Krangshuri Waterfalls, Meghalaya
The Krangshuri waterfall has a distinct appearance than the cliff-hugging plunge falls seen in southern Meghalaya. Unexpectedly, a calm river plunges, forming a curtain of streaming water that covers a cave. The waterfalls themselves are situated in the centre of a heavily wooded area, and during the summer, blue, clear waters may be seen at the bottom of them. It’s a beautiful drop to get to Krangshuri; you start out on an open meadow and gradually make your way down through more clearly defined bushes and plants. You may get a nice view of the falls from the railings around them, and you can ask about the area’s boating amenities. You may get a nice view of the falls from the railings around them, and you can ask about the area’s boating amenities. People can camp in a little area upstream that is surrounded by beautiful greenery and has only the gentle ripple of the river for company. By renting life jackets, you may take a plunge in the waterfall’s pool on calm, sunny days. Photographers will undoubtedly love exploring the nearby hills for vantage spots, of which there are plenty. Those who are willing to experience the local cuisine have a wide range of dining options.
Route map, indicating the kind of terrain that one would go through to reach this majestic river bank. The trek to this waterfall is very simple, compared to the Living Route Bridge. One can see the waterwall from a distance. It’s a must see!
“The journey of Meghalaya has been a tour of mapping the different fauna, flora, and landscapes of every place visited. Some of the sites took half an hour to be reached, whereas others demanded around 5-6 hours of trekking, but at the end, the breathtaking views were soothing and worthwhile. From the dry brown grass landscape to the lush green valleys, the satisfying views gave a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of the wallpapers of Microsoft Windows.”
Shillong town
Shillong town, which was established by the British in the second part of the nineteenth century, has always had a cosmopolitan centre. This is reflected in the distinctive culture of the picturesque capital of Meghalaya, where visitors may sample foods from all over the nation and the globe and where every holiday is celebrated with gusto. Shillong has a long history of supporting music, and many famous performers have called this city home. Shillong has various faces; in addition to the bustling centre, there are also peaceful neighbourhoods with whispering pines that still exist. Shillong is renowned for its growing café scene as well. The lovely Ward’s Lake, which is bordered by trees, and the expansive Golf Links, a favourite outdoor leisure area for locals, are among the area’s attractions. There are several hotels, guesthouses, and homestays distributed across Shillong, particularly around the city’s bustling Police Bazaar. We suggest doing the Shillong History Walk if you wish to trace the area’s colonial past.
“During the trip to Meghalaya, one of the most striking experiences was visiting the living root bridges in Cherrapunji. These unique structures are made by weaving the roots of the Ficus elastica tree together to create a sturdy bridge over a river. These bridges supported the weight of several people and are an excellent example of sustainable living and human ingenuity.
The experience of walking on these bridges was incredible. The natural surroundings were breathtaking, and the sound of the flowing water below created a peaceful atmosphere. It was fascinating to learn about how the local Khasi people have been using this method of bridge building for generations and have managed to sustainably coexist with their environment.
Overall, the trip to Meghalaya was an eye-opening experience, and it made the traveler realize the importance of preserving the environment. It was incredible to see how the locals have managed to create a harmonious relationship with nature and use it sustainably. The trip changed the my perspective on the environment and made them more conscious of their actions and how they impact the world around them”
- Sribaschha Lenka and Arinarayanan M.
“Typography is a fascinating subject that can be used to capture the essence of society in specific locations, such as the market streets of Shillong in Meghalaya. Typography in these areas can reveal a great deal about the local community’s culture, values, and identity.
For example, the use of different languages and scripts can indicate the diversity of the population and the historical influences on the region. The choice of typefaces and signage can also reflect the local aesthetic and design preferences and the level of economic development in the area.
Typography on market streets can also reveal how communication and advertising attract customers and create a sense of community. The use of vibrant colours, bold fonts, and creative layouts can be seen as a way to convey a sense of energy and excitement. At the same time, more traditional and conservative typography may indicate a focus on stability and tradition.
Overall, typography on market streets can provide valuable insights into the unique characteristics of a particular place and its people. By studying typography in these areas, we can better understand the cultural and social dynamics that shape a community’s identity.
- Daksh Tak
“Ever imagine interacting with the locals of Meghalaya and trying to communicate with them to have hot food in the cold winters of December? It was our first trip to the east of India, and we were taken from the quiet streets of a residential area to a bustling market lit up for Christmas.From the juicy pineapples and strawberries to the winter coats, which were sold for 100 rupees, The whole market was filled with luxury shops, and street vendors selling street Chinese, Shillong souvenirs, and fashion items slept when the clock struck 10 p.m. The black and yellow jugaad taxis are in infinite supply, making it a popular tourist destination in India.
