Eco-tourism in Meghalaya

U/A 7+ • Travel • Talk Show • 2021

So we were in the scenic village of Mawlyngbna. Nestled above the plains of Bangladesh, the village is one of the initiatives of the Meghalaya Govt and the village cooperative societies. I felt that the development of Mawlyngbna has a very natural and organic feel to it. It was the perfect example of a sustainable eco tourism destination where the locals have an ownership not just financially but also emotionally. Talking about taking ownership, just at an hours drive from Shillong lies an example of how a family is promoting sustainable lifestyle and responsible tourism. Run by Meghalaya born Canadian James Perry and his Khasi wife Valerina , Maple Pine is somewhere between a campsite, a bnb, and an english style rustic lodge. Meghalaya has gradually started opening up to me with its people, culture and sense of adventure. However there are still some layers which are yet to be unpeeled. Join me as I explore a side of Meghalaya that you havent seen before.

Director: Abhishek Vaid

Actors:

The Start of Meghalaya Roadtrip
23 February 2021 | 8 min
While doing my research for Meghalaya, I came across Gregory Allya Warjiri aka Greg. Now Greg is all things outdoors and runs a new age travel startup called NOMADS SHILLONG. We met over Instagram and gradually gave shape to our plan. And he is going to be my partner in crime in Meghalaya, ALONG WITH BLACKEY our OVERLANDING VEHICLE. But whats overlanding, you may ask. Well In simple words, its a roadtrip where your vehicle becomes your home, and the journey becomes the destination. Basically an alternate way of exploring the world. And one of the pioneers of this concept is a Guwahati based startup called Camping Co. They are a self drive vehicle rental company offering SUVs equipped with rooftop tents and camping gears for a comfortable overlanding expedition. Moreover the country side in the northeast is just magnificent, so I just cant think of a better way to explore the North East. Join me as I explore a side of Meghalaya that you havent seen before.
Shillong & Laitlum
23 February 2021 | 8 min
North East India has always felt like a frontier. Comparatively untouched beauty, fascinating tribes, unique food and such diverse cultures. So my rendezvous with the North East began with Meghalaya. Over the years Shillong has transformed from a picturesque hill station to a bustling urban hill town. So I just left aside the typical tourist spots likes lakes, waterfalls, view points, and decided to experience the city from a different lens. Join me as I explore the sights and bites of Shillong before heading to the wild side of Meghalaya.
Living Root Bridges And Kongthong
23 February 2021 | 9 min
The last episode covers the most unique dimensions of Meghalaya: 1 Nongriat Living Root Bridges: They say the best view comes after the hardest climb. But in case of Nongriat Living Root Bridge, its actually the opposite. Unlike most other treks, this trek starts in the reverse fashion, which means you have to climb down to reach here which makes the return even more difficult. But it all seems worth when you get to see these man made natural wonders. 2 Kongthong The Whistling Village: Around 3 hours away from Shillong lies the remote hillside village of Kongthong, that has the most unusual claim to fame. What makes it unlike any other place in the world is the fact that its inhabitants, rather than using names, use sounds to call out to each other. My tryst with Meghalaya has not been short of a love affair. I have chased her clouds and rains, been smitten with her different looks and moods, have been both thrilled and overwhelmed by her, but never ever fallen out of love with her. the lush green valleys, the misty mornings, the songs of nature and the new bonds of friendship have ensured that this is the beginning of something really blissful because as they say a true love story never ends So this was the story of HOW I MET MEGHALAYA and if you have enjoyed this journey with me, consider subscribing the channel for more of such tales. And incase you happen to know of any such inspiring stories or places, do comment and let me know. For now its a wrap from Meghalaya, but trust me well be meeting very soon. But until we meet, WORK EARN TRAVEL REPEAT :