"3 Banjaare" on astonishing expedition into Seven Sisters's Land from Bangalore - 17

Day 20

The last adventure of the 3 weeks saga has arrived and Mrs. Tarzan was enthusiastic as she can be for her another dream to be fulfilled.

Today was supposed to be the day when she was visiting the wettest place on earth(perhaps Mawsynram is the wettest but that seemed to be cloudy rather wet).

She got up early without much effort and wake Mr. Tarzan up with hot cup of tea. Mr. Tarzan was also keen to visit the places he had been reading about over the internet ever since he started understanding geography.

Cherrapunji, in their imagination was something out of this world, a world as green as possible full of various species of trees and plants they had never seen and all wearing the veils of mist moist enough to get their thirsty souls drenched.

Chitchatting over snacks and tea(Mrs. Tarzan was so hungry today), they planned their route which had become quite familiar as they already ran on the same highway 3 times before and knew the diversions to different view points or destinations.

After requesting an early checkout and thanking their host for she packed them some snacks compensating for the breakfast, they started off to the journey to last destination of their adventure by 6.25 AM.

They got to the same highway they have been visiting since they reached Shillong. For Cherrapunji they have to take left diversion on the Y section in approx 10kms, which Mrs. Tarzan had been repeating since day 1 when they landed on this highway for the first time. Today the weather was even more pleasant and the trees were swaying on the tune of the breeze. Mr. Tarzan had also let the music inside augmented with the breeze by sliding the window panes down.

First destination was supposed to be living root bridge and on the way there had been couple of falls to be visited .

The route was as scenic again as one could imagine, as green as they have seen Meghalaya to be with clouds hanging low in the valley beside them, racing  between the two mountains. The meadows were covered with vibrant green shrubs and grass all bathed in morning dew looking so fresh. The road was very smooth adding to the pleasure of the ride with its frequent curls and 360 degree bends.

Slowly the mist had spread everywhere and they were riding into the thin surrounding of mist. They passed by couple of villages with random clusters of homes and signboards for Cherrapunji.

Following the directions by google they were trying to reach living root bridge yet hadn’t noticed any local directions for it, interestingly on this route they would come across couple of falls.

Wondering whether they were on right path they jumped onto the diversion suggested by google. It was a narrow rickety road on which 1 vehicle can go comfortably, okay-ish as it was not having valley on its side in case if needed to off road. Half an hour passed and there was no one to be seen in vicinity and eventually they reached a seemed-like-dead-end from where they turned back to follow another diversion. By then it had started raining, slowly, which intensified after going ahead by few meters. It had become vigorous further more that Mr and Mrs. Tarzan were crossing a thin river (appearing to be seasonal one), over a rickety old bridge and the river was roaring underneath hitting hard on the rocks and boulders.

The mist and the rain had made the path ahead almost opaque and their visible range was diminished to couple of meters. Looking for signboards seemed very difficult, and to identify if it was a signboard and whether it was readable.

Suddenly Mrs. pointed her finger and shrieked, "Stop".

On looking closely, they found couple of signboards and some engravings nearby depicting it as Dainthlen falls. But wait, where ??

They could not see anything around and beyond few meters everything was engulfed in mist. Mr. Tarzan threw a look at her deciding whether to explore or not the unknown and then steered towards falls. There was no parking area no stalls and no directions to lead them to falls and if there were it could not be seen in mist. They could identify some railings after few meters and went ahead in that direction for which they had jumped over a drain before finally getting parked by the railing.

It was raining cats and dogs and they had never seen that much passion in the clouds to shower all their treasure. Setting up preconditions, Mrs. Tarzan reached out to her jacket from the back seat, pulled it over and held umbrella in her left hand with thumb on its button to press open as soon as she would open the door with right hand. Interestingly as soon as she was completely out standing on her feet her jeans were sagging wet. She went to the other side to get some cover for Mr. Tarzan who already knew what would happen to him, stood smiling under the rains.

Their first mission was to save mobile phone which she struggled to take out of her front pocket and transferred into her jacket while he was coveting. The wind was roaring loud under the downpour and thus was aiming water drops it carried from every direction. Walking against the direction of wind, they reached to the railing a few feet ahead and to their astonishment, beside them was the waterfall with water gushing from their left so vigorously but its thunder was feeble under the splashes of rains.

