Meghalaya: India’s Beautiful State in Lap of Nature | Cherrapunji | Shillong | North East India

Summary

Meghalaya, one of the most beautiful places in India, offers a unique blend of nature and culture. Known for its clouds, waterfalls, and living root bridges, Cherrapunji stands out as one of the rainiest places on Earth. The video highlights the region's rich biodiversity, the engineering marvel of double-decker living root bridges, and stunning waterfalls like Nohkalikai and the Seven Sisters. The scenic beauty extends to Shillong, the capital city, and Laitlum Canyon, showcasing Meghalaya's harmonious relationship with nature and its vibrant cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 🌳 Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful places in India, closely connected with nature.
• 🌦 Cherrapunji, located in the Khasi hills, is one of the rainiest places on Earth, receiving over 36 feet of rain annually.
• 🏔 Cherrapunji is situated on a plateau at an elevation of 4,600 feet, offering stunning views and numerous waterfalls.
• 🌉 The region is home to the unique living root bridges, including the famous double-decker root bridge made from the roots of rubber trees.
• 🪵 These living root bridges are examples of bioengineering by the Khasi community, showcasing their harmony with nature.
• 🌊 Cherrapunji features the Nohkalikai Falls, India's tallest plunge waterfall, along with other beautiful waterfalls like Lyngksiar Falls and the Seven Sisters Falls.
• 🏞 Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is known as the Scotland of the East, offering beautiful architecture and scenic views.
• 🌄 Laitlum Canyon near Shillong provides breathtaking landscapes and hiking opportunities, with sharp-edged canyons and hidden waterfalls.
• 🏞 Umiam Lake, the largest lake in Meghalaya, is a serene spot for relaxation and nature appreciation, formed by damming the Umiam River.
• 🌿 Visiting Meghalaya deepens one's connection with nature, highlighting the importance of preserving and appreciating our natural surroundings.

Q & A

What makes Meghalaya a unique place in India?

Meghalaya is unique for its close connection to nature, with clouds moving on the ground, humans living in harmony with nature, and numerous beautiful waterfalls.

Why is Cherrapunji famous?

Cherrapunji is famous for being one of the rainiest places in the world, receiving more than 36 feet of rain annually, and for its unique weather-monitoring Meteorological Station.

What is special about the waterfalls in Cherrapunji?

Cherrapunji has many unnamed and non-touristy waterfalls that are beautiful and relaxing to discover, often found just by walking along the roads.

What is the significance of the Double Decker Route Bridge in Tyrna?

The Double Decker Route Bridge, made from living roots of rubber trees, is an example of bioengineering created by the Khasi community. It helps locals and animals cross rivers and supports biodiversity.

How do the people in the village near the Double Decker Route Bridge maintain their daily lives?

Villagers have to climb up and down 3,500 steep steps daily to carry food and supplies and for children to go to school, which is a challenging task.

How are living root bridges made?

Living root bridges are made by guiding young roots of rubber trees across bamboo scaffolds, allowing them to grow and strengthen over many years, eventually forming a strong, natural bridge.

What is unique about the Nohkalikai Falls?

Nohkalikai Falls is India's tallest plunge waterfall, with water falling straight from a height of over 1,000 feet, often enveloped in clouds, creating a breathtaking view.

What are the Seven Sisters Falls?

The Seven Sisters Falls is a famous waterfall in Cherrapunji where seven separate streams of water can be seen falling together, creating a stunning visual.

Why is Shillong referred to as the 'Scotland of the East'?

Shillong is called the 'Scotland of the East' due to its beautiful architecture, scenic views, and the presence of stunning landscapes similar to those in Scotland.

What makes Umiam Lake a significant landmark in Shillong?

Umiam Lake, also known as 'Bara Pani,' is the largest lake in Meghalaya, covering 225 square kilometers. It is a reservoir lake formed by the construction of a dam on the Umiam River, offering beautiful views and a serene environment.

Outlines

00:00

🌧️ Cherrapunji: The Cloudy Abode of Nature and Rain

The first paragraph introduces Meghalaya as one of India's most beautiful and natural places, with a focus on Cherrapunji, renowned for being one of the world's rainiest spots. The narrative describes the unique weather phenomena and the football-shaped Meteorological Station dedicated to weather research. The village's high altitude and the coexistence of nature and humans are highlighted, along with the mention of unnamed, tranquil waterfalls. The script also touches on the Khasi hills' geographical significance, bordering Bangladesh, and the natural beauty of the region, including small rivers and the Bay of Bengal. The journey to Tyrna village to see a remarkable bridge is also described, emphasizing the challenging 3,500-step trek that locals navigate daily.

