The trip to Meghalaya was planned quite spontaneously. I was seeking relief from Kolkata’s scorching heat when my brother proposed the 'Scotland of the East.' He had been there several times before and was sure I would have a good time. And with that thought in mind, my research began. I browsed for destinations to visit, food to eat, and the type of climate to expect.

Since my aunt and mum were joining me, I had a few non-negotiables — no tiring treks, and we'd be visiting the Kamakhya Temple on day one. I called up Rose, shared my concerns, and she reassured me that she'd plan an itinerary that would suit our requirements to the T. Needless to say, she didn’t disappoint.

We arrived in Guwahati on the 17th, from where our driver, David, received us. After a quick lunch, we drove directly to Kamakhya Temple. The heat was sweltering and humid, with an occasional drizzle, far from the refreshing rains I'd been dreaming of. But I knew that things would be different in Meghalaya. The darshan was easy and serene, and before we knew it, we were on our way to Shillong.

The journey itself was a pleasure. Beautiful green rolling hills, long winding roads, flashes of rain and sunshine, and watching pineapple vendors along the highway; it looked postcard-perfect. Upon finally arriving at our homestay, we were treated to a hearty home-cooked meal. In short, a wonderful conclusion to the day.

The next morning, there was a slight nip in the air. Looking outside the window, I noticed the misty clouds cascaded over the green hills. The city was in a cosy slumber. It felt surreal to see such quiet freshness after the commotion of city life. We began our day by visiting the Don Bosco Museum, where each of the eight floors gave us an introduction to the history and heritage of the Northeast and Sikkim. It was fascinating to learn about the rich and varied culture of the region. Then we visited Ward's Lake for a quick stroll, as boating was out of the question due to the inconsistent drizzle.

Lunch was at the legendary Tratoria, famous for serving authentic Khasi cuisine. Content and full, with happy hearts, we passed the remainder of the afternoon lazing about in the bazaar, taking in Shillong's rustic and gentle charm. Dinner back at the homestay was another homely experience. We slept well, ready to experience Dawki.

The day began with an early drive to Laitlum Canyon. We had hoped the weather would play along, but nature had other plans. Thick cloud cover and gusty winds welcomed us; visibility was close to zero. There was no possibility of our getting a glimpse of the canyon, so we decided to proceed further. Our next destination was at the magnificent Krangshuri Falls, and she received us in full sway, fierce, and entrancing. Standing over the bridge, gazing over milky waters thundering beneath, it was a moment we will not soon forget. David proposed that we should have a taste of the local pineapples, sprinkled with a special chilli salt. Sweet, sour and a hint of tangy; perfect to complement the view before us.

As we went further towards Dawki, we spotted the Bangladesh border. It was a surreal experience to see a neighbouring nation mere inches across a barbed boundary; so close yet separated by history. Dawki received us with a heavy shower, and that meant no boat or kayak trips. We were somewhat disappointed, but being a witness to a raw and unprocessed view of nature, the disappointment was quite fleeting. The river was alongside us, and birds and crickets were singing in the background; time seemed to have stood still. The evening dinner was humble, yet warm and soulful, just like the mood.

Then came Cherrapunji, and we were itching to get there. We made a stopover at Mawlynnong, Asia's cleanest village. It was immaculate, quaint, and exuded a soft pride. Post-lunch in the village, we headed out to witness the living root bridge. My mother hesitated initially; the rain had left the road slippery, and she was not certain if she could make the trek. But with some persuasion, she did. The view of the bridge, majestic and glowing, left her mesmerised. All her fears had vanished, just like that.

Cherrapunji was shrouded in its customary cloud and mist, yet rain held back just long enough to allow us to venture. We toured the Garden of Caves, an enchanted group of caves and waterfalls. With legends of Khasi lore etched upon every place, it felt like the location had a life of its own. Because some of the caves were difficult to reach, particularly for my mum and aunt, David ensured they did not miss out; he took us to view the beautiful Seven Sisters and Kynrem Falls instead. Kynrem, with its thundering white water crashing at the rocks below, creating a misty aftertaste, was reminiscent of Goa's Dudhsagar Falls. It was pure bliss.

As we headed back to Shillong for our last night, our hearts were full. My mother was beaming, and my aunt kept repeating that she had found heaven on Earth. For me, the trip was a perfect mix of beauty, serenity and new experiences. I met some amazing, warm and kind people and saw nature’s marvels, in its truest form; more than I’d bargained for, in this trip. As I reflected on our journey, I couldn't help but remember the words of Dante Alighieri, "Nature is the art of God." And nowhere did it ring truer than in Meghalaya.

A huge thank you to Rose and TRIS Travels for organising such a beautiful experience for us. It's a holiday that we will keep in our hearts for a long, long time.