Escape to Shillong: A Scenic Weekend Getaway

12-15th August 2023

There's nothing quite like a weekend getaway to rejuvenate the senses, and Shillong proves to be the perfect escape for those seeking both natural beauty and a touch of city life. As we embarked on our journey from Guwahati to Shillong, we were treated to a picturesque drive. The roads, while in good condition, wind through the terrain, demanding careful driving. The three-hour drive unveiled stunning vistas, a constant reminder of the region's unspoiled charm.

Scenic routes

However, as we approached the entry point of Shillong, we encountered a slight hiccup - the jammed streets teeming with tourists. It's a good reminder that this little paradise is not a hidden secret anymore. One useful piece of advice: once you enter the city, Google Maps might not be your best companion. The city's layout can be a bit tricky, so relying on locals for directions can be a wise choice.

View of the room

Our choice of stay was the Courtyard by Marriott Shillong, located at Police Bazaar. The experience was delightful. The property, relatively new, exudes an aura of modernity and is impeccably maintained. Although our credit card points booking didn't include breakfast, the reception pleasantly surprised us with an upgrade.

We took full advantage of their breakfast and dinner options. Speaking of dining, the hotel offered a variety of food choices, yet the service seemed a tad lacking considering hotels repuattion.

Krang Shuri Falls

We started our day by visiting Krang Shuri Falls, which was about 85 km away from our hotel. It was around 3 hour drive and we hired a local taxi for the entire day. The falls were majestic and impressive, even though it was raining heavily. We got a full view of the falls from a distance. So we couldn’t take the boat ride across the stream though as the service remains suspended during monsoon.

Reaching the falls was also not that easy. We had to climb up about 200 steps that were steep and slippery. It was tiring for us, especially since we had a 3-year-old daughter with us who was not very fond of heights. But we managed to reach the top of the falls and enjoyed the view from there. It was worth every step!

Phe Phe Falls

After that, we headed to Phe Phe Falls, which was about 15 km away from Krang Shuri Falls. The journey to Phe Phe Falls was an adventure in itself. We had to cross a small stream by boat again, followed by a 45-60 minute trek through dense forest until we reached the first viewing point. The trek was challenging as it was muddy and slippery due to the rain. We could not go beyond that point as it was raining too much and we did not want to risk getting wet or lost.

We were disappointed that we could not see or touch the falls from there, but we still enjoyed the scenery and took some pictures

Police Bazar

On our last day, we relaxed in police bazaar, which is one of the oldest markets in Shillong. It is famous for its handicrafts, souvenirs and local delicacies. We roamed around the market and bought some things for ourselves and our friends back home. We also tried some of the local dishes at different stalls, such as momos, thukpa and fish curry.

All in all, our weekend escapade to Shillong painted a picture of mesmerizing landscapes and a stay that blended comfort with the contemporary. As the sun dipped behind the rolling hills, we couldn't help but reflect on how a short journey can transport us to a world of natural beauty and urban exploration. Shillong, with its winding roads and bustling city life, proved to be an ideal destination for a quick recharge.

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Tips

• If you are visiting in monsoon bring raincaots , instead of umbrella

• Best time to visit while would be just after monsoon so that waterfalls are full and trek paths are dry

• Carry trek shoes, extra cloths & snacks packets

• While driving is fun , its advisable to hire a local driver/taxi for exploring outskirts.

• Ask directions from locals and don't rely on google maps

• Mobile signals are not strong apart from main city. So don't depend on phone for everything.

• Keep some cash in hand