Jowai is a town located in the Jaintia Hills district of the northeastern state of Meghalaya in India. It is the administrative headquarters of the district and is situated approximately 64 kilometers away from the state capital, Shillong. Jowai is surrounded by lush green hills, scenic waterfalls, and natural caves that attract tourists from all over the country. The town has a diverse population and is home to several ethnic communities, including the Pnar, the War, and the Bhoi. The economy of Jowai is largely dependent on agriculture, with rice being the main crop grown in the region. Other important economic activities in the town include mining, handloom weaving, and handicrafts. Jowai is also known for its rich cultural heritage and hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Behdienkhlam festival, which is celebrated in July every year.
Places to Visit in Jowai
Jowai is a beautiful town located in the Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India. Here are some of the top places to visit in Jowai:
Krang Suri Falls: It is a stunning waterfall located near the village of Amlarem, about 30 km from Jowai.
Thadlaskein Lake: It is a serene lake located in the heart of Jowai town, and is a popular spot for picnics and fishing.
Nartiang Monoliths: It is a cluster of ancient monoliths located in Nartiang village, about 24 km from Jowai.
Syntu Ksiar: It is a beautiful garden located in the heart of Jowai town, and is a popular spot for relaxation and recreation.
Ialong Park: It is a beautiful park located in the village of Ialong, about 25 km from Jowai.
Tyrshi Falls: It is a beautiful waterfall located near the village of Pdengshnong, about 10 km from Jowai.
Thadlaskein View Point: It is a popular spot for tourists to get a panoramic view of Jowai town and its surroundings.
Durga Temple: It is a famous temple located in the heart of Jowai town, and is a popular spot for religious tourists.
Lalong Park: It is a beautiful park located in the village of Lalong, about 20 km from Jowai.
Dawki River: It is a beautiful river located near the village of Dawki, about 60 km from Jowai.
Best Time To Visit Jowai
The best time to visit Jowai is during the winter months of November to February when the weather is dry and pleasant. The temperature during this time ranges between 10°C to 20°C, which makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The monsoon season in Jowai starts from June and lasts till September, and the town receives heavy rainfall during this time. The roads and trekking trails can become slippery and difficult to navigate, making it less than ideal for tourists.
The summer season in Jowai starts from March to May, and the temperature during this time can go up to 30°C. The heat and humidity can make it uncomfortable for outdoor activities, although it can still be a good time to visit if you plan to explore the waterfalls and lakes in the area.
Overall, the best time to visit Jowai is during the winter season when the weather is pleasant, and the town’s natural beauty is at its best.
Things to Do in Jowai
Jowai is a beautiful town located in the Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India, offering a variety of activities to do for visitors. Here are some of the top things to do in Jowai:
Visit Krang Suri Falls: It is a stunning waterfall located near the village of Amlarem, about 30 km from Jowai, where visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim and take in the beautiful scenery.
Explore Nartiang Monoliths: It is a cluster of ancient monoliths located in Nartiang village, about 24 km from Jowai, and offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the region.
Enjoy boating in Thadlaskein Lake: It is a serene lake located in the heart of Jowai town, where visitors can enjoy boating and fishing.
Trek to Syntu Ksiar: It is a beautiful garden located in the heart of Jowai town, where visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk and soak in the natural beauty of the area.
Visit Ialong Park: It is a beautiful park located in the village of Ialong, about 25 km from Jowai, where visitors can enjoy a picnic and take in the scenic views.
Take a dip in Tyrshi Falls: It is a beautiful waterfall located near the village of Pdengshnong, about 10 km from Jowai, where visitors can enjoy a swim and take in the stunning natural beauty.
Enjoy the view from Thadlaskein View Point: It is a popular spot for tourists to get a panoramic view of Jowai town and its surroundings.
Visit Durga Temple: It is a famous temple located in the heart of Jowai town, and is a popular spot for religious tourists.
Take a stroll in Lalong Park: It is a beautiful park located in the village of Lalong, about 20 km from Jowai, where visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk and relax.
Explore Dawki River: It is a beautiful river located near the village of Dawki, about 60 km from Jowai, where visitors can enjoy a boat ride and take in the scenic views.
How to get around in Jowai
Jowai is a small town, and getting around is relatively easy. Here are some ways to get around in Jowai:
Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are readily available in Jowai, and they are an affordable and convenient way to get around the town. You can hire an auto-rickshaw for a day to visit nearby attractions.
Taxis: Taxis are also available in Jowai, and they can be booked for a full day or for a specific destination.
Private cars: If you prefer to explore Jowai at your own pace, you can hire a private car with a driver. This can be arranged through a travel agency or hotel.
Buses: Local buses are available in Jowai, and they connect the town with nearby villages and towns. However, the frequency and schedule of buses can be unreliable.
Walking: Jowai is a small town, and many attractions are located within walking distance. Walking is a great way to explore the town and take in its natural beauty.
It’s recommended to negotiate the fare before getting into any mode of transportation, especially auto-rickshaws and taxis.
Where to eat in Jowai
Jowai offers a variety of dining options that serve both traditional and modern cuisine. Here are some popular places to eat in Jowai:
Sangri Restaurant: It is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Jowai, serving both Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Serenity Restaurant: It is a popular restaurant located near the Thadlaskein Lake, serving delicious Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Cafe Awakenings: It is a small cafe located in the heart of Jowai, serving a variety of snacks, coffee, and tea.
