2.15 Back to Where we Started

16/3/24 Saturday

As our journey draws to a close, let me tell you some interesting bits that we learned about Meghalaya.

Meghalaya is mainly the homeland of three main tribes, the Khasis, the Jaintias and the Garos. The Garos inhabit Western Meghalaya, the Khasis are in the central part and the Jaintias live in the eastern area. Women have a dominant role in the matrilineal society of Meghalaya. The youngest daughter of the family, inherits all ancestral property. After marriage, husbands live in the mother-in-law's home. The mother's surname is taken by children. When no daughters are born to a couple, they adopt a daughter and pass their rights to property to her. The birth of a girl is celebrated while the birth of a son is simply accepted. Amazing, isn’t it?

Today is the last driving day of our trip and we are heading back to Guwahati, the place from where it all started. We have had an awesome journey, full of adventure and fun. On our daily evening get-together, we were handed certificates on the successful completion of the expedition. It was with a tinge of sadness that we had our group dinner and we parted company with a promise to be in touch and meet again on another adventure at some time in the future.   

The final figures:

9.30 am Polo Orchid, Cherrapunji

10.45 am Diesel 33.30 L - 39 kms

1.20 pm Lunch at Hotel Jiva - 68 kms

3.30 pm Taj Vivanta, Guwahati - 33 kms

Tolls paid today : Rs. 95

Total Tolls paid : Rs. 4115

Traveled today : 140 kms

Total distance covered : 4894 kms