Shillong, Jan 10: Ri Sai, a newly developed cultural stopover on the Guwahati–Shillong highway at Nongpoh, is positioning itself as a new model for highway tourism in the Northeast by integrating hospitality, dining, indigenous textiles, and craft-based livelihoods in a single destination. Located between Guwahati and Shillong, the project seeks to move beyond the idea of a quick halt and instead encourage travellers to pause, engage, and experience Meghalaya’s living cultural traditions.
At the heart of Ri Sai is the Integrated Textile & Tourism Centre (ITTC) developed by the Government of Meghalaya’s Textile Department. The centre focuses on preserving and promoting Eri silk, a GI-tagged, non-violent fibre native to Northeast India. Visitors are introduced to the process of Eri silk production, from raw fibre to finished textile, while also learning about its cultural and ecological significance. At a time when Eri silk, or Ahimsa silk is getting popular among users across the globe, the centre aligns tourism with artisan livelihoods, positioning traditional textiles as part of a contemporary economic narrative rather than a museum-led display.
The ITTC is supported by a curated emporium featuring indigenous and GI-tagged products from Meghalaya, including Eri silk textiles, woven bamboo crafts, Larani pottery, Lakadong turmeric, and locally sourced wooden artefacts. The retail component enables direct market access for local producers while allowing visitors to engage with authentic regional products.
The restaurant at Ri Sai is designed as a destination in itself, redefining the highway dining experience. Unlike typical roadside eateries, it offers a well-planned space with expansive views of the hills of Nongpoh, allowing travellers to slow down and dine comfortably. Visitors can experience local Meghalayan flavours alongside familiar Indian dishes. All meals are prepared fresh and served in a clean, welcoming setting, with both indoor seating and open outdoor areas overlooking the landscape. By combining regional food, scenic surroundings, and thoughtful design, the restaurant stands out as one of the very few highway dining destinations in the region that offers comfort, authenticity, and a sense of place.
Ri Sai also offers Ri Sai Cottage Stays, comprising one- and two-bedroom cottages and rooms designed for comfort and privacy. Equipped with modern amenities and outdoor seating areas, the stays cater to families, road travellers, and guests looking for longer halts while remaining easily accessible from the highway.
