Meghalaya Day 7 – Shillong Peak, Umiam Lake & Guwahati Return Journey

🌿 “From the clouds of Shillong Peak to the golden waters of Umiam Lake—Day 7 was a journey of slowing down, letting go, and moving forward.”

🌄 Day 7 Begins – A Slow Morning After an Eventful Day

After an intense and emotional Day 6 in Shillong, our bodies naturally asked for a slower start.

So today, instead of an early morning rush, we woke up around 9:00 AM— a rare luxury during this trip.

💛 A Small Relief, A New Concern

The first thing we checked… was Titli.

And thankfully— she was completely fine.
No fever, no discomfort. A wave of relief passed through all of us.

But as we stepped out of the room, another concern waited.

Mou had been unwell the entire night, suffering from continuous vomiting.
No one in their room had proper sleep.

And somehow, we didn’t even know.

That realization felt heavy.
Because when you travel together as a group— you expect to share not just joy, but also difficulties.

Still, by morning, Mou was feeling slightly better and resting.
That gave us some comfort.

🧭 A Change of Plans

Originally, Day 7 was packed with Shillong sightseeing:

• 🏛️ Don Bosco Museum
• ✈️ Air Force Museum
• ⛳ Shillong Golf Course
• 🌄 Shillong Peak
• 🌊 Umiam Lake

But considering everyone’s condition—especially kids and Mou—
we made a practical decision.

👉 Revised Plan:

• Start late (around 12 noon)
• Cover only:
  • 🌄 Shillong Peak
  • 🌊 Umiam Lake
• Then proceed to Guwahati

Sometimes, the best travel decisions are the ones where you slow down and prioritize people over places 💛

🧳 A Relaxed Morning Routine

Since it was our last day in Shillong,we had to check out from
Rockski Boutique Hotel.

But today—everything happened in relaxed mode.

We started packing luggage slowly,without the usual rush.

🍽️ Breakfast Before Bath – A Change in Routine

Unlike our usual routine, today we had breakfast before getting ready.

Around 10:00 AM, we enjoyed:

• 🫓 Luchi
• 🥔 Aloo curry
• 🍬 Sweets
• ☕ Tea

A simple, comforting Bengali-style breakfast— perfect for a slow morning.

😴 Recovery Time for Everyone

It wasn’t just Mou—
Sougata and Babu hadn’t slept the whole night either.

They took some rest in the morning.

Meanwhile:

• Mou gradually felt better
• Kids like Ishan and Jiya also got extra rest
• Only Adrija managed proper sleep and was already active with Diya 😄

By 10:30 AM, everyone started getting back to normal.

🚿 Getting Ready & Checkout

One by one, everyone freshened up,
completed packing, and got ready.

By 11:45 AM, we were all set:

• Hotel bill cleared
• Tips given to staff
• Luggage ready

We moved toward the pickup point near the market.

🚗 Journey Begins – Right on Time

Since today our driver stayed nearby, we had already informed him about the plan change.

Originally scheduled for 10 AM, the new start time was 12 noon—

And for once…
everything went perfectly.

The driver arrived before time.

And exactly at 12:00 PM, we began our journey toward 🌄 Shillong Peak

🌄 Shillong Peak – Standing Above the Clouds

By 12:35 PM, we reached the highest point of Meghalaya—
the iconic Shillong Peak.

Located around 10–16 km from Police Bazar, the journey usually takes 40–45 minutes, passing through winding hill roads and guarded entry points.

🛂 Entry, Security & First Impressions

As this area falls under an Indian Air Force zone,
security here is quite strict.

• 🪪 ID proof is mandatory
• 🎟️ Entry fee: ₹30–₹50 (approx.)
• 🚗 Parking: ₹30 (approx.)
• ⚠️ Often closed on Wednesdays

The presence of radar stations at the top adds a sense of importance—
this isn’t just a viewpoint, it’s a place of strategic and cultural significance.

🌏 A View Like No Other

Standing at an altitude of 1,965 meters,
Shillong Peak offers a 360-degree panoramic view that truly defines the beauty of Meghalaya.

From here, you can witness:

• 🏙️ The entire city of Shillong
• 🌿 Rolling Khasi hills
• 🌏 On clear days, even the distant plains of Bangladesh

No wonder Shillong is often called the ✨ “Scotland of the East”

🧭 A Place of Myth & Meaning

Beyond the views, this peak holds deep cultural roots.

According to Khasi mythology, the deity Lei Shyllong (U Shyllong) resides here—
believed to be the guardian spirit of the city.

It’s said that even the name “Shillong” originates from this sacred peak.

🚶‍♂️ Time Slows Down at the Top

Unlike previous days filled with energy and movement, today felt… slower.

We spent nearly 90 minutes here, but not in a rush.

