Laitlum Canyon: Meghalaya's own Paradise

Mother Nature's masterpieces (including the two young fellows)

The second day of a trip can be either really exciting or deeply depressing depending on the circumstances. Even in Meghalaya, the abode of the clouds. 

For instance, the second day of a week-long vacation is likely to keep everyone in an upbeat mood. However, the second day of a weekend trip can be quite melancholy. There's always sadness looming at the culmination of good times. 

That was how I felt on a Sunday morning at Quinton Enclave, a quaint little homestay right in the heart of Shillong. We were all a little sore from our ten-hour drive around North East India the previous day.

[Also Read: A Drive to Krang Suri Falls, Meghalaya] 

There was another six-hour drive ahead of us. The thought of holidays coming to an end only added to the gloom. I sat at the small desk, working on my laptop, but mostly lost in thought. The tea turned cold. It was a lazy morning.

That was of course, until Messi woke up.

"What are we doing today?"

Traveling with a child can be tiresome for various reasons, but perhaps the biggest challenge is that they never get tired! It is tough to match up to their energy, and their never-ending enthusiasm. It is tough to keep up with their eagerness for adventure and activity when all your poor back desires is a cushion to lean on.

But their innocence has a charm that can uplift you even on your worst days.

And so, in a matter of minutes, the tiredness was gone and Messi's contagious energy had taken over the room. We packed our bags, finished a quick complimentary breakfast, and were out into the sunlight in no time, thirsting for a new adventure. 

[Also Read: A hidden Paradise enroute to Shillong, Meghalaya]

A Road to the End of the Road!

Shillong to Laitlum is a one-hour drive

It is said that every road in Meghalaya leads to heaven and we allowed the state to charm us once again on a Sunday morning. The road took us, literally, to the end of the road! Apparently, that is what Laitlum means.

However, our optimism appeared shortlived, because when we drove into the parking place at Laitlum Canyon, the place was engulfed in fog. We stepped out into the rain, scrambling for our umbrellas. Despite the weather, the place was full of tourists, who, like us, were also ruing their fate. 

The signboard said that we had reached our destination, but all we could see was a canvas of white ahead of us. The mist had covered the local shops as well, and we paced around, disappointed. 

Eat Maggi when it rains?

A trip to the mountains is incomplete without 'Paharo wali maggi!'

But a frequent traveler knows that luck and weather can change in an instant. All we need is a little patience. We tasted some Bhutta (Burnt Corn), had a couple of cups of tea, before settling for a compelling plate of Paharo wali Maggi. 

All the while, our eyes remained peeled out the window.

However, the weather proved to be a tough nut to crack. Soon enough, our patience got the better of us and we surrendered to our fate. They say 'make hay when the sun shines', but perhaps you should make maggi when the sun doesn't shine?

In a way, that was what we set out to find out. 

Disappointment can shadow even the most optimistic of minds. We expected a legendary morning in the lap of Mother Nature but were witness to her gloom instead. Moods were plummeting by the minute until Messi discovered a mist-drenched playground. 

A misty playground

A mist-covered playground can do wonders for a seven-year-old

With our Energy champion finding his Holy Grail, our hands were tied. Sometimes, if you let a child take the reins, he can lead you back to your childhood. Messi rushed to the Playground slide, maneuvering through the tricky stairs. He went to and fro on the Swing. He tried his hand on the Seesaw. His trip appeared successful, there was a smile on his face.

We were forced to smile to entertain him, but a smile can often be contagious. We walked around, watching the clouds float across the sky. We went to the edge of the cliff and stared into the impenetrable wall of white and kept hoping, and hoping and hoping. 

Hope is a good thing, Red...

And then, just like that, our prayers are answered. As we leaned into the parapet, we actually saw the breeze carry the mist away. By the minute, the wall of white diminished, unveiling a heaven of green.

Like an accomplished painter, Mother Nature removed the curtain to reveal her chef-d'oeuvre.

