Kerala is God's Own Country, but where is 'God's Own Garden?' Cherry blossom festival beckons you

The scintillating Meghalaya often reminds one of the impeccably green Wayanad and Idukki districts in Kerala. You wouldn’t miss the verdant greenery of Wayanad and the majestic mountains of Idukki in Meghalaya. If Kerala is hailed as God’s Own Country, then Mawlynnong in Meghalaya, which is the cleanest village in Asia, is touted as God’s Own Garden. The refreshing rain showers and the fabulous waterfalls that originate from the caves of Cherrapunji are sure to touch your soul. You could walk through these cave complexes that are kilometres long to feel the crystal waters of the springs. Meanwhile, it is believed that bathing in the natural spring that flows out of a rock in Um Dawai can heal skin problems. 

The weather in Meghalaya is quite interesting as the days are extremely hot while the nights are damp with severe rains, and mist shrouds the hillocks during dusk. Meanwhile, Meghalaya is all set to welcome visitors from across the globe for the iconic cherry blossom festival in Shillong and the Nongkrem dance fest in November. 

Land with no roads
Roads may only be an idea when you travel through the deserted stretches of land for kilometres from one village to another. Do not get scared in case you see the warning boards ‘landslide-prone area’ at many places. The fear and tension may vanish as you enjoy the thrilling coracle boat ride in the Dawki River, known for its magical emerald green waters, in the valley of the majestic Khasi hills. The Mawlynnong village, which charmed cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, is on the banks of the Dawki River.

The villagers here deserve credit for developing a lifestyle that focuses on cleanliness and respect for nature. The spectacular Nohwet living root bridge, which is one of the many in Meghalaya, is a walk away from Mawlynnong. It is a centuries-old natural structure formed by guiding the roots of ficus elastics trees across the stream, until they hardened and formed a root bridge. Meanwhile, Cherrapunji boasts of a mind-blowing double-decker root bridge, a dream spot for trekkers and adventure lovers. Root bridges were an innovative idea by the villagers to avoid the waterways while trekking downhill for trade. 

Heavenly Mawlynnong
The splendid village of Mawlynnong, with a meagre population of just 500 people, is situated 1400 metres above sea level. The villagers have vowed to fight the menace of plastic pollution by saying ‘bye’ to plastic. You could see triangular bamboo bins at every corner of the beautiful cobbled streets. These beautiful, handmade bamboo baskets are also symbols of their amazing aesthetic sense and artistic fervour. The villagers lead a community lifestyle with a separate play area for the children and stone mandapams for gatherings. Besides, fabulous tree houses are also used as gathering spots in the villages. Meanwhile, the visitors can stay in the beautiful eco-friendly homestays in Mawlynnong. 

Non-veg cuisine
Non-vegetarian cuisine is an indispensable part of their culture and lifestyle. The hotels serve delicious Meghalaya cuisine using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Jadoh made using rice and meat is the most popular food item loved by the visitors. Meanwhile, tunggrymbai is an ethnic food made using fermented soybeans. This wholesome dish, packed with nutrients, is served to the kids when they have a fever. Bamboo rice is added to almost all rice–based dishes. Meanwhile, many people may not find the traditional Garo dishes that are either black or deep brown in colour appealing. But the curries made with dried fish may remind you of the good old unakkameen curry cooked at our households. 

Music is life
The capital city of Shillong, which still bears several landmarks from the British Raj, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. The old palaces have been renovated into cosy resorts, and people gather at the town squares to enjoy the musical nights. Interestingly, the Don Bosco Museum that narrates the scintillating history of the North Eastern states was established by the missionaries from Kerala. You might lose yourself in the enchanting beauty of nature and wonder at the indomitable human spirit as you gaze into the dancing reflections of the whipped clouds on the crystal clear waters of the man-made Uniam Lake.