NE India
Jowai
Capital of the Jaintia Hills
Original: Chirnzb Derivative work: UnpetitproleX · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Meghalaya
Capital of the Jaintia Hills
Jowai is the headquarters of the Jaintia Hills, the eastern part of Meghalaya, a pleasant town on a loop of the Myntdu river and the cultural centre of the Pnar (Jaintia) people. It is the base for one of the most rewarding and least-crowded corners of the state.
Around Jowai lie the spectacular Krang Suri and Phe Phe waterfalls, the crystal Lyngksiar and Umngot streams, the ancient monoliths and Durga temple of Nartiang, and quieter living root bridges away from the Cherrapunji crowds. The dramatic Behdienkhlam festival, when towering decorated raths are hauled through the town, is held here each July.
Photo: Original: Chirnzb Derivative work: UnpetitproleX · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
What it's known for
- The capital of the Jaintia Hills and centre of Pnar culture
- The Behdienkhlam festival each July
- A gateway to Krang Suri falls, Nartiang and Jaintia root bridges
- Coal and limestone country, and clean-river tourism
Explore
What to see in & around Jowai
See & do
- Krang Suri and Phe Phe waterfalls
- The Nartiang monoliths and Durga temple
- The Behdienkhlam festival (July)
- Jaintia Hills living root bridges and the Thadlaskein lake
Getting there
About 1.5–2 hours by road from Shillong on the way to Silchar; the nearest airport is Guwahati.