“When clouds come close enough to touch, waterfalls whisper stories, and every road leads deeper into nature — that’s Meghalaya on Day 5.”
🌄 A Slow Morning in Shillong & The Road to Cherrapunjee Begins
After two long and eventful days, the night had stretched well past midnight. By the time we finally fell asleep, it was nearly 1:00 AM. Therefore, for the first time in this journey, we made a conscious decision—no rushing, no alarms before sunrise. Today was meant to begin a little slower.
However, habits don’t follow travel plans.
By 7:00 AM, my eyes opened naturally inside our room at Hotel Rockski Boutique. The room was silent. Everyone was still asleep—Titli curled up in her blanket, Suchismita resting peacefully. The outside world, however, was already awake.
Quietly, I stepped out—camera in hand.
Because some mornings are too beautiful to miss.
🌤️ Shillong Mornings & Rooftop Silence
As always, my feet carried me to my favorite corner of the hotel—the rooftop.
Shillong, resting at an altitude of around 1500 meters, greeted me with a crisp, cool breeze. Even in mid-November, the air felt fresh and slightly cold, a gentle reminder that we were deep in the hills of Meghalaya.
The city slowly revealed itself under soft golden light.
From the rooftop, I captured a few frames—rooftops glowing under sunlight, distant hills fading into the horizon, and a calmness that only hill stations can offer. A few chairs and shaded seating areas made the rooftop even more peaceful, almost like a private viewpoint above the city.
Soon, Sougata joined me—he too had woken up early but stayed in the room for a while. As always, the camera became our silent companion in conversations.
Then came the perfect addition—morning tea.
Served right on the rooftop.
One by one, Joy, Indra, and later Papai joined us. With warm cups in hand and cool Shillong air brushing past, those quiet 15–20 minutes felt incredibly special.
Sometimes, travel is not about places.
It’s about these pauses.
🧳 A New Day, A New Destination
Unlike previous days, today was a checkout day.
Our journey would now take us from Shillong to the misty land of waterfalls—Cherrapunjee, also known as Sohra.
Our stay was planned at San Nael La Resort, and the route ahead promised some of Meghalaya’s most iconic landscapes.
Before that, we had a well-planned route:
➡️ Elephant Falls
➡️ Drive through scenic viewpoints like Mawkdok Dympep Valley Viewpoint
➡️ Explore majestic waterfalls including Nohkalikai Falls
➡️ Visit Thangkharang Park
A day full of nature, viewpoints, and unforgettable landscapes awaited us.
🍽️ Breakfast & Getting Ready
Eventually, it was time to return to reality.
Back in the room, everyone slowly woke up, and the usual travel rhythm began—bathrooms, packing luggage, and getting kids ready. Thankfully, today there were no issues with hot water—everything worked perfectly, a small but important comfort during a hill journey.
By 9:00 AM, we gathered in the dining area.
Breakfast was already laid out:
🍛 Chole Bhature
🍳 Egg Poach
🍌 Banana
🧁 Cupcake & Sweets
☕ Tea / Coffee
Simple, filling, and just what we needed before a travel-heavy day.
🚐 Departure from Shillong
By 9:45 AM, everyone was ready—bags packed, bills settled, and energy levels refreshed after a slightly longer sleep.
As planned, we reached the pickup point at Shillong market by 10:00 AM, exactly where our driver had dropped us the previous night.
The car wasn’t there yet.
But the journey had already begun.
Because sometimes, travel doesn’t start when the wheels move…
It starts when you step out with a plan, a camera, and a heart ready for the road ahead.
🌿 What Lies Ahead…
Today’s journey would take us from the calm hills of Shillong to the dramatic landscapes of Cherrapunjee—where waterfalls fall from the sky, clouds touch the earth, and every turn reveals a new story.
And this time…
we were not in a hurry.
💧 Elephant Falls – Laughter, Layers & Little Moments
By 10:05 AM, our Travera finally rolled into the pickup point right on time—something that felt like a small victory after the delays of previous days. Without wasting much time, we loaded all our luggage, settled into our seats, and by 10:15 AM, the wheels were moving again.
