It was in March that I set out with friends and family from Sohra (Cherrapunji) to visit the Wahrew Bridge in Sohbar, a spot I had heard about but never experienced for myself. The drive from Sohra to Sohbar is about 30 kilometres, a journey that takes you through winding roads and lush landscapes that are so typical of Meghalaya. For those travelling from Guwahati, the distance is roughly 175 kilometres, which makes it a long but rewarding trip.
This was also a special outing because it was the very first time Chloe, our eight-month-old English Cocker Spaniel, would be experiencing water. We weren’t sure how she would react, but the moment we got close to the river, her natural instincts kicked in. She took to it like she had been swimming her whole life, paddling away happily, her ears dripping as she bounced around with sheer joy. Watching her was easily one of the highlights of the trip.
The Wahrew Bridge itself is an impressive sight—stretching across the river with sweeping views of the crystal-clear waters below. But the real magic begins when you climb down the numerous steps that lead to the riverbank. It is a bit of a workout, no doubt, but every step feels worth it when you finally set foot by the river. The water is so clear that you can see straight through to the riverbed, with pebbles shining beneath the surface. It immediately reminded me of Dawki, that famous gem of Meghalaya, but here the crowds are fewer, and the experience feels more personal.
Once we got down, we wasted no time in getting into the water. It was refreshingly cool, and soon enough we were swimming and floating, surrounded by the sounds of laughter and picnics along the bank. Families had spread out mats, unpacked food, and the entire place felt like a natural amphitheatre of joy. We swam for what felt like hours, completely lost in the calm rhythm of the river.
A small but useful discovery I made was that there is a shop right near the access point where you can rent swimming shorts by the hour. They’re clean and convenient, and honestly, a lifesaver for someone like me who had forgotten to pack a pair. So even if you turn up unprepared, there’s no reason to miss out on the water.
After drying off and climbing back up the long flight of stairs, we felt both tired and exhilarated. Chloe, exhausted from her aquatic adventures, curled up in the car as we drove back towards our resort in Sohra. The day had been simple yet perfect: a scenic drive, a stunning bridge, the thrill of a river swim, and the joy of sharing it all with loved ones.
If there is one memory that stands out from that day, it’s the image of the clear waters shimmering like glass, Chloe happily paddling in circles, and the sheer sense of being in a place that feels both hidden and magical. Wahrew Bridge and the river beneath it are truly treasures of Meghalaya—places where nature still whispers its secrets to those who make the effort to listen.
