Laitlum canyons are a treasure in the beautiful North Eastern state of Meghalaya.
On my travels, I have seen that some destinations don’t fit the definition of ‘places to see’. These destinations are an experience and true to its name, Laitlum canyons was one such place. Laitlum means ‘The end of the hills’ and when you reach atop the East Khasi Hills of Shillong, you experience something like never before. It feels like the end of the world. For as far as your eyes can see, you see the sky and the mountain ranges. No gates, no ticket counters and no details on where you are.
Like I have mentioned before, I don’t search about the places we visit. I want to go with the flow and not let internet ruin my experience of beauty. Laitlum was a recommendation which we were willing to explore. Open throughout the year and free of tickets, Laitlum canyons are not very well-known among travelers. The views atop the hill are stunning. Sometimes when travel gives us quiet time, the meaning of visiting a place changes.
Families go there for picnics or friends travel to have some fun. The place is frequented by locals who sell black tea and light snacks thus making a small earning out of the little popularity of the place. You can spend as much as a day at the canyon or a few hours depending on how you feel and then you can make a move.
How to get to Laitlum canyons? Driving from Shillong, the distance is hardly 20 kilometers and takes not more than half an hour to cover. Of course you need to watch out for traffic and the area where you are driving from. You can hire shared taxis as well. You can trek but we did not know about that. If we had known, we would have hiked up the canyon.
The vast meadows around are another sight that you cannot miss. Since the weather is usually pleasant, people sit and relax to enjoy the Sun and the views.
The weather was cloudy so my pictures aren’t clear but I think you must have got a fair idea of the beauty of the place. If you take my word, this place in Shillong was our favorite.
In April 2018, we went on a road trip to Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. Check this space for more travel stories and pictures.
happiness and food 
Laitlum surely looks like heaven on earth. The point where life comes to an end and only mountains and clouds are visible.
This place is choose from Shillong and quite approachable.
LikeLike
really fascinating
LikeLike
Wow simply amazing… I went to Shillong twice 🙂 once on work from the office and another time for a holiday two years ago… never heard of this place… looks great for a retreat, thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
Stunning! North East is a place I have yet to explore…the beauty is still untouched in many parts.
Your pictures are lovely, the cloudiness have provided a different layer to the landscape photography:)
LikeLike
Really beautiful
LikeLike
Such stunning pictures and what a paradise of peace and tranquillity. I’ve actually never travelled beyond Delhi but have always wanted to. Maybe soon 🙂
LikeLike
Shillong used to be my favourite place in my childhood. It was kind of a weekend break for us when we lived in Guwahati in the 80s. The description and the photos in the post makes me want to go visit Shillong once more. Our regular picnic spots were Bada Pani and the Shillong lake.
LikeLike
So beautiful! I agree when nature embraces us, it is best to enjoy the experience. Meghalaya is on my wishlist of places to visit. Beautiful photos, Parul! Thank you.
LikeLike
Ohh the hills… They look so peaceful 😍 I didn’t get to visit the canyon last time. Now I wish I had. I like the fact that you don’t google about the place. It’s something I try to do but can’t … The fear of missing something important grips me.
LikeLike
I never visited this place, Parul but after reading your post, this is definitely on my list, whenever we make it to Shillong as a family (probably, our next!) Thanks for sharing this amazing and informative post. Love your pictures and your travel stories always get me hooked on to them, so effortlessly!
LikeLike
Haven’t explored North east the way I want to, but this is really something I wish to see. So off beat and unique! 🙂 Super pictures and so happy to know you can hike up the canyon too! ❤
LikeLike
What a spectacular view and an even splendid viewpoint of visiting a destination. I really love reading your travel posts Parul- they all make me hitch a ride with you on your next one 🙂
LikeLike
fascinating
LikeLike
thank you!
LikeLike