Nongkhnum Island

Nongkhnum Island is the biggest river island in Meghalaya and the second biggest river island in Asia, after Majuli Island in Assam. Located at a distance of about 14 Kms from Nongstoin, the district hqs of West Khasi Hills, it is 20 to 25 sq. Kms in area.

The Island is formed by the bifurcation of Kynshi River into the Phanliang River and the Namliang River. The Phanliang River forms a beautiful lake adjacent to the sandy beach. The River then moves along and before reaching a deep gorge, forms a pretty fall about 60 meters high, called Shadthum Fall. At the bottom of the fall, there is a beautiful pool where a variety of fishes can be found. It 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. The River then flows further west till it reunites with the Phanliang River on the western rocky shore and then flow towards the west. Further it reaches the deepest gorge and forms the longest fall in the region called Langshiang fall.

The area surrounded 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 many fishing pools and sandy shores also.