By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 4: Ri Sai, a newly established travel and leisure destination located along the Guwahati-Shillong road in Nongpoh, has emerged as a new model for highway tourism.
The project integrates hospitality, local food, indigenous crafts and rural employment opportunities, offering a unique stopover for travellers while promoting the cultural and economic potential of the region.
Strategically located between Guwahati and Shillong, the primary objective of Ri Sai is not only to provide a rest stop for travellers but also to encourage visitors to engage with local culture, heritage and sustainable livelihoods in Meghalaya.
A key feature of Ri Sai is the Integrated Textile & Tourism Centre (ITTC), established by the Meghalaya State Textile Department. The centre aims to preserve and promote Eri silk, a GI-tagged, eco-friendly fabric produced from silkworms and an integral part of the region’s traditional economy. Visitors can learn about the entire process of Eri silk production, from raw fibre to finished fabric, along with its link to local culture and the environment.
The ITTC also supports local artisans and businesses through an emporium that sells various GI-tagged products from Meghalaya, including Eri silk garments, bamboo handicrafts, pottery, Lakadong turmeric and other handcrafted items from local villages. This retail space serves as a platform for artisans to sell their products directly, ensuring fair compensation while offering visitors an authentic experience of the region’s crafts.
The on-site restaurant at Ri Sai offers a distinct experience by redefining highway dining. Unlike typical roadside eateries, the restaurant provides a well-planned and comfortable setting where travellers can relax and enjoy local Khasi cuisine along with other regional Indian dishes. The food is served in a clean, well-maintained environment, with an aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of Nongpoh’s surroundings. The dining experience is designed to slow the pace of travel and provide a peaceful space to savour traditional Meghalaya cuisine.
In addition, Ri Sai features Ri Sai Cottage Stays, comprising one and two-room cottages designed to offer a peaceful and comfortable stay for travellers. Equipped with modern amenities, the cottages are ideal for those seeking rest near the highway without venturing far off the route, and are also suitable for visitors planning longer stays in the region.
The property is managed by CPGE Hospitality, a well-known hospitality group that also operates Hotel Centre Point, The Shillong Address, Ri Kynjai in Meghalaya, and The Guwahati Address in Assam.
By combining local food, accommodation, crafts and sustainable tourism practices, Ri Sai presents a strong example of how highway tourism can support local economies, preserve cultural heritage and generate rural employment, setting a benchmark for similar initiatives in the region.
