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Jowai Travel Guide
Jowai is a quaint town located in the Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India. Known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, Jowai is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore the less explored regions of the state.
Jowai or Jwai as it is locally called is a picturesque town that you shall consider visiting this year. It is situated on a plateau, is one such place. The developing and very important town of Jowai is located at 1380 m above sea level and it is the district headquarters of West Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya.
It is just 50 kilometers away from the Indo-Bangladesh border and around 60 kilometers from Shillong. If you are in mood to drive down from Guwahati then reaching Jowai through National Highway 44 is suitable as it has ease of connectivity with all the other cities and states in the North East of India. Steeped in cultural heritage of Meghalaya and the wide amalgamation of various tribes in Jowai, is this small town. It is located 57 km from Dawki one of the most attractive destination in Meghalaya.
Jowai has the river Myntdu gurgling by it and has East Khasi Hills district guarding it from the West and Bangladesh in the South. Jowai is also a home to the Pnar tribe. It is here at the Myntdu river, the Syntu Ksiar memorial is built honoring the legendary freedom fighter, Kiang Nangbah.
The town has become a hot spot for tourists, honeymoon couples, and photographers and has all the basic amenities to offer them. Jowai is blessed with plenty of natural spots like waterfalls, parks and greenery all round. For those interested in history and archeology, Jowai is home to many ancient megaliths known as Nartiang Monoliths, which are stone structures that date back to prehistoric times. These megaliths are believed to be associated with the culture and customs of the local tribes and are a testament to the rich history of the region. These monoliths or menhirs were erected between 1500 A.D. and 1835 A.D. The tallest stone menhir was erected by the Lieutenant of Jaintia King, U Mar Phalyngki to commemorate his victory.
Other places to visit in Jowai are Krang Suri Falls, Ialong Park, Iooksi(Kupli) Park and Umlawn caves that are simply gorgeous all year round.
Check our Meghalaya tour packages to find the most suitable Jowai package tour for you.
Krang Suri Falls
Nartiang Monoliths
Behdienklam Festival
Major tourist attractions in Jowai
- Nartiang Monoliths
- Thadlaskein Lake
- Ialong Park
- Iooksi (Kupli) Park
- Krang Shuri Falls
- Tyrshi Falls
- Muwi Falls
- Syndai Falls
- U Lum Sunaraja
- Umlawan Cave
- Syndai caves
Major Festivals of Jowai
The colorful three-day festival of Behdienklam is one of the most significant festivals celebrated by the Pnar tribe that is celebrated by young and old. It is generally celebrated with great grandeur in the mid of July. Music, dance and rituals make this festival a grand affair. Datlawakor, a local version of football is played in the evening on the days of festival. If you are by any chance here during these days this year, then do not forget to capture these moments on your camera.
Chad Sukra is another important festival celebrated in Jowai in the 1st week of April, by the people following the Niamtre faith. Only after the festival's celebration, the farmers sow the seeds in their lands. Laho Dance is an enjoyable dance festival held annually, where men and women adorn themselves and dance to the music played using the traditional musical instruments. Book a holiday to Jowai during this festival time and get to enjoy the local flavours of Jowai and Meghalaya.
Where to stay in Jowai
Basic hotels and homestays are available for stay in Jowai. Some best homestays and hotels are Amaara Homestay, HeiJo's Homestay, Odyssey Stays Jowai, Hotel Highwinds Lakeside etc. All these accommodations are equipped with basic amenities and good home cooked food.
Weather of Jowai
Meghalaya is a monsoon destination the predominant season is rainy season when the weather is very pleasant with occasional gentle shower. But it is frequented by tourist all year round. Read more about season wise weather details in Jowai.
Summer
Summers are not very warm and the temperature ranges within 25 degree Celsius. The entire season of summer is not long lasting and starts by March and ends on August. The season is hot and dry typically Tropical by nature. However, this is the best time for the tourists since this means getting wet in the waterfalls or go dipping in the lakes would be just as refreshing.
Monsoons
Beginning of April to end of September in all these months the entire Jaintia hills and Jowai experiences the rains. Moderate to heavy rainfall marks this season and just be sure to carry your raincoats or umbrellas if you have to be here.
Winter
The season of Winter stretches from the October to February. The temperature can range between 4 degree Celsius to 10 degrees during the peak of the season and by February end, it can reach around 22 degrees Celsius.
How to reach
By Air
By Air, you can reach Umroi airport or Shillong Airport which is the nearest airport. From there, you can take a private cab or a shared taxi to reach Jowai.
By Road
Jowai is located on National Highway 44, it has got excellent road connectivity with the other North Eastern cities and states. Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar and Bangladesh, parts of Manipur and Assam all connected via NH44. However, from Shillong, you can hire a cab or shared Sumos to reach Jowai.