2.12 Umiam Lake, Meghalaya

13/3/24 Wednesday

Assam’s flat plains gave us a breather from Arunachal’s winding hilly terrain and as we inch towards Meghalaya, the third state on our fantastic journey, the anticipation is building.    

Meghalaya's landscape unfurls before us. Here the slopes are gentler and curves less curvy but the rolling hills remain as captivating as ever. Our journey not only spans geographical boundaries but also traverses through a rainbow of topographical wonders. 

It’s the first time since coming to the Northeast that we have seen a 100% pure vegetarian restaurant. We descended on The Jiva Veg restaurant at Nongpoh with gusto. Chhole Bhature, Dosas, Biryani, Lassi. Yum Yum!!!

After filling our stomachs and a quick diesel stop, we proceeded to the serene Umiam lake, locally known as Bara Pani. It was in the 1960s that a dam was constructed over the Umiam river to generate electricity that gave birth to this artificial body of water covering about 220 square kilometers. Two smaller rivers, Wah Umkhrah and Wah Umshyrpi join the Umiam river and form the main source of water for the lake. It is a popular destination for water sports and adventure facilities. 

We stepped into the visitors area and a sense of wonder enveloped us, like stepping into a carefully crafted paradise with immaculate pathways amidst lush greenery and meticulously manicured gardens. But it was upon the tranquil surface of the lake that our adventure truly began to unfold. Boarding a sleek speedboat, we felt a surge of excitement as we navigated around the huge lake and were treated to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The wind whipped through our hair amidst the beauty of nature.

After days of relentless travel through rugged terrain, our trusty steeds bore the battle scars of adventure—coated in a thick layer of dust that begged for liberation. The road had been our companion, but now it was time to reward our loyal vehicles with a well-deserved spa day.

Our search led us to a humble car wash tucked away a few kilometers down the road. In the skilled hands of the car wash attendants, our dusty chariots underwent a miraculous transformation. Soap suds frothed and bubbled under jets of water, as if performing a cleansing ritual that would purify both body and soul. In just an hour, our once-dusty vehicles emerged from the car wash like newly minted coins.

As the day drew to a close, we arrived at the Ri Shat Sngi resort. Nestled among towering trees and overlooking tranquil waters, the rustic charms of the log huts at the resort welcomed us.

Tomorrow we go to the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunji.

The figures: 

8.30 am Hotel Greenwood, Tezpur

10.00 am Tea break - 68 kms

1.00 pm Lunch at Jiva Veg restaurant, Nongpoh, Meghalaya - 128 kms

2.30 pm Diesel

3.15 pm Umiam lake - 37 kms

6.30 pm Car wash & Hotel Ri Shat Sngi, Umiam - 8 kms

Tolls paid today : Rs. 345

Total Tolls paid : Rs. 4020

Traveled today : 241 kms

Total distance covered : 4519 kms