CAFE Masala: It is a popular restaurant located near the Jowai Presbyterian Church, serving a variety of Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Pawan Hotel and Restaurant: It is a popular restaurant located in Jowai, serving delicious Indian cuisine, especially North Indian food.
Aromas Multicuisine Restaurant: It is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Jowai, serving both Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Elite Restaurant: It is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Jowai, serving a variety of snacks, North Indian food, and Chinese cuisine.
Japfu Restaurant: It is a popular restaurant located near the Jowai police station, serving a variety of North Indian and Chinese cuisine.
In addition to these, there are several small roadside eateries in Jowai that offer delicious local food, such as Jadoh (rice cooked with meat and spices) and Dohneiiong (pork cooked with black sesame seeds).
Famous street stalls in Jowai
Jowai is a small town, and it is not very popular for its street food. However, there are a few street stalls that serve delicious local food. Here are some famous street stalls in Jowai:
Sangeeta’s Snacks Stall: It is a small roadside stall located near the Jowai market, serving a variety of snacks such as samosas, kachoris, and jalebis.
Ram’s Fast Food Stall: It is a popular street stall located near the Jowai police station, serving delicious momos and fried rice.
Neelam’s Tea Stall: It is a small roadside stall located near the Jowai market, serving hot and refreshing tea.
Shan-e-Punjab Dhaba: It is a small roadside stall located near the Jowai market, serving delicious North Indian food such as chole bhature, parathas, and lassi.
Bina’s Snacks Stall: It is a popular street stall located near the Jowai police station, serving a variety of snacks such as samosas, kachoris, and pakoras.
These street stalls offer affordable and tasty food options for visitors to Jowai. However, it is recommended to eat at your own risk and choose the stalls that look clean and hygienic.
Where to stay in Jowai
Luxury accommodation
Jowai is a small town in Meghalaya, and there are limited options for luxury accommodation. However, there are a few options that provide a comfortable and luxurious stay for visitors. Here are some luxury accommodation options in Jowai:
Hill Crest Guest House: It is a beautiful guest house located on a hilltop, offering stunning views of the town and the surrounding hills. The guest house provides comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant serving delicious food, and a well-manicured garden.
The Aryan Regency: It is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Jowai, providing comfortable rooms with modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and en suite bathrooms. The hotel also features a restaurant serving delicious food, a bar, and a fitness center.
Lum Mawshun Residency: It is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Jowai, providing comfortable rooms with modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and en suite bathrooms. The hotel also features a restaurant serving delicious food, a bar, and a fitness center.
Hotel Polo Orchid: It is a luxurious hotel located in Shillong, about 50 km from Jowai. The hotel provides comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant serving delicious food, a bar, and a spa.
These luxury accommodations provide a comfortable stay with modern amenities and excellent services. However, it’s always recommended to book in advance to ensure availability.
Where to stay in Jowai
Budget accommodation
Jowai is a small town in Meghalaya, and there are several budget accommodation options available for visitors. Here are some budget accommodation options in Jowai:
Jowai Guest House: It is a budget guest house located in the heart of Jowai, offering comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as hot water, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV.
Sai Mika Resort: It is a budget resort located in the outskirts of Jowai, offering comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as hot water, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV. The resort also features a restaurant serving delicious food and a garden.
Hotel Royal Heritage: It is a budget hotel located in the heart of Jowai, offering comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as hot water, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV. The hotel also features a restaurant serving delicious food.
Hotel Jowai Valley: It is a budget hotel located in the heart of Jowai, offering comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as hot water, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV. The hotel also features a restaurant serving delicious food.
These budget accommodations provide a comfortable stay with basic amenities at an affordable price. However, it’s always recommended to book in advance to ensure availability.
Travel Tips Jowai
If you’re planning a trip to Jowai, here are some travel tips that can help you make the most of your trip:
Pack appropriately: Jowai is located in Meghalaya, which receives a lot of rainfall throughout the year. So, it’s essential to pack rain gear and comfortable shoes for walking on wet and muddy surfaces.
Plan your itinerary: Jowai is a small town, and there are limited tourist attractions. So, it’s essential to plan your itinerary in advance and make the most of your time.
Respect local culture: Meghalaya is home to several indigenous communities with unique cultures and traditions. It’s important to respect their culture and traditions and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Try local cuisine: Meghalaya is known for its delicious cuisine, which includes a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. So, don’t miss the chance to try local delicacies such as Jadoh (rice dish), Doh Khleh (pork salad), and Tungrymbai (fermented soybean dish).
Hire a local guide: Hiring a local guide can help you get a better understanding of the local culture and history of the place. They can also show you around the lesser-known tourist spots.
Be prepared for limited transportation options: Jowai is a small town, and there are limited public transportation options. So, it’s advisable to hire a private car or motorbike to get around the town and nearby tourist spots.
Respect the environment: Meghalaya is known for its natural beauty, and it’s important to respect the environment and not litter or damage the natural surroundings.
By following these tips, you can have a comfortable and enjoyable trip to Jowai.