Our first destination of the day—
Elephant Falls
🚐 Through the Heart of Shillong
The drive from Shillong market to Elephant Falls was short but beautiful.
As the car slowly climbed through the city’s winding roads, we passed through quiet residential areas—rows of colorful houses, sloping rooftops, and narrow lanes that perfectly reflected the charm of hill life. The morning sun added a soft glow to everything, making even ordinary scenes feel special.
By 10:40 AM, we reached the parking area.
The excitement had officially begun.
🎟️ Entry & The First Glimpse
After parking, we quickly collected entry tickets—₹20 per person (₹10 for little Ishan). With tickets in hand and cameras ready, we stepped inside the park.
And just a few minutes in…
the first photo of the day was clicked at 10:53 AM.
A simple board that read: “Why Elephant Falls?”
Sometimes, journeys begin with small details.
📸 Layer One – Where Memories Begin
The first level of the falls welcomed us with greenery, gentle water flow, and the perfect space to pause.
Naturally, photography began instantly.
Kids first…
Then families…
Then solo shots…
Then “just one more” combinations that never really end 😄
Every corner became a frame. Every smile became a memory.
🌉 Layer Two – A Quick Stop
From there, we crossed a small bridge above the flowing water and reached the second level.
However, this time, we didn’t stay long.
Because the real excitement was waiting below.
The kids had already spotted something…
🚣 Boating at the last layer!
Mou decided to stay back here, choosing comfort over the 100-step descent ahead. The rest of us, driven by curiosity (and kids’ excitement), continued downward.
🚣 Layer Three – Where Fun Takes Over
At the lowest level, a small boating area added an unexpected twist to the waterfall experience.
After a bit of bargaining, we got a paddle boat for ₹100 for 20 minutes.
And suddenly, the calm waterfall visit turned into a mini adventure.
👧 Titli, Diya, Adrija, Jiya
👨🦱 Babu as the responsible “captain”
Diya and Babu handled the paddles, Jiya sat safely in the middle, while Titli and Adrija enjoyed the backseat ride.
Laughter echoed across the water.
Meanwhile, we turned into full-time photographers—capturing every splash, every smile, every imperfect paddle stroke.
😄 A Small Emotional Moment
But not everyone was happy.
Little Ishan, watching from the side, couldn’t hold back his tears. He wanted his turn.
At first, we hesitated—safety comes first.
However, seeing his disappointment, we requested the boatman for a short extra round.
And this time—
👨 Sougata
👨 Indra
👶 Ishan
joined the boat, along with Diya and Adrija who refused to get off 😄
That extra 10 minutes?
Worth everything.
At the end, we happily paid ₹20 extra—but the smile on Ishan’s face was priceless.
⛰️ Climbing Back & A Surprise Above
After nearly 40 minutes of fun, laughter, and countless photos, we finally climbed back up, reaching the top around 12:00 PM.
And then came a surprise.
Mou was no longer just waiting.
She was ready for a photoshoot—in traditional Assamese attire.
👗 A Cultural Twist to the Day
That one moment changed everything.
Soon, all the women—and even kids—joined in.
Colorful Assamese dresses, traditional looks, and endless photo combinations took over the scene.
What started as a waterfall visit…
turned into a cultural photoshoot.
☕ Small Joys Around
Meanwhile, near the entrance of the first layer:
☕ Tea
🍫 Chocolates
🍿 Popcorn
…were quietly adding comfort to the experience.
Some rested, some clicked photos, some just enjoyed the moment.
⏳ Time to Move Again
After spending another 25–30 minutes soaking in these moments, we finally stepped out of the park around 12:30 PM.
Elephant Falls had given us more than just views.
It gave us laughter, emotions, small surprises, and memories layered just like its three tiers.
And now…
the road to Cherrapunjee was calling.
📍 Elephant Falls – A Complete Travel Guide Before You Go
Before we move ahead on our journey toward Cherrapunjee, let’s pause for a moment and truly understand the beauty and importance of
Elephant Falls.
Because this is not just a quick stop—it’s one of the most iconic and easily accessible waterfalls in Meghalaya.
