Essay Example on Famed as the second wettest place on earth Cherrapunji

Famed as the second wettest place on earth Cherrapunji also called as Sohra is graced with the incredible natural wonders that are worthy of nature and adventure loving traveller’s attention From waterfalls and caves to living root bridges discover the most beautiful natural wonders Cherrapunji has to offer Living Root Bridges Probably the most spectacular natural wonder in Cherrapunji is the hundreds of years old Living Root Bridges where the architectural and natural prowess is evident There are single and double decker living root bridges that have survived the wear and tear of time and are said to be hundreds of years old The most appealing feature about these man made natural wonders is their unique formation process the roots of Ficus Elastica rubber trees native to the region are intermingled and further bonded to the trunk of hollow betel nut plants to grow in the direction direction which is over the stream Once the roots reaches the other end of the riverbank they are firmly established into soil and stones and pebbles are used to stabilise the bridge It takes about 15 20 years to become stronger and carry up to 50 people at a time 

The must visits include Umshiang Double Decker Bridge Nongriat Village which is a 180 year old and 20 meters long bridge Ritymmen Double Decker Bridge Nongthymmai Village which is the longest of all extending 30 meters in length and the Ummunoi Bridge Nongkroh Village which is a single root bridge and 17 meters in length These bridges are accessible by trekking which vary in difficulty level and duration Waterfalls Another gorgeous natural spectacles of Cherrapunji are its wide array of picturesque waterfalls One of the most impressive waterfall is the Nohkalikai Falls which is perhaps the tallest plunge waterfall in India The water plunges 340 meters 1115 9 feet down forming a waterhole beneath which is azure in winter and turns into green tone during summer As the water hits the surface it forms a mist down below and its s easily a postcard worthy photo After being mesmerised by the stunning waterfall you can explore the surrounding locales which are just as beautiful Another beautiful natural sight is the Seven Sister Waterfalls also known as the Nohsngithiang Falls or Mawsmai Falls The water gushes down from an altitude of 315 meters into seven segments It looks gorgeous during sundown when the setting sun rays illuminates the waterfall with oranges and reds a sight to behold Another spectacular waterfall in the area is the 

Dainthlen waterfall which has a cave behind the flowing water Legend has it that an evil snake was killed here and there are carvings on the cave of the entire episode which attracts visitors far and wide Located about 7 miles from Cherrapunji lies Kynrem waterfall which falls down from a prodigious height of 305 meters into three cascades it s scale and magnificence leaves the visitors awestruck Caves Cherranpunji is not only famous for its living root bridges and waterfalls it is also home to some of the largest and deepest caves in the country Some of the most spectacular ones include Mawsmai Cave the Arwah Lumshynna Cave and the Krem Mawmluh The Mawsmai Cave is long however the length of nearly 150 meters is only open for tourist to explore Plus it's only cave in the region that is well lit It s particularly appealing feature is its impressive chambers and passages replete with beautiful stalagmite and stalactite formations of different sizes and shapes that hang down from the cave wall The entrance to the cave is huge but as you explore its intriguing labyrinths the path gets narrow on the lead up The Arwah Lumshynna Cave is often overlooked as it sits at a higher altitude but a must for the bucket list The entrance to the cave is wide but as you proceed deeper it gets narrow tight and dark you might as well have to crawl your way out The cave is adorned with fossils in shapes of birds butterflies and marine creatures etched on the rock It s most impressive feature besides the fossils is that a cold water stream runs through the cavern creating a mysterious wonderland waiting to be discovered The path leading to the cave is equally impressive that involves crossing of a scenic wooden bridge that leads to the entrance of the cave When visiting a torch is essential to navigate We suggest taking a guided tour who will guide you through the narrow and dank passageways and bizarre limestone and fossil formations along the way Thrilling and enigmatic the Krem Mawmluh is located less than a mile away from Cherrapunji and is India s fourth longest cave Set at a height of 3 meters above the sea level this cave is not for the faint of heart To enter the cave you need to wade your way through the water which turns into a black quicksand during dry season However those less adventurous can enter through a high level bypass adjacent to the main passageway The major drawcard is the pool within the cave which is formed by five different rivers running through it It s best to visit the cave in a group and with torchlight as there are some parts that are complex