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Rare Orchid in Cherrapunji
(Photo
by Preeti Verma Lal) |
If the orchids are elegant and rare and the caves ancient and stunning,
there’s no way to describe the living root bridges that are not found anywhere
else in the world. It is the perfect example of bio-engineering, dating
back to more than 200 years. A short distance from Cherrapunji are bridges
made by pulling and stretching the roots of a plant -- in this case, the
rubber plant -- and planting them on the other side of the stream. Over
the years, these roots grew and morphed into bridges that have lived for
hundreds of years. There’s even a double-decker living root bridge!
Our last destination was Noh KaLikai Falls, which takes its name from
a widow whose second husband killed and cooked the widow’s daughter for
dinner. It is here where the water falls into what looks like a pool of
jade. It is here where I saw a pile of cinnamon bark, so flavorful and brown,
that I wanted to buy all of it. The stack would have cost a fortune, so
I settled for small packets.
It was dark when we left Cherrapunji, and several miles away, I heard
a rumble. Did it rain there after I left? I don’t know. That day, the village
of Cherrapunji stayed completely parched, and there were buckets lined up
at the village water tap. I guess that even the world’s wettest place has
its mundane hassles – but that’s another story.
Tips:
Suggested Reading:
Under a Cloud by John K. Binoo
How/when to go:
Take a cab from Shillong, which is 56 km away. If you want to see Cherrapunji
in all its grandeur, go between July and September to experience the rainiest
season.
What to bring:
Carry a light jacket or a shawl, as the difference in the day and night
temperatures can fool you.
Food:
There are several kiosks that sell tea, potato chips and food. You won’t
find any fancy places to eat. Carry food if you are finicky.
What to see:
Noh KaLikai Falls
Noh Sngi Thiang Falls
Dain Thlen Falls
Kynrem Falls
Mawmluh
Cave
Mawsmai
Cave
David Scott Memorial
Khoh Ramhah
Ka Kpep Syiem Sohra, a cremation ground
Thangkharang Park
Living Root Bridges
Mawsynram
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