Top Historical & Heritage Places in Meghalaya

At a distance of 24 km from Jowai, Nartiang Monoliths is a large cluster of monoliths located at Law Mulong area of Nartiang village in Meghalaya. Literally called as 'Garden of monoliths', the Monoliths Park is one of the renowned monuments in Meghalaya and among the well-known tourist places in Jowai.

Monoliths exist throughout the length and breadth of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. However, the biggest collection of monoliths in one single area is to be found in Nartiang, the summer capital of the Jaintia rulers. According to legend, the cluster of monoliths erected to mark the reigns of the erstwhile Jaintia Kings. Some scholars also say that these monoliths were erected in memory of the establishment of the market from Raliang to Nartiang. The site has been declared of national importance under the Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958.

These monoliths cover a wide complex of about 100 m in diameter. The Menhirs (Upright stones) are locally known as Ki Moo Shynrang, and Dolmens (flat stones in the horizontal position) are known as Ki Moo Kynthai. Moo Iong Syiem, the tallest and biggest of the monoliths, is about 8 m in height, 2 m in breadth and 0.46 m in thickness. It was erected by U Marphalyngki, a trusted lieutenant of the Jaintia kings. The followers of the erstwhile Jaintia Kings U Marphalyngki and U Luh Lyngshkor Lamare erected the other monoliths in the early 17th century.

Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM

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At a distance of 60 km from Jowai, Umlawan Cave is a limestone cave situated at Lumshnong village in West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. Also known as Lumshnong Cave, it is one of the famous caves in Meghalaya and among the must visit places near Jowai.

The Umlawan Cave is joined by two other caves, the Umskor and the Kotsati. Around 21 km long and 100 m deep, the cave is regarded as the longest and the deepest cave in the sub-continent. The cave is embellished with special formations of stalactites and stalagmites, which attract large number of tourists from different places.

The entrance of Umlawan Caves is located in the center of Lumshnong village itself. It is used as a washing place by the villagers. During the monsoons the entrance is flooded with water, and one has to swim to get inside it. With 24 entrances, both horizontal and vertical, no part of the cave is more than one hour away from the nearest entrance.

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free

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