Jowai is a major tourism hub in the West Jaintia Hills district of the north-eastern state Meghalaya. While it may appear as a remote town on first look, Jowai is well-equipped with all basic amenities and is quite popular among domestic tourists for a short weekend getaway. The beautiful panoramas of Jowai are exclusive to this region, and the fascinating fusion of local heritage and the vibrant culture is reflected in the unique lifestyle of the native residents. Local festivals like Chad Sukra and Behdeinkhlam are worth checking out if one plans their trip around these events. The lakes, waterfalls, lush green parks and historical structures of Jowai are perfect for making tourism covetable. Check out our travel guide for more details about Jowai.

By Air: 

The nearest airport from Jowai is the Shillong Airport, which is located just 36 km away but has limited flight routes. Travellers can find better flight access from across different cities in the country to the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam. Private cars and taxis can be taken from either airport to Jowai.

By Road:

The National Highway 44 connects Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya and some parts of Tripura; Jowai lies on a point along this highway. Tata Sumo and Tata Indica are the best cars for transport services, and the most convenient way to travel to Jowai via road since tourist buses don’t frequent much through these routes. You can also go for a shared car to cheapen the deal.

Summer (March – May):

One of the most ideal seasons to explore Jowai, summers witness warm and pleasant weather with temperatures averaging between 22-30⁰C and low humidity levels that allow visitors to enjoy the outdoor attractions in Jowai to their heart’s content. This mild season lasts for just a few months before the arrival of much longer-lasting monsoons.

Monsoon (June - October):

Monsoons in Jowai are associated with heavy rainfall and are not the best time for tourists to plan a visit. The heavy rains bring immense beauty to the region and its green landscapes, but the roads can get treacherous and make travelling in this part of the state quite risky during this time. Apart from the rains, the weather is pleasant but the humidity levels remain high.

Winter (November - February):

The winter season in Jowai can be moderate to severe cold; temperatures range between 10-20⁰C, with January being the chilliest month of the season when temperatures can dip as low as 4⁰C. Tourists love visiting Jowai during the winters to enjoy its cool climate and misty landscapes. Carry adequate woollens if planning a trip during these months.

Explore the Nartiang Monoliths:

The Nartiang Monoliths are situated in the Nartiang Village, which is the largest collection of its kind in Meghalaya. Known as the ‘Garden of Monoliths’, it consists of numerous stones from different eras in history and are some of the oldest structures in the region. The monoliths offer great insight into the historical significance of this place and detail the times they were set up here by the tribal kings.

Enjoy a Picnic at Ialong Park:

Best known for their sacred groves and beautiful views of the Pynthorwah Valley, the park is spread over an area of almost 13 hectares and has comfortable lodges for the convenience of those who’d like to spend some extra time amongst the mesmerizing beauty and grassy slopes of Ialong Park.

Enjoy Water Sports at Krang Suri Falls:

Cascading down from a height of 40 feet, the Krang Suri waterfall has a calm and peaceful ambience and is situated in an offbeat location that can be reached after a 30-minute trek up a steep stone path leading from the parking spot in the Amlarem village to Krang Suri waterfall. The local administration has made facilities for visitors to participate in water sport activities here, with bathrooms and changing rooms available as well. The water is always so inviting that most visitors often can’t help themselves from taking a dip.

Jowai does not have any restaurants, but travellers can easily find numerous places to eat in nearby Shillong and along the highways. Some of the most popular spots among tourists are The Wok, Jaintia Food Stall, Trattoria, City Hut Family Dhaba etc. The region around Jowai specializes in non-vegetarian dishes and special regional preparations of meat, fish and pork. Vegetarians will usually find something to suit their palate, but their choices will remain mostly limited compared to the non-vegetarian dishes on offer in this region.