Umden in Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya

Shillong, July 30: Tucked away in Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi district, 55km from Guwahati and 75km from here, a hamlet by the name of Umden has ventured into “village tourism” to showcase its rich heritage.

This afternoon, Umden Traveller’s Nest, just a kilometre from the village, comprising two cottages and its surrounding space, constructed amid lush green acres, was inaugurated. It is owned and managed by the Diwon Handloom Cotton Khadi and Village Industrial Cooperative Society Limited.

According to a tourism department official, the women of the society have been in the silk production and weaving business for several years. They have not only spun silken eri weaves but are the proud custodians of nature’s bounty. As an additional livelihood avenue to increase income and provide employment to the youth of the village, they have now ventured into “village tourism.”

Umden holds the proud distinction of being one of the best when it comes to eri silk production and weaving of traditional handloom fabrics like ryndia and stoles in exquisite patterns.

Eri products woven by Umden women

The village is mostly inhabited by the Bhois, a sub-group among the Khasis.

“The villagers adopt the age-old tradition of producing silk by not killing the silkworm during the process of extracting silk from the cocoons. We call this the ahimsa tradition of sericulture. Here one can witness all the steps in the sericulture value chain — starting from rearing of silk worms to spinning and reeling of silk to yarn production and dying and finally to weaving. You can even try your hand on the loom with a one-day course on weaving being offered for tourists,” the tourism department official said.

But it is not just for silk that Umden can be a destination for travellers. The sylvan village is blessed with diverse flora.

Apart from drawing lessons in silk weaving from traditional artisans, tourists can take a heritage walk through the forests and gaze in awe at stone monoliths.

They may also dabble in cooking traditional Khasi and Bhoi cuisine.

“The monoliths, stone tombs, and ancient stone gateways each tell their own story amid the sounds of the forest. The history and culture of the Bhoi people can be discovered through the guided Heritage Walks conducted by trained local youth,” the official added.

And then there is the magical atmosphere created by local musicians around a campfire after the thrill of mountain biking through village trails and angling in the local pond — it all adds up to the excitement of being in nature’s lap.

The hospitality services include cottages at the Nest with basic amenities, common areas for dining and relaxation, a souvenir shop and a camping site.