Meghalaya, also known as “The Abode of Clouds,” is a sight of scenic excellence in mist-covered hills, bright green vegetation, and majestic falls. Of the falls spread all over, one that falls into this line is Byrdaw Falls with its breathtakingness and tranquilness. It is in Pomshutia village. Compared to the much-popular Mawsmai fall, Byrdaw is relatively far off from anywhere and hence receives few tourists but enough for the most peaceful experience of nature devotees and adventure enthusiasts alike.
In this article, we will break open the natural beauty of Byrdaw Falls. What does it mean? The significance and why include it on your travel itinerary when you are in Meghalaya.
What is Byrdaw Falls?
Byrdaw Falls Pomshutia is an old, super beautiful waterfall that is located near the village of Pomshutia in the district of East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. The picturesque setting is such that water gushes down from a height to fall into a natural pool amidst dense forests and rough terrain. The spot is an ideal place for those seeking a respite from the crowded life of the cities.
It is relatively less commercialized compared to other famous waterfalls in Meghalaya, such as Nohkalikai or Elephant Falls, and is a hidden gem for travelers seeking peace and solitude. The pristine beauty of Byrdaw Falls makes it a perfect destination for photography, nature walks, and spending time in the lap of nature.
Location of Byrdaw Falls
Byrdaw Falls is a place in Pomshutia, a small village located in the East Khasi Hills region. The small town is approximately 30 km away from Shillong, which is the state capital of Meghalaya. Because of its relatively short distance from Shillong, it is quite easy to reach; whatever be the mode of transport, personal car or hired taxi.
Generally, to reach Byrdaw Falls, one must travel through congested village roads and lush greeneries full of scenic views. Traveling itself is very picturesque because the Meghalaya carries an enormous abundance of rolling hills along with dense forestation. If a person enters the falls, all nature unperturbed waits to welcome their sight as suddenly, water trickles down onto the rocks.
Beateut of Byrdaw Falls
The actual charm of Byrdaw Falls remains in its unexploited, simple beauty. The waterfall is not as huge nor dramatic as those in Byrdaw. Its silence and the serenity it create with that ambience enhance the attractiveness for people to visit there. Water gushed down at the bottom of some height thus, making an extremely tiny pool for the waterfalls. The surrounding area is covered with moss and ferns, adding to the charm of the place. The water is crystal-clear.
There stand quite thick forests around the waterfall place, consisting totally of evergreen trees, leaving shade and alluring beauty here. The soft gushing, rustling of leaves, or chirping and singing of different birds creates quite a soothingly peaceful atmosphere: a perfect reason to relax in this place with reflection.
The natural pool formed at the base of Byrdaw Falls is shallow, and it is safe for visitors to dip their feet in the cool water. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the area around the waterfall offers ample opportunities for hiking and exploring the nearby trails, which lead to other scenic spots in the region.
Best Time to Visit Byrdaw Falls
The best time to visit the Byrdaw Falls is in the post-monsoon season that is October to March, during which the weather of Meghalaya is quite pleasant. It’s cool with clear skies and not a broken cloud single, ideal for trekking or photography.
Monsoon Season (June to September): Monsoon season, between June and September, gives the entire region a lush green appearance. However, heavy showers make the terrain slippery, highly dangerous, too. Coming down during its peak in the month of monsoon, the waterfall is at its full capacity when water flows down in full force. Visitors should be cautious at this time.
Winter Season (October to February): The best time to visit Byrdaw Falls is during winter. It is a dry and cool season with good visibility. Misty hills and a clear sky make for a perfect picture for the falls in winter.
Spring (March to May): The spring season is another excellent time to visit the place as the temperatures are not too hot and the landscape is filled with colorful flowers in full bloom.
How to Reach Byrdaw Falls
Reaching Byrdaw Falls is not very difficult, especially for those coming from Shillong, the nearest major city.
The nearest road access to Byrdaw Falls is via Shillong, about a 30-kilometer drive to the falls. You can opt for a hired taxi or your own vehicle to cover that distance. The approach roads are somewhat narrow and sharp, so please be careful to drive safely, and the sights along the roads are nothing less than spectacularly beautiful: some villages, thick forests, hills, and green all around.
By Public Transport: If you are traveling by public transport, you can take a shared taxi or bus from Shillong to the nearest town or village. From there, you may need to hike for a short distance or take a local taxi to reach Byrdaw Falls.
Trekking: For adventure enthusiasts, there are many trekking trails that lead to Byrdaw Falls. The trek offers an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Meghalaya in its raw form, with dense forests, cool streams, and scenic viewpoints along the way.
Things to Do Around Byrdaw Falls
While Byrdaw Falls itself is the main attraction, the surrounding area offers several activities for nature lovers and adventurers.
Photography: The beauty lies in Byrdaw Falls; therefore, it is a great shooting location. This place can either be clicked of the flowing waters, dense foliage, or simply the mistiness surrounding it-end.
The best place for trekking and nature walks is around Byrdaw Falls. This region can be explored, showing many species of plants, trees, and birds. The air and peacefulness of the mountains make it the best place to hike.
Picnicking: The place is quiet and serene, great for a family picnic or some quiet time away from it all. You can pack some food and enjoy the day by the waterfall, surrounded by nature.
Visit Nearby Attractions: Byrdaw Falls is within walking distance from other attractions in Meghalaya such as Elephant Falls, Laitlum Canyons, and Cherrapunji. In case you have time, visit these attractions to get a complete experience of the scenic beauty of that region.
Preserving the Beauty of Byrdaw Falls
Although Byrdaw Falls is yet to be exploited by mass tourism, it can be said that the area is a natural habitat and, thus, deserves to be protected. The visitors must respect the surroundings, which means not littering it, keeping it clean, and being aware of local wildlife.
The local communities of the region are dependent on the natural environment for their living. It is important to ensure that the pristine beauty of Byrdaw Falls is preserved for the next generations to enjoy.
Conclusion
Byrdaw Falls in Pomshutia, Meghalaya, is that hidden place you can have if you wish to get out from the midst of the noisy life of a busy city. Being a nature lover or photographer or just some adventure lover, this fall surely has that allure for you, considering the serene atmosphere and natural scenery created by it and its water clearness along with the lushest surrounding landscape. Short or day stay within nature is ensured to give memories.
For the travelers to Meghalaya, visiting Byrdaw Falls is essential because it affords them an opportunity to venture into the unexplored parts of the state under the shadow of the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.