🌄 Where is Elephant Falls Located?
Elephant Falls is located in Upper Shillong, around:
📍 12 km from Shillong city center
📍 Easily reachable by road (30–40 minutes drive)
Nestled amidst dense greenery and layered forest terrain, this waterfall is a perfect introduction to Meghalaya’s natural beauty.
🐘 Why is it Called “Elephant Falls”?
The name has an interesting colonial history.
During the British era, a large rock near the waterfall resembled the shape of an elephant. Therefore, the British named it Elephant Falls.
However, that rock was destroyed in an earthquake many years ago.
Yet, the name stayed.
And today, it continues to carry that legacy.
💧 The Three-Layer Waterfall Experience
What makes Elephant Falls unique is its three-tier structure:
➊ First Layer – Wide and gentle, perfect for photography and relaxed viewing
➋ Second Layer – Smaller but scenic, connected via a bridge
➌ Third Layer – The most powerful and beautiful, reached after descending around 100 steps
Each level offers a completely different perspective.
And therefore, the experience feels like unfolding a story—step by step.
🎟️ Entry Fees & Timings
💰 Entry Fee:
- Adults: ₹20 per person
- Children: ₹10 (approx., may vary slightly)
🕒 Timings:
- Open daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
It’s always better to visit earlier in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy better lighting for photography.
🚣 Things to Do at Elephant Falls
Elephant Falls is not just about viewing—it’s about experiencing.
Here’s what you can enjoy:
📸 Photography
- Multiple viewpoints across all three layers
- Ideal for family, solo, and nature shots
🚶 Short Nature Walk
- Stone pathways and staircases through greenery
🚣 Boating (Seasonal / Small Setup)
- Paddle boat experience at the lower level
- Especially fun for kids and families
👗 Traditional Dress Photoshoot
- Local Assamese attire available for photos
- A great way to add a cultural touch to your travel memories
☕ Snacks & Refreshments
- Tea, popcorn, chocolates available near the entrance
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Timing plays a big role in your experience.
✔️ October to April – Best season
✔️ Winter mornings – Clear views and pleasant weather
✔️ Post-monsoon – Waterfall looks fuller and more powerful
⚠️ Avoid peak monsoon (June–September)
- Slippery steps
- Heavy rainfall may affect accessibility
📷 Photography Tips
If you love photography (just like me 😉), keep these in mind:
📸 Carry a wide-angle lens for waterfall shots
📸 Use zoom lens for layered compositions
📸 Visit before noon for better natural light
📸 Be careful on wet steps—safety first
⚠️ Travel Tips for Visitors
👉 Wear comfortable shoes (many steps involved)
👉 Carry water bottles
👉 Be cautious during descent (especially with kids)
👉 Do not rush—enjoy each layer slowly
👉 Respect nature—avoid littering
🌿 Why You Should Visit Elephant Falls
Because it offers:
✨ Easy accessibility from Shillong
✨ A perfect mix of nature + activity
✨ Family-friendly experience
✨ A great starting point for the Cherrapunjee route
💭 Final Thought
Elephant Falls may not be the tallest waterfall in Meghalaya…
But it is definitely one of the most complete experiences.
From gentle streams to playful boating, from cultural photos to layered landscapes—
it captures everything that Meghalaya stands for.
And that’s exactly why…
it deserves a place in every traveler’s itinerary.
🎥 Watch the All Moments
👉Scenic Elephant Falls – Boating & Khasi Dress Experience – Assam Vlog: Day 5 Ep 1 – Coming Soon…
🌄 The Road to Sohra & A Lunch Stop We Never Expected
By 12:40 PM, we were back on the road again—leaving behind the refreshing layers of
Elephant Falls
and heading toward the land of clouds—
Cherrapunjee.
Our next destination was already decided:
👉 Nohkalikai Falls
Approximately 45 km away, a journey that should ideally take around 90 minutes.
🚗 A Silent Race Against Time
Unlike previous drives, this stretch was different.
We were already running a little late.
So this time—
no stops, no long breaks, no detours.
Just music playing softly in the background…
and occasional roadside photography from inside the moving car.