Instead:

• Sitting quietly on benches 🪑
• Watching the city from above 🌄
• Clicking relaxed photos 📸
• Simply enjoying the breeze 🌿

Even though Titli and Mou were fine,
the rest of us felt a bit low on energy— maybe the fatigue of continuous travel had finally caught up.

☀️ A Surprising Weather Shift

One thing surprised us the most—

Despite being a hill station, the afternoon sun was quite strong ☀️

• Morning & night → Cool and pleasant ❄️
• Afternoon → Surprisingly warm

A reminder that in the hills, weather can change its mood anytime.

☕ Small Joys & Fun Moments

We enjoyed some:

• ☕ Hot tea
• 🥤 Cold drinks

And then came a fun little moment 😄

Ishan gave me and Papai a new nickname— 📸 “Photo Uncle”

Probably because we were busy capturing every moment!

🚗 Moving Ahead

By around 2:00 PM, we wrapped up our time at the peak.

The view stayed behind… but the feeling stayed with us.

Next, we headed toward one of the most peaceful spots of the journey— 🌊 Umiam Lake

🌊 Umiam Lake – Where the Journey Slows Down

After leaving Shillong Peak around 2:00 PM,
we continued our journey toward one of Meghalaya’s most peaceful destinations—

🌊 Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani

The drive of around 26 km took us nearly 1 hour, as we slowly descended from the hills, moving closer to the plains.

🌿 First Glimpse – Calm, Wide & Mesmerizing

As we approached Umiam Lake, the landscape suddenly opened up.

Gone were the tight hill roads…
In front of us stretched a vast expanse of calm water, surrounded by:

• 🌲 Khasi pine forests
• 🌄 Rolling hills
• ☁️ Reflections of the sky

It felt like stepping into a painting.

Often compared to the lochs of Scotland,
this lake truly lives up to its reputation as one of the most scenic spots in Northeast India.

🧭 About Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake is a man-made reservoir, created by damming the Umiam River.

But over time, it has become much more than that— a place where:

• Nature meets stillness 🌿
• Water meets sky 🌊
• Travel meets peace 💛

🚤 Activities & Experience

This place offers something for everyone:

• 🚣 Paddle boating & kayaking
• 🚤 Speed boat rides
• 🛵 Water scooter (Jet Ski)
• 🚌 River bus rides

Though many visitors enjoy the thrill of water sports,
this place is equally perfect for those who simply want to:

• Sit quietly
• Watch the water
• Feel the breeze

🌄 The Golden Hour Magic

The best time to visit is around late afternoon (3:30 PM onwards)—

When the golden hour light touches the water,
the entire lake transforms into a glowing canvas ✨

• Soft sunlight 🌅
• Gentle reflections 🌊
• Peaceful silence 🌿

A perfect moment for photography and reflection.

🌳 Nearby Attraction – Lum Nehru Park

Near the lake lies Lum Nehru Park,
a beautifully maintained garden with:

• 🌺 Orchids
• 🌿 Landscaped greenery
• 🐦 Birdwatching spots

It adds a family-friendly charm to the entire experience.

📍 Travel Guide – Umiam Lake

📍 Location: ~15–20 km from Shillong
🚗 Travel Time: 30–45 minutes via NH6

⏰ Timings

• Open all day for sightseeing
• Water sports: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

🎟️ Entry Fee

• ₹20–₹50 (approx.) depending on entry area

🚤 Activity Cost (Approx.)

• Paddle/Kayak: ₹20–₹50
• Speed Boat: ₹75–₹100 per person
• Jet Ski: ₹400–₹500

🌿 Best Time to Visit

• March–June: Pleasant weather ☀️
• October–February: Calm & cool ❄️
• Monsoon: Lush greenery, but limited activities 🌧️

🎒 What to Carry

• Sunglasses 🕶️
• Camera 📸
• Light jacket 🧥
• Water bottle 💧

⚠️ Travel Tips

• Always wear life jackets during boating
• Follow safety instructions
• Avoid visiting during heavy rain

🌱 Responsible Travel

• Do not litter 🚯
• Respect nature & surroundings
• Support local vendors

🎬 Watch the Full Experience

👉 Shillong’s Stunning Reservoir – Assam Vlog: Day 7 Ep 1 Coming Soon …

🚗 Moving Ahead

As we stood there, watching the calm waters…
it felt like the journey was gently slowing down.

Because from here,
we were not just leaving a place—

we were leaving the hills of Meghalaya behind…

And moving toward the plains of Guwahati

🚤 Umiam Lake Adventures – Calm Meets Thrill

We reached Umiam Lake around 3:10 PM—
right at lunch time.

