20-11-2025
Jowai, located amid the grand Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, is a charming and enchanting town renowned for its peaceful vibe, deep cultural roots, and mesmerising natural scenery. The city offers a stunning combination of undulating hills, scenic waterfalls, and indigenous heritage, making it appear like something straight out of a fairy tale. Jowai persists as an unconventional destination or offbeat compared to other prominent locations in Meghalaya, which delivers tranquillity. This enchanting town remains a hidden gem, ready to be explored with many beautiful places, calling those who seek adventure and peace. Thus, delve into the article and jot down the best places to visit in Jowai.
Places You Should Not Miss in Jowai
1. Krang Suri
Krang Suri Falls is a covert waterfall near Jowai, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and scenic beauty. It is hands down one of the most beautiful sites in Meghalaya, and it witnesses a very small tourist crowd. Krang Suri's majestic stream of water, the sparkling blue water, and its location give it an undefinable beauty, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors. Remember that visitors must complete a 20-minute trek to reach the location, but the diligence will pay off once you see the view.
- Location: Krang Suri R, Umlarem, Meghalaya
- Best Time to Visit: Between October and May
- Things to Do: Swimming, Boating, and more.
2. Tyrshi Waterfall
Tyrshi Falls is a picturesque waterfall situated in Meghalaya's Jaintia Hills district. It remains one of the lesser-known sites and is an absolute hidden treasure compared to other waterfalls in Meghalaya. The falls offer a breathtaking view amid a peaceful setting. The waterfall cascades in multiple stages, with water surging over cliffs into a pool below. The surrounding landscape is lush and fertile, dotted with rice fields and walking paths, allowing visitors to appreciate the scenic view from an elevated position or to descend to the base of the falls via a hike.
- Location: Jowai, Meghalaya
- Best Time to Visit: September to December
- Things to Do: Click photos, enjoy a picnic, or hike.
3. Umlawan Cave
Located in an unbothered and alienated village, Lumshnong, is Umalawan Cave, a grand cave considered the longest in the subcontinent. With over 24 entrances, the cave encompasses an area of over 21 km and about 100 meters of depth, equipped with complex limestone formations including stalactites and stalagmites. Though the cave has multiple entrances, the primary one is at the Lumshnong village and is used as a washing place for the villagers. Unlike other places in Jowai, Umlawan Cave lures a notable number of visitors and tourists each year, making it a site amongst the top caves in Meghalaya.
- Location: Lumshnong Village, Jowai, Meghalaya
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Things to Do: Explore the cave and unique limestone formations.
4. Nartiang Monoliths
Nartiang Monoliths, located in Nartiang, Jowai, is the most extensive collection of monoliths or megalithic stones present at a single spot. These stones are called Menhis, or upright stones, along with Moo Shynrang and Dolmens, or flat stones, which are locally called Moo Kynthai. The site is one of the most uncommon places to add to your bucket list, with hundreds of monoliths of all sizes placed by the old kings in Jowai. These monoliths are expected to be assembled around 1500 to 1835 CE, by the famous personalities of Jaintia Hills, such as U Mar Phalyngki and U Luh Lyngskor Lamare. The tallest Menhir is said to have been placed by U Mar Phalyngki, a trustworthy lieutenant of the Jaintia King, to commemorate his victory in the battle.
- Location: Natiang Rd, Nartiang, Meghalaya
- Best Time to Visit: October to May
- Things to Do: Explore the ancient stones and visit the 600-year-old Nartiang Durga Temple.
5. Syntu Ksiar
Syntu Ksiar is locally known as the Flower of Gold. It is situated on the banks of a tranquil minted river. This lovely spot is a favourite for the locals of Jowai town, who enjoy fishing and swimming there. It is now becoming a cherished destination for travellers and is among the popular Jowai Tourist Places. You will notice a long steel wire bridge spanning the river, adding a charming touch to the scenery. With its beautiful water-cropping structure and peaceful atmosphere, visiting the picnic spot away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life can help relax your mind and refresh yourself.
- Location: Jowai, Meghalaya
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Things to Do: Visit Living Root Bridge and Thadlaskein Lake.
6. Jarain Pitcher Plant Lake
The Water Conservation Department of the Government of Meghalaya established this Pitcher Plant lake in Jowai. It is located on the right side of the Jowai -Amlarem Road. Remarkably fascinating flesh-eating pitcher plants encircle the area. Visitors can enjoy the boat rides on this lake, offering a memorable experience. Covering an area of 50,000 square meters, this picturesque lake nurtures these carnivorous plants and has become one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Jowai. The surrounding features include gravel pathways, arch bridges, a pitcher plant garden, and a greenhouse centre.
- Location: Jowai, Meghalaya
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Things to Do: Enjoy the picnic, boat ride, or see the carnivorous pitcher plants.
