Meghalaya, the “Abode of Clouds,” is a treasure trove of dramatic landscapes and serene vistas. Among its many wonders, the sunset at Laitlum Canyon and the sunrise at Nongjrong stand out as experiences that redefine nature’s beauty. This journey through twilight and dawn captures the essence of Meghalaya’s enchanting allure. Our journey began from Shillong around 2 PM, driven by the desire to witness both a magical sunset and a serene sunrise. Our first destination was Laitlum Canyon, a breathtaking spot just a 1.5-hour drive away, where we planned to soak in the fiery hues of the setting sun.

Sunset at Laitlum Canyon

Perched atop the East Khasi Hills, Laitlum Canyon offers a breathtaking panorama of rolling hills and deep gorges. The entry fee for Laitlum is ₹50 for parking and ₹30 per adult.

As the sun dips below the horizon, the entire landscape transforms into a canvas of fiery reds and soothing purples. The cool mountain breeze adds to the magic, making every moment unforgettable. We enjoyed ‘aloo moori’ and ‘potharu,’ a local Khasi snack, paired with red tea while soaking in the breathtaking sunset at Laitlum.

Visitors often describe the sunset here as a spiritual experience—watching the fading light dance over the valley while the shadows of the hills stretch endlessly into the distance. It’s a moment that whispers tranquility and inspires reflection.

After soaking in the breathtaking sunset, we embarked on a one-hour drive to our second destination, eager to experience the serene charm of Nongjrong.

Nongjrong

We checked into a cozy homestay, which we had booked in advance. The homestay offered a perfect village getaway experience, with the warmth of local hospitality. For dinner, we visited a small shop run by the locals, where we were treated to a simple yet delicious homely meal.

After our meal, we took a stroll under the bright moonlight, the cool, crisp air adding to the serene atmosphere. The night was chilly, and the peaceful quiet of the village made it feel like time had slowed down. Around 9:30 PM, we returned to our allotted room, where we chatted for a while before setting an alarm for 4 AM, hopeful for the sunrise that awaited us.

The place was eerily quiet, with not many visitors. The only sound that broke the silence was the distant murmur of a stream, but try as we might, we couldn’t spot it. We made our way down the hills from the sunset point, walking for nearly 2 km, but all we could see were the orange trees, their ripe fruits hanging temptingly from the branches. We stopped by some small wooden huts, hoping someone might be there to help us pluck the oranges, but there was no one around.

Excited by the sight of the fruit, we ventured further down the slippery path, damp from the rain, for another 800 meters.

Our persistence paid off as we stumbled upon more orange orchards, and at that moment, we couldn’t resist the temptation. We plucked a few fresh, juicy oranges from the trees, our thirst driving us to taste them immediately. The sweetness and slight tanginess of the fruit were refreshing, and the burst of flavor was exactly what we needed.

As we wandered through the farm, the rain continued to drizzle, leaving us cold and soaked. Still, the thought of returning to the homestay seemed like the best option. Climbing back up the slippery, rain-soaked path was much more challenging than descending, but with a few freshly plucked oranges in hand, we trudged on. The taste of the fruit lingered with us—so sweet, juicy, and slightly sour—that it made the climb feel less strenuous and more rewarding. It was a simple, yet unforgettable moment that captured the essence of the village experience.

Why Experience Both?

The combination of twilight at Laitlum and dawn at Nongjrong provides a complete narrative of Meghalaya’s beauty. One moment bids farewell to the day with fiery passion, while the other welcomes it with gentle serenity. Together, they create a harmonious balance that lingers in the soul long after the journey ends.

Homestay Contact

• Pamela’s Mountain View Homestay: Owner: Pamela Ryntong, Landmark: Near Nongjrong Church of God, Contact: +91 8257060148
• Rit’s Homestay: Owner: Bhakupar Marboh, Landmark: Near Nongjrong Community Hall, Contact: +91 7628068102
• Barilang Nongrum Homestay: Owner: Barilang Nongrum, Landmark: Near Nongjrong Community Hall, Contact: +91 9856832254
• Lara’s Homestay: Owner: Lakerlin Marboh, Landmark: Near Nongjrong Viewpoint, Contact: +91 8731933144
• Melakdup Homestay: Owner: Melakdup Mukhim, Landmark: Near Nongjrong Viewpoint, Contact: +91 8415959623
• Iohun Sunrise’s Homestay: Owner: Iohhun Kharlukhi, Landmark: Near Nongjrong Viewpoint, Contact: +919862060098

I hope you enjoyed reading this story of simple joys and moments of escape. It’s a beautiful reminder that even the smallest, most peaceful adventures can bring profound joy and tranquility, offering a welcome respite from the busyness of daily life. The sunset, the quiet village, the orange orchards, and the taste of fresh fruit together painted a picture of true contentment.

Thank you for joining me on this heartfelt journey. I hope it inspires you and helps you plan your own adventure and find peace in nature’s embrace.