Kongthong Village: The Rustic Town Where Every Name is a Song

Unknown traditions and unheard practices transcend ordinary travel experiences. To dive deeper into the lifestyle of people across India, it is so important to discover the unexplored. One such destination is the soothing Kongthong village in Meghalaya. Although Meghalaya travel guide often feature popular destinations, Kongthong frequently remains an offbeat location.

What makes it special is the title – Whistling Village of India! From massive bee farms to hidden waterfalls, the village adds a rustic charm to your journey. It is not only a part of rural tourism but also a major tourist spot for true nomads! With its majestic landscapes and age-old traditions, Kongthong receives love due to its melodious tunes. The minute you enter this heavenly place, you can hear the sound of whistles. Before you start brainstorming, let’s understand the beauty of this village in detail.

Whistling Village of India: What are these tunes?

You can’t truly know if Kongthong village is all about whistles unless you discover it. In fact, the name can make you think of various questions.  

What are these whistles? 

Are we referring to the chirping of some unique birds?

Is it the echo made by the hills?

You might think of the most obvious things; however, the story is beyond the mere word whistling. Also known as the singing village of India, Kongthong is home to harmonious tunes created by none other than mothers. The tune is known as Jingrwai Lawbei in the regional language of the village. As soon as a child is born, the mother composes a unique tune for him or her. It is believed that a child feels safe when mother names him/her through a tune which is completely distinctive. In earlier times, these tunes were used to protect children while they went out for hunting. 

Every villager has two names, one that’s a regular short name. The other name is a song that is exclusively created for an individual person. Since mothers create the tune, you cannot find a similar tune anywhere else in the village. The tunes are divided into two parts: short and long. 

The short tune is used at home or when the child is nearby. However, the longer version of the song is used to communicate with the child from faraway places. Interestingly, there are more than 700 melodious songs dedicated to people in the Kongthong village. If a person dies, the tune also does. It means no one in the village can use a similar tune attached to the person. 

Imagine many mothers singing all day to communicate with their children. That’s exactly why the village keeps whistling!

Offbeat Things to Do in Kongthong Village 

1. Go for Nature Walks

Kongthong village is a beautiful destination in the state of Meghalaya. So if you are here, get ready for a relaxing journey amidst lush greenery. Going for a nature walk is one of the best things to do in Kongthong. 

Discover sprawling landscapes and gushing streams during the monsoon months. You can also witness unnamed waterfalls flowing through the hills. Moreover, observing the sunset from the top is indeed breathtaking!

Now that you are in Kongthong, make sure to visit the best places in Cherrapunji for a scenic drive.

2. Compose your Tune with Locals

As you know Kongthong is known as the Whistling Village of India, the best idea is to be like a local. As you pass through different houses, you can continuously hear your mothers whistling tunes for the little ones. So, take this opportunity and connect with them to understand different tunes. 

Many travellers love to chit-chat with locals only to create their personal compositions. Additionally, you can ask them for ideas or even learn how these tunes are composed. After all, experiencing something extraordinary is what defines your travel journey to Kongthong village.

3. Take a tour of Bee Farms

While this village is renowned for its musical tunes, you must discover the many bee farms it has! Villagers are actively engaged in beekeeping as a means of living. Syndai bees are commonly found here, making honey a loved product for tourists. 

Locals use special wooden boxes for bees and use natural ways to produce honey. It is best to buy naturally made honey directly from the farms. They also happen to be great souvenirs for loved ones.

4. Discover strange names

You are now aware of the musical tunes that mothers create for their babies. However, the names of people are also totally unique in this village of Meghalaya. Most Khasi people follow Christianity and their names are derived from the English language. 

You can come across people with names like Feeding Star, Easter and Rothell. While some names are connected to elements in nature, others might seem to be the names of stars or planets. The more you hear, the more astonishing it feels. Well, that’s the beauty of this rustic village.

5. Witness Khasi houses 

When in Kongthong, you are certain to come across houses that you must have never seen before! It is because the construction itself is distinctive. 

Khasi houses are made of wood and the architecture is inspired by the ancient traditions. Interestingly, the houses are built with strength and intelligence to stand against heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.

Places to Visit near Kongthong Village are – 

1. Mawsmai Cave

If adventure is your thing, caving has to be on your list. Caves in Meghalaya are all about bending, crawling and gliding through the rocks. Mawsmai Cave is an especially wonderful place near Kongthong village.  

It is known for its limestone formations and dramatic rocks. While certain areas are easy, there are narrow paths with pointed rocks too. You might choose to explore it partially if you feel claustrophobic midway! 

Distance from Kongthong: 54.6 kilometres 

2. Dawki River

Locally known as Umngot River, it is one of the famous places to visit around Kongthong. The river is renowned for its crystal-clear waters during the winter months from October to January. If you are in Kongthong village, you can go cliff jumping and boating on Dawki.  

The place is also known for a long suspension bridge that connects one end of the village to the other. If adventure is your thing, you can definitely opt for an overnight camp stay by the riverside. You can easily spend around 3 to 4 hours here considering photography, nature viewing and bridge crossing. 

Distance from Kongthong: 140.8 kilometres 

3. Nohkalikai Falls

Waterfalls in Cherrapunji are all about the breathtaking beauty of nature. Nohkalikai Falls is indeed one of the scenic places to visit near Kongthong. Being the highest plunge waterfall in India, it is known for its heartwarming view.  