Their umbrellas had flipped which they were holding so firm not letting to fly away. Mrs. Tarzan had loved rain so much and she got her thirsty soul quenched with the pouring that she was so overwhelmed and was just watching the rainfall, the waterfall and Mr. Tarzan .

Mr. Tarzan had to remind her, "you don’t want pics here?".

"Oh yes !", screaming she reached out to her pocket covering with umbrella to take out phone and clicked one pic of the waterfall, one of Cheetah and then captured Mr. Tarzan who was struggling with his umbrella not to be freed.

They both returned near Cheetah laughing inside out and thinking how will they sit inside as Mrs. Tarzan’s jean was sogging while Mr. Tarzan did not have dry patch on him anywhere. Now they realized that they were shivering with cold. Covering with the umbrellas they opened the trunk, pulled out towels and plastic sheets, and covered seat before getting in. Mrs. Tarzan was okay after removing jacket which had shielded her to great extent while Mr. Tarzan had to remove his shirt and go Tarzan turning AC and fan at their maximum.

They moved further in the direction of living root bridge through a route so dreamy which they thought could exist only in imagination. It was so mystical and charming, and there were several spots which can easily take your breath away with their beauty. Greenery moist in the mist looked so fresh as morning dew, trees with vibrant green, red and yellow shades rooted on the hills shaking off water drops, and dripping narrow passes between two mountains making you walk through curtains of waterfall. It all seemed like they were in their dreams where they were driving to live their dreams without worrying much about the destination and its the journey which worth's more than the destination.

They had never seen those many waterfalls, not even in ghats they traversed in rainy season, and entered couple of waterfall gateways that one was so huge falling to their right was so enticing.  Mrs. Tarzan wished to stop by and enjoy it but Mr.Tarzan did not approve as she has already had enough with cold rain water. While they were sandwiched in between the mountains by their sides as if they were in a cave and the water was falling from all over. There were several such falls and every time they went past it gave them goosebumps.

Another amazing unparalleled experience !

So far they did not see any signboard and had also been to one wrong diversion leading to dead end. Mr. Tarzan comforted worried Mrs. Tarzan that the road seems okay so enjoy. Surprisingly, they noticed another vehicle signaling to stop and informed that this road turns very bad ahead while the destination was untraceable, and its still raining so it is not safe for trekking long to reach double Decker bridge. Listening to this, they decided to return not risking more, and continued to their other attractions. Anyways, they had a great time during the journey which neutralized the disappointment.

The return journey was quick and they met the highway soon, only to again take diversion for Nohkalikai falls. And by the way this falls was well directed so they were sure about seeing it.

When they reached after crossing a check-post, they saw a bus parked in front of a complex. It was huge well maintained premises with ample parking and shops beyond which stood a big gate for entry to the falls which was covered with mist that you can’t see what lies beyond. It was still raining when they took ticket and entered the gate. Surprisingly the fellow people were not eager and instead having tea inside enjoying rains.

Mr. and Mrs. Tarzan walked in the direction of falls and reached the stairs leading to the base of falls while enjoying the mist. On looking downwards in direction of the stairs to figure out where they lead and where the falls lie, all they could see was that they disappear into thick sheet of mist.

 

Holding each other's hands they stepped down and down but the stairs were never ending. The more they climbed down the more the stairs seemed to grow, without getting them anywhere, and the mist did not allow to identify how far is the base. No one had crossed them from either side nor could they see anyone behind, all they could see was mist above them and mist below them. In fact, the mist was getting much denser that even if they stood next to the falls they probably would not even know. So, Mr. Tarzan decided to return. Little disappointed, Mrs. Tarzan agreed as she was too tired. They returned to the complex and sipped hot tea watching rains before setting off to their next adventure.

On approaching Cherrapunji, there was an interesting village Nongrim.

They identified directions to reach Mawsmai caves which are very popular along with the huge Monoliths at its entrance, which were engulfed by the mist when they reached.

The weather was so mysterious and pleasant in mist, that Mr. and Mrs. Tarzan were drenched while walking out of the parking. The parking was bit unorganized in front of a long complex having several shops and eateries. One has to get ticket for entry to the caves at a counter, where also lies a map guide for entry and exit routes to the caves, well planned knowing that the cave is deep dark and narrow. The cave is about long but only meters are open for the visitors.

