Jowai is the headquarters of the West Jaintia Hills and the natural base for exploring the eastern half of Meghalaya. The town sits among rolling hills, with the Myntdu river looping around it.
Its cultural high point is Behdienkhlam, the Pnar festival held around July, when communities carry tall decorated structures through town and into the water in rituals meant to drive away sickness and bless the harvest.
From Jowai you can reach Krang Suri Falls, the Nartiang monoliths, Thadlaskein Lake and the road down to Dawki, which makes it a smart overnight stop on a longer trip.