As per one of the legends, Ka Likai (a widow) remarried a man to provide fatherly love to her daughter. However, the man killed her daughter and cooked a meal out of her flesh. Ka Likai unfortunately consumed the meal and later realised that it was her daughter. That’s exactly when she ran and jumped into the plunge waterfall out of grief. Strange how stories of an unknown land can amaze you! 

Apart from this, the waterfall is wonderful and also has different viewpoints. Opposite to the waterfall are many shops to buy souvenirs. You can find Khasi shawls, spices, keychains and wooden handicrafts here. 

Distance from Kongthong: 51.3 kilometres

The journey of discovery should not remain incomplete. With magical Meghalaya places, take this opportunity to witness awe-inspiring views, falls and more.

4. Mawkdok Valley

If you are visiting the Kongthong Village, it is best to mark Mawkdok Valley on your list. Being one of the mesmerising places to visit near Kongthong, it is a paradise for nature lovers. With many valleys in India, this one steals your heart with awe-inspiring views. 

The V-shaped valley is all about lush greenery clubbed with open skies. The winter months are super blissful here, as you can go ziplining amidst the valley views. The spine-chilling experience elevates as you cross the sprawling valley. 

Distance from Kongthong: 27 kilometres 

5. Nongsawlia Church

Built in the 1800s, Nongsawlia Church is a must-visit place near Kongthong village. Travellers love the tranquillity and British-era architecture here. Moreover, Nongsawlia Church lets you immerse in the culture of many locals. Offer your prayers and enjoy some time without hustling about the next stop!

Distance from Kongthong: 49.7 kilometres 

6. Wah-Kaba Falls

Get ready for an enthralling time as Meghalaya is home to Wah-Kaba Falls. What makes it an interesting place is the ease of reaching it. The trek is convenient and takes about 20 minutes to reach the fall. It is a two-tiered waterfall known for its breathtaking scenery. It is best to visit during the pre-monsoon month of June. 

Distance from Kongthong: 42.8 kilometres 

Waterfalls melt your heart but how about the living root bridges of Meghalaya? They took meticulous planning and patience from locals only to turn into majestic creations of nature. Mark them on your list because you are sure to find many.

7. Duwan Sing Syiem View Point

Duwan Sing Syiem View Point is the starting point of Cherrapunji. It offers a spectacular view of the Mawkdok valley. Moreover, the valley view is accessible via road, making it super easy to travel. The dramatic scenery is sure to create a special place in your heart. If you wish to explore more, you can trek down for a waterfall view.

Distance from Kongthong: 27.1 kilometres 

How to Reach Kongthong?

Kongthong village is located towards the east of Meghalaya. Due to the remote location, the best way to reach here is via a cab or a private vehicle. The roads are smooth and also narrow in certain areas. However, it is best to opt for the road trip. Let’s dive into the details.

By Air

The nearest airports to Kongthong are Shillong Airport (77.7 kilometres) and Guwahati Airport (166.2 kilometres). Shillong Airport offers a lower frequency of flights. However, you can easily travel to Guwahati Airport from the major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

By Railway

The nearest railway station is the Guwahati railway station, which is 145.9 kilometres from the village. You can then reach Shillong or take a direct cab to Kongthong.

By Roadway

The nearest city to Kongthong is Shillong, which is approximately 55 kilometres. The road is well developed to reach the village via a private cab or a personal vehicle. It is important to know that vehicles can reach only up to a certain distance. You then need to trek towards the top to reach the village. If you wish to rest after your arrival, it is an ideal choice to book affordable hotels in Shillong for an overnight stay.

Best time to Visit Kongthong Village 

Meghalaya receives the highest rainfall in the country. Hence, it is crucial to plan your journey after weather and temperature considerations. The best time to visit Kongthong village is during the winter season. Plan your journey anytime between October and March when the weather is pleasant.

The temperature ranges between 5°C and 20°C, with the lowest being in December and January. The cold climate allows you to explore in thick woollens. It is not too sunny, so you can definitely opt for ziplining, cliff jumping and nature walks.

Things to Know Before Visiting Kongthong 

• Be prepared for a culturally rich experience as you come across distinctive traditions and everyday practices.
• Prepare yourself for a no-network zone as Kongthong is located in a remote area.
• Always hire a local guide to discover the village, as you may get confused with different routes.

• The weather in Meghalaya is unpredictable. Carry warm clothes as well as rain jackets for comfortable travel.
• Adapt to a rural life with basic facilities at Kongthong village.
• Always appreciate the locals for their time and efforts, as the community is welcoming to tourists.

• Be mindful of ecotourism practices in the village. Do not pluck leaves or flowers without permission from the locals.
• Traveller’s Nest is a popular homestay option which is generally all booked. So, make sure to book your stay well in advance to avoid rushing at the last minute.

Your Melodious Journey Begins!

To travel to hidden gems is what counts! For you take home marvellous experiences from people of the faraway lands. Kongthong village is simply a magical destination, following its tradition of singing for ages. 

As the village keeps whistling, you get an opportunity to witness the alchemy of nature. This trip is sure for the ones who are ready to explore, learn, rejuvenate and connect with people of a remote land. So, get ready for your amazing journey to Kongthong, a paradisiacal spot!