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Day 1 : Day Itinerary
(1st) Mawjymbuin Cave is a natural cave situated at Mawsynram village in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. It is one of the famous Caves in Meghalaya and among the top places to visit in Mawsynram. Mawjymbuin cave is a 209 m high natural cave that is made up of calcareous sandstones. Also known as Krem Mawjymbuin, this cave consists of several stalagmites, which are formed as a result of weathering, calcium carbonate deposition and dripping of mineral-enriched liquid.
There is a Shiva Linga structure that has been a result of a giant pillar formation and is a natural and accurate formation of the Hindu deity. This formation is the key attraction of this cave and is considered with very high regard. The most interesting fact here is the Shivlinga is constantly bathed in water issuing from a stalactite shaped like a cow’s udder.
There are many rift entrances and passages in the cave, some of which are difficult to enter. A small stream flows under the eastern portion of this cave and passes through massive boulders. The cave also has a dome shaped rock with a flat top called the Symper Rock. The presence of unique stalagmites makes it a thing of interest for geologists, who conduct numerous researches here. The best time to visit this cave is post monsoon as heavy rains block the passages of this cave with water during rainy season.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for Person
(2nd) This Sacred Forest in Shillong, India is Guarded By One Strict Rule
Mawphlang Sacred Forest INDIA WRITER
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The East Khasi Hills and the Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya are filled with sacred forests, all closely linked with the indigenous cultures and religious beliefs. The most sacred among these forests is the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, which is guarded by one strict rule – ‘NOTHING is allowed to be taken out of this Sacred Grove. Not even a leaf, stone or a dead log’. Failing to comply may lead to death.
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Covering some 192 acres, the Mawphlang Sacred Forest, nestled in the East Khasi Hills near Mawphlang village, has its roots steeped deep in the age-old religious beliefs, in which forests are regarded as a sacred entity. The local Khasi tribes have been preserving this forest for thousands of years, and believe it to be the abode of the local deity, called Labasa. The tribal people have a firm belief that Labasa protects this forest and their community from any mishap. The deity takes on the form of leopard or tiger, and protects the village. To maintain favours or appease the local deity, the villagers make animal sacrifices in the stone temples located within the forest.
Mawphlang Sacred Forests
There is only one rule, however, to be followed in this sacred forest. And, that is – “You cannot take anything out of this forest, else the deity gets upset”. Removing even the tiniest thing from the forest means you’re disrespecting the deity. It is said that whoever attempts to break this rule is punished with illness, which can even lead to death. In fact, local lore says that in 1970, the army tried taking out the dead wood and trees from this forest, but they were not able to do so as the truck didn’t start even after trying multiple times.
Mawphlang Sacred Grove
It isn’t just the legends and myths of the sacred forest that attracts tourists, its physical majesty is also a crowd puller. The entry to the forest is marked by lush green branches and as you step inside, you will see an inter-connected network of trees and plants – some of which are said to be over 1,000-years-old. It is an amazing visual spectacle, plus there is a widespread belief that some of these plants possess medicinal properties, including the ability to cure tuberculosis and cancer. In addition, there are monoliths inside the forest that are considered to be the spot for sacrifices. The local tribal people sacrifice animals here to make their wishes come true.
Monolith at Sacred Forest
Locals often flock to this sacred forest to celebrate nature and other festivals. This sprawling forest comes alive, especially during the three-day monolith festival held here that showcases the tribal heritage and culture.
Mawphlang in the East Khasi Hills
Entry fee
The Mawphlang Sacred Forest is open every day, from 9:00am until 4:30pm; The entry fee is INR 20 ($ 0.31) per head, plus additional INR 20 ($ 0.31) for the camera. For a guided tour, the fee is around INR 300 ($ 4.69) for one-hour, and it includes an English-speaking Khasi guide.
Where to stay
There is a smattering of accommodation options available should you wish to stay for a day or two and experience the tribal culture. The best option is the Maple Pine Farm that has four eco-friendly cottages, complete with all the basic amenities, as well as organised trips in and around the area.
(3rd) World's Longest Sandstone Caves Discovered 90 km from Shillong
and We're Already Packing Our Bags!
Longest Sandstone Caves Discovered 90 km from Shillong and We're Already Packing Our Bags! by Siddharth Sujan
It is rightly said that India is a land of unpredictable things. You're walking down a street and you never know whom or what you would encounter at the very next turn—could be a traveller from some far off land, a native resident with a fascinating story or even a natural wonder hiding in plain sight.
Sample this, a group of cave enthusiasts recently set out to map and measure a sandstone cave in Meghalaya. Though these caves were first discovered in 2016, nobody had an idea that they were actually the longest caves of their kind in the world! Yes, Krem Puri is now officially the world's longest sandstone cave and just like that, a new world has opened up for the curious traveller! Well, we're already making plans and you should too!
What are the caves of Krem Puri?
The caves of Krem Puri were first discovered in 2016 and since then, have become a favourite amongst cave aficionados visiting the region. These expansive natural formations recently saw an expedition by the Meghalaya Adventurers’ Association (MAA) which revealed that they are actually the longest sandstone caves in the world! Measuring 24,583 metres in length, these caves are actually 6,000 metres longer than the previous world record holder, the Cueva Del Saman in Edo Zulia, Venezuela.
However, it was only after a long expedition by a group of 30 seasoned cavers from around the world along with MAA officials that the expanse of Krem Puri was discovered. Just the fact that it took 25 days for a team of experts to identify, measure, and map these caves is proof enough of the endless possibilities Krem Puri holds for travellers.
Where are Krem Puri caves?
The caves of Krem Puri are located near Laitsohum village in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya.
What makes these caves unique?
Meghalaya, being a paradise for thrill seekers, houses nine of the ten longest and deepest caves in the country. Krem Puri's discovery makes it the second largest cave system in the country overall, behind Krem Liat Prah-Umim-Labit system that measures a little over 31 km and is located in Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya.
Apart from their unbelievably massive stature, Krem Puri's caves are already being touted as a hotspot for discovering ancient fossils. The team of cavers, while mapping the caves have already come across remains which are expected to belong to a giant reptile called Mosasaurus, an extinct carnivorous aquatic lizard that roamed the earth over 70 million years ago.
Krem Puri is expected to attract a lot more cave enthusiasts and palaeontologists in the coming times which means it won't be wrong to expect a whole bunch of interesting discoveries. There just can't be anything more exciting than a holiday to the land of the unknown, isn't it?
Best time to visit Krem Puri
September to May are the best months to visit Krem Puri and other parts of Meghalaya as the weather is very pleasant and the otherwise torrential rains subside. While temperatures during winters (September to March) can drop to 5 degree Celsius, summer (April and May) temperatures hover between 15 to 24 degree Celsius.
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