Journey to Wari Chora: A Natural Gem in South Garo Hills

December 6, 2024 to December 8, 2024

This Garo villager wanted a snap with MisterGordo..so here it is..

This kind-hearted person and I had a wonderful conversation over chai..

Poverty or being green but many houses here are built "green"..

Today's ride to the starting point of Wari Chora, a breathtaking natural gem, was meant to be “short.” However, it turned out to be a mix of paved roads and extensive unpaved sections. I rode through the picturesque countryside of South Garo Hills, flanked by betel nut farms, rice fields, and vegetable plots.

Along the way, I bought and snacked on freshly harvested organic radishes—a delightful treat during the ride.

Eventually, I arrived in Emangre village, where I stayed with a local family that runs a homestay on their betel nut, pineapple, and mixed-crop farm. The family’s hospitality was heartwarming, and their farm offered a serene environment to unwind.

That afternoon and evening, I debated whether biking to the actual natural wonder was feasible or a reckless idea. After receiving mixed feedback, I decided to give it a shot, starting an hour earlier than others.

Route to Wari Chora was actually off-roading..

The next morning, I set off early. The route took me through villages, forests, and smaller settlements—16 miles with a staggering 2,700 feet of elevation gain. This was pure off-roading, with some sections requiring a hike-a-bike. I was glad my MotaaCycle had the resilience and strength to endure the challenge.

Finally, I reached Wari Chora, a stunning blue river that carved its way through a stone valley. The trek down was steep and unremarkable, except for the breathtaking descent into the canyon. At the bottom, boat rides along the river added to the experience. Wari Chora is worth visiting if you arrive by bike or on foot. Other modes of transportation, like a 4x4, are rough and best avoided unless you need a whole-body massage!

Timing is everything here—being in the valley when the sun lights up the canyon makes the scenery magical.

I started my return journey after spending most of the afternoon at Wari Chora. During the ride back, the front brake cable came loose, giving me a brief scare. Thankfully, I was able to fix it with my multi-tool and made it back to the homestay just before sundown—a crucial time as the temperature drops quickly after dark.

That evening, I enjoyed sitting around a bonfire with the homestay family. We shared stories over cups of chai in the quiet, peaceful ambiance of their farm. Interestingly, this region follows a matriarchal system, where mothers are the heads of families, and children take their mother’s family name.

The next morning, as I prepared to leave for my next destination, I discovered that the homestay owner's youngest son had never visited Wari Chora. Together, we decided to trek there, giving me the rare opportunity to experience the natural wonder twice in two days—this time on foot.

I was lucky to get on a smaller canoe, so we got to check this waterfall in a crevasse up close.

Experiencing this a second time...Lucky me

During our trek, I learned that this seventh grader, a marathoner and aspiring state-level athlete, was passionate about sports. He taught me to count in Garo, and I managed to perfect numbers 1 through 10:

Sa, Gini, Gittam, Bri, Bonga, Dok, Sni, Chet, Sku, Chikung.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced this enchanting place twice, savoring its beauty and learning from the people who call it home.

Today's ride: 85 km (53 miles)
Total: 1,690 km (1,049 miles)

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