The road curved through hills, dipped into valleys, and climbed again—each turn offering a glimpse of Meghalaya’s raw beauty.
But we kept moving.
Because hunger had started to take over.
🍽️ The First Stop – Almost Perfect
Around 2:20 PM, we finally decided to stop for lunch at
Orange Roots.
It looked good. Clean. Peaceful.
But there was one small problem.
It was a pure vegetarian restaurant.
And after a long journey, the kids were in no mood for compromise 😄
🔄 A Quick Change of Plan
After a quick discussion (and a little local guidance), we got to know about another option just a couple of minutes away—
👉 Nalgre Restaurant
Without wasting time, we got back into the car.
And within 5 minutes, by 2:35 PM, we reached there.
🍛 The Meal We Needed
This time—it was perfect.
A simple, homely setup… but exactly what we were craving.
Menu options were straightforward:
🍳 Egg Thali – ₹170
🐟 Fish Thali – ₹220
🍗 Chicken Thali – ₹250
We ordered:
👉 Egg thali for most of us
👉 Chicken thali for the kids
And honestly…
it felt like home.
🍽️ What Was on the Plate?
The thali was simple, yet comforting:
🍚 Steamed Rice
🥣 Dal
🍳 Egg Curry / Chicken Curry
🍆 Brinjal Fry
🥔 Aloo Bharta
🍅 Chutney
🍘 Papad
A perfect Bengali-style meal in the heart of Meghalaya.
🌌 The View That Stole the Moment
While the food was being prepared, Papai and I casually walked behind the restaurant.
And then…
we stopped.
Because what we saw—
was beyond words.
The sky felt closer than ever.
Clouds floating at eye level.
Endless green valleys stretching into the distance.
A silence so deep, it felt like nature was speaking.
For a moment…
it didn’t feel real.
This is exactly why
Meghalaya
is called the “Abode of Clouds.”
From Sanskrit:
Megh = Clouds
Alaya = Home
And standing there…
it truly felt like we were inside that home.
Cameras came out instantly.
But this time—
no portraits, no poses.
Just nature.
Pure. Raw. Endless.
Those 10 minutes behind the restaurant?
Easily one of the most unforgettable photography moments of the entire trip.
🍛 Back to Reality… and Food 😄
Around 2:45 PM, lunch was served.
We stepped back inside—but our minds were still lost in that view.
The food was hot, fresh, and incredibly satisfying.
Kids were happy (finally 😄),
and even our driver and helper joined us for lunch.
🚐 Ready for the Next Chapter
By 3:30 PM, we wrapped up, settled the bill, and got back into the car.
Now fully recharged—
with food, with views, and with new memories—
we were finally ready to continue our journey toward
Nohkalikai Falls.
And this time…
we knew something special was waiting.
🌅 Nohkalikai Falls – A Sunset We Almost Missed… Yet Never Forgot
By the time we reached the parking area of
Nohkalikai Falls,
it was already 3:45 PM.
Time was not on our side.
The sky had started preparing for sunset…
and we were still at the entrance.
🎟️ A Quick Entry & A Race Against Time
Without wasting a second, Indra and I rushed to collect the entry tickets, while the rest of the group moved ahead toward the viewpoint after requesting the gatekeeper.
Total cost came to around ₹100 including camera charges.
By 3:55 PM, we finally reached the viewpoint.
And what stood in front of us…
was breathtaking.
🌄 First Glimpse of the Mighty Falls
From the edge of the viewpoint, the landscape opened up dramatically.
Deep valleys…
endless green cliffs…
and far beyond, the plains stretching toward Bangladesh.
Somewhere below, the faint line of a river could also be seen flowing through the distant land.
And right in front of us—
the legendary Nohkalikai Falls.
💧 A Different Reality
But something felt different.
The waterfall wasn’t at its fullest.
Once known as one of the wettest places on Earth, Cherrapunjee no longer holds that global rainfall record.
And therefore, the flow at the falls was not as powerful as expected.
Yet…
beauty isn’t always about volume.
Sometimes, it’s about presence.
