Shilloi Lake is the quiet, foot-shaped lake that most visitors to Nagaland never reach, and that distance is much of its appeal. It lies far out in the state’s eastern hills near the Myanmar border, held in a bowl of pine forest where a single rowboat is often the only movement on the water. This guide covers how to get there, when to go, the local belief that keeps the lake undisturbed, and what to expect once you arrive.
Shilloi Lake, in Lütsam village in Nagaland’s Meluri district (carved out of Phek district in 2024), is described by the district administration as the largest natural lake in Nagaland. Shaped like a human footprint and set near the Myanmar border, it is a serene, offbeat spot reached by a long hill drive from Kohima.
Key takeaways
- Shilloi Lake is described by the Phek and Meluri district administrations as the largest natural lake in Nagaland, lying in Lütsam village near the Myanmar border.
- Published reports put it at roughly 450 m long and 270 m wide with a maximum depth of about 4 m, and its outline is widely described as a human footprint (as of October 2026).
- According to local belief, the spirit of a girl child, the “reigning queen” of the lake, dwells in it and protects nearby villagers, so the community traditionally leaves the water undisturbed.
- Plan for the dry months of October to May for clear skies and firmer roads; the monsoon between June and September makes the long hill drive slow.
- It is roughly 290 km from Kohima, about 10–12 hours by road via Pfutsero and Meluri, with the nearest airport and railhead both at Dimapur (as of October 2026).
- Indian travellers from outside Nagaland need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), available online since 1 January 2025; reconfirm the category and fee before you travel.
About Shilloi Lake
Shilloi Lake is a natural freshwater lake in Lütsam village, in the Phokhungri area of Meluri district, Nagaland, close to the India–Myanmar border. The Phek district administration, which long administered this area, calls it the largest natural lake in the state and a leading spot for birdwatching. Until recently it sat within Phek district; in November 2024 the Government of Nagaland carved out Meluri as the state’s 17th district, inaugurated on 21 February 2025, and the lake now falls within Meluri.
The name tells part of the story. According to the record on Lake Shilloi, the original name Lütsam means “a place where water is collected”; the British rendered it Shiloh, and it is officially written Shilloi today. The lake lies in a valley ringed by pine, with no major inflowing stream, which is why its water looks so still.
Here are the headline facts travellers ask about, drawn from district pages and published reports. Treat the dimensions as reported figures rather than a fresh survey.
| Detail | Figure / note |
|---|---|
| Location | Lütsam village, Phokhungri area, Meluri district (formerly Phek), Nagaland |
| Status | Largest natural lake in Nagaland (per Phek district administration) |
| Reported length / width | About 450 m by 270 m (press reports) |
| Reported maximum depth | About 4 m (press reports) |
| Approximate elevation | About 962 m |
| Shape | Widely described as a human footprint |
| Nearest airport / railhead | Dimapur (both) |
| Permit | Inner Line Permit for Indians from outside Nagaland |
The foot-shaped lake and the spirit-child belief
Shilloi Lake is best known for two things: its shape and its story. Several travel features and local accounts describe the lake as being in the shape of a human foot, its long, curved outline said to resemble a giant footprint pressed into the hills. The effect is clearest from a rise above the water rather than from the shore.
The story is where you should tread carefully and respectfully. According to local belief recorded by the district administration, a baby was once seen floating in the middle of the lake, held up by two hands, and is regarded as the “reigning queen” of the lake. In the wider telling, the spirit of a girl child is said to live at the bottom of the water and to protect the people of the surrounding villages. Communities hold that no one can drown here, and the district page notes no reported drowning.
Out of respect for this belief, many travel accounts say villagers traditionally neither fish nor swim in the lake and avoid taking its water for drinking or irrigation. The Phek district administration’s own page, by contrast, lists the area among local fishing spots. The honest position is this: the belief is real and held sincerely, so treat the lake as a place to sit quietly, photograph and row rather than swim, and follow whatever your homestay host or the villagers ask. This is a local belief, not recorded history, and should be described as such.
