Jowai is a small town located in west Jaintia hills in the beautiful state of Meghalaya - known as "abode of clouds". Jowai is a cultural and commercial pivot of Meghalaya and its history goes back to the times when the Pnar kings were the dominant force in the region. Situated 66kms east on the NH6 from Shillong is a must visit if you wish to spend the day amidst the endless rolling hills and untouched nature.

Start from Guwahati early in the morning like about 6 - 7am and reach Jowai at about 9:30 - 10:00 in the am. Tip: Start as early as possible to beat the traffic. If you are starting from Shillong then it won't take more than 2 hrs so start accordingly. You can avail yourself to shared taxis from Kahanapara, Guwahati for approx Rs.600 per person to Jowai. Stepping into Meghalaya, first stop is Nongpoh - have tea and a filling breakfast. Nongpoh is known for its tranquill atmosphere and spell binding landscape. If on your own vehicle, can spend some time by the Marngar lake in Nongpoh.

Just before stepping into Shillong don't forget to witness the beauty of the Umiam lake also known as Barapani. If you are keen about photography you will manage to capture a few perfect frames here. Whether it's the sunrise or the sunset - umiam will never disappoint a wanderlust soul. Looking for a place to grab some breakfast or simply want to spend the day in leisure then set foot into the Orchid Lake Resort just beside the lake. Once in Shillong - if on a shared taxi from Guwahati you might have to change for another shared taxi to Jowai or just hop onto a bus.

Once in Jowai, take a stroll round the tiny city or head straight to your first destination without further ado.

Syntu Ksiar : just 4km from the main Jowai bus stand. Hire a taxi for Rs. 200/300.

Syntu Ksiar welcomes you with rows of pine trees lining up both sides of the winding lane leading to the actual spot. Treat yourself to some panoramic views of the river valley, the paddy fields and the soothing sound of the Myntdu River flowing by. Syntu Ksiar mean "the golden flower" in their local language.

According to the legend, the place got its name from a lady called Syntu of 'Iawchibidi' clan. It is believed that the lady committed suicide by jumping into the river here. After she drown into the river, a beautiful golden flower blooms in the middle of the river which is said to be very beautiful and cannot be plucked by anybody. Thus, the place got its name from this particular flower which grows here. Syntu Ksiar is also renowned for being the center of the freedom struggle as this is the place from where freedom fighter Kiang Nangbah had initiated the freedom struggle against the British. He was hanged to death on 30th December 1862 in Jowai town. A memorial has been erected here in memory of Kiang Nangbah. Today, Syntu Ksiar is an ideal picnic and angling spot in Jowai region. There's a hanging bridge that leads to a beautiful resort - Haven's Cove. Spend some quality time admiring the nature, watching the clouds pasisng by, grab a quick lunch there in the resort or head back to the city for lunch. Don't miss the fish thali in Blue Heaven Restaurant or try authentic Khasi meals. Jadoh and dohklieh are the must-try dishes of Khasi cuisine. Jadoh literally means rice cooked with meat. Even noodles are super yum and pocket friendly.

Next head to the star destination of the one day trip to Krang Shuri waterfalls which is about 20km from the city, 30kms from Jowai - just an hour ride.

Hire a taxi and if you are lucky you might get a shared one. If you are starting from Shillong it's just 91kms via NH6 and NH206, 110 kms via NH206 - from there one can head to Dawki as well.

A sight to behold - a mesmerising waterfalls amidst a forest - Krang Suri it is!!
A placid river suddenly drops, creating a curtain of flowing water that falls over a cave. No less than a scene from the jungle book - the shimmering blue waters at the bottom of the waterfalls - in the middle of a thickly forested area is sure to leave you spellbound.

The walk down to Krang shuri is a pleasant descent – you begin on an open meadow and climb down near about to 100 steps. There's an entry fee of Rs.50 and a life jacket for Rs.100 if you intend to get into the water. Boating might be available depending on the weather and season. Shutterbugs will certainly enjoy strolling around the surrounding hills looking for a vantage point, of which there are many. Upstream is a small space where people can camp, surrounded by lush green vegetation and with the gentle ripple of the river for company. Swimming or taking a bath is another option available here - you have changing rooms as well.

On Return there's another waterfall that you can cover if you have time - Phe Phe waterfalls. Or you can head straight to Jowai or Shillong and then back to Guwahati in shared taxis. By about  8:30 or 9:00 pm you should be back in Guwahati considering the traffic and the time you happen to leave Jowai - it might be a little late or early. There are quite a few homestays in Jowai if you wish to spend the night.
Best time to visit : October to March/april. Monsoons are super rainy it's best to avoid this season unless you are obsessed with the rain itself.

Some other attractions in Jowai / near to Jowai - if you intend to stay for a couple of days:

1. Phe Phe falls
2.  Tyrchi falls
3.  Nartiang Monolith
4.  Khaddum falls
5.  Shnongpdeng
6.  Umbyrlein falls
7.  Amkoi
8.  Dawki
9. Darang
10.  Rynji falls
11. Cave - Krem Liat Prah
12.  Moopun falls
13. Sua ludong waterfalls

Personally I've been to Meghalaya many times but all I would say is: I can never have enough of it. This place is safe for female solo travellers and people are friendly - can understand Hindi and English. Meghalaya is an unexplored piece of gem that will captivate not only you but your soul forever. This place is sure to establish the symbiotic relationship between man and nature.