Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya – Where Nature Still Breathes Freely

The Jaintia Hills form the easternmost and arguably the least explored part of Meghalaya. Named after the ancient Jaintia Kingdom and the indigenous Pnar (Jaintia) people, this mountainous region lies quietly between the better-known Khasi Hills and the Indo-Bangladesh borderlands. Administratively divided into West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills, the region is defined by spotless rivers, emerald lakes, towering waterfalls, limestone caves and forests that still feel untouched by mass tourism.

Unlike Shillong, Cherrapunjee or even parts of the Garo Hills, tourism in Jaintia Hills remains at a nascent and low-impact stage. This is precisely what makes it attractive to experienced travellers. The West Jaintia Hills see relatively more visitors due to easier access and better-developed sightseeing circuits around Jowai, while East Jaintia Hills remain quieter, more rugged and ideal for slow exploration.

For travellers who want to experience Meghalaya beyond postcards, the Jaintia Hills offer raw beauty, deep-rooted culture, and a sense of discovery that is becoming increasingly rare.

Getting to Jaintia Hills – Routes and Connectivity

The most convenient gateways to Jaintia Hills are Shillong Airport, Guwahati Airport, or Guwahati Railway Station. From Shillong, Jowai, the headquarters of West Jaintia Hills, is well-connected by road and can be reached in approximately two to three hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Tourist vehicles regularly operate on National Highway 40, making Jowai one of the easiest hill towns in Meghalaya to access.

Travellers coming directly from Guwahati can bypass Shillong by using NH-44 and connecting to NH-40 near Mawryngkneng, which often saves time. For East Jaintia Hills, the approach remains the same, with roads branching off from NH-44. This highway is now a two-lane, all-season motorable road, making year-round access more reliable than in the past.

For comfort, flexibility and efficient sightseeing, most visitors prefer private vehicles or curated tour packages, especially when covering multiple waterfalls and villages spread across the hills.

Krang Suri Falls and the Natural Icons of Jaintia Hills

Among all attractions in the region, Krang Suri Falls has emerged as the visual signature of Jaintia Hills. Located about 90 kilometres from Shillong, the waterfall is celebrated for its turquoise-blue pool, dramatic limestone backdrop and forested surroundings. In recent years, improved access paths and viewing areas have made it easier to visit, while controlled entry has helped maintain cleanliness. Despite its growing fame, Krang Suri still feels refreshingly uncrowded compared to Meghalaya’s mainstream waterfalls.

Another significant attraction is Tyrshi Falls, situated roughly five kilometres from Jowai on the Shillong–Jowai road. While smaller than Krang Suri, Tyrshi charms visitors with its accessibility and lush surroundings, making it a popular stop during local sightseeing.

Thadlaskein Lake, a manmade but culturally important water body in West Jaintia Hills, offers a quieter experience. Considered sacred by the people of Raid Mukhla, the lake is both a picnic spot and a spiritual site where rituals and offerings continue to this day. The surrounding landscape makes it ideal for a relaxed afternoon away from road travel.

Nartiang Village – Stones, Kings and Sacred Memory

The village of Nartiang is one of the most historically significant places in Jaintia Hills. Once the summer capital of the Jaintia Kings, the village still holds the ruins of the royal palace, offering a glimpse into the region’s pre-colonial past. Nearby stands the famous Nartiang Monoliths, a remarkable collection of upright stone structures believed to be among the tallest monoliths in the world.

These monoliths are not mere archaeological curiosities. They represent social memory, justice and honour, erected to commemorate important events and leaders of the Jaintia Kingdom. The presence of the Durga Temple in Nartiang also reflects the complex interweaving of indigenous belief systems and later Hindu influences.

Khim Moo Sniang and Living Traditions

Khim Moo Sniang, a culturally important site in West Jaintia Hills, revolves around a pig-shaped sacred stone worshipped by the local community. Believed to be a protector deity, the site is deeply woven into everyday life. Today, the area has organically evolved into a lively local hub with food joints and small shops selling traditional dishes and regional products. For travellers, this is one of the best places to experience local cuisine and everyday Jaintia life without the filter of tourism.

Weather in Jaintia Hills – Choosing the Right Season

The best time to visit Jaintia Hills is between March and June, when the climate remains moderate, roads are clear, and waterfalls flow gracefully without becoming dangerous. Summer temperatures are pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing, village walks and cultural exploration.

The monsoon season, usually from July to September, brings heavy rainfall. While the hills turn dramatically green and waterfalls are at their fullest, landslides and road disruptions are common. Monsoon travel is best left to seasoned travellers with flexible itineraries.

Winters can be surprisingly cold, especially in the evenings and early mornings, and are generally less suitable for extended outdoor exploration.

Local People, Culture and Everyday Life

The Pnar or Jaintia people are a sub-tribe of the Khasi community, sharing linguistic and cultural similarities while maintaining their distinct identity. Music, oral traditions and craftsmanship play a central role in daily life. The Pnar are skilled in weaving, bamboo and cane work, wood carving and jewellery making, with many households still practising these crafts.

Rice remains the staple food, accompanied by meat and locally grown vegetables. Traditional festivals such as Tuber, Chad Shukra, Chad Pastieh and Shad Khla mark agricultural cycles and community bonding. The indigenous religion, Niamtre, continues to influence cultural practices, although Christianity, introduced during British rule, is now widely followed.

Forests, Wildlife and Sacred Nature

The forests of Jaintia Hills are not just ecological spaces but sacred landscapes. According to Khasi and Jaintia mythology, a divine ladder once connected earth and heaven until humans broke their bond with nature. This belief underpins the strong conservation ethos found across the hills.

The region supports a wide range of wildlife, including Indian elephants, stump-tailed macaques, leopards, gaur, sambar, barking deer, sloth bears, Himalayan black bears and hoolock gibbons, along with numerous bird species, some of them rare and endemic. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, the sheer ecological richness makes the Jaintia Hills a rewarding destination for nature-focused travellers.

Where to Stay and How to Travel

Accommodation options in Jaintia Hills are steadily improving. Jowai offers basic hotels and guesthouses suitable for short stays, while a growing number of homestays provide authentic experiences in villages. Luxury hotels are still limited, but many travellers combine Jaintia Hills with Shillong for more upscale stays.

Because attractions are spread out and public transport is limited, most visitors benefit from customised tour packages that include transport, accommodation and guided sightseeing.

Explore Jaintia Hills with NBTT

The Jaintia Hills reward travellers who move beyond rushed itineraries. NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited (NBTT) specialises in crafting immersive Meghalaya journeys that balance comfort with authenticity.

If you are planning Jaintia Hills sightseeing, waterfall trails, cultural tours or a broader Meghalaya circuit, speak to NBTT at +919733300696 for thoughtfully designed itineraries backed by local expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jaintia Hills

How many days are ideal for Jaintia Hills?
Two to three days are ideal for West Jaintia Hills, while an additional day is recommended if visiting East Jaintia.

Is Jaintia Hills suitable for family travel?
Yes, especially West Jaintia Hills. However, infrastructure is basic, so expectations should be set accordingly.

Can Jaintia Hills be combined with Dawki or Shillong?
Yes, Jaintia Hills combine well with Dawki, Mawlynnong and Shillong in a single itinerary.

Is Krang Suri Falls open throughout the year?
Generally, yes, but access may be restricted during heavy rains for safety reasons.

Unpolished, culturally alive and naturally abundant, the Jaintia Hills represent Meghalaya at its most genuine. For travellers who value depth over display, this eastern frontier quietly delivers some of the state’s most memorable experiences.