05:00

🌿 The Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya

The second paragraph delves into the fascinating living root bridges found in the region, made from the roots of rubber trees. It describes the experience of crossing these natural bridges, which are risky yet offer a unique perspective on bioengineering. The paragraph explains the process of creating these bridges, which involves guiding the roots with bamboo supports and allowing them to grow and intertwine over decades. The Double Decker Route Bridge is highlighted as an example of this bioengineering, with its history and the Khasi community's efforts to build it. The paragraph also mentions the ongoing construction of a third deck, which will make it a triple-decker bridge in the future, showcasing the harmony between humans and nature.

10:00

🏞️ The Majestic Waterfalls and Scenic City of Meghalaya

This paragraph showcases the breathtaking waterfalls of Cherrapunji, including India's third-highest, the Nohkalikai Falls, and the step-like Lyngksiar Falls. It also mentions the 7 Sisters Falls, where seven waterfalls can be seen together. The narrative then shifts to Shillong, dubbed the 'Scotland of the East,' highlighting its beautiful architecture, high altitude, and stunning sunsets. The paragraph also describes Laitlum Canyon, known for its sharp-edged canyon and lush greenery, and Umiam Lake, the largest lake in Meghalaya, offering serene views of islands and forests.

15:03

🌲 Embracing the Essence of Nature in Meghalaya

The final paragraph reflects on the profound connection with nature experienced in Meghalaya, emphasizing the contrast between the natural world and the concrete city life. It discusses the realization of being nature-deficient and the importance of recognizing our integral part in the natural world. The script concludes with a reminder of the need to reconnect with nature, as it offers a补充维生素 and a sense of belonging, thus deepening our relationship with the environment.

Keywords

💡Meghalaya

Meghalaya is a state in northeastern India known for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. It is the main setting of the video, representing a place where nature and humans coexist harmoniously. The script describes it as a region with beautiful waterfalls, lush greenery, and unique weather patterns, making it a central theme in the video's exploration of natural beauty and human interaction with the environment.

💡Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji is a village in the Khasi hills of Meghalaya, renowned as one of the wettest places on Earth due to its high annual rainfall. The video mentions it as a location often surrounded by clouds and the site of a unique football-shaped Meteorological Station dedicated to weather research. It exemplifies the extreme natural conditions and the coexistence of human structures with the natural environment.

💡Waterfalls

Waterfalls are a prominent feature in the video, symbolizing the natural beauty and power of Meghalaya. The script references numerous unnamed waterfalls, emphasizing their abundance and the sense of discovery and tranquility they offer. Notable waterfalls such as the Nohkalikai Falls and the 7 Sisters Falls are highlighted, showcasing the region's diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes.

💡Khasi Hills

The Khasi Hills are a range of hills in Meghalaya, providing a geographical context for the video's exploration of the region's natural wonders. The script describes Cherrapunji as being located on a plateau of the Khasi Hills, indicating the area's elevation and contributing to its unique weather patterns and vistas.

💡Bioengineering

Bioengineering in the context of the video refers to the innovative and sustainable use of living organisms and biological processes in engineering projects. The script discusses the living root bridges of Meghalaya, which are bioengineering marvels created by the Khasi community using the roots of rubber trees to form functional and growing bridges, demonstrating a harmonious integration of human ingenuity with nature.

💡Living Root Bridge

A living root bridge is a unique type of bridge made from the roots of trees, specifically the rubber tree in Meghalaya. The video script describes these bridges as being alive, growing, and serving as a testament to the Khasi people's ability to work with nature rather than against it. The double-decker bridge mentioned in the script is an example of this, illustrating the adaptive and sustainable engineering practices of the local community.

💡Double Decker Route Bridge

The Double Decker Route Bridge is a specific living root bridge in Meghalaya that has two levels due to the varying water levels of the river it crosses. The script describes the arduous journey to reach the bridge, involving climbing 3,500 steps, and the engineering feat of creating a bridge that can adapt to seasonal changes in the environment, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of the local people.

💡Shillong

Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya, referred to in the script as 'Scotland of the East' due to its picturesque landscape and cool climate. The city is highlighted for its beautiful architecture, sunsets, and the serene Umiam Lake. Shillong represents the urban aspect of Meghalaya, showing that even in a city setting, one can experience the beauty and tranquility of nature.

💡Laitlum Canyon

Laitlum Canyon is a scenic location near Shillong, known for its sharp-edged canyon and lush greenery. The script describes it as a place of immense natural beauty, offering a stark contrast to the bustling city life of Shillong. It serves as an example of the untouched and pristine natural landscapes that can be found in Meghalaya.