Best time to visit Shilloi Lake
The best time to visit Shilloi Lake is the dry window from October to May, when skies are clearer and the long hill roads are firmer and safer than during the rains. Autumn and winter bring crisp air and good light on the water; spring is mild and green. The high-elevation setting means winter mornings are cold, so carry layers even in a dry month.
The monsoon, roughly June to September, is the hardest time to come: the eastern Nagaland roads are long and can be slow or slippery, and landslips are possible. One local caveat worth knowing is that the Phek district administration lists June to September as the best fishing season at the lake, so anglers and birders may have different calendars from sightseers. Plan transport generously in any season, because the drive, not the lake, is the demanding part.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | October–November | Clear skies, pleasant days, cold nights; good for a first visit |
| Winter | December–February | Cold, dry and quiet; sharp light, few visitors; pack warm |
| Spring | March–May | Mild, green hills; comfortable travel before the rains |
| Monsoon | June–September | Rain, long and slow drives, possible landslips; local fishing season |
How to reach Shilloi Lake
Reaching Shilloi Lake means a long road journey into eastern Nagaland, so plan it as the core of the trip rather than a quick detour. Travel accounts put the lake at roughly 290 km from Kohima, about 10–12 hours by road, typically broken with an overnight stop at Chizami, Pfutsero or Meluri. There is no shortcut: the final stretch runs on hill roads whose condition varies, so hire a driver who knows the route and start early.
By air: The nearest airport is Dimapur, the only one in Nagaland, with connections to Kolkata, Guwahati and other hubs. From Dimapur you continue by road, usually overnighting en route. By rail: Dimapur is also the nearest and principal railhead; from there it is road all the way. By road: From Kohima, the usual line is via Pfutsero and towards Meluri, then on to Lütsam. A two-lane highway now links Pfutsero and Phek in about two hours over roughly 62.5 km, which has made the region far more reachable than before.
Distances below combine official district figures with published travel accounts. Treat the long-distance drive times as estimates that depend heavily on road conditions, and reconfirm locally before you set out.
| Route | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kohima → Shilloi Lake | About 290 km | Roughly 10–12 hours by road (travel accounts); overnight en route |
| Kohima → Phek town | 145 km | Per Phek district administration |
| Phek → Dimapur | 219 km | Per Phek district administration; Dimapur is the airport and railhead |
| Pfutsero ↔ Phek | About 62.5 km | Two-lane highway, around 2 hours (press reports) |
| Meluri → Shilloi Lake | Several hours | Reported 6–7 hours now, 3–4 with better roads (Morung Express) |
| Dimapur ↔ Kohima | About 75 km | Per Phek district administration |
For a wider picture of airports, permits and getting around the state, see our Nagaland travel guide before you lock in dates.
Things to see and do
Shilloi Lake is about slowness: the main things to do are rowing, birdwatching, walking the pine-fringed shore and resting at a homestay. A rowboat is usually available, and gliding out onto the still water is the classic experience here. Keep your voice low; this is a place local people hold sacred, and the quiet is part of why you came.
Birdwatching is the lake’s other draw. District pages call it one of the best birding spots in Nagaland and note migratory visitors, including Siberian cranes in season. Bring binoculars and come at first light. Beyond the water, the surrounding hills offer gentle walks and the sense of being at the very edge of India, with the Myanmar border close by. Short cultural stops in the villages along the route add depth to the trip.
| Experience | Why go | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Rowing on the lake | The signature calm; best in soft morning light | 30–60 minutes |
| Birdwatching | Migratory birds including Siberian cranes in season | 1–2 hours, early |
| Shore walk through pine | Quiet forest and views over the footprint-shaped water | 1 hour |
| Village and homestay time | Meet residents, learn the lake’s story first-hand | An evening |
| Border-hills viewpoints | Sense of the remote India–Myanmar frontier | Half a day with the drive |
A suggested itinerary
A realistic Shilloi Lake trip needs three to four days because of the driving, so build the itinerary around overnight stops rather than racing out and back. A comfortable plan from Kohima looks like this:
- Day 1: Drive Kohima towards Pfutsero or Chizami; overnight there to break the journey and ease into the hills.
- Day 2: Continue via Meluri to Lütsam and Shilloi Lake; settle into a homestay and spend the quiet evening by the water.
