walking in LongwaLocated on the India-Myanmar border, it is an interesting journey. This extraordinary village is located in Mon district. NagalandIt is home to the Konyak tribe, where families live with one foot in India and the other in Myanmar. There are no clear lines; You can easily go to Myanmar, watch the sunrise and come back to India for your breakfast. That is why Longwa’s unique location and fascinating culture make it a center of curiosity for travelers who want to understand what life is like on the borders of two countries.

living between boundaries

What makes Longwa really interesting is that the international border between India and Myanmar passes directly through the village, even passing through the headman’s (Angha) house! This means that the kitchen may be in India while the bedroom may be in Myanmar! Longwa residents do not need a passport to travel from one side to the other; For them this border is just an invisible line which has no impact on their daily life. Villagers move freely between the two countries, farming on one side and living on the other, with no worries about visas or customs.

Longwa is inhabited by the Konyak tribe, one of the largest and most famous tribes of Nagaland, famous throughout their history as fierce hunters. While headhunting is a practice that has been around for a long time, remnants of the Konyak warriors’ traditions can still be seen today. The older generation of men, known for having elaborate tattoos on their faces and large ear piercings, wear these symbols of bravery with pride.

Longwa is ruled by an aung or chief, who wields considerable influence on both sides of the border. Interestingly, Longwa’s body has jurisdiction over dozens of villages spread across India and Myanmar.

A visit to Longwa offers a unique opportunity to explore a village that has preserved its ancient traditions while living within the modern geopolitical context of the two countries. The village is surrounded by beautiful hills, lush green forests and hazy clouds which add to its charm. Passing through Longwa, you will see traditional longhouses made of bamboo and thatch, each housing extended families. The craftsmanship of the local people is also evident in the intricate wooden carvings that adorn many of the houses.

Also read: Your safari guide to the exotic wildlife paradise of Natangki in Nagaland

Here, you can interact with the Konyaks, skilled artisans known for their hand-woven shawls, beadwork and wood carvings. Craftsmanship is not only a cultural expression but also a livelihood, with many items available for purchase. Travelers often take home handmade artefacts as a memento of their time spent in this extraordinary village. With no basic facilities, life is really bustling in this village.

How to reach Longwa?

Longwa is in the Mon district of Nagaland, about a three-hour drive from Mon city. The nearest airport is Jorhat (Assam), 161 km away, but no direct buses are available. To reach Som, passengers will first have to reach Sonari or Simulguri.

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