But with the park closing soon,
we made a quick decision:

👉 Adventure first… lunch later 😄

🎟️ Splitting Into Two Experiences

After entering the park and collecting tickets,
we split into two groups based on interest:

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 River Bus Ride (Family Group):
  Kids, ladies, and Indra
• 🚤 Speed Boat Adventure (Thrill Group):
  Me, Sougata, Babu, Papai, and Joy

🛶 River Bus Ride – Calm & Scenic

The River Bus Ride is perfect for families—
a slow, peaceful journey across the lake.

• ⏱️ Duration: ~20 minutes
• 🌊 Smooth and steady ride
• 🌿 Ideal for enjoying the landscape

They started their ride around 3:50 PM,
soaking in the calm beauty of the lake.

🚤 Speed Boat – Pure Adrenaline

Meanwhile, we geared up for something completely opposite—

🔥 Speed Boat Adventure at Umiam Lake

We started around 4:00 PM,
just after their ride began.

And honestly…
it was absolutely thrilling 💥

• The boat accelerated rapidly 🚤
• Wind rushed past our faces 🌬️
• Water splashed all around 🌊

For those 10 minutes, the calm lake turned into a cinematic action scene 🎬

Surrounded by hills and open sky, every second felt energetic and unforgettable.

⚖️ Perfect Balance of Experiences

That’s the beauty of Umiam Lake—

It offers both:

• 🌿 Peaceful boating for relaxation
• 🚤 High-speed adventure for thrill seekers

A perfect destination for every type of traveler 💛

🌅 Golden Hour – Nature’s Magic

After both rides ended around 4:10 PM, we spent another 10–15 minutes inside the park.

And then came the magic…

✨ Golden Hour

The sunlight reflected on the lake in such a way that
it looked like liquid gold spread across the water 🌅

We paused, clicked photos, and simply admired the view.

A moment of pure calm after all the excitement.

🍽️ Hunger Calls Back

But one thing we had ignored all this while—
lunch 😅

And honestly,
exploring on an empty stomach isn’t always enjoyable—
especially for kids.

🚗 Moving Out for Lunch

By around 4:20 PM,
we exited the park.

Outside, we heard about a good family restaurant nearby,
and without wasting time,
we headed straight there for a much-needed meal.

🎬 Watch the Full Speed Boat Adventure

👉 Umiam Lake Speed Boat – Shillong Boating Adventure – Assam Vlog: Day 7 Ep 2 – Coming Soon …

🍽️ A Late Lunch by the Lake

After leaving Umiam Lake, hunger finally took over 😄

Just outside the park, we found a spacious and beautiful place—
🍴 The Hills Cafe & Restaurant

We entered around 4:30 PM,
hoping for a proper lunch after a long day.

⏳ Waiting for Food – Patience Mode ON

Since it was quite late,
most of the lunch kitchen was already closed.

But after requesting the manager—especially mentioning the kids—
they agreed to prepare something quick 🙏

👉 We ordered:

• 🍚 Fried Rice
• 🍗 Chicken

Order time: 4:45 PM

They informed us it would take at least 30 minutes, so… it was time to wait.

📸 Making the Most of the Wait

Instead of getting restless,
we turned the waiting time into a mini exploration 😄

• Me and Papai walked around the restaurant
• Clicked some photos 📸
• Enjoyed views of the lake and park from afar 🌊

Even in waiting,
travel finds its own little moments.

🍴 Finally, Lunch is Served

By 5:20 PM, our food arrived.

And honestly—
it was worth the wait 💛

• Taste: Good 👍
• Service: Friendly 😊
• Ambience: Spacious & relaxing 🌿

Though slightly costlier than usual,
the experience made up for it.

We completed our late lunch by 6:00 PM.

🚗 Journey to Guwahati Begins

With everything done, we finally started our journey toward

🏙️ Guwahati around 7:00 PM.

Distance: ~80 km
Expected Time: ~2 hours

Our destination for the night was: 🏨 D’Courtyard Hotel

⚠️ Unexpected Delays – Travel Reality

But as always, travel had its own plans…

First, a tyre puncture 🛞
And unfortunately, even the stepney wasn’t in perfect condition

👉 Result: Almost 2 hours lost

And just when we thought things were back on track—

🚦 Heavy traffic near Ganeshguri added more delay

🌙 Late Night Arrival

What should have been a 2-hour journey turned into a 3.5-hour experience

Finally, we reached the hotel at around 10:30 PM.

Tired…but relieved.

🌿 End of Day 7 – From Hills to Plains

Day 7 marked a significant transition—

From the cool, calm hills of Meghalaya to the bustling plains of Guwahati

It wasn’t a perfect day—there were delays, health concerns, and unexpected challenges.

But still…

✨ It was real
✨ It was memorable
✨ And it was ours

💛 Because in travel, not every day is smooth—but every day becomes a story worth telling.

🌙 Night Plan – Faith, Belief & Personal Choices

As we were approaching Guwahati,
a new plan started shaping up inside the car.

