Hi, I’m Debra — a musician, event manager, and travel enthusiast from Shillong.
I’ve spent years performing with my band across the Northeast and managing live events. Now, I run OOtO Homestay out of a renovated vintage Assam-type house in the hills.
At OOtO we’re ready to guide with anything — from suggesting places to visit around Shillong to connecting you with reliable local tour guides for offbeat trails. You’ll have a clean, quiet space to rest, practical tips for getting around, and a host who knows the city inside out.
If you’re looking for comfort, privacy, and local context, I’d love to welcome you to OOtO.
Why Shillong and Meghalaya
Shillong sits wrapped in pine-covered hills and colonial charm, with a music scene that earned it the title “Rock Capital of India.” The weather stays pleasant year-round — cool summers, misty monsoons, and crisp, clear winters perfect for bonfires. It’s one of India’s safest cities and home to a unique matrilineal Khasi society, where lineage and property pass through women. From Umiam Lake’s still waters to the roar of Elephant Falls, and from bustling Police Bazar cafés to quiet viewpoints at Laitlum Canyon, the city blends energy and peace in a way that’s hard to leave.
Beyond Shillong, Meghalaya truly lives up to its name — the “Abode of Clouds.” This is where clouds roll through valleys like slow rivers and the earth puts on a show. It’s home to Cherrapunji and Mawsynram — officially the wettest places on Earth — where waterfalls drop from cliffs into emerald pools. In the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, villagers have spent generations training living root bridges across rivers, creating architecture that’s alive. You’ll find crystal-clear rivers at Dawki, endless caves at Mawsmai and Siju, and sacred forests that feel untouched by time. The culture here runs deep: Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia tribes each with their own dialects, festivals, weaves, and food. Whether it’s trekking to Nohkalikai Falls, river canyoning in Sohra, or just watching clouds drift through your homestay window, Meghalaya makes you slow down and look up.
Why OOtO Homestay
A homestay is more than a place to sleep — it’s a home away from home. OOtO is a vintage Assam-type house, with its high ceilings, wooden floors, and wraparound verandah, carefully renovated to keep the old-world charm while adding the modern comforts you expect. You get a private, peaceful space to unwind, but you’re never just a room number.
I’m here to make your Shillong trip effortless. I’m happy to suggest places to visit, from popular sights to quieter corners, and can connect you with trusted local tour guides if you want to explore offbeat trails and hidden gems. We’re 1.8kms (approx 10 minutes) from Police Bazar, so the city is close, yet the homestay stays tucked away from the noise. With home-cooked meals on request and a space that feels lived-in and warm, OOtO is for travelers who want comfort, local context, and a local host.
Looking forward to hosting you.
