Shillong & Cherrapunji

Shillong & Cherrapunji

Day 1, DRIVE TO SHILLONG

Drive from Guwahati to Shillong (or from Kaziranga if you have just finished our `Guwahati & Kaziranga' module).

Shillong has been called the `Scotland of the East' because of its temperate climate and its location at an altitude of 1,500 metres. The city spreads on hills covered with English-style country houses.

Shillong has a vast bustling market, Bara Bazaar, where thousands of Khasi tribespeople flock in from their villages selling everything from gold jewellery, spices to textiles. The market is dominated by Khasi women, who run most of the stalls. These cheerful matriarchs can drive a hard bargain.

The Police Bazaar is like a Mall road in many other hill stations in the evenings. There are food stalls by the dozen, shops selling an amazing number of things and the whole atmosphere is quite energetic.

Stay at Tripura Castle for two nights.

Day 2, EXCURSION TO CHERRAPUNJI

The scenic drive from Shillong to Cherrapunji gives a spectacular view of deep gorges and the rolling hills luxurious with tropical vegetation that boast an innumerable variety of ferns, moss and orchids.

Cherrapunji is the place which once received the heaviest rainfall in the world. The numerous falls are most impressive during the steamy monsoon season when awesome torrents of water plunge down to the Bangladeshi plains.

Cherrapunji and its surroundings have curious `living bridges'. A growing tree is bent across a narrow stream as a bridge to cross it. A species of ficus, a rubber tree with its strong aerial roots are used. The aerial branches are bent and guided over the stream/river and in a span of ten to fifteen years the bridge is ready. These bridges can last a long time and are incredibly sturdy.

Day 3, RI KYNJAI

Half an hour's drive away from the city of Shillong, is a large lake called Burra Pani (Big Water). Here at a grassy promontory is the magical resort, Ri Kynjai.

The architecture is inspired and derived from the original Khasi thatch huts, which make a symbolic presence as a cap on the roof of the cottages. Each cottage and room is designed with its orientation to the east, capturing the view of the lake and the rising sun.

Ri Kynjai offers traditional Khasi massages and herbal treatment. The unique feature of the spa is its "Khasi bath". The Khasi bath is a water massage which leaves you feeling rejuvenated and recharged.

Stay at Ri Kynjai

Day 4, DRIVE TO GUWAHATI

Drive from Shillong to Guwahati where your tour ends. You can continue your journey by exploring Guwahati & Kaziranga. Alternatively, it is just a just an overnight train or a short flight to Kurseong & Darjeeling.

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