Homestead B&B: Fantastic Bed and Breakfast Property in Shillong, Meghalaya

Any trip to Meghalaya usually means that you stay a night or two at Shillong, the cleanest and one of the prettier hill stations of India. On my recent monsoon holiday to Meghalaya’s living root bridges, I too stayed at Shillong on my way in. But, this time around I did not stay at a hotel in the touristy Police bazaar, but opted for a room in a nice home called Homestead B&B, that I booked on AirBnB. This review is based on this recent experience of mine.

1) The property ‘Homestead B&B’ is a large home with newly constructed rooms on the top floor as well as rooms in a classic looking cottage. All of this is surrounded by gardens and pear trees. The rooms are cosy, comfortable with modern amenities like running hot water, free-wi-fi, satellite television, etc. The rooms are typically priced from INR 2700 per night. You can see all details either on Trip Advisor or on AirBnB.

2) The place is located right opposite St. Anthony’s college and hence enjoys prime location. From here, it is a short walk to Police bazaar, other markets and important landmarks. Even many restaurants, shops and ATMs are located real close by.

3) The lady Maria who runs this place and the other two ladies who help her with the day to day management are forever smiling and shower a lot of Meghalayan hospitality on you. Be it offering you a free cup of tea while you chat with them, helping fix small issues with the room or even giving you guidance and tips to make your Meghalaya holiday experience better, they are always there for you.

4) Simple and Wholesome Indian/Continental breakfast is included in the room tariff and is served in the open area right outside of the rooms. For lunch and dinner, you can either eat outside or the owner can order it from a nearby restaurant for you.

5) One of the perks of this home is its roof-top, which not only offers privacy from the rest of the home, but offers a great view, especially during rains when it is perfect to grab a chair and enjoy the rains with a cup of piping hot tea in your hand.

6) Free wi-fi access is available in the room and common areas.

7) As the property has many rooms available, they are ideal for many groups of couples, a large family or a large group of friends traveling together.

If you are looking for a comfortable stay option in the heart of Shillong and one that is priced reasonable, I would recommend taking a look at Homestead B&B. As of now, you can only book them through AirBnB or may be through their Facebook page too.

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Shillong View from Shillong Peak

The Air force base at Shillong peak is supposedly the best place to catch a fabulous view of Shillong. This high security place is pretty popular with the tourists who come to Shillong. It is about 10 kilometres from the heart of Shillong.


I was there recently, but got there late in the evening and hence got a light mist cover blocking my view. In between the mist and the clouds, I somehow managed to get this picture of the colourful Shillong city below. The fading evening sun and its shadow on the city seemed to add a beautiful glow.

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Elephant Falls, near Shillong, Meghalaya, India

Situated about 12 kilometres from the capital of Meghalaya, the Elephant Falls is one of Shillong’s prime tourist attractions. It is a two-tiered rocky waterfall that is set amidst dense greenery.

 
Both tiers are equally splendid, though carry enough water only during the monsoons. When I was here in the month of November, the waterfalls were just a faint trickle, but one could find beauty even in this faint trickle. The best time to see the volume in these falls is the months of the monsoons.


This place might get too crowded sometimes owing to its proximity to Shillong. Most of the times people treat this place like a picnic spot and that can get on the nerves of some travellers. Hence, use your judgement and visit this beautiful place when it isn’t that crowded. Basic shopping facilities is available close to the waterfall.

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Landscapes near Nohsngithiang Falls, Meghalaya

The Nohsngithiang Falls is located near Cherrapunji in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. It is supposed to be the 4th highest waterfall in India, but when one takes a look at the landscapes around it, the sheer barrenness defies the existence of this waterfall.


The landscape hardly looks green, does not have any trees, just medium sized grass and small hillocks. In short, it looks like a flood plain.


And that is how this waterfall also behaves. It comes into existence only during the rainy season and I guess because of this barren landscape, water doesn’t get absorbed and flows like a raging flood into the abyss below.


But that is how varied nature is in Meghalaya and this place is sure a great treat for the traveller’s eyes.

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Wakaba Falls–The Canyon Waterfall in the Cherrapunji district of Meghalaya

Meghalaya (land of the clouds) as we all know is home to the wettest place on the planet and hence it is no surprise to know that it hosts a whole bunch of waterfalls. And the Cherrapunji district situated in the East Khasi Hills is host to some of the more famous ones.


When I was in this district sometime last month, I happened to visit the Wakaba Falls, which I refer to as the ‘Canyon Waterfall’. The entire piece of land around resembles a canyon and the waterfall falls from that into the deep gorges below.

 
The best part is that when you view this waterfall from the opposite end, you end up getting a near 240 degree view of the canyon and the plummeting waterfall in the middle of it.



And all around it was dense greenery. Since I was there during the non-rainy season, the waterfall was a faint trickle, but I can imagine its gigantic sight during the monsoons.



But, even in the dry season, the aura of this canyon waterfall can completely captivate you. It will only make you want to visit this place in the rainy season, which I am sure I will do some day soon.

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