Shawot
Shawot is a historically significant site in the Mon district, famous for housing the skeletal remains of World War II aircraft and other military debris. During the Burma Campaign of World War II, the skies over Nagaland were a major theater of conflict between the Allied forces and the Japanese Em pire. Many planes, primarily belonging to the US Air Force and the RAF, crashed in these rugged mountains due to mechanical failure, pilot error, or enemy fire. The site at Shawot serves as a grim yet fascinating reminder of the "Stalingrad of the East" and the global reach of the second world war. Over the decades, nature has partially reclaimed these metal carcasses, with vines and moss growing over engines and wing fragments. Local villagers have preserved the site, and some artifacts have been moved to local museums, yet the main site remains an open-air graveyard of machinery. Visiting Shawot is a somber experience, offering a stark contrast between the violent history of the mid-20th century and the current tranquility of the Naga hills. It is not a developed tourist spot but a place of historical pilgrimage for those interested in military history and the role of the North East in global conflicts. The site highlights the bravery of the pilots who flew over the "Hump" and the local Nagas who often assisted downed airmen.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Historical & War Memorial SiteEntry Fees:
No Formal Entry Fee: There is no official ticket counter, but it is respectful to provide a small donation to the local village caretakers or guides.
Guide Fees: Hiring a local youth to show you the exact location of the scattered debris usu...No Formal Entry Fee: There is no official ticket counter, but it is respectful to provide a small donation to the local village caretakers or guides.
Guide Fees: Hiring a local youth to show you the exact location of the scattered debris usually costs around Rs.500-Rs.800 for a thorough tour.Timing:
Daylight Access: It is recommended to visit between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM as the site is in a remote area and requires some hiking to reach.
Ideal Season: The dry months from November to March offer the best visibility and the easiest trekking...Daylight Access: It is recommended to visit between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM as the site is in a remote area and requires some hiking to reach.
Ideal Season: The dry months from November to March offer the best visibility and the easiest trekking conditions to reach the crash site.Special Events:
Remembrance Day: Though not official in the village, history enthusiasts often visit in November to commemorate the lives lost during the world wars.
Local Heritage Meetings: Occasionally, village councils hold meetings to discuss the preser...Remembrance Day: Though not official in the village, history enthusiasts often visit in November to commemorate the lives lost during the world wars.
Local Heritage Meetings: Occasionally, village councils hold meetings to discuss the preservation of these relics as part of their tribal and regional history.Best Photo Spots:
The Engine Block: The most recognizable part of the wreckage, usually an engine or a wing section, makes for a compelling and historically significant photograph.
Mist-Covered Relics: Photographing the site during a foggy morning adds a laye...The Engine Block: The most recognizable part of the wreckage, usually an engine or a wing section, makes for a compelling and historically significant photograph.
Mist-Covered Relics: Photographing the site during a foggy morning adds a layer of mystery and solemnity to the images of the abandoned war machines.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Historical Exploration: Walk through the crash site to identify different parts of the aircraft and understand the scale of the wartime machinery.
Photography of Relics: Capture the haunting beauty of rusted war machines being consumed by the green Naga forest, a powerful visual for any portfolio.
Trekking the War Path: Follow the trails that Allied or Japanese soldiers might have used, gaining a tactical perspective of the difficult mountain terrain.
Visiting Nearby Longwa: Since Shawot is close to the border, visit Longwa to see how the war affected the border tribes and their current way of life.
Interviewing Village Elders: Seek out the oldest members of the community to hear firsthand accounts passed down about the "Great Fi...
Information
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Why Famous:
World War II Legacy: It is famous for being one of the few places in North India where wreckage from WWII planes can still be seen in situ.
The Burma Campaign Hub: The site is a physical testimony to the intense aerial battles fought over th...World War II Legacy: It is famous for being one of the few places in North India where wreckage from WWII planes can still be seen in situ.
The Burma Campaign Hub: The site is a physical testimony to the intense aerial battles fought over the Naga-Myanmar border during the 1940s. -
Architecture:
Industrial Military Debris: The site features twisted aluminum alloys, radial engine blocks, and rusted landing gear that have survived the humid climate for over 80 years.
Natural Integration: There is no formal architecture, but the way th...Industrial Military Debris: The site features twisted aluminum alloys, radial engine blocks, and rusted landing gear that have survived the humid climate for over 80 years.
Natural Integration: There is no formal architecture, but the way the local topography has encased the wreckage creates a unique, haunting landscape of metal and earth. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Jorhat or Dibrugarh; from there, it is a long drive of 6-8 hours to reach the Mon-Longwa area.
By Train: Reach Simaluguri Junction and hire a private 4x4 vehicle, which is essential for reaching the higher altitude sites like... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Longwa Village (10 KM), 2. Veda Peak (15 KM), 3. Mon Town (35 KM), 4. Shangnyu (50 KM), 5. Chui Village (40 KM), 6. Chenloisho (40 KM), 7. Myanmar Border (12 KM), 8. Angphang (25 KM), 9. Tizit (90 KM), 10. Naganimora (100 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Trekking Safety: The terrain is steep and can be slippery; wear boots with excellent grip and carry a walking stick for better stability on the slopes.
Packing List: Pack a light jacket, rain gear, a power bank, and a high-quality camera wi...
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