The Green Rolling Hills of Jaintia Hills

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The Green Rolling Hills of Jaintia Hills

• www.ticketgoose.com

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• Have you been tempted by the picture-perfect
  destinations of Europe with green rolling hills,
  fabulous and clear blue skies, but money
  constraints held you back? Well, you dont have
  to look yonder for such holidays, as India is
  replete with destinations that are relatively
  untouched and undiscovered

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• Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya is one such place with
  crystal clear skies and clear flowing streams,
  which will mesmerise you.
• The rich culture of the Jaintias, the tribe that
  inhabits the eastern part of the state, is also
  worth knowing.

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Getting There-Jaintia Hills

• You can get to this place from Guwahati, Shillong
  or Silchar.
• There are several buses available from these
  places for Jowai, the district headquarters of
  Jaintia Hills.
• You can also hire a private car from these places
  and head straight to Jowai

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• If you are going through the picturesque
  Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, often
  referred to as The Scotland of the East, barely
  minutes after crossing the city, the different
  set of hills start taking its effect on you as
  you cross Smith, a village reputed for its
  enchanting beauty.

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• You can drive into this village and explore the
  breathtaking Jongsha Valley and Laitlum Valley
  they will make you feel as if you are in the
  Steppes of Russia and the hills of Poland

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Looking Around

• Once you enter Jowai, places to visit are far too
  many to describe. However, a couple of must-see
  places include the Nartiang Monoliths and
  Thadlaskein Lake.
• The Nartiang Village is famous for its 27-feet
  long and 6-feet wide monoliths, said to be have
  been erected by Mar Phalyngki a local hero.
  These structures are of immense cultural value
  for the Khasi-Jaintia tribes.

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•  It is a picturesque sight ideal for outings and
  picnics.

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• As you pass Jowai and head towards Silchar in
  Barak Valley (South Assam), you will witness a
  series of tall green hills with streams down
  below.
• Heading towards the Narpuh Reserved Forest will
  take you past narrower roads and gigantic hills. 
• The most important spot in this area is a tiny
  village called Sonapur which has a small Shiv
  temple. Legend narrates that this route, in the
  middle of a jungle and high hills, was a bastion
  of ghosts and demons. 

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• Travellers who dared pass this way would meet
  with accidents. One fine night, Lord Shiva
  appeared in the dream of a local priest and asked
  for a temple to ensure travellers safety.
• Thus, the temple was built and ever since
  travelers stop-over and pray at the temple.
  Beneath the cliff adjacent to the temple lies the
  beautiful blue Lubha river, which heads straight
  into the Sylhet district (once a part of Assam)
  of Bangladesh.

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Lubha Bridge,Sonapur
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• A little further south is the village of
  Ratacherra from where you can see the beautiful
  vast plains of Sylhet (Bangladesh) while riding
  along the National Highway 44.
• If you can get a glimpse of the sunset over the
  Bangladeshi plains, you will realise what you
  have been missing in life. There are several
  view-points built on hill-sides to help tourists
  enjoy the view.

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Staying There

• The government-run Orchid Inn in Jowai is the
  best place to put up. With a tariff of Rs 1,500,
  it is comfortable for the pocket as well. Just
  make sure that you book your rooms in advance

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When to Travel

• If you want to travel to Jaintia Hills, avoid
  travelling during the monsoon, as it is prone to
  deadly landslides. The best time to visit would
  be October-February. Just bear in mind not to
  hang out alone after dark in these areas. A
  little caution and the area will be a treat for
  you to remember forever.
• Check out for your bus tickets at www.ticketgoose.
  com.