Most people visit Meghalaya and stick to the Shillong –Cherrapunji trail. But if you're willing to go a little further east, Jaintia Hills will genuinely surprise you. It’s a high-altitude region consisting of the West (headquartered in Jowai) and East Jaintia Hills districts.
Some of the most famous places to visit in Jaintia Hills include the stunning Krang Suri waterfalls, Asia’s largest megalithic monoliths at Nartiang, and India's longest limestone caves, Krem Liat Prah. It’s a perfect addition to your Meghalaya trip because it’s so accessible; you can easily drive from Shillong and reach Jowai (the main hub) in about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Despite this accessibility, this is one of those parts of Northeast India that still feels properly untouched. No big tourist crowds. No overpriced homestays on every corner. The region is home to the Pnar tribe, whose culture, matrilineal traditions, and festivals add a whole other layer to the experience.
Whether you're chasing popular tourist attractions in Meghalaya or more unexplored places, this list covers the very best of both. Here's exactly where to go.
17 Best Places To Visit In Jaintia Hills Of Meghalaya
Top Places In West Jaintia Hills
A perfect blend of cultural heritage and Meghalaya’s most iconic "postcard" landscapes. This is the more popular and accessible side of the region.
If there's one place that puts Jaintia Hills on the traveller's map, it's Krang Suri. The water here is an almost unreal shade of turquoise-blue, framed by dense forest on all sides. You can swim in the natural pool at the base (life jackets are provided), sit on the rocks and just stare at it, or walk behind the falls for a different perspective.
It's one of the most Instagrammable spots in Meghalaya and honestly, the photos don't do it full justice. Go early morning to beat the crowds and catch the light at its best.
- Location: Near Amlarem village, West Jaintia Hills (~90 km from Shillong)
- How to Reach: Drive via NH6 from Shillong; shared Sumos available from Jowai
- Best For: Photography, swimming, nature lovers
- Things to Do: Swimming with life jackets, walking behind the falls, picnicking by the pool
Nartiang is considered one of the most significant historic sites in Jaintia Hills. The village was once the summer capital of the Jaintia kings, and the monolith park here, locally called the "Garden of Monoliths", holds the largest collection of megalithic stones in Asia.
The park is filled with vertical Menhirs (Moo Shynrang) and flat Dolmens (Moo Kynthai), some of which stand over 8 meters tall without any mortar or cement and are over 500 years old.
The site has been declared of national significance under the Ancient Monuments Act. Right beside it are the ruins of the Jaintia king's Summer Palace.
- Location: Nartiang village, ~60 km from Shillong on NH6
- How to Reach: Taxi or shared vehicle from Jowai or Shillong
- Best For: History enthusiasts, heritage travellers, photography
- Things to Do: Walking through the monolith garden, exploring summer palace ruins, visiting the adjacent Durga Temple
3. Nartiang Durga Temple (Shakti Peeth)
Right next to the Nartiang Monoliths stands one of Meghalaya's most important religious sites. This Nartiang Durga Temple or Shri Maa Jayantee Temple is 600-year-old and is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. It is believed that Goddess Sati's left thigh fell here. The goddess is worshipped here as Jainteshwari.
What makes it one of the best historic sites in Jaintia hills is the blend of Hindu and indigenous Pnar traditions, the image of Durga is represented by a banana plant adorned with marigolds, following local custom. The Durga Puja celebrations here, with a fusion of Bengali and Khasi-Jaintia culture, are unlike anywhere else.
- Location: Nartiang village, West Jaintia Hills (~60 km from Shillong)
- How to Reach: Easily combined with the Nartiang Monoliths visit; taxi from Jowai
- Best For: Pilgrims, culture seekers, history buffs
- Things to Do: Temple darshan, attending Durga Puja (October), viewing ancient cannons on the temple grounds
If Krang Suri is Jaintia Hills' most famous waterfall, Phe Phe is its most exciting discovery. The name literally means "paradise" in the local Jaintia dialect and once you see it, that's hard to argue with. It's a two-tiered waterfall that drops into a stunning turquoise pool, set against a backdrop of layered hills and open sky.