7. Thadlaskein Lake
Thadlaskein Lake is located on National Highway 6, beside a hamlet, Mukhla, in Jowai, Meghalaya. The lake is artificial or man-made and is said to have been dug out by the soldiers of Jaintia Chief Sajar Nangli with the tips of their arrows before he was exiled. This is how it got its name and holds the legacy of Sajar Nangli. For now, it is among the biggest lakes in Meghalaya. The lake has become a popular picnic spot for tourists and locals, and is a special place for the Raid Mukhla people, who still make sacrifices near the lake. To witness the true beauty of this place, consider arriving here in the post-monsoon season, lasting from September to October.
- Location: Mukhla, West Jaingia Hills, Meghalaya.
- Best Time to Visit: September to October
- Things to Do: Boating, Picnicking, or admiring nature.
8. Lalong Park
Lalong Park is a tranquil, hidden treasure among lush hills and breathtaking landscapes. Make sure to include it in your Jowai bucket list, as it is renowned for its fresh air, stunning scenery, and peaceful vibe. Whether engaging in leisurely walks along scenic pathways, observing diverse flora and fauna, or enjoying a tranquil picnic with loved ones, Lalong Park caters to various preferences. The overall setting of this site is ideal for families, friends, or individuals seeking peace from the urban commotion. Additionally, the park is well equipped with water dams, toilets, and changing rooms to ensure a convenient experience for visitors.
- Location: Lalong, Jowai, Meghalaya
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Things to Do: Explore Lalong Park, Indulge in photography, visit sacred sites and more.
9. Mawlynnong
Mawlynnong, a village in Meghalaya, is fondly named God's Garden because of its enchantment. The village boasts a pastoral elegance reflected in the traditional houses, friendly locals, and lush greenery surrounding it. Mawlynnong is the cleanest village in Asia, and the title was given in 2003. Besides cleanliness, this village has a 100% literacy rate, and women's empowerment is at its peak, which is currently unmatchable. The lush greenery surrounds the area, which makes it even more captivating for the visitors, with a primary attraction, the Nohwet Living Root Bridge. The bridge is built with traditional Khasi architecture and is made from the roots of the Ficus Elastica tree.
- Location: East Khasi Hills District, Jowai, Meghalaya
- Best Time to Visit: October to November
- Things to Do: Explore the village, visit the famous living root bridge, and visit other local attractions, such as the balancing rocks.
10. Stone Bridge
The stone bridge located in Thlumuwi, approximately 16 kilometres from Jowai bus stand, was constructed by the warriors of the Jaintia Hills, U Mar Phalyngki and U Luh Lamare. It facilitated travel between the Summer capital, Nartiang and the Winter capital, Jaintapur. Composed of large stone slabs supported by a tall stone column, this bridge was established nearly 500 years ago and is reputed to have been among the most robust bridges of its era. Its structural integrity was compromised when an elephant attempted to cross it. Due to its historical and architectural significance, it is a prominent tourist attraction in Jowai. The bridge symbolises prehistoric monuments, fashioned from large stones. The primary purpose of constructing this remarkable structure was to provide a crossing over the river, which becomes challenging during the monsoon season, owing to the flooding caused by water from Thlumuwi Falls.
- Location: Chkentalang Village, Jowai, Meghalaya
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Things to do: Explore the nearby area and indulge in picnicking.
11. Dawki
Dawki is a small border town in the western Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. It is renowned for its pristine Umngot River and Supesnin Bridge. It is a prominent tourist destination in northeastern India, attracting visitors who wish to enjoy its natural beauty and tranquillity. The region presents a harmonious blend of cultures, as Meghalaya's mountains converge with the plains of northern Bangladesh. During the evening, the setting sun casts a luminous glow over the dark, flowing river at the border. A nearby village, Shnongpdeng, situated 8km to the north, is recognised for offering adventure activities such as scuba diving, zip lining, snorkelling, kayaking, and more adventure activities to indulge in.
- Location: West Jaintia Hills, Jowai, Meghalaya
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Things to do: Kayaking, Snorkelling, Zip Lining, and more.
Conclusion
Unlike highly acknowledged locations such as Cherrapunji and Shillong in Meghalaya, Jowai is a hidden treasure in the lap of the Jaintia hills. Since the place is unacknowledged and less popular, there is no shortage of pristine and untouched locations around it. Each site tells a different story, but they all share one thing: peace and mesmerising natural beauty. Given the overall nature of the place, those who seek tranquillity amidst nature shall search no further locations and begin their planning to visit Jowai. The article also discusses the best locations and sites in Jowai, offering you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thus, jot down the best places you can visit in Jowai, and feed your wanderlust with the adventures it desires.