The short answer
Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary: what visitors should know first
Go only if you enjoy slow forest walks and birdwatching, and can spare most of a day about 60-80 km from Shillong. There is no developed safari circuit, so confirm entry and guide arrangements with the forest or tourism office first.
History and context
The story behind Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary
The area was notified as the Nongkhyllem Reserved Forest under British administration in 1909. The wildlife sanctuary, about 29 sq km, was created from part of that forest in 1981.
In 2025 the state government proposed an eco-tourism project including an interpretation centre, canopy skywalks and a resort, which neighbouring villages and some groups opposed. Check the current status before you go, as facilities may change.
Useful facts
Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary facts at a glance
- Location
- Ri Bhoi district, Meghalaya; nearest town Nongpoh
- Distance
- About 60-80 km from Shillong; roughly 1.5-2 hours by road
- Established
- 1981, from the Nongkhyllem Reserved Forest (1909)
- Experience type
- Guided forest walks, birdwatching, butterflies
- Known for
- 400+ bird species, hornbills, elusive large mammals
- Entry points
- Forest beat offices at Adit Point, Umtasor and Lailad
- Fees and permits
- Not published; confirm with forest office or tourism helpline
Why it matters
Why Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary is worth your time
Nongkhyllem is one of the few protected forests easy to reach from both Shillong and Guwahati, yet it remains lightly visited. It lies in the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, and more than 400 bird species have been recorded across the sanctuary and its surroundings, including the rufous-necked hornbill and white-cheeked hill partridge. Studies also list Asian elephant, tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and dhole among its mammals.
It also shows how a protected area works in Meghalaya, where much forest land is community owned. The sanctuary was cut out of a reserved forest in 1981 and, in recent years, a proposed eco-tourism project has been debated by neighbouring villages and officials. That tension between access and conservation is part of why it is still quiet, and why you should go with modest expectations and respect for local rules.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Birds and hornbills
The sanctuary and surrounding forest hold over 400 recorded bird species, including the rufous-necked hornbill. Go early and walk slowly with a guide.
- 02
Butterflies
Mud-puddling butterflies, including archdukes and oakblues, have been photographed here and are easier to find than mammals on a short visit.
- 03
Sal and bamboo forest
The walks pass through sal trees, bamboo groves and wild banana, with a damp, cool feel on winter mornings.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Treat this as a guided forest day rather than a drive-through reserve. The sanctuary is reached from NH6 through Umling and then a road of roughly 17 km to Lailad, and entry is through forest beat offices such as Adit Point, Umtasor and Lailad. Arrange a local guide, either through the forest office or the state tourism helpline (1800 599 2026), and leave Shillong early so that you are inside the forest while the birds are active.
Walks are the main activity: birdwatching, butterfly spotting and soft trekking under sal trees and bamboo groves. Large animals such as elephants, leopards and clouded leopards live here, but they are rarely seen and you should not plan the day around sightings. Hornbills and many smaller birds are the more realistic reward, and butterflies are well recorded.
Carry your own water and food, because the tourism page notes there are no shops inside. Wear sturdy shoes and use insect repellent. Plan to be back on the highway before dusk, since forest roads are poor to travel in the dark and elephants use the area.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Call the Meghalaya Tourism helpline or the forest office to confirm entry and guide arrangements
- Carry water and food; no shops are listed inside
- Wear sturdy shoes and use insect repellent
- Leave the forest before dusk and keep your driver informed
- Do not expect fixed safari timings or published fees
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Ri Bhoi district, about 60-80 km north of Shillong, near Nongpoh and the Shillong-Guwahati road
- Time needed
- Full day from Shillong (1.5-2 hours each way by road)
- Best time
- October to April, in dry weather; early mornings for birds
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Forest paths are uneven, can be muddy and have no seating or toilets that are published. The long drive over the highway is comfortable, but the walking is better suited to fit older travellers with sturdy shoes and a guide.
- Tickets and access
- Entry fees and permit rules are not published online. The state tourism page says entry may need a permit or local guide help, so confirm with the forest department or the Meghalaya Tourism helpline before travelling. Do not expect a booked safari system.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Forest paths are uneven, can be muddy and have no seating or toilets that are published. The long drive over the highway is comfortable, but the walking is better suited to fit older travellers with sturdy shoes and a guide.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Can I see elephants or tigers at Nongkhyllem?
They live in the sanctuary, but sightings are rare and there is no organised safari. Plan for birds, butterflies and forest walking instead.
Do I need a permit to enter?
The state tourism page says entry may require a permit or local guide help, but no rules or fees are published. Confirm with the forest department or the tourism helpline.
Is it suitable for elderly travellers?
The drive is easy, but forest paths are uneven and facilities are minimal. Fit seniors with a guide can manage a short walk; others may prefer Umiam Lake on the same road.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