📸 The Rush Before Sunset
With limited time in hand, everything turned fast-paced.
📸 Cameras out
📱 Mobiles ready
👨👩👧👦 Group photos
👤 Solo shots
🌿 Nature frames
Everyone was trying to capture their own version of the moment.
Because we all knew—
this light wouldn’t last long.
🌅 When the Sky Began to Change
At around 4:25 PM, the magic began.
The sun slowly started descending behind the hills.
Golden light spread across the valley…
clouds turned orange…
and the entire landscape transformed into a living painting.
We stood there—watching, capturing, feeling.
Not just a sunset…
but a complete transition of nature.
🌌 The Final Light
Within just 10 minutes, everything changed.
By 4:35 PM, the sun had disappeared.
The light faded quickly…
the air turned colder…
and silence slowly took over the viewpoint.
It was beautiful.
But also… too short.
💭 A Photographer’s Regret
For me, that moment carried a slight disappointment.
There wasn’t enough time.
Not enough time to explore angles…
not enough time to frame perfectly…
not enough time to truly absorb the place.
And so, after a while, I quietly walked back toward the car.
With a camera full of photos…
but a heart wanting just a little more.
🛍️ Small Moments Before Exit
Meanwhile, others stayed back a bit longer.
Some visited the washroom area nearby,
while others explored the small local market selling handmade crafts of Meghalaya.
Simple things…
but part of the journey.
🌙 Moving Toward the Night Stay
By now, darkness had fully settled in.
There was no point exploring anything further.
So we decided to head straight to our stay for the night—
San Nael La Resort
📍 Distance: ~8 km
⏱️ Travel Time: ~20 minutes
By 5:20 PM, we were back on the road again.
🌌 A Thought to Carry Forward
Sometimes, travel teaches you something simple:
👉 Not every place gives you enough time
👉 Not every moment goes as planned
But even then…
those incomplete moments
often become the most memorable ones.
🌄 Nohkalikai Falls – The Story Behind the Drop
Before we move ahead with our journey, it’s important to pause and truly understand the magnificence of
Nohkalikai Falls.
Because this is not just a waterfall…
it is a place where nature and emotion meet.
📍 Location & Height
Located near Cherrapunjee, Nohkalikai Falls is:
📏 India’s tallest plunge waterfall
📐 Height: ~340 meters (1115 feet)
The water falls straight down from a cliff into a deep blue-green pool below—creating a dramatic and almost surreal landscape.
💧 Source of the Waterfall
Unlike many large rivers, Nohkalikai Falls is primarily fed by:
🌧️ Rainwater from the plateau above
🌿 Small streams flowing through dense forest
Therefore, its flow depends heavily on the season.
✔️ Monsoon – Powerful, roaring waterfall
✔️ Winter – Thinner flow, but crystal-clear beauty
🧭 The Story Behind the Name
The name “Nohkalikai” carries a tragic local legend.
“Noh” means jump,
“Ka Likai” refers to a woman named Likai.
According to folklore, a woman named Likai, driven by grief and tragedy, jumped from this very cliff.
And since then…
the waterfall carries her story in its name.
🎟️ Entry, Timings & Basic Info
💰 Entry Fee:
Approx. ₹20–₹50 per person
📸 Camera charges may apply
🕒 Timings:
Usually open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
✔️ October to April – Clear views & pleasant weather
✔️ Monsoon (June–September) – Best water flow (but cloudy visibility)
For photography lovers:
👉 Late afternoon offers dramatic light
👉 Early morning offers clear valley views
🌄 What Makes This View Special?
From the viewpoint, you don’t just see a waterfall.
You witness:
🌿 Deep green valleys
🌥️ Floating clouds
🌏 Distant plains of Bangladesh
💧 A single stream dropping into silence
It’s wide. It’s deep. It’s emotional.
And that’s what makes Nohkalikai unforgettable.
🎥 To Feel the Fall Watch
👉Sunset at Nohkalikai Falls – India’s Tallest Plunge Waterfall – Assam Vlog: Day 5 Ep 2 – Coming Soon…
🌙 Arrival at Cherrapunjee – A Calm Night After a Long Day
After leaving the viewpoint, we continued our journey toward our stay for the night—
San Nael La Resort
Since our driver wasn’t fully familiar with the exact location, we took help from locals along the way.