After long time they saw some place bit crowded. The cave entrance was like a high ceiling hall, housing haphazard rocks and boulders surrounded with puddles to walk upon that one could not notice narrow passage at a dimly lit corner, and people taking photos at which Mrs. Tarzan wondered why everyone is halting and taking photos when the cave is yet to be explored. She went inside holding Mr. Tarzan’s hand climbing over the pointed slippery rocks trying not to step into the water. In distance of few feet she understood that only a fraction of people were going in to explore the cave hence everyone was busy taking pics outside.

The real entrance to cave was very narrow and you have to climb down through a provisional stairs wide enough for one human to pass through. It was very dark, occasionally the only illuminated sections were where the lamps were posted on walls. The stalagmites on the ceilings were dripping enough water, and several spots offered to be spring.

There were couple of narrow joints where you can only pass laterally and cannot see what is below your feet.

For being claustrophobic it was bit difficult for her but with Mr. Tarzan she can challenge anything. Mr. Tarzan freed her from all the loads so she could use her all four limbs to trek, to climb up or climb down :)

They took several picture and enjoyed the stalagmite figures hanging from wall and ceilings so high. There were couple of chambers in cave whose approach was so narrow that not everyone was visiting except them and another couple. It looked like something not from this world or probably they are in the movie "Journey to the center of Earth" or perhaps the caves.

There were small streams beside the corners, inviting you to meditate and think about your existence. The water further flows as river by your side and there were small bridges and railing too for convenience to cross streams and cavities.

Reaching closer to the exit they met with biggest waterfall in the cave pouring down from the ceiling right through the center on top of their head which they crossed running in order to not get much wet but actually they were already greeted by several streams and dripping water in the cave.

Both balancing and mesmerizing, she finished the visit to the cave.

What a day it was, they had been getting drenched over and over again that black tea seemed so fascinating to Mrs. Tarzan.

There are couple of more falls around the place which she wanted to see but the weather did not seem to offer much of view, no visibility beyond few meters, so they decided to enjoy the weather and take leave from this place.

Chitchatting, singing and drying themselves with fan and AC at maximum, they headed off to Shillong. Reaching at Umiam lake around, they spent great time admiring the top view where the clouds hung low and mysterious mist would appear occasionally. By sunset they thought of going down to the lake but since they did not want to go boating, they enjoyed its beauty from a distance glancing at lake from height.

Soon it grew dark and saying goodbye to Meghalaya they started to crawl towards Guwahati thinking of halting there. However, Guwahati had infested Mr. Tarzan with an idea to drive whole night, he was so pumped up. So, let it be.

They were driving and Mrs. Tarzan was cherishing the countless memories from this trip when she realized that the truck ahead was moving as drunk, zooming left to right and right to left that Mr. Tarzan was not overtaking it. Bit uneasy she became trying to crack a pattern and help them cross, eventually Mr. Tarzan overtook in some time. Then they realized it was just the beginning, several vehicles, big or small, were driving drunk and they had to carefully drive along with them.

By the time they reached somewhere near a two wheeler riding in front of them met with an accident, just got hit in front of them that they jerked in their seat-belts due to sudden break. Mr. Tarzan had immediately screeched to halt at the mid of road, helping the rider. Making him better and ensuring he is fine, Mr. Tarzan resumed his drive.

However, this incident horrified Mrs. Tarzan. They both decided to halt sooner as it is very risky to drive with such drunkards in night. Soon, they spotted an okayish stay on the highway which was actually some rest-house. It was big and equipped but not much clean, still okay to sleep safely for the night.

The next day they got up early and by 5 resumed their return journey. The sunrise on highway appeared so beautiful and weather was pleasant on this new route which is parallel to the national highway and goes though several villages on the way, whole stretch was full of several fields growing variety of vegetables that some of them Mrs. Tarzan had seen on plants for the first time. Especially, she fancied cauliflower so much that she even thought about taking couple of them along till Bangalore !!

They reached Kishanganj towards late morning which was flooded with loads of  trucks below the under construction flyover. They zoomed through offroading to finally cross the mayhem after wasting lot of time. Tired the stopped and had Lunch by the toll.

