Nartiang Monoliths Meghalaya India
Ancient Jaintia monoliths, some towering 9m, stand as memorials to kings and warriors, offering a peaceful historical escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Enjoy the full historical context
Nartiang Monoliths Meghalaya India
Best Time
Enjoy the full historical context
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Jaintia monoliths, some towering 9m, stand as memorials to kings and warriors, offering a peaceful historical escape.
"Intriguing place and less crowded given its distance from Shillong."
🚗 Day Trip from Shillong
Combine with Dawki for a full day. Road expansion may affect routes.
🚶♂️ Explore with Respect
Site could use better maintenance. Guides are scarce.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Towering Menhirs
Main Monolith Site
Marvel at colossal single stones, some reaching 9 meters, erected by Jaintia kings centuries ago.
Peaceful Ambiance
Throughout the site
Experience a serene environment with unique rock formations, offering a calm escape and positive vibes.
Nearby Temples
Adjacent to Monoliths
Visit the Nartiang Durga Shakti Peeth and Bhairab Mandir for a spiritual complement to the historical site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Journey
Respect the Heritage
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Day Trip from Shillong
Combine with Dawki for a full day. Road expansion may affect routes.
🚶♂️ Explore with Respect
Site could use better maintenance. Guides are scarce.
🙏 Visit Nearby Temples
Don't miss the Nartiang Durga Shakti Peeth and Bhairab Mandir.
💰 Be Prepared for Locals
One visitor reported an encounter with a drunk individual asking for money.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Day Trip from Shillong
Combine with Dawki for a full day. Road expansion may affect routes.
🚶♂️ Explore with Respect
Site could use better maintenance. Guides are scarce.
🙏 Visit Nearby Temples
Don't miss the Nartiang Durga Shakti Peeth and Bhairab Mandir.
💰 Be Prepared for Locals
One visitor reported an encounter with a drunk individual asking for money.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Nartiang Monoliths offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient Jaintia history, with visitors intrigued by the colossal stones and peaceful atmosphere. However, some reviewers note that the site could benefit from better maintenance and clearer historical interpretation, with limited facilities available.
"A 2.25 hour drive from Shillong. We made a day trip to this place because of our intrigue when we read about it. Menhirs ( single stones ) which have been erected by the Jaintia kings of the last way back in the 1500s .
Very intriguing place and less crowded given its distance from Shillong. I wish it were maintained better and a guide could give us more history and stories of the tribes. This place could easily be India’s Stonehenge.
Better planned on your return from Dawki to Shillong.
Note - the road to the place from about 10 km is under expansion - there is alternative routes to Nartiang depending on which route you take."
Avinash Venkataraman
"A beautiful cool and calm place to visit. Lots of chairs like rock structures etc. attracts you to spend hours there. You feel a peaceful environment with some positive vibes while spending time there."
Suman Garg
"The Nartiang Monoliths in Nartiang, Meghalaya, are a collection of large stones, believed to have been erected by the Khasi and Jaintia people as memorials for deceased kings, warriors, and elders, potentially serving as megalithic tombs. These monoliths, known as "mawbynna" in the local language, are a significant part of the region's cultural and historical heritage."
Subarna Daw
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Nartiang Monoliths are approximately a 2.25-hour drive from Shillong. You can hire a taxi or arrange for private transport. Be aware that the road is under expansion for about 10 km leading to the site, so alternative routes might be necessary depending on your chosen path.
Yes, it's a popular day trip destination from Shillong. Many visitors combine it with a visit to Dawki, making for a full day of exploration.
Hiring a taxi or a private car is the most convenient way to reach the Nartiang Monoliths, offering flexibility with routes and stops.
Information on direct public transport is limited. Hiring a taxi or joining a local tour is generally recommended for easier access.
The road leading to Nartiang Monoliths is undergoing expansion for a significant stretch, which might cause delays or require detours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific entry fees are not widely mentioned, visitors should be prepared for potential small charges or donations, especially if interacting with local caretakers.
The Nartiang Monoliths are generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to visit during the day to fully appreciate the site.
Advance booking is typically not required for the Nartiang Monoliths, as it's an open historical site.
Some visitors have noted a lack of readily available guides. It's recommended to research local guides in advance or be prepared to explore independently.
Visiting during weekdays and earlier in the day can help avoid any potential crowds, though the site is generally less crowded due to its distance from Shillong.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
These monoliths, known as 'mawbynna', were erected by the Khasi and Jaintia people, believed to be memorials for deceased kings, warriors, and elders, serving as megalithic tombs.
You'll find a collection of large single stones (menhirs), some reaching up to 9 meters tall, along with other intriguing rock formations. The site offers a peaceful environment.
Information on specific facilities is limited. It's advisable to come prepared with essentials. Some reviews mention 'chairs like rock structures'.
Some visitors have expressed a desire for better maintenance of the site, suggesting it could be better preserved.
Yes, photography is permitted. The unique stone structures offer great photographic opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options directly at the monoliths are scarce. It's recommended to have meals in Shillong before your trip or pack snacks and water.
Local eateries might offer traditional Khasi or Jaintia cuisine. However, options are limited, so planning your meals is advisable.
Yes, bringing your own food and water is highly recommended, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time exploring the site.
📸 📸 Photography
The towering menhirs against the natural landscape offer excellent photo opportunities. Experiment with different angles to capture their scale.
A wide-angle lens can be useful to capture the grandeur of the monoliths and their surroundings. A standard zoom lens will also work well.
There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drone usage. However, it's always best to check local guidelines and be respectful of the site and any visitors.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the stones, making for beautiful photographs.
No specific photo restrictions are widely reported, but always be mindful of the cultural significance of the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure children understand the historical and cultural significance of the site to foster respect. The journey itself, being a few hours from Shillong, might require planning for comfort stops. The nearby temples also offer a chance to introduce children to local religious practices in a respectful manner.
🚶♂️ Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and water is a great way to save money. Researching local transport options or shared taxis might offer more budget-friendly alternatives to private car hire. The experience itself is rich in history and offers a unique glimpse into Meghalaya's past without requiring expensive tickets or tours.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of the Monoliths
These monoliths are not just historical artifacts; they are deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual fabric of the region. They represent a unique tradition of megalithic construction that is found in various parts of the world but holds specific significance for the indigenous communities of Meghalaya. The site offers a glimpse into a past where ancestral worship and commemoration were central to societal structure. Visiting Nartiang provides a tangible connection to this ancient heritage, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
While the historical narrative is compelling, some visitors note that the site could benefit from better preservation and interpretation. The lack of readily available guides means that much of the deeper historical context and local lore might be missed by casual visitors. However, the sheer presence of these ancient stones in a relatively peaceful setting allows for personal reflection and appreciation of their enduring legacy.
Planning Your Visit and Practicalities
When it comes to amenities, the site is relatively undeveloped. Visitors should come prepared with essentials such as water and snacks, as dining options directly at the monoliths are scarce. While the site offers a serene experience, some reviews suggest that maintenance could be improved. One visitor shared an uncomfortable encounter with an individual asking for money, highlighting the need for awareness and caution.
For those interested in photography, the Nartiang Monoliths offer a unique subject. The imposing stones against the natural backdrop provide excellent opportunities for capturing striking images. Visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon can enhance the photographic appeal with dramatic lighting.
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