Meghalaya acknowledged as the ‘abode of clouds’ offers multi dimensional spectrum of picturesque locations endowed by nature. Amongst many of its attractions, the queen of hill station has always been a hot favourite for tourists. Beautiful water falls, add more to the magical beauty of the state. Nongkhnum Island, in West Khasi Hills, which recently came for reckoning as “The Second Largest Island in Asia”, after Majuli Island in Assam is located a few kilometers away from Nongstoin.
Meghalaya's captivating beauty is the main source of attraction for the tourists all over. Nature has blessed the state with abundant rainfall, sun-shine, virgin forests, high plateaus, tumbling waterfalls, crystal clear rivers, meandering streamlets and above all with strong, intelligent and hospitable people which are worth pride to show the world that the state is the most fascinating state in the country.
Meghalaya, a miniatu
re state with stunning features, is but a hilly strip in the north-east India. People know much about East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills but know little about West Khasi Hills. It has remained non-descriptive to local and out station tourists. Nongkhnum Island, which recently emerged into focus as “The Second Largest Island in Asia”, after Majuli Island in Assam is located 14 kilometers away from Nongstoin. This Island has remained unidentified to tourists for many years except for few.
Traveling on vehicle from Nongstoin through the villages of Lawse, Mawduh and Mawthar, about an hour to reach the Island. There is a wooden bridge over the Weinia Falls to enter the Island. Nongkhnum Island was a popular fishing spot for many and people even from Shillong ventured there. The site is undulating for the eyes and is a dream delight for the tourist. This enchanting place with its thick forest, grassland, waterfalls and beautiful lakes gives an appeal worth visit.
The atmosphere is breathtaking. It strikes the visitor the moment he or she enters here. Nature unfolds a strange ambience in many sites as they are still largely free from pollution. What a bliss that such a vast area is still open for tourists to discover! There are interesting varieties of flora and fauna awaiting the first full view by nature lovers.
The Island is formed by the bifurcation of Kynshi River into the Phanliang River and the Namliang River. At the point of divergence, there is a beautiful sandy shore about 100 sq. meters in area. The Phanliang River forms a beautiful lake adjacent to the sandy beach. This lake is about 400 to 500 sq. meters. The River then moves along and before reaching a deep gorge, forms a pretty falls about 60 meters high, called Shadthum Fall. At the bottom of the falls, there is a beautiful pool where a variety of fishes can be found. It then continues its journey and finally reunites with the Namliang River, near a place called Thongrin.
The Namliang River first flows towards the north and then changes its course towards the west. It then reaches a gorge and forms two narrow falls. The first one is called Riatsohkhe fall and is near Mawthar village. The second one is the wonderful and beautiful Weinia fall, which is about 60 meters high. The River then flows further west till it reunites with the Phanliang River on the western rocky shore and then flow towards the west. After a distance of about 10 kms from the Island, it reaches the deepest gorge and forms the longest fall in the region of about 335 to 340 meters high, called Langshiang fall.
The area bounded by the two Rivers, i.e. Phanliang and Namliang forms the Nongkhnum Island. Within the Island, there are big trees and areas of grassland and natural playground suitable for playing football and golf and even for landing a helicopter. There are plenty of fishing pools, especially near the sandy shore, called Wei-Phanliang. Angling offers another favourite sporting event.
There are number of places in West Khasi Hills and other districts of the State worth harnessing into tourist spots but lack of initiatives by the tourism department has been a major impediment to suitable exposure. Even as the stretch of road links are deplorable and attributes to negate the desire.
Though the State Government has shown keen interest in developing the tourism industry in the State, litle has been done to promote this river island which can give a major boost to State tourism. The road is accessible by vehicles like Tata Sumos, Jeeps and Gypsies to the river island.
It is about time that the state government recognizes the immense hidden potentials and embarks into improving facilities in the state to garner the prospect bestowed by nature’s glory. If road connectivity and accommodation facilities do not improve, it is unattainable to promote this island or even other tourist destinations in the State.
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