Getting there is part of the experience, you cross a bamboo suspension bridge, walk about a kilometre through open fields and gentle slopes, then descend to the falls. It's one of the beautiful waterfalls in Meghalaya, flowing year-round, and still sees far fewer visitors than it deserves.
- Location: Shkentalang village, near Jarain, West Jaintia Hills (~80 km from Shillong, ~20 km from Jowai)
- How to Reach: Shared Sumo from Shillong to Jowai, then taxi to Jarain/Shkentalang; base is Paradise Adventure Camp
- Best For: Waterfall lovers, photographers, offbeat travellers, adventure seekers
- Things to Do: Swimming in the natural pool, photography, crossing the bamboo bridge, camping at Paradise Adventure Camp nearby
Dawki is a small border town in West Jaintia Hills where the Umngot River creates one of the most photographed scenes in all of Northeast India.
The water is so transparent that boats appear to float in mid-air, you can see the riverbed, fish, and smooth stones several feet below the surface. A boat ride here between October and March, when clarity is at its peak, is genuinely unlike anything else.
A few kilometres upstream, Shnongpdeng is the quieter, more adventurous side of the same river, perfect for kayaking, cliff jumping, ziplining, and camping on the riverbank overnight under open skies.
- Location: Dawki town & Shnongpdeng village, West Jaintia Hills (~82 km from Shillong, ~40 km from Jowai)
- How to Reach: Direct taxi or shared Sumo from Shillong; accessible from Jowai via the Jowai–Dawki road
- Best For: Photography, couples, adventure seekers, campers
- Things to Do: Boat ride on the Umngot River, visiting the 1932 Dawki suspension bridge, kayaking, ziplining, cliff jumping and riverside camping at Shnongpdeng.
Sua Ludong has been one of the unexplored waterfalls in Jaintia Hills for a long time. Located about 6 km from Paradise Adventure Camp, past the Phe Phe Falls route, this is a powerful cascade that drops into a deep natural pool surrounded by rocky cliffs and dense forest.
In the local Jaintia language, "Sua" refers to the last of the water in that place, while "Ludong" refers to the rocks along the sides of the fall. Visiting here, you're more likely to find local kids swimming and cliff-jumping than fellow tourists. It feels completely unfiltered. Ideally paired with a Phe Phe Falls visit on the same day.
- Location: Thangbuli village, Jarain area, West Jaintia Hills (~82 km from Shillong)
- How to Reach: Hired vehicle from Jowai toward Jarain; arrange through Paradise Adventure Camp for easiest access
- Best For: Offbeat travellers, adventure seekers, swimming enthusiasts
- Things to Do: Swimming in the natural pool, cliff jumping, photography, combined day trip with Phe Phe Falls
Tyrshi is one of those places to visit in Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya that rewards you for making the effort. Located about 5 km from Jowai on the Shillong–Jowai highway (NH44), the falls cascade down in multiple tiers into a milky white pool below.
The approach is through paddy fields and over a stone arch bridge, with the Pynthor Nien rice valley stretching out below you, the views from the bridge alone are worth stopping for. It's often compared to Elephant Falls in Shillong, but with far fewer tourists. A short hike down stone steps takes you to the base.
- Location: ~5 km from Jowai on NH44, West Jaintia Hills
- How to Reach: Easy drive or bike ride from Jowai town
- Best For: Photography, casual trekking, offbeat travellers
- Things to Do: Hiking down to the base, valley views from the arch bridge, photography during golden hour
Thadlaskein Lake is a man-made lake with a fascinating backstory. It was reportedly dug by warriors using their battle-bows as tools, to commemorate the departure of a chieftain who left the Jaintia kingdom to avoid a war.
Today, the lake is a peaceful picnic spot about 20 km from Jowai, surrounded by gentle hills. The Meghalaya Tourism board manages a small guesthouse here. It's considered sacred by the Raid Mukhala tribe. Paddle boating is available, and the lakeside walking paths are perfect for a slow, relaxed afternoon.
