Jowai, the headquarters of the Jaintia Hills district, serves as the natural base for exploring this eastern part of Meghalaya, including the Nartiang monoliths, Krang Suri Falls and the wider Jaintia cultural landscape somewhat distinct from the more heavily promoted Khasi Hills circuit around Shillong and Cherrapunji. The town itself retains a strong Jaintia cultural identity, with local markets and festivals reflecting traditions specific to this community.
As a less touristy, more purely functional district town compared to Shillong or Cherrapunji, Jowai offers visitors a chance to experience everyday Jaintia Hills life, and its position gives practical access to several of the region's notable but less-visited natural and heritage attractions scattered through the surrounding countryside.
As the traditional centre of Jaintia Hills administration and culture, Jowai has long maintained a distinct identity within Meghalaya, reflecting the specific Jaintia traditions and history that differ in various respects from the neighbouring Khasi communities further west.
October to April.
About 65km from Shillong, roughly 2 hours by road.
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