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Blessed
by Nature with abundant rainfall, smiling sunshine, green forests, high
plateaus, bewitching valleys, crystal rivers, tumbling waterfalls and
dreamy streamlets, the hill district of Jaintia are some of the most
beautiful sights, each one an unforgettable aesthetic-feast to every
visitor.
Topography
Jaintia Hills being a component of the Meghalaya Plateau has its
physiographical features almost similar to that of Khasi Hills. The only
difference is that Jaintia Hills has comparably more flat topography with
a mild gradient. The hills gently slope towards Brahmaputra valley of
Assam in the North and overlook the gentle plains of Bangladesh in the
South.
The Marangksih Peak on the Eastern pleateau of Jaintia Hills stands
majestically at the elevation of 1,631 metres from the mean sea level of
Karachi and is the highest peak in the entire District. The main elevation
of the district ranges between 1,050m to 1,350m with Jowai, which was
established in the year 1972 as its headquarter lies on the central
plateau. Jowai, is situated 64-km away from Shillong, along the
Shillong-Silchar national highway. A picturesque town circled by the
majestic Myntdu River.
In general, the whole District is full of rugged and undullating terrains
with the exception of the deep gorges, steep precipice and narrow valleys
carved out by the rivers of Umngot, Myntdu, Lukha, Myntang and a good
number of other turbulent streams that drain out all over the District.
The Jaintia Hills is richly endowed with natural resources and in the by
gone days was endowed with rich flora and fauna.
Thadlakein
Lake
56-km from Shillong, the lake according to legend was dug with the end of
bows by members of 290 clans of U Sajjar Niangli, a rebel general of
Jaintia Raja, to commemorate the great exodus of the clans, now mainly
settled in the Ri Bhoi and West Khasi Hills districts.
Kiang Nangbah Monument
Located on the banks of Syntu Ksiar alongside the river Myntdu there is a
vast field known as Madiah Kmai Blai. At the centre of this field stands
the elegant Kiang Nangbah monument, erected by the Jaintia people in
Honour of U Kiang Nangbah, the Jaintia patriot who died a martyr to the
cause of Jaintia freedom. The monument is a grateful people's tribute to
their immortal martyr.
Nartiang
65-km from Shillong, was the summer capital of the Jaintia kings, of
Sutnga state. Huge monoliths form the striking landmarks of the village,
said to be erected by Mar Phalyngki, a 'Goliath' of yore. The Nartiang
Menhir measure 27 feet in height above the ground, 6 feet in breadth and 2
feet 6 inches in thickness. The monoliths represent the megalithic culture
of the Hynniewtrep people. A 500-year-old temple of Goddess Durga is
another attraction at Nartiang.
Stone Bridge At
Thlumuwi
Located on the 16-km of the Jowai - Muktapur - Dawki Road at a place
called Thlumuwi a stone bridge was built. The bridge was made of immense
slabs of stone supported upon huge, tall stone pillars. The banks of the
Thlumuwi stream with the cascading Thlu Muwi waterfall, which overlooks
the stone bridge presents a memorable scenic-panorama to every visitor.
Syndai
An important village located in the Jowai-Dawki Road dotted with a number
of caves and caverns. Till date eleven independent caves have been
discovered near Syndai. Collectively these are known as Syndai Caves.
Caves were used as hideouts during war times between the Jaintia kings and
foreign intruders. The eleven caves are the Amsohmahatang Cave, the
Rupasor Cave, the Kriah Cave, the Amkoi Cave, the Amkhloo Cave, the
Amlashriah Cave, the Amthymme Cave, the Amkari Cave, the Lyngngohmah Cave,
the Kynda Cave and the Chair Cave. The cave have for long been a standing
tourist attraction. Besides these there are some relics of the past, e.g.
old brick temple, ruined stone bridge, a pool of water which was fed
through the trunk of curved stone elephant - standing still to this day
and a rock with 'Ganesha' Carving.
Syntu Ksiar
A
vast pool of calm water, where the flow of the meandering river Myntdu,
which almost encircles the Owai Town, appears to come to a sudden halt, is
known as Syntu Ksiar, which means golden flower. At Syntu Ksiar, the
Myntdu provides a memorable scene of remarkable beauty.
The Festival Of Behdeinkhlam
An event at once majestic and colourful, Behdeinkhlam is celebrated n the
month of July to ensure that the crops just sown yield a bountiful
harvest. The actual festival runs for four days, featuring religious
ceremonies, processions, and dancing-usually in the rain-and an ancient
game "Akim" to soccer but played with wooden ball.