- Day 3: Early birdwatching and a rowboat on the lake, a shore walk, then begin the return with a night at Meluri or Pfutsero.
- Day 4: Drive back to Kohima or Dimapur for onward travel; add Khezhakeno or Pfutsero as a stop if time allows.
If you have only limited time, it is better to skip Shilloi than to attempt it in a single rushed day. The lake rewards people who arrive unhurried.
Where to stay
The most characterful place to stay is right at the lake, where homestay cottages and a guest house let you wake to the water. The Phek district administration lists a tourist resort and guest-house stay at Shilloi Lake with basic rooms and pantry facilities for self-catering, and travellers report simple homestay cottages and dormitory options. Book ahead, because beds are few and the area is remote.
Along the route, Meluri and Pfutsero have small lodges and homestays, and Phek town has more options if you prefer a town base. Pfutsero, one of Nagaland’s highest towns, makes a logical overnight on the way in or out. The ₹ bands below are indicative planning estimates; reconfirm current tariffs directly with the property before you travel.
| Type | Indicative price band | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Homestay / guest house at the lake | ₹1,000–₹2,500 | Basic rooms, pantry; book well ahead, limited beds |
| Lodges at Meluri / Pfutsero | ₹1,200–₹3,000 | Convenient overnight stops en route |
| Hotels in Phek town | ₹1,500–₹3,500 | More choice; a comfortable town base |
Food to try
Expect simple, home-style Naga food rather than restaurants near the lake, so eat what your homestay cooks. Meals typically centre on rice with seasonal greens, boiled and smoked meats, and the region’s signature ferments. Carry a few snacks for the long drive, since roadside options thin out as you head east.
- Axone (fermented soybean, a strong, savoury paste used to flavour pork and chutneys) is a defining Naga ingredient.
- Smoked pork with bamboo shoot (preserved young bamboo, tangy and soft) is a staple across the hills.
- Anishi (fermented yam leaves, dried into cakes) often cooks with pork in Ao and neighbouring kitchens.
- Galho (a comforting one-pot rice porridge with greens and meat) is everyday hill food.
- King chilli (the fiery raja mircha) appears as a chutney; try a little before committing.
Tell your host in advance if you prefer milder or vegetarian food; most will happily adjust.
Budget breakdown
A Shilloi Lake trip is inexpensive on the ground but costs time and transport, so the driver and fuel are your biggest line items. The estimate below is for a three to four day trip from Kohima and is a planning figure only; actual costs vary with your group size, season and how you arrange the vehicle. Sharing a hired vehicle between four people brings the per-person cost down sharply.
| Item | Indicative cost | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Shared vehicle and fuel | ₹4,000–₹7,000 | Hired car over several days, split between 3–4 people |
| Stays (3 nights) | ₹3,000–₹6,000 | Homestays and lodges en route and at the lake |
| Meals | ₹1,200–₹2,000 | Home-style food; few restaurants |
| ILP, boating, incidentals | ₹500–₹1,500 | Permit, rowboat and small extras |
| Approximate total | ₹8,700–₹16,500 | Per person; lower with a larger group |
Permits and rules
Indian citizens from outside Nagaland need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter the state, and that applies to Shilloi Lake like anywhere else in Nagaland. The requirement comes from the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873, which makes an ILP obligatory for visitors from outside the state for a limited stay. Since 1 January 2025 the Nagaland government has issued the ILP online through its official portal at ilp.nagaland.gov.in; carry a copy and reconfirm the current category and fee before you travel, as reports on fees and on whether offline counters remain open have differed.
Foreign nationals face separate rules and should check the latest central and state requirements before planning, as these change. Beyond permits, the key “rule” here is cultural rather than official: respect the local belief attached to the lake. Keep noise down, do not litter, and do not swim or disturb the water if villagers ask you not to. Carry out all waste, since there is little infrastructure to manage it this far east.
Practical tips
The most useful tip for Shilloi Lake is to prepare for being genuinely remote: mobile network, ATMs and medical help thin out well before you reach the lake. Carry enough cash in small notes, since UPI and card payments are unreliable once you leave the larger towns, and do not count on steady phone signal near the water.
- Cash: Draw money in Kohima, Dimapur or Phek; assume no ATM at the lake.
