Offbeat Meghalaya: A Journey to Nongkhnum River Island
Nongkhnum River Island
Nongkhnum River Island, located in the Indian state of Meghalaya, is the largest river island in the region. The Wah Kynshi River forms it on its western and southern sides and the Namiliang River on its northern and eastern sides. While often mistakenly promoted as the second-largest river island in Asia to boost tourism, many other river islands across Asia are significantly larger than Nongkhnum.
The island is situated in Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills district, approximately 14 kilometers from the district headquarters, Nongstoin, and about 63 kilometers from the Mairang Sub-Division. The island features a sandy beach and two stunning waterfalls, Weina Waterfalls and Langshiang Waterfalls. However, tourist visits remain limited, largely due to inadequate infrastructure in the region.
How Island forms
The island is shaped by the confluence of the Wah Kynshi and Namiliang rivers, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the pristine natural beauty of Meghalaya. While most travelers to Meghalaya tend to focus on popular attractions like the waterfalls in Cherrapunji, the caves, or the iconic Living Root Bridges, there’s so much more to discover. Why limit yourself to the usual when offbeat and breathtaking destinations like this island are waiting to be explored?
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What makes Nongkhnum Island truly special is its status as one of the least visited destinations in Meghalaya, largely due to limited infrastructure. This untouched charm makes it an ideal getaway for those seeking tranquility. Visitors can enjoy camping, try their hand at angling, or simply relax under the warm sunshine on the island’s pristine sandy beach. For nature enthusiasts, a walk through the serene landscape leads to two beautiful waterfalls – Weina Falls and Langshiang Falls – adding to the island’s allure.
Nongkhnum River Island Beach
The island boasts a picturesque sandy beach and offers a range of activities for visitors, including sunbathing, boating, fishing, and camping. It is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its breathtaking scenic beauty and serene atmosphere, Nongkhnum River Island is truly worth a visit.
Nongkhnum River Island Guest House
The Nongkhnum River Island Guest House is a serene accommodation option for visitors seeking to explore the natural beauty of Meghalaya’s largest river island. Nestled amidst the tranquil surroundings, the guest house provides a peaceful retreat for travelers. It offers basic amenities and a comfortable stay, making it an ideal base for those looking to experience activities like camping, boating, fishing, and exploring nearby attractions such as Weina Falls, Langshiang Falls, and other scenic spots. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, the guest house ensures a memorable stay amidst Meghalaya’s breathtaking landscapes.
How To Reach Nongkhnum Island
The nearest airport is Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport), located about 115 kilometers from Nongkhnum. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Nongstoin, the district headquarters. For better connectivity, you can fly to Guwahati Airport (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport), which is about 170 kilometers away. From Guwahati, you can travel to Nongstoin by road.
The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station, located approximately 160 kilometers away. From Guwahati, you can hire a cab or take a bus to reach Nongstoin.
By Road
Nongkhnum Island is about 93 kilometers from Shillong. You can take a shared taxi or a private vehicle to Nongstoin, and from there, it’s a 14-kilometer drive to the island. From Guwahati: The distance is around 170 kilometers, and you can drive or take a bus to Nongstoin, then proceed to the island. Once you reach Nongstoin, you will need to travel about 14 kilometers by road to reach Nongkhnum Island. The roads are a mix of paved and rough terrain, so a sturdy vehicle is recommended.
