Hello fellow travellers, Reet here, your travel buddy!!!
Meghalaya, known as the ‘Abode of Clouds,’ is celebrated for its scenic beauty, lush green hills, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant culture. One such hidden gem is Khaddum, a small yet charming village nestled in the heart of Meghalaya. Recently, I had the opportunity to explore this tranquil haven, and here’s a glimpse into my journey.
Journey from Guwahati to Khaddum:
Our adventure began bright and early, at 5:30 AM in Guwahati. We set off towards Ramghat Village, which served as our first pit stop. After a scenic drive, we arrived at Ramghat and took a short but rewarding hike to Umbyrlein Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the East Jaintia Hills region. This waterfall is truly a sight to behold, especially during or right after the monsoon season. We travelled from Guwahati to Khaddum in a private car, which cost us ₹4000 in total.
After soaking in the beauty of the falls, we headed directly to Khaddum, where we checked into Hotel Sweet Chilli. This hotel offered decent accommodations with good food. For a room that fit the three of us comfortably, we paid a total of ₹3500, which was quite reasonable.
Unveiling Khaddum’s Hidden Gems:
The next morning, we had an early breakfast and prepared for our day’s adventure. Khaddum is accessible only with a local guide due to the challenging terrain. You can arrange a guide either directly from Hotel Sweet Chilli or after reaching Khaddum village. Since the roads are tricky, having a guide is essential. Our journey involved both a hike and a ride in a 6×6 vehicle.
We paid ₹800 per person for the vehicle, which took us directly to Chimpe Waterfalls. After a short 15-minute ride and a further 15-minute hike, we reached the falls. Here, we were provided with life jackets, making it safe for a refreshing swim. After enjoying the waterfalls, we trekked to the Krem Chympe Cave, the fifth-largest freshwater cave in India.
Many parts of this cave are still unexplored, adding an element of mystery and thrill to our visit. Guides are available to provide wraps and safety gear for those interested in deeper exploration.
Reliving Jowai’s Charm:
We spent another night at Hotel Sweet Chilli before setting off the next morning towards Jowai. On the way, we explored other scenic spots like Piphi Falls and Kamchuri Falls. After a day of exploring, we began our return journey to Guwahati, with our hearts full of memories and our cameras filled with pictures.
Important Travel Tips for Khaddum:
- Enjoy the activities in Khaddum that are hiking, cave exploration, and swimming in the waterfalls.
- Also, avoid visiting during the peak monsoon season if you are not experienced with trekking. The roads and hiking trails can become quite challenging.
- Moreover, packing tips for Khaddum: be sure to pack a raincoat, sturdy hiking boots, swimwear, electrolytes, and basic hiking gear.
- Likewise, the entry fee or visiting fee (if visiting some place like parks, boating, etc.) is 800 INR.
- The journey to Khaddum’s best season is in January, the winter season.
Must know: The budget for the journey is 6,000 to 7,000 INR per person. The trip will last for 2 nights and 3 days, taking place in January, during winter. This is an adventure trip with friends, and there will be a total of 3 travellers.
Our trip to Khaddum was an exhilarating mix of adventure, natural beauty, and hidden gems. From the breathtaking waterfalls to the mysterious caves, every moment was filled with awe. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or just looking to escape into nature, Khaddum is a destination that should be on your travel list.So, journey through Enchanting Travel Tales on https://sowl.in/stories. Immerse yourself in inspiring stories that spark your wanderlust and guide you in planning your next dream adventure.