👉 Visiting the sacred
🛕 Kamakhya Temple

Since this temple is known for heavy morning rush,
the group decided on a smart approach:

• Reach hotel first 🏨
• Freshen up & have dinner 🍽️
• Get ready for puja at night 🌙
• Leave around 2:00 AM to stand in queue early

👕 Preparation for a Special Morning

There was a different kind of excitement now…

Sougata had already brought:

• 👕 Traditional Panjabi for all boys
• 👗 Sarees for the ladies

The idea was simple yet beautiful—
to experience the temple visit in a traditional way.

Meanwhile, the kids could:

• 😴 Sleep comfortably in the car
• While elders manage the queue

A thoughtful plan for everyone 💛

🤍 A Personal Choice

But for me and Suchismita, this part of the journey was different.

I personally do not follow religious practices, so we decided not to visit the temple.

And that’s the beauty of group travel—
everyone shares the journey, but also respects individual beliefs.

🍽️ Late Night Dinner Together

After reaching
🏨 D’Courtyard Hotel

we first checked in and settled our luggage.

Despite the long journey,
we made sure to have dinner together—

🕛 Around 12:00 midnight,
we completed our meal.

A tired yet satisfying end to the day.

🌌 Two Different Nights Begin

After dinner,
the group quietly split into two paths:

🌙 For the Devotional Journey

• Bath
• Traditional dress
• Left hotel around 2:00 AM
• Heading toward Kamakhya Temple

😴 For Rest & Recovery

• We returned to our room
• Chose sleep over the early morning rush

🌿 Closing Note of Day 7

Day 7 wasn’t just about places—

It was about:

• Adjusting plans 🧭
• Supporting each other 💛
• Respecting differences 🤍

From the hills of Meghalaya
to the spiritual vibes of Guwahati

the journey continued— not just across locations, but across emotions, beliefs, and experiences.

💡 Day 7 Travel Tips

Day 7 is a transition day from the hills of Meghalaya to the plains of Guwahati, so smart planning makes a big difference.

🕒 Keep the Plan Flexible

• If traveling with family or kids, avoid overpacking the day
• You can skip some local sightseeing and focus on key spots like
  🌄 Shillong Peak
  🌊 Umiam Lake

🛂 Carry ID for Shillong Peak

• Entry to Shillong Peak requires valid ID
• It’s a restricted Air Force zone
• Check closure days (often Wednesday) before visiting

☀️ Be Prepared for Weather Changes

• Morning & evening: Cool ❄️
• Afternoon: Surprisingly warm ☀️
• Carry light woollens + sunglasses

🚤 Plan Umiam Lake Activities Smartly

• Visit Umiam Lake by 3:00–3:30 PM
• Try:
  • 🚤 Speed boat for thrill
  • 🛶 River bus / paddle boat for relaxation
• Golden hour offers best photography 🌅

🍽️ Don’t Delay Meals Too Much

• Adventure first sounds fun—but hunger hits hard 😅
• Keep snacks for kids
• Plan lunch timing wisely near Umiam

🚗 Travel Time Buffer is Must

• Shillong → Guwahati: ~2 hours
• Always keep extra buffer for:
  • Traffic 🚦
  • Vehicle issues 🛞
  • Weather delays 🌧️

🛕 Kamakhya Temple Planning

• For Kamakhya Temple:
  • Visit early morning (huge crowd otherwise)
  • Night arrival + early queue is a smart plan
• Carry traditional dress if planning puja

⚠️ Health First

• After multiple travel days, fatigue builds up
• Keep medicines for fever, vomiting, etc.
• Allow rest time, especially for kids

🌱 Responsible Travel

• Respect local culture & religious sentiments
• Avoid littering
• Support local businesses

🌿 End of Day Seven – From Hills to Plains

Day 7 was not about rushing through destinations… it was about slowing down and moving forward.

From the breathtaking height of
🌄 Shillong Peak

to the peaceful waters of
🌊 Umiam Lake

the day offered a perfect balance of view, thrill, and calm.

But beyond the places,
this day was shaped by real moments—

• Adjusting plans for health 💛
• Sharing responsibilities 🤝
• Facing unexpected delays 🛞
• And still moving forward together

As we left behind the green hills of Meghalaya and entered the vibrant city of Guwahati,

the journey felt like it was gently preparing us for its final chapters.

And then came a beautiful contrast—

While some chose devotion at
🛕 Kamakhya Temple, others chose rest.

Different paths… but part of the same journey.

✨ Day 7 reminded us:
Travel is not just about places we visit, but the way we adapt, support, and grow together along the way.

🛏️ Overnight Stay: D’courtyard, RG Baruah Road, Ganeshguri, Guwahati

🦏 Day 8 –  Kamakhya Temple, Local Merket, Enjoy Sunset at Cruise on Brahmaputra River and Dinner at Cruise – Coming Soon…

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