Five facts about Shilloi, The Largest Natural Lake in Nagaland
Shilloi Lake is a beautiful natural lake in Nagaland and falls in a valley surrounded with pine forest and interesting landscapes. The actual name of the lake is Lütsam meaning 'a place where water is collected'. It was called Shiloh by the British but today it is officially known as Shilloi.
Shilloi is the largest natural lake in Nagaland and is situated in Lütsam village of Phokhungri area under Meluri sub-division in Phek district.
Here are five facts about this beautiful lake:
#1. It is situated in a landlocked area decorated by natural pine trees and a view of the lake from top makes it appear in the shape of a human footprint
#2. Migratory Siberian cranes visit this lake from March to June.
#3. The lake is rich in fishes and the best season for fishing is from June to September.
#4. A lucky fisherman may get up to thousands of rupees value of fishes for a whole day fishing for just a nominal fee of 100 only for one whole day.
#5. There are certain legends associated with this lake, including the story about the Queen of the lake from Lünadvü village (Lünuri or Khwiri). Many immemorial years ago, a baby girl from Lünadvü village was taken into the lake while the parents were working in the field near the lake. The intensive search of the missing baby went in vain till they heard a baby cry in the middle of the lake. When they looked towards the lake they saw two hands came up with a baby and it was taken down into the water again. It is believed that she is the reigning queen of the lake and therefore no one has drowned or died in this lake. It is said that the spirits living in the lake used to bring up from the water different kinds of weapons. It is also said that such amazing episodes were stopped only when a British army officer swam in to the centre of the lake with a written note and dropped it into the water. These are just few of the many legends passed down to the present generation.
(Internet Sources)
(Featured Image: Hotel Lake Shilloi)