Mother Nature's masterpiece

Majestic Laitlum Canyon

The first glimpse of Laitlum Canyon is almost guaranteed to take your breath away. We struggled to comprehend the sight that was unfolding in front of us. It is hard to put words to such an architectural marvel created by Mother Nature, but it would be impolite not to try.

As far as the eyes can see, mountain ranges intertwined among themselves, their bodies covered in velvet green. Streaks of silver streams played hide and seek in their lap. If you look closely you could also locate a couple of waterfalls. Bits of cottony clouds hung around, leaning idly to the sides of the hills. Tiny houses lay clustered together, far and few in between. 

This was a place untouched by time and most importantly, by human arrogance. Perhaps that is why its beauty remains intact. 

We eventually returned to our senses but remained in awe of Mother Nature. How beautiful is this world, how little does it take to make our hearts melt? To bring solace to our minds and peace to our souls?

We had initially planned to stay for a couple of hours only, but our plans were immediately thrown out the window. We drank cups of tea, tasted locally made cakes, and watched the clouds return and engulf the valley. Messi rolled down the hills and raced up again. We clicked pictures, but the best ones remained in our hearts. 

You will struggle to depart Laitlum Canyon...

You can sit here for hours and not get bored

Coming to Laitlum is easy, leaving is tough. No, that is not a saying, but I wish it was, because that was exactly how we felt. If the end of the road is so glorious, who would want to turn back? You could spend an entire day here and leave craving for more.

Laitlum Canyon is around 24 kilometers southwest of Shillong and is at an altitude of around 1500 meters (4921 feet). The Canyon is apparently made of sandstones and shale rocks, which were eroded over time to bestow its grand look. The place overlooks the East Khasi Hills and the surrounding valleys and also the Umiam River. 

The sunset is apparently out of the world, but unfortunately, we were already pressed for time. And so the hour arrived to say goodbye to another piece of heaven in Meghalaya. 

As we drove away, the mist had descended on the valley, which once again lay engulfed in Mother Nature’s embrace.

So long, Shillong!

Shillong stays in our hearts

The return from Laitlum was as eventful as ever. We stopped for more pictures on the road, our hearts not full with Meghalaya's charms yet. Since it was a Sunday, Shillong was mostly closed, and locating a place to have lunch proved to be a challenge. We drove on and were almost at Umiam Lake when we spotted The Hills Cafe and Restaurant. 

Messi sat down and ordered a plate of his favourite French Fries. We sipped on Tea and Fresh Lime Water and browsed the menu. We eventually ordered Rice, Dal, Pulao, Chicken Maharaja and Veg Manchurian. 

The service was fast, and the price was reasonable. Good food is the hallmark of a good trip and every dish was pleasing to the belly. Situated right by the side of the road, overlooking the Umaim Lake, this place could be a good stop for a tasty break in your trip.

As we followed the afternoon sun home, I wondered if it was true that good times have a tendency to speed up. It was only the previous morning that we had traveled through the same road, buoyed with vacation energy. Two days in Meghalaya seemed to be over in an instant. 

Yet, it was also true that we returned with a sense of contentment that a vacation with loved ones can provide. We had headed to Meghalaya with a lot of expectations, and we weren't disappointed. But then, there is no disappointment in Meghalaya for true nature lovers. 

Maybe good times don’t last forever, but good memories do. They lie vivid in our thoughts, painting pictures that last a lifetime. Good memories are worth their weight in gold. And the best thing is that there's already place in the heart for more. 

Au Revoir, Meghalaya.

Watch: A video of our escapade:

Laitlum Essentials:

Location: East Khasi Hills

Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport - 31km, Guwahati Airport - 118km

Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station - 98km

Best Time to Travel: June to September, when the area is covered in green. Can visit the entire year for a different experience

Contact Number (Information and Publicity Officer, Shillong): +91 9436310374

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