- Location: ~20 km from Jowai, off NH44, West Jaintia Hills
- How to Reach: Taxi from Jowai; the lake is accessible by road
- Best For: Families, couples, history-curious travellers
- Things to Do: Paddle boating, lakeside walks, picnicking, birdwatching
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Syntu Ksiar is a quiet riverside spot on the banks of the Myntdu river, popular with locals for picnics and leisurely walks. The setting is simple but genuinely beautiful, green hills, clear water, and almost no tourist infrastructure, which means it still feels like a local secret.
It's one of those offbeat places in Jaintia Hills that doesn't demand much from you. Just show up, sit by the river, and exhale. Great addition if you're based in Jowai and looking for an easy half-day outing.
If you're lucky enough to visit in July, you can witness the Behdeinkhlam Festival, the most important cultural event for the Jaintia people.
- Location: Near Jowai town, West Jaintia Hills
- How to Reach: Short drive or auto from Jowai centre
- Best For: Relaxation, family picnics, quiet nature walks
- Things to Do: River-side picnicking, walking trails, photography, local fishing activity
10. Ialong Park (Lalong Park)
Ialong Park is an eco-park spread across 13 hectares in the Ialong village area near Jowai and is among the top East Jaintia Hills tourist places. The park is known for its sacred groves and sweeping views of the Pynthorwah Valley and the Myntdu River below.
It's one of the popular places in Jaintia Hills for families and is regularly maintained by the district administration. The forest paths are shaded and well-kept, making it a genuinely pleasant place to walk. A calm, unhurried spot, good for catching your breath between more active sightseeing.
- Location: Ialong village, near Jowai, West Jaintia Hills
- How to Reach: Local auto or taxi from Jowai town
- Best For: Families, senior travellers, nature walks
- Things to Do: Walking through sacred groves, valley viewpoint, picnicking, birdwatching
For those who enjoy underground exploration, Umlawan Cave is a solid introduction to the limestone cave systems. It’s also one of the top places to visit in Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. The cave features dramatic stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years, and the passages wind through large chambers that open up unexpectedly.
It's part of the extensive limestone cave network that makes this region one of the most important caving destinations in India. The trek through the cave is genuinely exciting, though you'll want a local guide and good footwear. Not for the faint-hearted, but absolutely worth it.
- Location: West Jaintia Hills, accessible from Jowai
- How to Reach: Taxi or hired vehicle from Jowai; local guide recommended
- Best For: Adventure seekers, cave enthusiasts, offbeat travellers
- Things to Do: Cave trekking, stalactite and stalagmite viewing, photography
Best Places In East Jaintia Hills To Explore
This remote district is defined by its rugged terrain, untouched forest treks, and the world-class limestone cave systems. It’s home to some of the most offbeat places in Meghalaya attracting serious adventurers.
Krem Liat Prah is consistently listed among India's longest natural caves and is a serious destination for adventure travellers and spelunkers. The cave system has large chambers, winding tunnels, underground streams, and some truly dramatic rock formations.
It's not a walk-in tourist cave, exploration here requires preparation, a reliable local guide, and some physical fitness, making it one of the adventurous cave explorations in Meghalaya. It's home to the famous 'Aircraft Hangar,' a natural chamber so large it feels like an underground cathedral.
But if caving is your thing, this is one of the top tourist attractions in Jaintia Hills and arguably one of the most significant cave systems in South Asia. The experience is genuinely unlike anything else in the region.
- Location: West Jaintia Hills (near Shnongrim village area)
- How to Reach: Requires a hired vehicle from Jowai; arrange a guide in advance
- Best For: Adventure travellers, spelunkers, serious explorers
- Things to Do: Cave exploration, underground stream crossings, photography of rock formations
Moopun Falls is a well-rounded spot, and the government tourism board lists it as one of the top tourist attractions in Jaintia hills. The waterfall drops 110 feet and spreads 50 feet wide into a crystal-clear sandy pool along the Umjhai River in Mutong village.
What makes it stand out is the natural stone bridge right above the falls, the name itself comes from "Moo" (stone) and "Pun" (connect). Below the bridge, there's a natural swimming pool roughly 75 feet long. Rare pitcher plants grow directly out of the surrounding rocks, which you won't see at most other falls.
There's also a legendary connection to Umhang Lake through local folklore about the Water Goddess "Kyllang Le Iaw." Easily accessible and genuinely beautiful.