💡Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake, also known as 'Bara Pani,' is the largest lake in Meghalaya, formed by a dam on the Umiam River. The script mentions it as a place of reflection and relaxation, where one can enjoy the beauty of the islands and forests surrounding the lake. It represents the tranquility and recreational opportunities provided by Meghalaya's natural features.

💡Nature Deficiency

The concept of 'nature deficiency' in the script refers to the realization of how disconnected modern society has become from the natural world. The video uses this term to highlight the importance of reconnecting with nature and experiencing its healing and transformative effects, as exemplified by the experiences and landscapes of Meghalaya.

Highlights

Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful places in India, closely connected to nature.

Clouds in Meghalaya move not only in the sky but also on the ground.

Meghalaya is home to numerous unnamed, natural waterfalls.

Cherrapunji, a village in the Khasi hills, is one of the rainiest places in the world.

Cherrapunji receives over 36 feet of rainfall annually.

A unique football-shaped Meteorological Station exists for weather research in Cherrapunji.

Cherrapunji's location on a plateau at 4,600 feet provides a unique perspective of its height.

The Khasi hills end near Cherrapunji, marking the beginning of Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal.

Trekking to the Double Decker Route Bridge involves climbing 3,500 steps.

Locals in the village climb these steps daily for their daily needs and school.

Living root bridges in Meghalaya are made from the roots of rubber trees.

The Double Decker Bridge is an example of bioengineering and is still growing.

The bridge's construction took many years and is an example of living in harmony with nature.

Nohkalikai Falls is India's third-highest waterfall, often staying in the clouds.

7 Sisters Falls is a famous sight where seven waterfalls can be seen together.

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is known as the Scotland of the East.

Laitlum Canyon is a place of exceptional greenery and sharp-edged canyons.

Umiam Lake, the largest lake in Meghalaya, offers a serene experience with its islands and forests.

Meghalaya offers a profound connection to nature, highlighting our deficiency in urban settings.

Transcripts

One of the most beautiful places in India

And closest to the nature.

This is Meghalaya.

A place where clouds not only move in the sky,

but also on the ground.

A place where nature and humans live together.

A place that has a beautiful waterfall in every corner.

There is one such place in these beautiful Khasi hills

of Meghalaya,

which is Cherrapunji.

This village, which is often surrounded by clouds,

is one of the most rainy places in the world.

Because every year it rains more than 36 feet.

And to monitor such unique weather there is a unique building here

This football-shaped building is Meteorological Station,

which is made for weather research.

I don't need to explain Cherrapunji.

I was just walking on the road and I found this waterfall.

And you can find a lot of such waterfall on the way

which have no name or have no tourist spots.

It is so beautiful and relaxing to find such

a small waterfall.

Cherrapunji is located on a plateau of Khasi hills.

And because of this, it looks like a plain area.

But even after looking like this, it is at a height of

4,600 feet.

And you will feel every inch of its height at this place.

I can't believe that there are such places.

It feels like we can see it anywhere.

There is no end to it.

I can see it from here that it is raining there.

It is a little sunny there.

It is raining there.

It is very crazy.

And there are some small rivers here.

These Khasi hills end here.

And Bangladesh starts from here.

And the plain area also starts from here.

And then there is the sea.

Bay of Bengal.

And you will keep looking at the view from here like me.

There is another village near Cherrapunji.

Tyrna,

Where I was going to see the most beautiful bridge

I have ever seen.

And the way to that bridge starts from this small village.

Hello.

Hello.

Hi.

Khub lai

Hello.

Hello.

Smile.

Thank you.

After meeting some people here,

I started the trek of this bridge.

But it is very difficult to go to that bridge.

Because for that you have to climb not 10-12 but 3500 steps.

I have just started the trek of Double Decker Route Bridge.

And I am in such a bad condition.

It has not even been a kilometer yet.

and the steps are here very steep from top to bottom.

The people living in the village

have to climb these steps daily.

They have to bring all their things.

Like food and other things.

Even the kids go to school from this way.

these people do this trek daily,

Which is very difficult for us.

Hello.

Do you do it daily?

Up and down from here daily?

Daily up and down?

okay

And after a while,

the first living root bridge came in our way.

Yes, living root bridge.

beacuse this bridge is alive.

This bridge is made of the roots of these trees.

And these are the roots of this

Rubber tree.

It is very risky to walk on this.

But it is a completely different experience to cross this.

As you can see, there are wooden planks down there.

Some wooden planks are there.

And all these materials are the roots of this tree.

And here they have used bamboo.

And here they have used bamboo.

And all these are totally roots.

It is completely living and completely natural bridge.

This bridge was made by the people of this village.

to cross this river within these forests

Although the water level in the river is low now.

But during monsoon, this bridge is just a few feet away

from the water of the river.