Mr. Tarzan had planned to cross West Bengal by night and halt nearby in Odisha, may be Balasore. However, by the time they entered Bengal it was almost evening. Seeing Bajrang Bali saffron flags they felt Bajrang Bali will protect them while they were crawling on narrow roads and in the areas being infamous for violence. They stopped on the highway for fuel where a Babu Moshay, very friendly, guessed they were coming from Kerala seeing KA no. plate. The fuel station had a beautiful small temple with goddess Kali giving Mrs. Tarzan enough energy to pass through very sensitive stretch of Bengal famous for violence. By the time they actually neared Malda, she could feel strange silence and weird vibes in the atmosphere. By the dusk they were surrounded by 30-40 people at regular intervals and several of them were running open slaughter houses the sight which she could not bear and was praying to safely get past them and make it to home.

The dusk was advancing, and they were lost due to a diversion and confusion in google map and heavy traffic in the area. And when they realized they were doing fine they were on outskirts to Farakka. Farakka bridge had adjoining canal stretching to several kms on their side. On bridge they were stopped for security reasons and were asked to keep their headlights off while crossing, alarming for Mrs. Tarzan as she kept on thinking what and why. By god’s grace they were out safely at other side and kept moving towards Kolkata which they would be reaching by night.

Mr. Tarzan did not want to halt at Kolkata and wanted to be away from this region as soon as possible but Cheetah had speed limits and could not fly :)

Mrs. Tarzan was getting sick by then and hence he stopped by for dinner at one joint where he noticed several buses and vehicles stopped for dinner but they had lost appetite. Tired Mr. Tarzan asked her if she is awake because he needed some rest for further journey, to which she nodded. However, it happened that they both fell asleep till Mrs. Tarzan got up suddenly, and noticing the darkness spread in restaurant and outside with all vehicles already left except a couple of cars of which one being themselves she shook Mr. Tarzan vigorously who realizing the situation immediately started off. Few mins later they both were laughing their hearts out and were also thankful of being safe so far in their journey that day.

They were going towards Kolkata and Mr. Tarzan was very tired, thinking whether to make a halt or not. He kept on going further probably hoping to find something good on highway itself for decent stay. Towards midnight he had to take a tea break again, pulling over where few buses and its passengers were relaxing and chatting. There he decided to keep going till they cross West Bengal border by early morning.

Recharged, playing his nos. on full volume he kept on driving while Mrs. Tarzan could barely open her eyes even if someone is hammering over her head for she was already unwell. While approaching Kolkata in next couple of hrs, they were stopped 3 times for checking, where they both had friendly experience with Kolkata police. First checking was rigorous and this guy gave them enough information for successive checking at next check-posts.

Mr. Tarzan kept Mrs. Tarzan awake and asked her if by any chance they pass by Howrah bridge for they were hoping to see it but she could not locate it on their way, they would have to take diversion which was least acceptable for them.

Again Mrs. Tarzan was drowsy while Mr. Tarzan  was pulling them closer to Odisha. By the time they were near border, Mrs. Tarzan was awake and was also looking out for the check-post in the dark. She did notice some familiar spot with just a couple of truck lay by and told him that they should be in Odisha border to which Mr. Tarzan could not believe for being so quiet and deserted. Though, in few minutes he realized indeed they are in Odisha. It was an early morning and he was so tired that he stopped by a safe spot and  asked her to watch out while he was fast asleep. As soon as the sun rose, he got up get going to home sweet home !!

They crossed Balasore and had a stop over for fuel filling and later had breakfast near Puri diversion at a local roadside Odisha special cusine of aloo chaat. Highway drive was smooth as it can be till Vishakhapatnam where it had to be jittery due to traffic  movement and was getting hotter by afternoon when they were done with lunch in Andhra Pradesh. Temperature was rising but that could not stop Mr. Tarzan's craving for hot tea being very tired. He stopped by a husk hut for quick break and headed towards Chennai which they achieved next morning after driving whole night.

Mrs. Tarzan could not keep up and slept to Mr. Tarzan's relief as he would now have to focus on getting home at earliest, occasionally awake on realizing she dozed off or Mr. Tarzan would halt for tea and stretch, only to be asleep again on his request. Feeling much better she got up when they stopped for fuel in morning and just at 5 hours to their home.

Reaching home sweet home after 2 days 2 having spent several nights on road, having lot of fun and thrilling experiences of a lifetime, the three of them relaxed at their respective cozy corners till the moon and stars started giggling :)