And finally…
by 5:40 PM, we reached the resort.
🏨 First Impression – Space, Silence & Comfort
The first thing we noticed—
space.
The resort had a huge open area, surrounded by nature. After a long day of travel, it instantly felt relaxing.
✔️ Spacious campus
✔️ Dedicated parking
✔️ Even accommodation for drivers
It wasn’t just a hotel.
It felt like a proper retreat.
🧳 Check-in & Room Moments
With the help of hotel staff, we carried our luggage to the reception and received our room keys.
And this time—
no confusion, no drama 😄
All rooms were:
🏡 On the same floor
📏 Same size and layout
👨👩👧👦 Close to each other
Within minutes, everyone settled into their rooms by 6:00 PM.
🌌 Evening Falls Early in the Hills
By 6 PM, darkness had already taken over.
Hill stations have their own clock.
So after a quick refresh, we planned to meet again in the dining area for tea and snacks.
☕ Evening Snacks & A Surprise Announcement
Meanwhile, Sougata and Joy had already taken charge.
They went ahead to the restaurant and ordered:
☕ Tea
🍘 Pakoras
And also planned dinner for the night.
When we arrived at the dining area—
everything was ready.
Hot tea, crispy pakoras, and chilled weather outside.
Perfect combination.
And then came the twist—
🎉 “Dinner will have a surprise at 8:30 PM!” – Sougata announced.
Now curiosity kicked in.
🌿 Exploring the Resort
After snacks, we spent some time exploring the property.
The resort had:
🐠 A small aquarium
💧 An artificial waterfall
🌳 Open walking space
🎠 A children’s play area with swings and slides
However, the play area was already occupied by another tourist group—possibly college students—preparing for a bonfire with music.
From the second floor, I captured a few candid shots of their energy.
Different group.
Same joy.
🛏️ Room Experience
The rooms were:
📺 Equipped with TV
🧳 Spacious with wardrobes
🚿 Large bathrooms
After days of travel, this comfort felt well-deserved.
🏨 About the Stay
San Nael La Resort is known for:
✔️ Spacious family rooms
✔️ Scenic open surroundings
✔️ In-house restaurant facility
✔️ Comfortable stay near major Sohra attractions
💰 Room tariffs vary based on season and room type, but it’s a great option for group travelers and families.
🌙 Ending Note
After a long day filled with waterfalls, roads, delays, hunger, and unexpected beauty—
this calm evening felt like a perfect pause.
Now…
all eyes were on the dinner surprise.
🌙 A Warm Dinner, Happy Hearts & Plans for Tomorrow
By the time the clock touched 8:30 PM, the cold breeze of Cherrapunji had already settled deep into the night… and with it came the most awaited moment of the day — dinner time 🍽️
🎉 But this wasn’t just any dinner…
It was a surprise — especially for the kids.
And the moment the dishes arrived…
👀 eyes widened… smiles returned… energy came back instantly!
🥟 Tonight’s Special Menu:
- Hot Chicken Momos
- Steaming Soup
In that chilly weather, holding a bowl of hot soup felt like holding warmth itself.
Every sip… every bite… was pure comfort.
👩👧👦 As always, the ladies made sure the kids were served first —
little hands grabbing momos, dipping into soup, laughing, enjoying…
And watching them happy… that itself felt like a full meal ❤️
We, the “late eaters” 😄, took our turn after everyone settled.
And honestly, maybe because of the long day… or maybe because of the weather…
👉 it felt like one of the most satisfying meals of the trip.
⏱️ Surprisingly, within just 30 minutes, by 9:00 PM,
everyone was done — plates empty, hearts full.
🌌 After dinner…
👩 Ladies and kids slowly moved back to their rooms for rest and gossip.
The dining space, being an open passage area, still held the charm of the night.
🌬️ Cool wind…
🌑 Dark hills around…
✨ Silence mixed with soft conversations…
We stayed back for another one hour, just sitting there…
talking, laughing, and quietly absorbing the day.
