Greetings from Cherrapunji --A heart shaped rock and other true stories (post 28)

We began our day with a trek down the mountains, through the pine forests. We didn't have a guide. Satish and I decided to explore the path on our own. It was slippery in many places, and we had to be certain of our footing, else we would have tumbled down. Tall coniferous trees formed dense canopies, through which sunlight couldn't trickle down. Ferns, spider-webs, mushrooms and pine-cones dotted the path. It was dark, damp, green and oh so pure. We walked down slowly, and a magnificent sight greeted us. I am sharing a picture I clicked.

We climbed back, contented happy souls. We found a vantage point from where we had a view of this very lake that we had trekked down to. I stood there and made a painting.

 

After breakfast, we left for Cherrapunjee.

Just before we reached Cherrapunjee, we took a diversion went to The Garden of Caves in Laitmawsiang. The sight is mesmerising, stunning, fascinating. It is a must-do if you ever visit North-East. The main attraction is the natural caves, surrounded by the forests.
There are many spots inside the garden, like natural heart shaped rock formation,  many different water falls which are a sight to see.

In one of the biggest waterfalls in this garden, you can actually stand behind it, and not get wet!

In the evening, we visited Mawsmai Caves---and my heart is still thudding in my rib-cage. The experience was awe-inspiring, frightening, exhilarating ,remarkable  and unforgettable--all at the same time.
The photographs truly do not do it justice.
When we set forth, we had no idea what to expect. It was deceptively wide. But as we entered it, it was rocky, slippery, wet and it looked like nothing I had ever seen before. At places, it was so narrow, we wondered how we would fit. What was very frightening was that we had to walk on rocky formations that rose up to 3 feet. It was not an even floor. Sharp jagged edges, slippery with water, and each step had to be carefully taken. There are lights throughout, but you have no idea whether to go on or go back---as it  seems impossible to walk through them. The giant formations of stalactite and stalgmite leave you marveling at the work of Mother Nature. You realise at once that you are in the presence of something larger than life itself, and you are filled with a sense of reverence.
It is no wonder that the Khasi tribes considered it a sacred place.

The three  photographs that I share here do not even show even one-hundredth of the formations inside. It was too scary to actually take pictures, as in many places, you had to climb over rocks carefully, crouching very low, almost bent over double.

We ended the day with a long walk to a tea-shop, and had some lovely black tea.

As I type this, I can see Bangladesh! We are at the border.

The view here is breath-taking. Meghalaya is truly a land kissed by the clouds.
And right now I cannot get enough of it.

More tomorrow! Join me :)
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