Nongjrong is a village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, a state in Northeast India. It is one of the less explored places of Meghalaya, where travellers rarely visit. But those who do, are rewarded with spectacular views of the landscape of Nongjrong, where the clouds, the hills, the river, and the sun create a magical scenery leaving you spellbound.
Nongjrong is a quaint village that houses a mere 1440 inhabitants. The native language of the villagers is English, and they are proficient in speaking only this language. The village falls under the Mawkynrew Tehsil and is situated approximately 30 km from the sub-district headquarters and 60 km from the district headquarters, Shillong. The village is renowned for its conventional way of living and sustainable practices. The locals in the area rely heavily on agriculture as their primary source of income. They cultivate a variety of crops including rice, maize, millet, and vegetables while also raising livestock such as cows, goats, pigs, and chickens.
The main attraction of Nongjrong is its view point, which is at the hilltop of the village. From here, you can witness a breathtaking sunrise, where the valley below is covered with clouds, and the sun rays touch the peaks of the hills. The river Umngot flows below the valley, and the lush greenery over the mountains adds to the beauty of the place. The view point is accessible by a short hike from the village, and it is advisable to reach there before sunrise to get the best view.
Another place to visit near Nongjrong is the Nongjrong Falls, which is a cascading waterfall that plunges into a pool of clear water. The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest, and is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature. The waterfall is about 3 km away from the village, and can be reached by a trek through the forest. The waterfall is best visited during the monsoon season, when the water flow is high and the scenery is more vibrant.
If you are looking for some adventure, you can also try kayaking or rafting on the river Umngot, which is one of the cleanest rivers in India. The river offers a thrilling experience, as you navigate through the rapids and the curves, while enjoying the scenic views of the hills and the forests. The river is about 10 km away from the village, and you can hire a kayak or a raft from the nearby town of Dawki.
If you are planning a visit to Nongjrong or nearby, you will be glad to know that there are several affordable family hotels in the area where you can stay. Some of the options are:
Amaara Homestay- Located on Circuit House Road New Hill Lumsooiung in Jowai, Meghalaya.
Tyrchi INN- Located in Khliehtyrshi, Jowai, Meghalaya.
HeiJo's Homestay- Another great option located in Iongpiah Loompyrdi, behind Little flower school, Jowai.
CTC Orchid Inn- Located in Jaintia Hills District, Jaintia Hills, Thadlaskein, Jowai.
You can stay with the local villagers, who offer homestays to the visitors. The homestays are simple and basic, but they provide a comfortable and authentic experience of living in a rural setting. The homestays also provide home-cooked meals, which are delicious and organic. The homestays are a great way to interact with the villagers, and learn about their culture and traditions.
You can buy some local products from the villagers, such as honey, spices, fruits, vegetables, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The villagers make these products using natural and organic methods, and they sell them at reasonable prices. You can also buy some traditional attire, such as the jainsem, which is a wrap-around skirt worn by the Khasi women, or the jymphong, which is a long coat worn by the Khasi men.
If you're looking for some delicious local cuisine, be sure to check out Jadoh War stall on Stadium Road in Jowai. They offer some of the best jadoh (rice dish) in the area, with an amazing blend of spices that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Another great option is Yutran Restaurant, located in Lathadlaboh. Lastly, Jong I Mei Restaurant in Laitdiengsai is also worth a visit. They offer a unique dining experience and serve some of the best Chinese cuisine in the area. Don't forget to try their pork momos, which are a must-try delicacy.
You can enjoy some foods from the homestays, which serve fresh and tasty dishes. The local cuisine consists of rice, meat, fish, and vegetables, cooked with spices and herbs. Some of the dishes you can try are jadoh, which is a rice dish cooked with pork or chicken, tungrymbai, which is a fermented soybean dish, dohkhlieh, which is a pork salad, and pukhlein, which is a sweet bread made with rice flour and jaggery.
By Air: The nearest airport to Nongjrong Village is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. It is well connected to major cities in India, making it convenient for travellers. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Nongjrong Village, which is approximately 100 kilometres away.
By Train: Guwahati Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in India by rail. From the railway station, you can easily hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Nongjrong Village.
By Bus: Several state-run and private buses operate between Guwahati and Nongjrong Village. The journey takes around 4 hours, and the buses are comfortable and convenient.
By Car: Renting a car and driving from Guwahati to Nongjrong Village is also a great option. The journey takes around 4 hours, and it allows you to explore the beautiful landscape and scenery along the way. You can contact Taxi for Northeast - Car Rentals in Shilllong for a hassle-free car rental experience.
The best time to visit and experience the beauty of Nongjrong Village would be during the months of October to May.
