Arpan’s Journey of Friendship, Family, and Rediscovery in Meghalaya

Arpan Patel sat on his balcony in Ahmedabad, sipping his late-night tea as a gentle breeze rustled through the cityscape. The hum of traffic in the distance blended with the soft chatter of his family inside. While scrolling through his phone, he stopped at an old college photograph - a group of friends, arms around each other, laughing with no care for the future.

It had been years since that photo was taken. Life had moved on, businesses flourished, responsibilities multiplied, and friendships, once so effortless, had become restricted to the occasional text. But was not life supposed to be more than just work and routine?

That night, he picked up the phone and sent a message: "Enough delays. It is time for a reunion. Meghalaya. April 29. Who is in?"

The responses poured in almost immediately. Excitement, scepticism, logistics - all debated in rapid-fire messages. But in the end, 12 people, along with their kids, committed to the plan. It was happening.

When their flight touched down in Guwahati, Arpan took a deep breath. He turned to his friends and said with a smile, “We made it.”

And so, the adventure began.

The Calling of Kaziranga National Park

The journey kicked off with a scenic drive to Kaziranga National Park. The rolling tea gardens and golden mustard fields of Assam painted a mesmerising backdrop as their group of SUVs sped through the highway.

They also visited the Maha Mrityunjay Temple, one of the sacred places in Assam, that evening. Standing in its divine presence, Arpan felt a quiet peace settle over him. The chaos of daily life seemed far away now.

Early the next morning, before the first rays of sunlight pierced through the mist, they set off on a jeep safari into the heart of Kaziranga. The jungle, still wrapped in the silence of dawn, held an air of mystery. Every rustle in the bushes heightened their anticipation.

Then, as if scripted by nature itself, a one-horned rhinoceros emerged from the tall grass. Its massive frame moved gracefully despite its size. Cameras clicked all around, but for Arpan, no photograph could capture the raw magnificence of seeing such a creature in the wild.

His daughter tugged at his sleeve. “Papa, do you think he is looking at us?”

Arpan smiled. “Maybe he is wondering why we are in his home so early.”

As they drove on, they spotted elephants, swamp deer, and vibrant hornbills playing between the trees. Nature was alive in every direction, and Arpan knew this was an experience none of them would ever forget.

Chasing Waterfalls and Living Bridges

From Kaziranga, the journey took them to Shillong, where they stopped at Umiam Lake (Barapani). The vast area of water reflected the sky, and it seemed as if heaven had melted into the lake itself.

Shillong’s charm was undeniable - British-era houses, pine-covered hills, and a vibrant café culture. But the real adventure lay beyond the city.

The road to Cherrapunjee was a dream. First, there was Elephant Falls, where water cascaded down multiple tiers and looked like an elephant’s trunk. Then, they hiked to Wei Sawdong Falls, where they were rewarded with a beautiful three-tiered waterfall. The kids splashed in the pools below while the adults soaked in the breathtaking view.

However, the highlight of the trip was the trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat. The descent, almost 3,500 steps down, was tougher than they expected. Kids laughed and ran ahead, while the adults, less accustomed to such adventures, took cautious steps. But when they finally reached the bridge, woven together over centuries by the Khasi tribe, exhaustion melted into amazement.

They dipped their feet into the cool stream below and let nature work its magic. As they sat there, surrounded by the rustling of leaves and the distant call of birds, time slowed. It was a rare moment of stillness, of connection with nature and with each other.

The climb back up was brutal, but the memories they made along the way? PRICELESS.

The Crystal Waters of Dawki and the Final Goodbye

After the adventure-filled days in Cherrapunjee, they made their way to Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia. Walking through its pristine lanes, surrounded by manicured gardens and bamboo houses, felt gorgeous. The commitment of the village to cleanliness was inspiring.

Nearby, they visited the Single Decker Living Root Bridge in Riwai and the Balancing Rock, a natural wonder that had withstood storms and time.

But nothing prepared them for the sight of the Umngot River in Dawki. The water was so clear that the boats seemed to float on air, and their shadows were perfectly visible on the riverbed below.

The boat ride was silent, and each traveller was lost in their thoughts and soaked in the beauty of the moment. 

The group spent the final evening in Guwahati. They visited the sacred Kamakhya Temple, paid their respects, and then took a sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra River. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Arpan looked around at his friends and family.

He felt a renewal of bonds, a rediscovery of friendships, and a promise that they would not let time and responsibilities take away what truly mattered.

Read more: Thrillophilia Meghalaya Reviews