Tourism, being the major source for the east, which holds its culture in all ways, was an eye feast to visit. We were surprised to see the archery shops open in such huge numbers to try our luck. Try your luck out; it would be fun.
The strongest people surviving the harsh winter made the trip more beautiful by providing hot chai, juicy pineapples, retro rides to the streets of Shillong, street food for vegetarians and non-vegetarians, and bamboo souvenirs that we would not find in any other part of India. We had the best experience exploring the east under the stars.”
- Varshini K. and Mansi SinghPicture
streets, particularly the Police Bazaar All of us delighted in these treats while chatting with the vendor. Interestingly, these food joints change over the duration of the day. We see different eaters in the morning and afternoon. By the time it’s night, many restaurants also open up, and the life in this area is completely different.
“Meghalaya, a state in the northeastern region of India, has a unique and diverse culinary tradition that reflects its rich cultural heritage and geographical diversity.
Staple Foods: Rice is the staple food of Meghalaya and is often served with various meat, fish, and vegetable dishes. Jadoh is a popular rice dish prepared with meat or fish and is often served with a variety of chutneys and pickles.
Meat dishes: Meghalaya is known for its love of meat, and pork is a popular meat in the region. Dohkhlieh is a pork salad made with pork, onions, chilies, ginger, and other spices. Dohneiiong is a pork curry made with black sesame seeds, ginger, garlic, and other spices. Other meat dishes include beef curry, chicken curry, and fish curry.
Vegetarian dishes: Although Meghalaya is predominantly a meat-eating state, there are many vegetarian dishes that are popular in the region. Tungrymbai is a fermented soybean dish that is often eaten with rice or bread. Jastem is a vegetarian dish made with mixed vegetables and bamboo shoots.
Snacks and street food: Meghalaya is also known for its street food and snacks. Jalebi is a sweet dish made with wheat flour, sugar syrup, and saffron. Pukhlein is a sweet pancake made with rice flour, jaggery, and sesame seeds. Other popular street foods include momos, chaat, and chow mein.
Beverages: Tea is a popular beverage in Meghalaya, and the region is known for its high-quality tea. Kwai is a popular chewable betel nut that is often consumed after meals as a digestive aid. Overall, the food experience in Meghalaya is a unique blend of flavors and ingredients that reflect the diverse cultural heritage of the region. With its love of meat, diverse vegetarian dishes, and flavorful snacks and street food, Meghalaya offers something for every palate.”
- Darshan Patel and Krunal Sadhu
“Stories aren’t just about historical events, great people or places, cities, or villages. It can be about a subject as small as a street shop or stall that becomes the reason for its existence. Understanding and knowing the history, purpose, or stories of such places and spaces became important to me, for actually realizing the value of any place, the existence of the traditions, and the natural ways of human life that go with them.
However, these not so mundane experiences, still haven’t gone to the back of my mind..
The days there began from midnight in the west. As the horizon disappears behind the mountains, we descend into the day with no real idea of what we would be having - lunch or dinner? A trek of only steps to walk along the path, trees with their roots set - beautiful to be amazed by yet mysterious enough to wonder about its physics. The juicy and pulpy fruits, the cleanest waters, and the skies full of stars remind you every day of the world we need to get lost in, leaving the one we’re in right now.”
- Jhenee Mehta and Divija Patel
The final day, while we were traversing Shillong’s streets, we came upon a narrow road and a door. We entered with few steps and discovered a lake! Ward Lake was the location; it was a tranquil, fully flowered lakeshore with an English garden-like atmosphere. The opening of Winter Stories coincided with the first day of the Christmas season, much to our surprise. We witnessed traditional artwork, bamboo sculptures, installations, a rock performance, a band, and a concert with all of the Meghalayan artists. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have been able to watch this beautiful event, and we heartily urge everyone to do the same.
DIVIJA PATEL, JHENEE MEHTA, RIDDHI GONDALIYA, KHUSHI PATEL, DIVYA SHAH, KRUNAL SADHU, DARSHAN PATEL, DEEPAK N., DAKSH TAK, BRINDA JASOLIYA, ARINARAYANAN M, AASTHA MARAVIYA, SRIBASCHHA LENKA, VAIDEHI CHIKHALIA, MAULIK SONI, MANSI SINGH, PRIYANKA KANHARE (Tutor), PRACHI SURANA, VARSHINI KATEPALLI.
