From Kaziranga to Dawki! Heaven on Earth – A Dreamy Northeast Escape with Our Little Explorers This is a little long read – but I’ve tried to pack in all the magic without boring you! 😄 Hello folks! We completed an 8-day, 7-night family trip to Meghalaya (including Kaziranga and Guwahati) between April 26th and May 3rd, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable vacations of our lives – all thanks to the flawless planning and personal support from Thrillophilia! 🌟 Special Thanks Upfront! A big hug and heartfelt thanks to Piyush, who guided us with genuine insights. We had originally planned the trip for the first week of May, but Piyush wisely advised us to pre-pone it to avoid the early monsoon in Kaziranga. True to his word, Guwahati started flooding by May 10th! Thank you, brother, for that timely advice and for curating such a well-paced and thoughtful itinerary. 🛬 Arrival – A Seamless Start From the moment we landed at Guwahati Airport, everything was perfectly arranged. Our dedicated driver, Mr. Budha Deb, was polite, punctual, and extremely considerate—especially important when traveling with two little boys aged 6 and 3. We landed around 6 PM, and despite heavy rainfall en route to Kaziranga, he patiently took us to a pure-veg, kid-friendly dhaba for dinner. It took almost 6 hours to reach Kaziranga, and we arrived around midnight, but the hotel staff was incredibly welcoming and accommodating. What a start! 🌿 Day 1: Kaziranga National Park A magical day, especially for the kids! The jeep safari at Kaziranga National Park was truly unforgettable. We spotted rhinos, a tiger, deer, a python, monitor lizards, elephants, and numerous bird species. The boys were in awe, and we captured some priceless moments on my phone—memories we’ll cherish forever. 🏞️ Day 2–3: Shillong & Umiam Lake We headed toward Shillong, stopping at the serene Umiam Lake—a perfect picnic spot with cool breeze and scenic views. Once in Shillong, our rockstar driver braved the notorious traffic of Police Bazaar (most avoid it!) just to help us satisfy a South Indian dosa craving. Legends like him make trips special. 💧 Day 4: Waterfalls in the Rain We explored the iconic Elephant Falls and the majestic Seven Sisters Falls—both drenched in beauty (and rain)! Pro tip: umbrellas can be rented for ₹20, no need to buy. Little conveniences like this make sightseeing a breeze. 🌧️ Day 5: Cherrapunji – Mist & Magic Misty Cherrapunji wrapped us in clouds. We explored the Mawsmai Caves, marveled at Nohkalikai Falls, and fell in love with the waterfalls that dotted the journey. We were literally walking beside the clouds—a surreal and spiritual experience. 🌊 Day 6: Dawki, Mawlynnong & Krang Suri – Postcard Perfect This day was straight out of a postcard. The glass-clear Dawki River made for a dreamlike boat ride. We visited Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village, which offered a perfect blend of culture, discipline, and nature. Then came Krang Suri Falls—breathtaking, turquoise-blue, and unforgettable. 🏙️ Day 7: A Calm Day in Shillong After the adventures, we welcomed a relaxed day in Shillong. Boating at Ward’s Lake, souvenir shopping at Police Bazaar, and just soaking in the local vibe—it was the breather we needed before winding down. 🚢 Day 8: Guwahati & Goodbye We wrapped up our journey in Guwahati, with a serene Brahmaputra River cruise and a visit to the peaceful Umananda Island Temple. A soothing end to a power-packed adventure. After a quick round of local sightseeing, we were dropped off safely at the airport. 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Little Moments, Big Lessons Our kids learned a fascinating fact—India runs on a single time zone, and in Shillong, the sun rises as early as 4:30 AM! We turned it into a fun geography lesson, showing them the unique charm of the Northeast each morning. 😊 💯 Overall Experience Thrillophilia nailed every detail – right from hotel bookings to local guides and route planning. Accommodations were clean, family-friendly, and well-located. Driver was professional, warm, and flexible to our family’s needs. Itinerary was the perfect mix of nature, relaxation, learning, and adventure. A special shoutout to Riyana from Thrillophilia, who followed up each morning with the day's plan and checked in every evening to ensure everything went well. That personal touch made all the difference. ❤️ Final Words This was our first trip with Thrillophilia, and it definitely won’t be our last. They’ve given us a first-class experience, and now hold a special place in our hearts. We’ve found a travel partner for life. If you're planning to explore Northeast India – don’t hesitate. Just go with Thrillophilia Karthik I Aparna I Abhinav I Atharv