Welcome to the fourth part of the Mesmerizing Meghalaya series! If you have come across this travelogue without reading the previous parts, I recommend starting with Part -1, Part – 2, and Part -3. The journey promises to be truly enchanting and will surely captivate your senses.

We had finally arrived at the final leg of our adventure. After bidding farewell to Shnongpdeng, we hopped onto a country boat that took us back to where our car was parked, ready to embark on our next adventure. I couldn’t contain my excitement! I have a natural inclination to be thrilled by any kind of natural wonder, especially waterfalls. Today, we were about to explore some of the most spectacular and lesser-known waterfalls in Meghalaya.

Throughout the past decade, I have had the opportunity to visit countless waterfalls in our country. Every time I come across a waterfall, I can’t help but think that it must be the most breathtaking one. However, that perception always changes when I discover the next one. But this time, it was different. The Phe Phe waterfalls in Meghalaya is truly a hidden gem and one of the most magnificent falls I have ever seen. What makes it even better is the fact that it remains untouched by commercialization, preserving its natural beauty for everyone to enjoy.

KRANGSURI FALLS: MEGHALAYA’S EMERALD ELEGANCE

First on our list was the magnificent Krang Suri falls, nestled in the West Jaintia Hills district. This waterfall is a true gem, surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs, creating a scene straight out of a postcard. The water gracefully cascades down from a height of approximately 40 feet, forming a crystal-clear pool below, perfect for swimming and bathing. The combination of the turquoise blue water and the vibrant green surroundings is truly mesmerizing. To reach Krang Suri, we had to trek through a dense forest, adding an extra element of adventure and thrill to our journey. The trek itself was relatively easy, taking us around 15-20 minutes, and rewarded us with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Once we arrived at the falls, we had the opportunity to relax by the pool, take a refreshing dip in the cool waters, or simply marvel at the natural beauty that surrounded us. By this point, we were completely exhausted. Luckily, we stumbled upon a wonderful eatery that served delicious food just to our liking. With our hunger satisfied, we eagerly set off for our next spectacle.

PHE PHE PLUNGE: A SOOTHING SYMPHONY IN MEGHALAYA

Phe Phe waterfalls is a hidden gem in the region, not as famous as other waterfalls. This makes it a peaceful and secluded spot to explore. Surrounded by dense forests, reaching the waterfall requires a short trek through the wilderness. The trek starts from a stunning campsite next to a beautiful, teal-colored river. To cross the river, you can either take an alternative path or hire a country boat. Once across, a rough mud path on an open plateau will guide you on your adventure. The trek itself is thrilling, with narrow paths and rocky terrain to navigate.

After a 20-minute walk, we reached a downward path. I could hear the faint sounds of the waterfall nearby, but the dense plantation obstructed the view. We continued downhill for about 15 minutes until we caught our first glimpse of the majestic waterfall. It was truly awe-inspiring. The sight at the waterfalls was breathtaking, with waters cascading down from a height of approximately 300 feet. The surrounding area is lush and green, perfect for nature lovers and photographers. Like any location, I searched for the best spot to capture the grandeur of Phe Phe waterfall. Local visitors gathered around, eager to witness the spectacle. The sheer vertical drop of the falls was a sight to behold. On one hand, I was thrilled to capture the beauty, but on the other hand, the fading light reminded me that it was time to head back to camp. With a heavy heart, I packed up my camera and began the long hike back with my wife. We left with beautiful memories captured digitally. Luckily, we made it back to our camp just in time.

The campsite was pitch black when we arrived. We quickly contacted the camp manager to request the lights be turned on as soon as possible. Surprisingly, we found out that we were the only ones camping that night. My wife started feeling Monophobia, a fear of being alone. As the night progressed, the temperature plummeted, and an eerie silence enveloped the surroundings. Thankfully, the diesel generators were activated, bringing some comfort. While I was used to such dark and quiet settings from my Himalayan treks, my wife was experiencing it for the first time. Understandably, she felt scared. Wondering how long did it take for her to overcome this fear? If you’ve read the second part of our travel series, you already know. It took approximately 14 hours for her to feel normal again. The next day, everything was back to normal as we bid farewell to Meghalaya on this trip.

Before you navigate to the next part of this mesmerizing series, I’m looking forward to hearing what you think about this one. Please share your thoughts in the comments. You’re also welcome to share this with your loved ones.

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