Shillong to Riwai: The Thrilling journey

Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya as well as the district headquarters of East Khasi Hills District. Shillong is the only hill station in the country that is accessible from all sides. The name Shillong is derived from U-Shyllong, a powerful deity situated at an altitude of 1,491 m above sea level.

This beautiful city is 103 kms from Guwahati, the nearest air and train link. The presence of many well reputed educational institutions, many of them established by various missionary groups make Shillong the hub of education for the entire north-east.

The journey to Riwai is 70km from Shillong which takes two hours depending on the road conditions. The best transport to go the unexplored area is by car or by public transport bus service which is available daily at a nominal cost.

Shillong

Once you leave from Shillong, you will get traffic because the narrow road highway gets two-way traffic which leads to Sohra. While going, Mawklot is the first village you will get between your journey which is a small Khasi village. This village is also near to the famous Elephant falls which look fascinating in the monsoon season.

Later you will come to see Lyngkhwir and Umlympung villages, which are small Khasi villages where you can get a basic meal if you want to have. One can also try the local food of Meghalaya here.

Y-point

When you cross these two villages, you will see a Y-point which will show you two ways to go, one heads to Dawki Tamabil and other one goes to Cherrapunji (Sohra). For Riwai, you need to take left side road which goes to Dawki.

Laitlyngkot is another village with beautiful churches and mountain. One can enjoy the valley view from this place. Another major attraction in this place is it’s serenity and peace where you understand why Meghalaya is called the abode of clouds.

If you go ahead, you will witness the villages which makes your journey more amazing to enjoy and see the Meghalayan culture of food and clothing. Villages like Mawkajem, Rngain, Langkyrdem and Shutim will add more beauty to your journey and your experience.

Pynursla

When you go ahead more on NH 206, you come to Pynursla, a local village which is big compared to other villages. You will see the market and beautiful churches which make a perfect setting, if you want to do local things photography.

Do try the oranges and pineapples here, they are so sweet and juicy that you will remember the place because of its fruit taste.

If you go ahead to Siatbakon, you will get another Y-point where the right one goes to Mawlynnong village and other one goes to Dawki Tamabil. It is 18 km road inside from this highway and by going there you will also get to visit Mawshun Cave and Bydraw falls in Pomshutia.

It’s an add on bonus if you want to see this waterfall and enjoy splendid nature. After a deep jungle route, you will land up at Riwai where you can witness the root bridge and some random waterfall.

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