Exploring Meghalaya 🌦️: A Journey through Beauty and Bribes
Meghalaya, a state in the northeastern region of India, is a land of rolling hills, lush forests, and unpredictable weather. It's also a place where corruption runs rampant, as I discovered when I entered through the Tamabil Dawki border from Bangladesh. The immigration officer demanded a bribe, and I had to cough up the cash to continue on my journey. But despite this setback, I was excited to explore the beauty of Meghalaya.
The people of Meghalaya are super friendly, even if they mainly speak Khasiya languages. They were happy to chat with me in Hindi, Bengali, and English. I also learned that most of them are Christian, which adds a unique flavor to their culture.
My driver from Dawki to Shillong was a real character. He was full of knowledge and we jammed to some tunes on the way. As we drove higher up into the mountains, the temperature dropped, and the fog made everything look like a scene out of a movie. It was breathtakingly beautiful.
In Shillong, I stayed at a hotel and even visited the police bazar mosque to offer prayers. The next day, I headed to Cherrapunji, which is famous for its waterfalls and amazing landscapes. I met some fellow travelers from Bangladesh and we had a blast sharing travel stories.
Shillong as seen from Don Bosco museum
Get this - did you know that the name "Cherrapunji" comes from the Khasi word "Sohra," which actually means "the land of oranges"? But when the British arrived, they totally botched the pronunciation and named it Cherrapunji instead. Classic British!
And hey, Meghalaya isn't just a pretty face. It's got some pretty unique social and cultural practices too. For instance, the Khasi people follow a matrilineal system of inheritance where property and family name are passed down through the mother's side of the family. It's like the complete opposite of what most of India practices.
Meghalaya is also known for its high literacy rate and heavy emphasis on education, which just shows how seriously these guys take their brains.
So not only is Meghalaya a feast for the eyes, it's also a place of fascinating traditions and cultural quirks. Who knows what other cool things you might discover on your trip there!
The weather in Meghalaya is unpredictable, which can make for some fun surprises. One minute it's sunny and the next, it's raining cats and dogs. But that's all part of the adventure.
I also got to visit North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), where I had a host through Couchsurfing. The host was super cool and showed me around the campus. We even got to watch a Kabaddi match, which was totally wild.
My journey through Meghalaya was full of beauty and bribes. The corruption at the border was frustrating, but the people and the stunning landscapes made it all worth it. Meghalaya is a hidden gem, and if you ever get the chance to visit, don't hesitate. It's a journey you won't forget!
Qzine resturant, Shillong
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