Mon
The Konyaks are the inhabitants of the district.
Exploring Mon: The Heart of Konyak Heritage in Nagaland
Mon district welcomes you with its beautiful and luscious greenery and enchanting stories and fascinating testimonials of the heritage that date back to the head-hunting era of the Nagas. The Konyaks are the inhabitants of the district. With their unique traditional attire, they have always been the source of admiration for travellers to their region, also because of the legends of headhunting and their last surviving head hunters. Head-hunting is now banned however they have the last generation of survivors who still tell their stories.
Mon district is located in the remote part of eastern side of Nagaland and it covers an area of 1,786 sq km. This district in Nagaland is the home of the only surviving Naga head-hunters, which is from the Konyak tribe. The elders in this village is considered the last surviving generation of Nagas who still adorn themselves, as part of an old tradition, with face tattoos.
The hillside town also shares its borders with neighbouring state of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh as well as international border with Myanmar. This district is located in isolation from the rest of the state and consequently they were able to preserve their traditional lifestyle and cultural practices that existed since time immemorial. This part of Nagaland also lies close to the hills and the tropical forests of the Patkai Range, which is also home to many tribal remote villages.
Places to Visit
How to get to Mon
Since Mon is located in one of the most remote places in Nagaland, the journey to the place can be tedious however all the more worthwhile.
By Train
There are no train and air services that take you directly to Mon district. However, you can take a train to Bhojo railway station which is Assam and the take a taxi/bus to Sonari.
The distance is about 7 km from Bhojo to Sonari. From Sonari, you can take another train that takes you to Simulgiri station. There is no direct service to Mon from Simulgiri, therefore you’ll have to go to Naginimora and the proceed.
By Bus from Assam
One can travel to Mon through different routes by Bus depending on where you plan to start your journey from. The first route to Mon by bus will be via Sonari, which is in the Sibsagar district of Assam. From Sonari, it is about 65 km to Mon.
You can also reach Mon via Simulguri. Simulgiri is about 95 km from Mon. Since there is no direct service to Mon district headquarters from Simulgiri, you will have to get to Naginimora first which comes under Mon district. Naginimora is about 20 km from Simulgiri. There are bus services available that can take you to Mon district headquarters which is about 75km away from Naginimora.
By bus from Dimapur
You can also travel to Mon from Dimapur, where there are night bus services available. So far there are three night buses that ply from Dimapur to Mon. The popular ones are:
- Blue Hill Travels
- Super Travels
- Network Travels
By bus from Kohima
If you wish to travel from Kohima to Mon, which is the capital of the state, there are two bus services available:
- Blue Hill Travels
- Deep Travels
By Sumo from Dimapur / Kohima
There are also Sumo services available from Dimapur to Mon as well as from Kohima to Mon. These services are available during the day.
Chopper Services from Dimapur
Direct chopper services are also provided from Dimapur to Mon every Wednesday at 9 am. The helipad is located in the Dimapur airport itself.
By Flight
Since there is no airport in Mon, one can travel to the nearest airport to Mon which is in Jorhat, Assam. From Jorhat airport, there are no services available that will take you to Mon directly so you will have to reach Sonari or Simulgiri first and then go to Mon from there, following the routes mentioned above. You can also take a flight to Dimapur or Dibrugarh airport, and avail the above mentioned services to travel to Mon.
FAQs
The Konyaks are the inhabitants of Mon district, known for their unique traditional attire and rich cultural practices. They were once feared head-hunters, and their last surviving generation continues to share tales of their legendary past.
Mon district is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful greenery, and fascinating stories from the head-hunting era of the Konyak Nagas. The district is home to the last surviving Naga head-hunters and elders who still adorn traditional face tattoos, offering a rare glimpse into the past.
The best time to visit Mon is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the natural beauty of the region is at its peak. This is also a great time to explore the cultural heritage of the Konyak tribe.
No, head-hunting is no longer practiced in Mon. The practice was banned many years ago. However, the elders of the Konyak tribe, who are the last surviving head-hunters, still share their stories and traditions.
Visitors to Mon can expect to experience the unique cultural practices of the Konyak tribe, including traditional dances, attire, and the opportunity to interact with the elders who have lived through the head-hunting era. The district also offers stunning views of the Patkai Range and tropical forests, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Accommodations in Mon are limited due to its remote location, but there are guest houses and homestays available for travelers. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Given its remote location, travel to Mon can be challenging and requires careful planning. It’s important to be prepared for long journeys, limited connectivity, and basic amenities. However, the cultural richness and natural beauty of the district make the trip worthwhile.
For more information.
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