🗺️ Planning for Tomorrow
With fresh tea discussions and relaxed minds, we mapped out the next day:
📍 Visit Thangkharang Park (missed today)
🌊 Explore Seven Sisters Waterfalls
🕳️ Discover Mawsmai Cave
🌄 Experience Arwah Cave
🚗 And then return back to Shillong
😴 Finally…
After two long, slightly chaotic days…
Today felt balanced.
✔️ Good food on time
✔️ Less rush
✔️ More control
✔️ And peaceful closure
So, for the first time in this journey…
we actually went to bed on time.
🕥 Lights off by 10:30 PM
🌙 Cold night outside
🛏️ Warm blankets inside
And with that…
Day 5 quietly came to an end.
🧭 Day 5 Travel Tips
✨ Start with a relaxed morning
After long travel days, give your body proper rest. A slightly late start from Shillong helps maintain energy for the full day ahead.
🚗 Plan your route smartly
Cover nearby attractions in sequence:
➡️ Elephant Falls →
➡️ Drive toward Cherrapunji →
➡️ Nohkalikai Falls
This avoids backtracking and saves time.
🍽️ Never delay lunch (important lesson!)
Always plan a proper lunch stop before 2:30 PM. Options like local restaurants on Sohra road are ideal—don’t depend only on snacks.
📸 Keep buffer time for photography
Places like Nohkalikai Falls and roadside viewpoints demand time. If you rush, you may miss the real beauty.🌤️ Weather changes fast
Even on a sunny day, clouds and fog can appear suddenly in Meghalaya. Carry light jackets and protect your camera gear.🎟️ Carry small cash
Entry tickets (₹20–₹50), parking, and camera charges are usually cash-based at places like Elephant Falls and Nohkalikai.👟 Wear comfortable footwear
You’ll walk stairs at Elephant Falls and uneven paths at viewpoints—good grip shoes are a must.👗 Try local dress experience
At Elephant Falls, don’t miss the chance to wear traditional attire for photos—it’s fun and memorable for families.🌄 Reach Nohkalikai Falls before sunset
Best time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PMYou’ll witness magical light changes and a beautiful sunset.
🏨 Choose hotel with in-house restaurant in Cherrapunji
After sunset, food options outside are limited. Staying at places likeSan Nael La Resort makes life easier.
🌙 End of Day Five Summary
Day 5 was a perfect mix of relaxation, scenic beauty, and learning from past mistakes.
The morning began slowly in the calm hills of Shillong, giving us the much-needed rest after two hectic days. A peaceful start soon turned into an exciting journey as we explored the charming Elephant Falls, where nature, fun activities, and family moments blended beautifully.
The drive toward Cherrapunji felt like entering a different world—
where clouds float beside the roads and valleys stretch endlessly into the horizon. A simple lunch stop unexpectedly gifted us one of the most breathtaking hidden views of the entire trip—reminding us that sometimes the best moments are unplanned.
By afternoon, we reached the iconic Nohkalikai Falls, just in time to witness a magical sunset. Though time was short, the changing colors of the sky and the vast landscape left a deep impression.
As night fell, we checked into our peaceful stay in Cherrapunji, where a warm dinner of momos and soup brought everyone together again. After a long but fulfilling day, laughter returned, energy came back, and the group felt more connected.
Most importantly, Day 5 taught us a valuable lesson—
👉 Good planning, timely meals, and balanced travel make the journey more enjoyable, especially with family and kids.
With better planning for the next day and hearts full of memories, we finally ended the day early—ready for another beautiful chapter in Meghalaya.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: San Nael La Resort, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
🦏 Day 6 – Seven Sisters Waterfalls, Mawsmai Cave and Arwah Cave and back to Shillong – Coming Soon…
If TravelWithSurajit inspired your journey or helped you travel virtually, your feedback means a lot.
🎥Watch the full journey through our daily videos
📸Follow for more travel stories
Follow Weekend Tour Post Weekend Tour Post
Follow videos from YouTube Channel @TravelWithSurajit