A Palate for Pickles and more!

Shillong, rather the entire central Meghalaya is famous for it's various kinds of pickles and local cuisines. 

The local Khasi and Garo tribesmen make pickles from 'Shnutki' (dried fish), Bamboo-shoots, Berries, Mangoes and a sour fruit called 'Soyum', which is cultivated locally. They make pickles from all sorts of fruits. And these pickles are a significant part of their food habit. A strong smelling 'Tungtoh' made from fermented beans and 'Tungtap', a variant of dry fish, are two of the most popular forms of local pickles.

Jars of Pickles on display in a shop at Police Bazar, Shillong

The Khasi people complete their breakfast with rice and tea with pickle. Then they take their supper in the evening. This is the main food of the day and consists of 'Doh-Snam', meat and rice cooked separately or 'Ja-Doh', meat and rice cooked together, complemented with tea, and pickle. Lastly, they dine lightly in night, usually with fruits and alcohol.

Among the other local cuisines preparations of fish and meat particularly pork is a delicacy. A variety of pork items like 'Ja-Doh', 'Doh-Khleh', 'Doh-Jem', 'Doh-Snam' are prepared in a traditional way to savour your taste buds . Chicken, fresh fish and beef too are on the list of mouth watering dishes, prepared in a unique style different from usual curries.

If you are ever in Shillong, do try out these cuisines to add a different taste to your trip. There is Kowloon, a reasturant in Maulki Bazar where you can have good local and continental cuisines for moderate price. Also for fast foods, there are Subway and KFC outlets in Police Bazar, which are very popular among the youngsters. 

The Living Root Bridge of Riwai

The North-Eastern states of India are treasure-troves of Natural wonders. Meghalaya, like her sister-states, is no exception. It's crude hills, meandering roads, blue lakes, emerald forests, green pastures, snaky rivers make it a paradise for nature-lovers.

The Living Root Bridge of Riwai is one such wonder. Located 92 kilometres south-east of Shillong, this natural bridge sits in the Riwai village of Pynursla district. A half mile's hike down-trail the King's path, this beautiful natural conduit is worth the time and trouble. Once you have travelled the distance, a small hilly river waits for you. Its cold stream of water will quench your thirst, and wash away your tiresomeness. The lyrical sound of the flowing stream will soothe your ears while the Root Bridge treats your eyes. Standing strong like the shadow of a sacred knight from aeons past, the roots of several rubber plants bridge the banks of the river and the difference between the people of the hills. Together, the King's path and the Root Bridge interconnect the sister-villages of the East Khasi hills.

The Living Root Bridge of Riwai

Another kilometre from Riwai, stands the gates of the Mawlynnong village. Supposedly the cleanest village of Asia. From here you can see the India-Bangladesh border from a bamboo-made platform.

Next time you visit Meghalaya, don't you miss out on this wonderful  beauty and while you are at it, also try Khasi delicacies like Ja-Doh, a preparation of rice and meat, and pickle made from bamboo-shoots at Mawlynnong.

To get there, you will need a car. You can contact Jeet, who took me there, at this number +918974005055. There's also Taxi service from Shillong city. But these are limited and only available during day time. Also, remember to start early. The road is below par and it'll take quite some time to reach there. But don't worry. The entire journey from Shillong to Riwai is pleasurable. You will enjoy the picturesque hills, serpentine roads and the wilderness of East Khasi Hills.