Like a baby tired of thewhole day’s activity jumps in the lap of one’s mother for a restful, secure, and undisturbed sleep the same goes true for tourists coming for the visit to Cherrapunjee.
The place is shrouded amidst floating clouds, the mountains stand tall likerobust guards watching over its boundaries, and the gushing streams flow uninterrupted withindomitable speed to grab the destination of joining the bigger source of water; the river. The constant rains keep washing the place clean now and then.Cherrapunjeeis credited with being the wettest place on Earth and holds the record for the most rainfall in a year.
Cherrapunjee is locally knownas Sohra- a land of breathtaking beauty and exotic landscapes.The old Cherra or Sohrarim was the original Cherra village but with the coming of the British, the village came to be known as ‘Sohra’ or present-day Cherrapunjee. Here, the British realized the enormity and intensity of the rainfall and set up a meteorological office for measuring the rain. Sohra was declared by the British to be the capital of Assam in 1832, which was later shifted to Shillong in 1866 due to the inclement weather. Sohra is also significant for being the first British outpost in North East.
The word ‘ scarcity’ being used for water seems an illusion here!
At times, one wonders how people carry on their activities amidst so much rain, but locals’ smiling faces belie the existence of any pain or suffering arising from lack of money due to tough weather conditions.
The not to be missed sights in Sohra:
Nohangithiang Falls: Seven segmented waterfalls. The waterfall plunges over the top of limestone cliffs of the Khasi Hills from a height of 315 metres (1,033 ft.) The falls are entirely rainfed and are visible only at the peak ofmonsoon. One can visit nearby ecopark to discover the mouth of the waterfall
NohKalikai Falls: 11.2km (29 mins)- Highest plunge waterfall in India and truly majestic sight.
Arwah Caves: An enchanting hillside pathway surrounded bygreenery and stunning vistas leading to the caves where one can spot fossils and bats. Those with an adventurous streak can opt for the longer 5 km trail!
Ziplining at MawkdokView Point- The stunning valley on a zipline over the gorge.
Trekking and hiking around Sohra – Trek to the living root bridges at Nongriat. Onecan also discover the centuries-old David Scott Trail all the way to the sacred grove at Mawphlang.
There are other interesting natural sights to be enjoyed around the place likeKynrem Falls,
Dainthlen Falls, Mawlynnong and Mawphlang Sacred Grove.
The feel of the stay at Cherrapunji is one of life’s unique experiences. The bountiful nature showcased in its purest form with minimal human intervention is a breathtaking sight for those looking for peaceful moments from super speedy city life! Sitting back and soaking in the endless vistas or listening to the therapeutic sound of the waterfalls and rain can serve as a panacea for exhausted souls.