Glimpse of Nongkhnum-India’s second largest river island with zero population!   Everyone knows that when it comes to virginity of nature, nothing can beat the North-East India. Needles to say, it is actually a land where nature lies with all possible beauty from its bosom. This is not said by me, but this is said by the every single soul of this world, who ever been to this miraculous land. Do you about this place-Nongkhnum?

just sit and listen to the music of waterfall[/caption] Today, I am going to tell about one place, a totally different kind of place, which is mind-blowingly fantabulous destination for solitude. Everyone has heard about Majuli-India and Asia’s largest river island, which is also in Assam. But no one has heard about Nongkhnum. Nongkhnum is India’s second largest river island, with zero population, located in the heart of Meghalaya state, which is itself an abode of clouds. Meghalaya is undoubtedly the cleanest state of our country, but what we don’t know is it is also the treasure of pure natural beauty. Yes you heard right! People generally don’t go to this place, as they head towards famous tourist places like Cherrapunjee, Dawki, Shillong, Mawlynngong, Nongriat only when they enter in Meghalaya. 

 This little world lies beyond the valley crossing Nongstoin, a small town falls nearby Shillong. Discovery of this island has a great story behind, as stories say that actually, one children has found this island in 1996 while wandering around. Later, it has been gradually exposed to travellers as this kind of charismatic beauty couldn’t find itself alone without presence of crazy people.     The journey to this destination! The journey to this destination is itself a great adventure. In the beginning, the road is rough and cobbled, that too in hills. But gradually it turns into unpredictable like you could not be able to assume anything. This is also one of the reasons, why tourist avoid to visit this place.  Entire way is surrounded by spectacular views, as the more you go ahead, the more scenes like green desert( as entire stretches are studded with green meadows). You will definitely feel like you are sky-diving on one little road, which is completely surrounded by heavenly scenery, where human presence won’t be found around. The less people, the less invasion of human life, but the more of nature touch! Every kilometre towards the destination must be like you are going closer to the gateway of different world. When we arrived there, we found nothing than a mere peace! There is one little handmade poster stuck on the trunk of one strange tree, which simply welcomes you with written words, “Welcome to Nongkhnum Island”! Exactly after that entry, one bridge will lead you to the core of that island. That suspension bridge is actually connection between the land of inner area of river with outer world, as the river gets parted in two big stream with almost turn of more than 90° angle. This river is Kynshi, which is also famous as Jadukata. 

What to do? The best thing about this place is- its an island with zero population and it’s not commercialized yet! Yes, again saying, you won’t find any food or any peddler or any kind of stuff, that might add little chaos in that peaceful environment. As lacking the lodging and other amenities, this place is only limited up to insane travellers. There is one government cottage behind, where you can spend an ascetic life for few days away from the monotonous world.   If you are tourist who is interested in just taking selfies and showing off, then this is not your kind of destination. It’s a place with pristine serenity and sheer tranquillity. The most incredible thing about this island is, you will find a beach with white sand at its oasis. These all unique and rare things about this island magnetize us silently to visit as early as possible. 

So for any traveller who wants to do any adventure with solitude or just want to enjoy the nature, can go there anytime. Going there, sitting at any corner and hearing to the voices of nature at the same time with your heart-beats; nothing could be better than this feeling in this world There are few locals of nearby villages, who will take you away on the boat ride towards the main waterfall side from that venue in very cheap price. Yes, I convinced one young guy to have a long boat journey towards central part of river just in 20 Rs. This is the best thing you can do there. Rest is up to you as you are free to roam around and wander around in dense forest area or river side.   How to go there?   As entire Meghalaya state is away from Railway connection, if you want to go there by Train, you have to depart at Guwahati junction! Guwahati is 210 kms away from Nongkhnum. 

Nearest airport is Shillong, but frequency of flights with good connection will be better from Guwahati! Shillong is 110 kms away from Nongkhnum.   It’s not well connected by roads as either you have to hire a cab or you have to go on personal vehicle. The nearest town is Nongstoin, which is 15 kms away       A blog By Jagatsinh Parmar