I had made sure not to research in advance or have any expectations. Glad I did. The first thing that stuck me about Meghalaya was how nature is a dominant force here. Even though the city of Shillong is widespread, a short drive brings you to the middle of dense forests, captivating lakes, and beautiful silence.

Three local tribes

I got to interact with the three main tribes from the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia regions. Each is so distinctly different in their way of dressing, dancing, and way of life. They are deeply connected to their land. They honor each season and its produce and feel responsible for caring for nature. The flavors of their dishes are strong, unforgettable, and uniquely represent the heritage. Mulberry and flattened rice salad, thorn root tea, red rice, and smoked pork with local greens in chili oil. Each bite takes you on a twist into an unknown taste. Of course, I enjoyed all this in the surroundings of forests and soft gurgling streams, something I will cherish forever.

What is conscious travel?

Today, conscious travel is a common trend, but one is not quite sure what to expect until you experience it for yourself. Travel that connects you to the local communities and culture and educates you is rare. Tourist traps are everywhere, and usually the first thing we tend to book. Social media has pushed us into typical travel patterns that are so predictable and boring. I prefer to choose the complete opposite way of spending time in a new place. Exploring authentic local spots, meeting people who have lived there for generations, and hearing their stories that help explain the history and space.

A memory worth travelling for

There is one place in particular that is a must-visit if you come all this way. It is the Mawphlang Sacred Forest in the Mawphlang Village of the East Khasi Hills. It is 27 km from Shillong. This stunning ancient forest is 800 years old and has been cared for by generations of the Khasi tribe. Dedicated to the local deity Labasa, this area is covered with diverse plant life, ancient monoliths, and thick moss. The golden rule is that no one is allowed to take a single leaf, stone, or twig from this forest. A guide is needed when entering this sacred woodland.

They are locals who share the history, folklore, and story behind this unique ecosystem. The biodiversity here is vast, with rare medicinal plants and tall, thick pine trees. When you enter the forest, the temperature immediately drops, and you are greeted with the feeling of stillness. There are trees here that are over 500 years old. The gigantic Panchmukhi and Trimukhi Rudraksha trees here are extremely valuable; however, no one takes these seeds to sell them. If a tree dies and falls, no one is allowed to sit on it. Just like a dead human body, the tree is given respect after death.

The silence deep within the forest is very calming and grounding. The legend says that when the holy spirit Basa is pleased with the sacrifice of a bull or goat by the village priest, a leopard appears and showers blessings on the community. If the spirit is displeased, it appears in the form of a snake or small reptile to symbolize pending misfortune.

Another reason to visit this hidden gem is for the music. Rock and old-school classics are a part of life, and most of the locals are hugely talented. There are spots across town that host karaoke nights, which is a great way to experience the town the way it is meant to be. The sound of live guitars drifting through the chilly evening air creates a feeling of warmth, nostalgia, and belonging that stays with you long after leaving Meghalaya behind forever.

What surprised me the most

When I tell people about my trip, most of them say they have never been to the North East. It is just something they have heard about and would like to go to one day. I reply, "Stop waiting for that day in the far future and go this year." Go right into the dense forests and feel the beauty of being enveloped by the stillness of a forgotten past. Sit by the lake and watch the sailboats go by while sipping some delicious local tea. Trek to some famous waterfalls and get lost in the wilderness.

Discover the landscape change during cherry blossom season. There is so much to explore in the northeast of India. This is just the starting point. Take what resonates and see where the road leads you. I promise you it will change the way you think about traveling. All you need is an open mind and the time to immerse yourself in the unknown parts of nature that are calling out to you.