Welcome to the fifth & final 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, Part -3, and Part-4. The journey promises to be truly enchanting and will surely captivate your senses.

Reflecting on the chilling yet remarkable camping adventure near Phe Phe waterfalls, where we braved the cold winter night in an unfamiliar territory, the upcoming journey seemed promising. As we entered the 7th day of our expedition, we were greeted by a breathtaking sunrise illuminating the desolate lands of the stunning West Jaintia hills district. It was a perfect moment for me to capture photographs that would hold sentimental value for years to come. At 6:30 in the morning, we said our farewells to the place that would always stir up memories of the challenges we faced, especially for my companion, who was experiencing this for the first time.

After bidding farewell to the captivating Phe Phe waterfalls campsite, the path ahead unfurled like a ribbon, meandering through the partially barren landscapes of Meghalaya. I must confess that this journey ranks among the finest road trips we have embarked on in 2023. The undulating hills extend into the distance, their lush green slopes adorned with clusters of houses and patches of verdant fields, creating a truly breathtaking spectacle. As we neared the border of Meghalaya, the scenery underwent yet another transformation, giving way to expansive plains. The distant hills of Assam loomed prominently on the horizon, signaling our entry into a new state.

Continuing our expedition into Assam, the road grew busier, punctuated by quaint towns and villages. Vibrant markets buzzed with activity, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals. Finally, after a long yet exhilarating drive, we reached Pobitora National Park. This sanctuary is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting the highest concentration of one-horned rhinoceros in the world. Even before entering the park, the road leading to it was teeming with life. We were greeted by the majestic sight of the One-horned Rhinoceros and a variety of avian species peacefully grazing in the grasslands, providing a fitting conclusion to our unforgettable road trip for the day. The remainder of the evening was spent rejuvenating in a meticulously maintained guest house, situated near the entrance gates of the forest.

A CHERISHED SAFARI AMIDST MISTY WINTER MORNINGS:

For a considerable period, I had desired to visit Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Located approximately 30 km away from Guwahati, in the Morigaon district of Assam, this sanctuary is renowned for its unique collection of species that cannot be found elsewhere in the world. Notably, it serves as a habitat for the one-horned Rhinoceros. Unfortunately, due to its proximity to the more prominent Kaziranga National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary often goes unnoticed and fails to receive the recognition it deserves.

I chose to go on a safari in the park with a private gypsy instead of a shared one. Therefore, we were the only ones on a four-seater gypsy. The benefit of selecting a private gypsy is the freedom it provides me to move around and capture the best photography angles. Additionally, this was our inaugural wildlife trip that offered a Safari experience. It is worth mentioning that earlier in the same year, we had the opportunity to witness the splendid avian species at the magnificent Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan.

We reached the entrance gate well before the required time. At 7:30 in the morning, a dense layer of mist limited visibility to 50 meters. I was particularly concerned about the poor lighting conditions for photography. Thankfully, as we ventured further into the park, visibility improved, and we were greeted by a magnificent sight of a massive one-horned Rhino blocking our path. It was a breathtaking scene. The Indian Rhinoceros is the largest species on Earth. When it suddenly emerged from the thick mist, it was truly a sight to remember.

We spent a considerable amount of time capturing photos from different perspectives, including a special selfie with the impressive creature. Moving forward, we came across domesticated Elephants. Whether wild or domesticated, witnessing elephants in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. The sheer size and grandeur of these gentle giants are truly awe-inspiring. The prominent tusks of the species were a captivating sight. I completely fell in love with the diverse ecological environment as well.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM:

As an individual who possesses an immense adoration and reverence for all forms of life, I would like to draw attention to a particular matter. The administration at the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary provides various means to explore the park, one of which is Elephant Safari. However, we chose not to partake in this activity and instead opted for Jeep Safari. Encouraging tourists to engage in elephant safaris can have significant adverse effects on both the well-being of the elephants and the environment. Firstly, elephants utilized for safaris are often captured from the wild or bred in captivity. Captive elephants frequently endure harsh training techniques and living conditions, resulting in physical and psychological distress. Moreover, such safaris can disrupt natural elephant behaviors and habitats. The presence of tourists and vehicles can induce stress and anxiety in the elephants, leading to aggressive behavior and potential harm to both the elephants and humans. Rather than promoting elephant safaris, efforts should be directed towards endorsing responsible and sustainable tourism practices that prioritize the welfare of elephants and their natural habitats.

I now bid goodbye to this amazing Travel series. I hope you had a wonderful time reading each of the five parts of this series.

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