- Location: Mutong village, Sohkymphor, East Jaintia Hills (~25 km from both Jowai and Khliehriat, 10 km from NH44 at Kongong junction)
- How to Reach: Drive via NH44 to Kongong junction, then 10 km on a well-maintained road; taxi from Khliehriat
- Best For: Families, nature lovers, photographers, waterfall chasers
- Things to Do: Swimming in the natural pool, walking the stone bridge, spotting pitcher plants, picnicking on the sandy riverbank
Umhang Lake is a calm, clear lake tucked into the hills of East Jaintia, surrounded by forested slopes that reflect quietly in the water. It sees very few tourists, which makes it one of the most peaceful and popular places to visit in Jaintia Hills for those who know about it.
There's no commercial development around it, just the lake, the hills, and silence. It's a good spot for a picnic, a slow walk around the edges, or simply sitting and doing nothing for a while. Best combined with other East Jaintia sightseeing.
- Location: Bataw, East Jaintia Hills
- How to Reach: Hired vehicle from Khliehriat
- Best For: Nature lovers, couples, photography enthusiasts
- Things to Do: Lakeside walks, picnicking, birdwatching, landscape photography
Krem Chympe is India's fifth longest cave, stretching over 10.5 km of explored passages in the forests of East Jaintia Hills. It's a live river cave, which means a river actually flows through it.
Inside, you'll find over 50 natural limestone dams, some rising up to 10 metres high, crystal-clear underground lakes, dramatic stalactite formations, and large colonies of bats. In 2020, scientists discovered the world's largest cavefish here; they’re blind, over 40 cm long, and adapted entirely to darkness.
Right outside the cave entrance sits the beautiful Chympe Waterfall, worth visiting even if you're not going inside. Getting here involves a forest trek from Brishyrnot village, and a local guide is non-negotiable.
- Location: Near Khaddum/Brishyrnot village, East Jaintia Hills (~125 km from Shillong, ~55 km from Jowai)
- How to Reach: Drive to Lumshnong via NH44, divert at Lumshnong toll plaza toward Brishyrnot; 4x4 vehicle recommended; local guide mandatory
- Best For: Serious adventure travellers, spelunkers, offbeat explorers
- Things to Do: Cave trekking with a guide, bamboo raft ride through river passages, viewing Chympe Waterfall at the entrance, wildlife spotting inside the cave
Rynji Falls is one of the lesser-known East Jaintia Hills tourist places, located deep in the forests. The water drops into a natural pool surrounded by lush greenery, and the entire setting has a raw, undiscovered feel to it. There's minimal tourist infrastructure here, which is part of the charm.
The forest trail leading to the falls is scenic enough to be an experience in itself. If you want to explore some of the unexplored waterfalls in Jaintia Hills and want to go deeper into the region's offbeat side, Rynji is a worthy detour.
Lumshyrmit is among the truly quiet and unexplored places in Jaintia Hills, about 10 km from Cham Cham village. It's a genuinely off-the-beaten-path destination, the kind of place that appears on government tourism lists but rarely in mainstream travel blogs.
The surroundings are scenic and largely untouched, with forests, streams, and the unhurried pace of Pnar village life. If you want to experience the real, everyday soul of the Jaintia Hills, away from waterfalls and crowds, this is the kind of detour to take. Best visited as part of an East Jaintia itinerary.
- Location: ~10 km from Cham Cham village, East Jaintia Hills
- How to Reach: Hired vehicle from Khliehriat (East Jaintia HQ); rough roads, plan accordingly
- Best For: Offbeat travellers, culture seekers, slow travellers
- Things to Do: Village walks, interacting with local Pnar community, nature exploration, photography
Why Jaintia Hills Is The Best Offbeat Meghalaya Detour?
Jaintia Hills doesn’t need to shout to be noticed. From the turquoise glow of Krang Suri to the silence of Krem Liat Prah, these landscapes offer a raw, deeper side of the Northeast that most tourists never see.
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual circuit, the best places to visit in Jaintia Hills provide that rare, authentic connection to nature and culture. Give this region at least three days; you won’t regret the detour.
Ready to explore the offbeat side of Meghalaya? Book your trip with WanderOn and let us handle the logistics!
