After a long and tiring but immensely enjoyable day yesterday, we got up early today morning & hit the breakfast table by 7:30 AM. Rutuja had instructed to keep our baggage duly packed and outside our room before heading to the breakfast table.
At 8:15 AM we checked out of the hotel. Our first halt was at Mawphlang Sacred Forest which we reached by 9:30 AM. Rutu informed that Mac would be joining us at the forest site directly. After gathering the voyagers, Mac gave a short introductory talk about the forest, the dos and don’ts. He explained the traditions, practices and other peculiarities. If I remember Mac’s talk correctly there are around 125 sacred forests in Meghalaya. These forests are important because they have some very old and special types of trees and plants which helps nature stay healthy. The climatic conditions of these forests support growth of rare plants which probably could not be found anywhere else in the earth.
Post Mac’s short talk, the voyagers took an hour-long stroll in the forest. It was a very serene feeling. Amongst the several species of trees and plants I can now remember only one name - Rudraksh tree – which holds religious significance to Hindus.
After experiencing absolute bliss & peace during the hour-long stroll in the sacred forest, the next destination was Orange Roots, where we stopped for lunch.
After lunch we visited Nohkalikai waterfall. When we reached the site, we could see only fog & clouds, and hear a waterfall, but could not see the waterfall. The voyagers were disappointed. But Rutu informed that if we wait for some time the clouds may move and the waterfall will be visible. We waited patiently, but the wait was worth it. Gradually the clouds moved, the fog disappeared and a breathtaking scenery unfolded before our eyes. It is impossible to explain in mere words and capture in pictures the grandeur which nature provides. One should witness it to experience it! As per Wikipedia this is the tallest plunge waterfall in India & its height is 340 metres. Below the falls is a plunge pool with water of an unusual shade of green.
No one was ready to leave the place, but we had a couple of more places to visit before checking into the resort at Cherrapunjee. After experiencing Nohkalikai waterfall we visited the Nohsngithiang waterfall (the Mawsmai Falls) which is supposed to be a seven segmented waterfall and also referred to as the seven sister’s waterfall. However, we did not spend much time here as there was not much water. We could however see the plains of Bangladesh beyond the hills.
Rutu had also arranged for us to to visit Mawsmai caves which was next on our agenda for the day. After experiencing the vast open sky it was time to enter a cave where one may have to probably crawl to get through! At the entrance we met a couple of youngsters (for a group whose average age was 60 years a 30/ 32 year old would certainly qualify as an youngster) who saw the age profile of our group & ‘warned’ us that we would not be able to make it. They added that they started their journey into the cave & returned back after a couple of minutes as they were afraid to go ahead. But inspite of this ‘warning’ Rutu’s encouraging words ensured that 19 out of 21 members agreed for this mini adventure. The 2 who had decided not to join were having genuine issues which prevented them from participating in this little adventure.
The passage inside the caves were at places very narrow that one had to literally bend their body & squeeze between the rocks. The surface was rugged limestone. In most places, the interiors were dimly-lit. The voyagers experienced low overhangs & uneven footing in several places along the way. Given the age profile of the group members for some of us it took more time than what would have otherwise taken. But each & every one of those who had signed up for this adventure completed it successfully. A mini entertainment awaited every one when we completed the adventure. A live band was belting out popular Bollywood numbers and a mini dancing stage was available for those who wished to shake a leg (& their bodies). Few members took to this dancing stage. After a bite of a couple of chunks of tasty pine apple and a vigorous dancing session, the group left for the holiday resort in high spirits. We would be spending tonight & the next in Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort.
After the mini adventure inside the Mawsmai caves another major adventure which could probably test one’s mental strength & physical stamina awaited. Voyagers who are interested had an option of visiting the double decker root bridge the next day. Now it was Rutu’s (who had encouraged all group members to participate in the Mawsmai cave) turn to warn potential participants about the nature of trip to the double decker root bridge. One has to start as early as possible, packed break fast would be provided, and the physical effort would involve getting down around 3500 steps cut in the mountain to reach the bridge. This was half the story. One has to climb up the 3500 steps to complete the trip. If it started raining it would queer the pitch further for the participants. 8 out of the 21 voyagers decided to take up this challenging task.
Rutuja had planned an alternative itinerary for those not visiting the double decker root bridge.
After an early dinner post reaching the resort, the voyagers retired to bed. I spent an hour with Black Shrike. At this rate I felt I should be able to complete this novel by tomorrow.
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