Meghalaya memories.....

Most of North East India is blessed with serene natural beauty. Those who have savored the untouched charm of this region will never be able to escape from its spell, like me. During my three years stay in this part of India,  I got many opportunities to soak in these heavenly places.
Hre I will recount my Meghalaya memories.........
Ethereal charm of Shillong, the hilly getaway in North-East India...I have been lucky to visit twice....The pleasant memory lingers...

The mirror smooth, placid lake reflecting the overcast sky.....

Ethereal beauty of Cherrapunjee....
If a place receives  highest rain in the world, such verdant greenery is quite expected..

The low-hanging clouds feels divine..

Moisture-laden grey sky and chilly air, even in the peak of summer.....

Such a stunning place to rejuvenate the frayed nerves..

Cloud-draped lush valleys.........

More clouds....and the meandering ravine...

The freshness of verdant greenery and the veil of clouds conjure the image of paradise...

The hilltop vantage point........

The murmur of cascading waterfalls...

Vast nature....somehow yet untouched....

Are not this sculptures eye-catching? I instantly fell in love with these handicrafts chiseled from pine wood and cones. I saw these decors displayed in a merchandise stall in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya and lost no time in purchasing it.

Three vultures perched on a bare tree with sinewy branches...........

Two birds perched atop a tree house......

The sleepy Shillong city cradled by nature...

Aroma of pine forest and precious wild herbs...

Umtru is such an awesome retreat, lurked deep in the forest of Meghalaya. The craggy rocks, the milky foamy water of the rapids rushing with murmuring sound, the lush forest with diverse flora, the areca nut plantations, the sloping hills covered with tea bushes, the rope bridge, the hiking trails, the bamboo cottages and the myriad varieties of fascinating mushrooms create a paradise on earth for nature lovers.

Tea fields ..the shrubs were pruned (not in peak pf their foliage), yet what an awesome experience it was to hang out by the slopes, stroll among the neat rows and gaze at the tender leaves..

I have a strong interest for the lifestyle of tribal folks and their age-old, precious traditions and occupations. So, when a opportunity to land in the Topatoli forest  along with the picnic troupe came my away, I decided to make the most of the occasion. Accompanied with a like-minded friend, I ventured into the nearest locality. As we walked uphill along the spiraling path hugged by the hilly forests, overlooking the areca nut and pineapple plantations, momentarily our urban stress gave way to pure bucolic bliss. Soon we were at the locality. I saw this multi-purpose bamboo platform and shed in front of a house. I was impressed with the  rows of handmade grass brooms hung for drying. Some ginger roots were laid for sun drying as well. As I posed for a photograph clutching the wooden pillar, looking all content, I could not stop appreciating the sustainable lifestyle of these hard-working people..