Mon (Nagaland): Imagine a village like this—where you have to cross the border of one country to have lunch and return to your country for night’s sleep. This is not a fictional story, but a unique village located in Nagaland, India, which has become a topic of discussion all over the world due to its geographical location. Longwa village of Mon district is the place where the international border of India and Myanmar passes right in the middle, and the lives of the people here are divided between two countries.

Mukhiya’s house: A place of two countries
The most surprising thing about Longwa is the house of the village head. This house is built in such a way that the border line passes right through its middle—one part in India, the other in Myanmar. The result is that the head’s kitchen is on the Myanmar side, where food is cooked and eaten, while the bedroom is on the Indian side, where he sleeps. Not only this, their farming is also done on Myanmar’s land. The Mukhiya’s wife brings fresh vegetables from the fields every day, which are cooked in the Myanmar part.

Local resident Rezu Konyak says, “This is not a strange thing for us. Our life is divided into two countries, yet it is one. The Mukhiya has got citizenship of both the countries, so he does not need a visa.” This unique situation makes Longwa special not only geographically but also culturally.

Konyak tribe: The journey from beheading to education

Longwa village is mainly inhabited by the Konyak tribe, whose culture and history is a center of attraction for tourists. At one time the Konyak people were considered fierce hunters who beheaded their enemies. They used to behead their enemies and keep them as a symbol of bravery. Historian Professor K. Lima says, “This practice was a part of the Konyak community till the 19th century. But British missionaries and strict laws ended it.” Even today, brass skulls can be seen in some houses of the village, reminding us of that era.
However, with time, Longwa has changed. Education and awareness have made this cruel practice history. Today, the children of the village go to school and the Konyak people are moving on the path of modernity while preserving their culture.
Tourist paradise
Longwa is famous not only for its border but also for its natural beauty. Nestled between the mountains of Nagaland, this village is surrounded by mist and clouds, which gives it a mystical charm. Travel blogger Anita Rao, who recently visited Longwa, says, “The scenery and the simplicity of the people here captivate you. It is amazing to see their way of living life between two countries.” The traditional dances, handicrafts and hospitality of the Konyak people also attract tourists.
Two countries, one life
The people of Longwa live this unique situation with ease. For them, the border is just a line that does not affect their everyday life. Farming, trade and family ties are spread across both countries. An elderly villager Longsang says, “For us, India and Myanmar mean only land. Our hearts are one.” This feeling makes Longwa more special.

The way to reach

Reaching Longwa is not easy, but for those who love adventure, this difficulty is also fascinating. Mon district can be reached by road from Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, and Longwa is about 40 kilometers away from there. The hilly paths and forests on the way make this journey memorable.

A unique example

Longwa village is not only a geographical story of the India-Myanmar border, but it also presents a unique example of humanity and culture. While in the world borders divide people, in Longwa this border has become a part of life. So if you want to see something different, then definitely visit this village – where food is cooked in Myanmar and dreams are seen in India.