Khasi Heritage Village

After our peaceful walk through the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, we stopped for a quick lunch at a small café nearby. Refreshed and ready for more, we headed to the Khasi Heritage Village, located just beside the forest. This charming village gave us a chance to experience the unique culture and traditions of the Khasi people.

The Khasi Heritage Village is a cultural site built to showcase the traditional lifestyle, architecture, and customs of the Khasi tribe. The village has replica houses, tools, and other items used by the Khasi people in their everyday lives.

As we entered the village, we saw a variety of traditional huts, each built in a unique style that represents different parts of Khasi culture. The houses were made of bamboo, wood, and straw, showcasing the Khasi people’s skill in using natural materials. Some huts were simple, while others had beautiful carvings, reflecting the artistic side of the community.

Each hut had a small description that explained its purpose. For example, we saw the Dorbar Hall, where community meetings are held, and a kitchen hut with traditional cooking tools. It was amazing to see how everything in the village was designed with meaning and purpose.

The Khasi Heritage Village is simple but rich in stories and meaning. It was a perfect way to end our trip, adding a cultural touch to the natural beauty we had experienced at Mawphlang Sacred Forest.

With this last stop, our Meghalaya adventure came to an end. The Khasi Heritage Village left us with lasting memories of a community that respects nature, honors traditions, and lives in harmony with their surroundings. It was a visit that we’ll remember and cherish.

It was the perfect way to end our trip to Meghalaya – a place that will always hold a special place in our hearts. With hearts full of memories and Camera full of photos, we bid goodbye to Meghalaya, grateful for every moment spent in the serene beauty of Meghalaya.

Mawphlang Sacred Forest

Our last day in Meghalaya was all about nature and history as we made our way to the Mawphlang Sacred Forest. We started our journey from Shillong early in the morning, stopping at Elephant Falls along the way. The fresh mountain air and stunning landscapes made this trip feel special from the very start.

We reached the forest around noon and were greeted by a guide who explained the rules and significance of the place. The Khasi people have long believed that nothing should be removed from the forest, as this might disturb the guardian spirits. It was fascinating to hear these stories, and it added a sense of wonder to our visit.

As we entered the forest, we were surrounded by tall, ancient trees, beautiful moss-covered rocks, and plants we had never seen before. The guide showed us many medicinal plants and unique tree species, sharing stories about their uses and spiritual meaning. Walking through the forest felt like stepping into another world – quiet, untouched, and full of mystery.

Our guide captured some creative group photos of us.

Pic with our guide

One of the most interesting parts was seeing old monoliths, which are large stones placed by the Khasi people to honor their ancestors. These stones added to the sacred feeling of the forest and showed the deep respect the Khasi have for their heritage.

Entry Fee and Tips: 

• Entry Fee: ₹50 per person, plus an extra ₹300 for a guide (required for entering the forest).
• Timings: Open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM every day.
• Tips: Also, avoid taking anything out of the forest as a sign of respect for local beliefs.  

Our visit to Mawphlang Sacred Forest was a peaceful and memorable experience. The stories, the natural beauty, and the respect for tradition made this forest a unique place in Meghalaya. As we headed back to Shillong, we felt grateful for this journey that connected us with nature and the Khasi culture.

Elephant Falls

As our incredible journey in Meghalaya comes to a close, we made one final stop at the beautiful Elephant Falls, located just outside Shillong. After days of exploring, we wanted to make the most of our last day, and this popular spot turned out to be the perfect choice.

About Elephant Falls: 

Elephant Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the region, named after a rock formation that once looked like an elephant. Though that rock was destroyed in an earthquake years ago, the name has stayed, and so has the waterfall’s charm. Originally, the Khasi people named this falls KA KSHAID LAI PATENG KHOHSIEW (three step waterfalls) because the water falls in three steps. The falls are divided into three parts, each with its own unique flow and beauty.

We reached the falls around 9:30 in the morning, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the views and the calm atmosphere before it got too crowded. The path down to the falls was a bit steep but easy to follow. We took our time at each level, feeling the cool mist and snapping photos at every turn.

The first level gave us a calm view, with water flowing gently over wide rocks. As we descended, the second and third parts became more dramatic, with stronger, louder streams creating a wonderful, refreshing scene.

We stayed for about an hour, taking in the scenery and appreciating this peaceful spot. There are a few small shops at the entrance where you can buy local snacks and souvenirs to remember your visit.

After soaking in the beauty of Elephant Falls, we set off for our final destination, Mawphlang Sacred Forest, about an hour’s drive away. This forest is famous for its rich biodiversity and cultural significance to the Khasi tribe. We couldn’t think of a better place to end our journey through Meghalaya’s stunning landscapes and unique traditions.

Wei Sawdong Falls

Our day was packed with adventure as we started from Cherrapunji, making stops at Mawsmai Caves and then Mawsawdong Falls. We even enjoyed a refreshing dip in the Marnbuh Falls Natural Swimming Pool and had a tasty lunch by the water. With some time left in the afternoon, we set off to see one last spot on our list— Wei Sawdong Falls.

On our way, we made a quick stop at Janailar Falls. Since we didn’t have enough time to hike down to the falls, we paused along the road, clicked a few pictures, and then continued on towards Wei Sawdong Falls. It was a brief but beautiful stop

The drive to Wei Sawdong took us deeper into Cherrapunji’s lush landscape. Since we were a bit pressed for time, we knew we had to make the most of this stop. To reach the falls, we followed a narrow, somewhat steep trail, but the walk wasn’t too difficult, and the views were worth every step.

Wei Sawdong Falls is unique and breathtaking, with its three-tiered cascade creating pools of clear blue water at each level. The sight of the water flowing down in steps was mesmerizing, and the peaceful setting made it feel like a hidden paradise. We took some photos, enjoyed the cool breeze, and soaked in the beauty around us.

With limited time, we couldn’t explore as much as we wanted, but just being there was unforgettable. If you’re in Cherrapunji, Wei Sawdong Falls is definitely a must-visit—perfect for anyone who loves nature and stunning views.