No Directions, Just Vibes: A Raw 24-Hour Journey Through Shillong’s Hidden Corners

Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya and a city that is rich in nature as well as urban features. Nicknamed ‘Scotland of the East’, the city has moving valleys, cascading waterfalls and deep woods alongside markets, cafes, all of which thrive under its vast and rich culture. However, if you were to explore and spend 24 hours in Shillong without a map, how would that go? No guidebook, no GPS, Just your gut and curiosity. Where would you end up? This answer lies in the city’s charm and captivating markets.

Morning: A Discoverable Beginning

The day starts with the fresh morning breeze and the distant chime of church bells ringing softly over the hills. You decide to take to the winding roads, trusting your feet to guide you even though you do not have a map. The streets of Shillong resemble a puzzle with it’s steep slopes and sharp turns. However, this puzzle is decorated with alluring colonial-style buildings, stylish cottages, and stunning gardens. Ward’s Lake comes into sight as you meander around; this beautiful lake is enhanced by the rich green flora surrounding it. The breath of arched wooden bridge and the tranquil ripples of water are too lovely to resist. Remember to spend some time there and relish the peace – and maybe even toss some food to the fish.

You trek from Ward’s Lake onto a trail that guides you to the highest point in the city, Shillong Peak. The view of the hills surrounding the city along with the city itself makes the climb worthwhile, even when it is steep. On certain days, the splendid plains of Bangladesh can be spotted in the distance. This feels like a secret that has been uncovered with no help from the internet and a lovely surprise.

Midday: Lost in the Lanes

Your stomach urges you to get something to eat around noon. Your senses are drawn to areas that serve sizzling street food and freshly prepared bread. This leads you to Police Bazzar, which seems to be the center of all business activities in Shillong and also a place where a myriad of street goods are sold. The sheer abundance of shops here ranging from youngsters running modern tech stores to history buffs with traditional Khasi garments, puts your senses on overload. Once again, your nose guides you to a local restaurant and you end up in a small place that seems unassuming at first but serves some traditional Khasi food. You are served rice along with pork and a sweet fried version of bread called pukhlein along with jadoh. Each bite is a new mix of rich flavor, completely alien yet refreshing to your taste buds.

The exploration does not end here though. After the meal, you boldly continue your journey around the bazaar and later on reach Lewduh Market, now famously known as Bare Bazzar. If you thought the last bazzar was large, wait until you get a glimpse of the oldest and largest one in Shillong, which serves as a trading hub for spices, produce, and hand crafted items. Each lively voice and its respective colored attire feel like a visual treat. The best part is, you can freely roam without a map like a true explorer finding concealed gems of the city, one at a time.

Afternoon: The Majestic Elephant Falls

When the rays of the afternoon sun fill the city with a warm glow, it is the best time to take a break from the busy city life and step out in the wild. The rest of the route is well marked and before long, you are surrounded by pine tree forests and the sounds of gushing waters. Before you know it, you are already at the majestic Elephant Falls, a breathtaking tri-tiered water fall named after a rock formation that once looked like an elephant. The powerful waterfall invigorates your senses and without realizing it, you have become part of the beauty that surrounds you. If the beauty does not compell you to take a free dip in the waterfall, the cool mist showering down surely will.

From here, we move on to חלק מסוים מקמפוס אוניברסיטת שילהון, which translates to a certain part of Shillong University Golf Course campus. This is one of the oldest complete with beautiful scenery golf courses in India. Even if you aren’t the biggest fan of the sport, the view of the Golf Course surrounded by rolling green trees is an ideal place to unwind and ponder over everything you’ve done so far.

Evening: A Cultural Encounter

While making your way back to the city in the evening’s ambient glow, the sounds of laughter and music draws you in. As you make your way to the Don Bosch Square, one of the popular landmarks, you realize there is no map needed. The square is bustling with both locals and tourists as local bands play on open-air stages. You join the people and let yourself be engulfed in the energetic atmosphere while swaying to the music.

As for lunch, you wander the streets and follow the delicious scent of grilled meat until you reach a restaurant where they serve Tungrymbai- fermented soybeans with curry…. the curry itself is made from doughnut and black sesame. The mouthwatering dish is a great finish to your explorations.

Night: A Quiet Reflection

When nighttime comes, this leads you to one of the outskirts of the city, the Laitlum Canyon. The view overlooking the shining lights of the hills and dark distant villages is truly astonishing. This delightful discovery without a map truly encapsulates the end of an adventurous day along with moments for quiet contemplation.

Final Thoughts

Being unaccompanied for an entire day in the city of Shillong is more like a game than exploring. The city, its people, and even yourself turns out to be a responsive put in trust. There are no limitations of a prefixed destination. Consequently, you can really get as lost as you would like. You may find yourself at a secluded market, a serene waterfall, or even a busy hilltop with astonishing views. No matter what, you will be pleased with the hidden beauties that Shillong has to offer. This will all guide you somewhere you would enjoy visiting directly. In today’s world, getting lost usually seems to have a negative connotation, but in some places like Shillong where the people are welcoming actually makes the magic of getting lost enjoyable.

 

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