Laitmawsiang? Is there a place by this name? Well it is much more splendid that expected

Meghalaya, often known as Scotland of the East, is a state in India that contains some of the most magnificent natural attractions in the country. Aside from the Root Bridge, the Seven Sisters’ Waterfalls, and other attractions, the Garden of Caves is the most recent addition to the list of places to visit in Meghalaya. It was formally opened to the public in 2010 and allowed travellers to see the full splendour of a network of caves interconnected in the heart of a forest.

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One of India’s best-kept secrets is Laitmawsiang in Meghalaya. If you’ve ever wanted to discover a hidden gem, this should be at the top of your list. Kashish Arora’s 

The north-eastern state of Meghalaya, known as the “Land of Cotton Candy Clouds,” is provided with sweeping views of forested valleys, clear lakes, brilliant waterfalls, and ancient caverns. This place, dotted with British colonial buildings abounding, is a wonderful getaway for unwinding amid nature.

Meghalaya is home to numerous tribes, including the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia. A charming town called Laitmawsiang may be found in the Khatarshnong Laitkroh neighbourhood of East Khasi Hills. This location will instantly take you to a fairy tale, with brilliant waterfalls, magical ponds, secret tunnels, and lush thickets all around. 

Also Read, Phe Phe Falls: The Magnificence of Meghalaya

This settlement, surrounded by dense floral hedges and emerald green shrubs, stores prehistoric fossils in ancient caverns, gardens, and waterfalls on the way to Cherrapunji. Garden of Caverns, also known as Ka Bri Synrang, is a 2.5-hectare property with seven main places — Sum Syeim Falls, U Mawhdohnud (heart-shaped rock), Ka Synrang Ryiem (king’s cave), Ki Stieh Maw, Arsdad Falls, and Riat Umlwai Falls — that provide a resting area for a plethora of caves and cascades.

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Suppose Meghalaya has never been on your travel bucket list. In that case, it’s time to create a fresh schedule that is favourable to caving adventures to satisfy your urge to discover hidden treasures. The gardens and caves in this area have been around for over 50 centuries. Historically, the Khasi tribes and local patriots during the British rule used these caverns as a haven. The location was inaccessible and surrounded by deep trees at the time. Few people dared to enter through the curling vines since it gave the impression of a gloomy refuge.

Today, the entire area is lighted by the sun’s rays and the reflections of shimmering ponds. While the magnificent waterfalls provide a breathtaking vista, the bamboo trail that leads to the garden caves adds to the attractiveness of this location. It leads to the perpetual underground water, which is excellent for drinking due to its therapeutic and medicinal properties.

The Garden of Caves has a long history dating back to British control in India. During British administration, the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya used to hide in caves to avoid British soldiers. These caves provided them with refuge from the rain. In contrast, the lush vegetation surrounding the caves supplied them with food and other requirements.

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The Garden of Caves can be visited at any time of year. However, because waterfalls freeze in the winter, the best time to visit is during the monsoon season. August and September are ideal months. 

The Garden of Caves is open seven days a week, with admission beginning at 8:30 a.m. The cost is INR 30 per person, plus an additional INR 20 for medicinal water. You’ll have to spend an extra $20 to carry a mobile camera indoors.

Also Read, Meghalaya: The Abode of the Clouds

Due to the state’s regular rains, numerous rock formations such as heart-shaped, baby rocks, and other rock formations can be seen. Some of the caves in the garden have a hole in the roof that looks amazing during the rainy season. The waterfalls run alongside the caves like an umbrella over the cave. As a result of its beauty and how the forest has been safeguarding the area for years, the Garden of Caves is also regarded as a paradise.

Only a few people are spotted visiting the attraction site because the caverns are located in an isolated area where it is difficult to access the cave. These caves are less congested than other tourist attractions such as the Root.

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How to Get to Laitmawsiang

Shillong, 52 kilometres away from Laitmawsiang, has the nearest domestic airport. Many visitors prefer to travel by train, and the nearest railway station is at Guwahati, which is 145 kilometres away. Tourists who want to go on road trips from Shillong can book a full-day cab ride to their destination.