- Health: The nearest proper hospitals are in the larger towns; carry a basic medical kit and any regular medicines. For altitude and general travel-health advice, follow standard guidance from a qualified doctor before the trip.
- Driving: Hire an experienced local driver and start early; the roads, not the distance alone, set the pace.
- Solo women travellers: Nagaland is generally regarded as welcoming, but this is a very remote route, so plan transport and stays ahead and share your itinerary with someone.
- Packing by season: Warm layers and a windproof for October–February nights; a rain shell and sturdy shoes if you risk the monsoon shoulder.
- Connectivity: Download offline maps and tell your homestay your arrival window in advance.
Nearby places
Shilloi Lake pairs naturally with eastern Nagaland’s highland towns and villages, so build a loop rather than an out-and-back wherever you can. Pfutsero and Meluri are the practical overnight anchors, while Khezhakeno, Kohima and the Dzükou Valley reward a longer trip. Distances are long and approximate, so confirm routes locally.
| Place | Rough distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Pfutsero | En route, ~62.5 km from Phek | One of Nagaland’s highest towns; a logical overnight stop |
| Meluri | Several hours from the lake | District headquarters and gateway to the Lütsam area |
| Khezhakeno | Phek region | Historic village tied to Naga migration legend |
| Kohima | ~290 km | State capital, war cemetery and trip gateway |
| Dzükou Valley | Near Kohima | Famous trekking valley on the Nagaland–Manipur border |
Our Nagaland travel guide puts these together with festivals, permits and seasons so you can plan a wider route around the lake.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Shilloi Lake located?
Shilloi Lake is in Lütsam village, in the Phokhungri area of Meluri district, Nagaland, close to the India–Myanmar border. The area was part of Phek district until Meluri was created as Nagaland’s 17th district in late 2024. The nearest airport and railhead are both at Dimapur, several hours’ drive away.
Why is Shilloi Lake shaped like a foot?
Shilloi Lake’s long, curved outline is widely described as resembling a human footprint, which is how most travel accounts and district pages picture it. No survey “designed” the shape; it is a natural valley lake. The footprint look is clearest from a rise above the water rather than from the shore itself.
Can you swim or fish in Shilloi Lake?
According to local belief, a protective spirit dwells in Shilloi Lake, and many travel accounts say villagers traditionally neither swim nor fish there out of respect. The Phek district administration’s page, however, lists the area among fishing spots. The safest approach is to row and watch quietly and to follow whatever local residents ask.
Do I need a permit to visit Shilloi Lake?
Yes. Indian citizens from outside Nagaland need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter the state, including Shilloi Lake, under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873. Since 1 January 2025 the ILP is issued online at ilp.nagaland.gov.in. Reconfirm the current category and fee before travel, as reported details have varied.
What is the best time to visit Shilloi Lake?
The best time to visit Shilloi Lake is October to May, the dry season, when skies are clearer and the long hill roads are firmer and safer. Winter nights are cold, so pack layers. The monsoon from June to September makes the drive slow and is best avoided unless you are specifically there for fishing.
How far is Shilloi Lake from Kohima?
Shilloi Lake is roughly 290 km from Kohima, which travel accounts describe as a 10–12 hour drive through eastern Nagaland, usually broken with an overnight stop at Pfutsero, Chizami or Meluri. Plan at least three to four days for the round trip, and confirm road conditions locally before setting out.
Last updated and sources
Shilloi Lake suits unhurried travellers who want quiet, birdlife and a sense of India’s far eastern edge, and who are willing to spend time on the road to earn it. Come in the dry months between October and May, treat the lake and its story with respect, and build the trip around overnight stops.
Last updated: 23 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Phek district administration (phek.nic.in — Shilloi Lake and How to reach); Lake Shilloi (encyclopaedic summary of reported dimensions and name history); Roots and Leisure (shape, legend, distance from Kohima); Eastern Mirror (reported size and footprint shape); Morung Express (Meluri travel times and visitor numbers) and Meluri inaugurated as 17th district; and the Nagaland ILP portal (ilp.nagaland.gov.in) with Morung Express on online ILP. Accessed October 2026.