And because of this changing level of the river,

these people had to make such a bridge,

which has two floors.

Which is about to come in the way.

And to reach that bridge, we will have to cross

two more bridges.

And one of these bridges is just a foot wide.

Oh man!

This looks very risky to me.

From the living root bridge.

It is shaking like this.

Completely.

It is unstable. It is shaking a lot.

And only one person can come on this at a time.

After crossing 3,500 steps and two bridges,

finally the double-decker bridge came.

Earlier, this double-decker bridge was just a single deck.

But sometimes the level of river rises and

the lower bridge used to sink.

So these people made another bridge on this same bridge.

With which they can cross the river in every season.

This bridge is a very big example of bioengineering.

Which the Khasi community here has made with great effort.

Because hundreds of years ago,

these people started this bridge only from this

thin root

On both sides of the river, between two trees,

they first tie some bamboos.

then they support these young roots with bamboo

we have to put bamboo from here to that side

And then we have to take this root and put inside the bamboo.

But this root will follow from here to that side.

And then no need to do anything.

After 10 years, it will be stronger.

With which these roots become longer after a few years and

bind together.

And after binding these thousands of roots for many years,

this living root bridge is formed.

Which is still growing with every passing year.

Along with the people here,

this bridge also helps many animals to cross the river.

And not only that,

but this bridge also supports the biodiversity

With which this is now a house of many plants and species

This bridge was built after many years.

It is not a matter of a day or a year.

It took many years to build this bridge.

And now we are adding a third deck to it.

When the third deck is added, it will become a

triple-decker bridge.

It will be the only triple-decker bridge in the world.

And it will take another 20-25 years.

And it is already visible even then it will take a lot of time.

It takes a lot of time to make this level of engineering

and bridges.

And the locals here are so talented that they came with

this kind of invention.

Where the whole world is fighting climate change,

these people had set an example many years ago that

if humans wants, they can live not only without harming nature, but

also in harmony with nature.

After saying goodbye to this village,

I went to see some beautiful waterfalls of Cherrapunji.

And there are so many waterfalls in Cherrapunji, that even

if you come here for many days, you will not be able to see

all the waterfalls.

And you will have to go through the clouds to reach one of

these waterfalls.

Because this is India's third highest waterfall, which is

called Nohkalikai Falls.

The moment you see its view, you get lost

in a different world.

This waterfall is so high that it often stays in the clouds.

And from the clouds, this beautiful view of this waterfall

becomes more beautiful.

The water of this waterfall is falling straight from a

height of more than 1000 feet.

And because of this, it is India's tallest plunge waterfall.

And a little far from this waterfall is Lyngksiar Falls,

which is a very beautiful step waterfall.

And apart from all these waterfall

the most famous waterfall of cherrapunji

is this, 7 Sisters fall

in which you can see 7 waterfalls together.

So far, we have seen so many places full of nature and

beauty of Meghalaya.

In which there were many villages.

But Meghalaya has a city which is so beautiful that

it is called Scotland of the East.

This is Meghalaya's capital city Shillong.

Shillong is Meghalaya's largest city.

which has some parts at 5,000ft and some at 6,500ft.

Beautiful architecture and beautiful views.

Everything is here.

And every day you will get a beautiful sunset here.

But just a few kilometers away from Shillong, you are in a

completely different world away from this hustle-bustle.

This beautiful place is Laitlum Canyon.

You may not have seen this much greenery elsewhere.

This place is famous for its sharp edged canyon

And standing on the edge of this mountain

is an adventure in itself.

I was already so amazed by the beauty here that I came to

know about a hidden waterfall here.

While hiking a little away from Laitlum Canyon,

I followed a river.

And the view across the river was!

Beautiful transition of this river into waterfall

is some of those amazing views

which can’t be put in words.

After staying here for a while,

I felt like, that these views have

faded the difference between the reality and the dream.

Apart from these beautiful places, Shillong also has a very

beautiful lake.

Umiam Lake

This lake, which is spread over an area of 225 square

kilometers, is the largest lake in Meghalaya.

And that is why it is also locally known as “Bara Pani”.

This lake is a reservoir lake, which is formed due to the

construction of a dam on the Umiam River.

And while sitting on the edge of this lake and looking at

these beautiful islands and forests, you won’t even know

where time had passed.

After coming to Meghalaya, you will feel so close to nature.

Whether it is the air here, the waterfall here,

the trees here.

Here you will get everything that will deepen your

relationship with nature.

(Khasi Language)

We know that we have a deficiency of a vitamin or a

deficiency of water.

But when you come to such places

away form your concrete city world

then you will realize,

how much nature deficient we are!

We call nature “Mother Nature”,

but forget that we are a part of it.

So how can we stay away from it?