The Legacy Of The Magnificent Nohkalikai Falls, India’s Highest Plunge Waterfall, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, India!
An ethereal city covered with clouds. Literally. That certainly sounds astonishing. This is the greatest area for you to enjoy this experience. This region in Northeast India is known by the name Cherrapunji and is one of the best. It is a town in Meghalaya that goes by the name Sohra as well. The living roots bridges made from the local rubber trees are what make it so well-known. Around 4500 feet above sea level, this city is located. The continuous rains of Cherrapunji are well-known. This location, which is the wettest on earth, is mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records. Rainfall here is measured in feet instead of millimetres, which is a well-known fact. Quite fascinating. The enormous and breathtaking Nohkalikai waterfalls in Cherrapunji are located in this cloud-covered region. When you first see these waterfalls, you will fall in love. The waterfall is spectacular. Learn more about Cherrapunji’s Nohkalikai Waterfalls by reading on.
Mawphanlur Natural Lake:
Not only is Mawphanlur incredibly refreshing due to the greenery, but also due to the large crowd of regular tourists and all the surrounding stores, hawkers, etc. A few locals who had come over to explore the area like us were also having a good time and dancing like nobody was watching.
The three cottages at the Traveller’s Nest guest home came as a complete shock. Stay here and experience Mawphanlur and its picturesque environs if you want to spend time there. Otherwise, take about an hour to relax in the peaceful surroundings before leaving. Visit once in a lifetime to this tourist place Meghalaya to nurture the experience of a lifetime.
Mawphanlur’s Location :
It is situated somewhere off the Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura Highway in Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills region. It may be found in the West Khasi Hills neighbourhood. Markasa is the noticeable village closest to you (about 70 km from Shillong). Mawphanlur is only 5 km from the highway junction, which is where Markasa is located on the Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura Highway.
Shillong To Mawphanlur:
Driving on the Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura Highway is enjoyable. The highway is in fantastic shape. When you arrive at Markasa, inquire about the way. Mawphanlur may be reached by using a route on the right side of the market. It is advisable to have prior experience with hill driving when driving on this narrow, serpentine road with a steep gradient towards the hill village in the Markasa-Mawphanlur portion (5 kilometres), which is paved and motorable.
If you want to go by public transportation from Shillong, board any bus or shared jeep headed in that direction. You are dropped off at Markasa Village by the car (Fare, Rs 150). Many Maruti 800/Alto vehicles are waiting for passengers at Markasa. The enchanting beauty of the states in north east India is surely a pleasure to the eyes.
Returning To Cherrapunji:
It is feasible to return the same day from Mawphanlur to Cherrapunji. If you enjoy the outdoors, Cherrapunji is a beautiful alternative for your upcoming holiday. Here is the definitive guide to visiting this breathtaking, less populated location in India’s northeast.
Place To Stay In Cherrapunji:
One of the best Cherrapunji hotels is Aisha Guest House. Aisha Guest House, located in Cherrapunji, is among the top locations from which to take in the expansive views of the lovely Sohra from the terrace. This property’s amenities include a restaurant, a front desk open around-the-clock, room service, and complimentary Wi-Fi. For guests who want to explore the neighbourhood, the hotel provides vehicle rental services in addition to free private parking. Travellers will have a more authentic experience because the owners prepare the food using traditional spices and herbs.
Nohkalikai Waterfalls:
Nohkalikai Falls, located near Cherrapunji, is one of the finest displays of nature’s beauty, plunging from a height of 1115 feet into a lush rainforest. Visitors to the North-East are drawn in large numbers by the waterfall, which is renowned for being the fourth-tallest plunge waterfall in the world. Because of its stunning hiking trail and expansive views, the cascade attracts many outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.
The deep plunge pool and cascade are both visible from a viewing gallery at the top of the waterfall. The lagoon-like pool’s colours shift with the seasons, from aqua to blue to green.
History Of Nohkalikai Waterfalls:
Nohkalikai, which in the regional Khasi language means “the leap of Likai,” is associated with a tragic story. In the village of Rangjyrteh, close to the waterfall, lived Ka Likai, a young mother. Young widowed, the woman remarried and continued to live with her husband and little daughter. The man disapproved of Ka Likai’s maternal love for her daughter. While Ka Likai was at work, he killed the girl and boiled her flesh in a jealous frenzy.
When Ka Likai returned home, her husband presented the cooked flesh to her. After dinner, she ventured outside searching for her daughter, whom she thought might be at the neighbour’s house. At this time, while sorting through a basket of betel leaves, she discovers a child’s finger. Ka Likai died after realizing what had actually occurred and jumping from the waterfall. The waterfall was given the name Nohkalikai Falls as a result of this legend.
Nohkalikai Falls Things to Do:
Nature lovers and thrill seekers will adore the waterfall. Here, you can participate in various of well-liked activities, such as:
Trekking: Adventurers will appreciate hiking through the area’s deep forests, rich grassland, crystal-clear streams, and a river bed with enormous rocks. Depending on your pace and the weather, the Nohkalikai Falls trip may take you between four and five hours. Hire a guide and go trekking. Though a bit risky but definitely worth it. A must-do activity under the Meghalaya package tour.
Bird Watching: You can spend some time here birdwatching and spotting various bird species.
Photography: If you are into nature or landscape photography. Here, you can take some beautiful panorama photos.
Viewpoint Towards Kutamadan:
The view towards Kutamadan is incredibly stunning, situated right next to the centre of an epic drama of dancing clouds, irate winds, and torrential rain. It provides a viewing experience that will alter the way you view the world, in addition to taking your breath away.
Local Cuisines:
Everyone should sample the Khasi delicacies. Locals enjoy the speciality pork rice quite a bit. Cherrapunjee, which is 4290 feet above sea level, meaning “the land of oranges.” It is well-known for its oranges. These restaurants sell beef along with pork, and there are several of them in the town. Here, rice is used as a main dish together with eggs, fish, meat, or vegetables. There are also popular dishes from other nations here. Each of these cuisines is altered in accordance with regional preferences and ingredient availability.
Conclusion:
Cherrapunjee is a true paradise. You will adore everything about the location, including the people, marketplaces, caverns, waterfalls, and Khasi cuisine. The state of nature is perfect. The environment is consistently green, while the sky is azure with white clouds strewn around. And at Cherrapunjee, it is unquestionably magnificent. There, clouds actually engage in hide-and-seek. The sky is first cloudy, but then it suddenly begins to rain. It can happen that the sky returns to being a pristine blue in a matter of minutes. Cherrapunjee has also been impacted by heavy tourism. There are now significantly more hotels and homestays, as well as more cars and tourists overall. But despite the increasing number of visitors, Cherrapunjee S beauty has not changed.