjee
Dubbed as the "wettest place on the planet".
Had only read about this place in my geography text book in school and now, standing on the place was a great adrenaline kick. You actually feel on top of the world.
Clouds play hide and seek and the weather tends to be unpredictable.. It is advisable to carry an umbrella.
The 7 sisters waterfall is a delight to behold! The monsoon time brings out the beauty in its full glory.
The Mawsmai caves feature stalactites and stalagmites ( icicle- shaped formation that hangs front he ceiling of a cave and protrude from the floor of the cave. It is produced by precipitating minerals from water dripping through the cave's ceiling).
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| Mawsmai Cave |
Venturing inside is strictly not for elders and claustrophobic people. However just viewing the entrance is good enough to admire mother nature's charm.
Its a 2 hour drive from shillong. You will be amazed at the condition of the roads, so smooth.
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| Seven Sisters Waterfall |
Guess, i have provided sufficient information and motivation for you to head east. Additional bonuses include, hogging piping hot hill station wali maggi, innumerable photo opportunities and to try something new.
Thanks for reading,
Lotsa love,
Seeking a new adventure now....
Anu