Through Mountains and Clouds

Start with Ward’s Lake, a horseshoe-shaped artificial pool, lying near Raj Bhavan and the accountant general’s office. The lake provides shelter to grass carps and gaggles of geese, and you can feed them standing on the bridge that passes over the lake. You can also take a stroll amidst flowerbeds and fairy-lights, and enjoy the greenery in the surrounding. The lake is supplemented by a cafeteria and has boating options for tourists.

Spend at least one hour to soak in the attractions and serene scenes here.

There is a certain attraction about all-encompassing, panoramic views. Take a 30-minute detour (approximately) to Shillong Peak for a picturesque view of the Shillong city. Perched at an elevation of 1,966 metres, this part overlooking the town can be covered in fog, lending a mystical appearance.

We would suggest 45 minutes to an hour here but photographers like to linger along. The multiple picturesque spots away from the peak point will also tempt you to stop and breathe the fresh cool air.

Close to the Shillong Peak route, you can stop at Sri Mahadev Khola Dham (an approximate six-km drive from the church on the main route). A century-old cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the oldest shrines in the state and is much revered by devotees.

Drive to Sohra. The drive is a very scenic one and road conditions are good.

A short drive will take you to the Wah Kaba Waterfalls. Cascading down a cliff into a deep gorge, the roar of this towering waterfall can be heard from a distance. Surrounded by green hills, it is a beautiful sight to behold.

Half an hour is an ideal time for this attraction

Make the Dainthlen and Wei-Sawdong Falls your last stop for the day. The former is a powerful cascade surrounded by river-bed flats and natural rock pools. The latter is a stunning three-tiered waterfall downstream of Dainthlen that requires a short but memorable descent.

Spend the rest of your day (make sure you catch some grub on the highway) exploring these beautiful waterfalls and the terrain around them. Time your drive back to the main route with the sunset – the twilight hues in this open, stream-lined landscape can be mesmerising.

Said to be one of the tallest of its kind in the country (about 1,115 ft), it is fed by rainwater, which collects into a pool of green at the bottom. But more interesting is the tragic story of a heartbroken mother, from whom the name of the waterfalls is derived.

It is time to say goodbye to Sohra and hop across the ridge to Pynursla, another riveting road trip awaits you with views of blue valleys and folds of mountains playing with the constantly changing skies and sunlight. Start early.

The scenic Pynursla route takes you to Dawki town, perched on the banks of the pristine Umngot. Head over to Shnongpdeng where you can chill by the river beach or explore some of the nearby trails.

Alternative – We are including Mawlynnong as an alternative since your itinerary already has two iconic living root bridge sites. However, the destination (an hour’s drive west of Dawki) is one of Meghalaya’s world-famous sites. Apart from the living root bridge, there are several other scenic spots, waterfalls, rock formations, etc.

Hit a detour west, just on the fringes of Shillong. Mawphlang’s Sacred Grove is a perfect example of how indigenous Khasi beliefs accommodate modern ideas of nature conservation. These thick forests are sacred sites and need to be explored with a local guide. It is a refreshing walk through a forest that has been undisturbed for centuries. Enjoy the silence and the darkness underneath the canopies of hardwood.