SQUEEZED IN between Bangladesh and Assam, Meghalaya is a land of waterfalls. Mind-boggling amounts of rain fall in the wet, in some of the wettest places on earth.
Even in the dry season, this young state is definitely worth a good look.
Meghalaya is beautiful. All that rain makes for lots of green hills and dramatic waterfalls.
It seems to have become a popular destination on the domestic Indian scene.
This has resulted in some hard to get to places struggling with single-lane infrastructure.
But the rewards are gorgeous mountain views....
....crystal clear river water....
....an array of waterfalls....
....a bustling multicultural city....
....and a good variety of eating.
It's inevitable that you'll spend some time in Shillong, the sprawling hill capital.
Several bazaars ooze out across a central downtown area.
Displayed on footpaths, carried on poles, hanging from shopfronts are the usual and unusual range of manufactured goods and foodstuffs.
Not always for the faint-hearted, though.
The markets of Shillong will easily eat up a day while you wait for a jeep to somewhere.
And the people are pretty happy to oblige for a photo.
Scattered here and there among the chaos are relics of the British occupation.
British occupation forces (or colonial if you prefer) administered from Shilling from the mid-1800s.
Many of the many highlights of the state can be visited from upcountry Cherrapunji.
A scattering of local eateries and small guest houses make this an ideal base.
Wide streets with little traffic, nice old cottages, and good clean air (even in burning season) make this probably the nicest town in the north-east.
The best time to visit is when the area gets its record-breaking rainfalls and the falls are overflowing.
Some falls are a good walk from town, but a half day in a taxi can take in 3 or more of falls. Sawdong was our favourite, but in the wet season, that might not be the case.
Trekking down to Nongriat could be done in a day, but a night in the village would be better.
The Nongriat trek is all about the "living root bridges", centuries old manipulations of roots across rivers.
These remarkable bridges can be found in many villages in the area. The double-decker one is the most famous.
And after the bridges, visit the beautiful Rainbow Falls, which does actually get rainbows (in the morning, apparently....)
Meghalaya's other top highlight is the river in Dawkei, where it flows into Bangladesh.
Take a leisurely night or two is recommended. Departures from Shillong are unpredictable, making a day trip too hurried.
Boat trips along the river are the thing to do, and the waters are at their most dramatic in the wet.
The border with Bangladesh is just a line of rocks, but strictly enforced- not even a quick selfie is on. You can see the crowds on the Bangladesh side.
If you love nature and open spaces, come to Meghalaya and get your fill!