If you are an adventurer and a nature lover and you fancy yourself lost wandering in nature and discovering hidden gems then Jowai Phe Phe Falls in Meghalaya should be on your checklist. The area does not have millions of people visiting it; thus, the environment is unspoiled and is calm. In this article, we are going to explain, why this place became so popular and how you can visit it.
The Journey: To reach Phe Phe Falls one needs to start from Guwahati the largest city of Assam and the gateway to the northeastern region of India.
This tour begins at Guwahati- the largest city of Assam. The distance between Guwahati and Phe Phe Falls covers a distance of nearly 200 Kilometres approximately. The best way to get there is either taking a taxi or taking a bus to Jowai, the nearest town to the falls. This drive is as good as a visual feast with beautiful scenery of towns, open cast coal mines, valleys, terrace cultivation and the beautiful hills of Meghalaya.
A road trip is much more than just getting from point A to point B. As you drive along the hilly roads you will be able to see the small villages with the terraced fields, Khasi and Jaintia styled houses and the local markets. This is quite a good chance to observe native people and, possibly, buy some local vegetables or create hand-made products.
Trekking to Phe Phe Falls
When you are in Jowai, gear up for the actual adventure, the Phe Phe Falls trekking session. The trek ranges from moderate to difficult, so this trek is good for experienced trekkers with a little challenge and first-time trekkers as well. The trail is approximately 3 to 4 kilometers long and will require approximately 1 hour to be finished. It takes about 5 to 2hrs; however, depending on how many times you decide to stop to enjoy the sceneries.
The trek, as passes through the forests and crosses several streams and goes over rocky terrains. It is like walking in a park, botanical or zoological, if one happens to be an animal lover. Following the trail goes through the forest where the coverage is good and there is lots of shade so even if it is hot one gets some relief as they trek. This will be advised with symphonies from the birds, swishing of the leaves and the faint echo of the waterfalls far away. Hiring a local guide is a great idea—they can share fascinating stories about the local flora and fauna and ensure you don’t miss anything important.
Best Time to Visit Phe Phe Falls
If you want to avail the best possible experience, then better organise your visit during the post-monsoon period of September/ October and November. This is perhaps the best time to see the waterfall at its best and the vegetation around it is so rich and green. During the rainy season the country really transforms and it is an ideal backdrop for shooting nature scenes.
As much as this is true, Phe Phe Falls is beautiful anytime of the year. The best time to visit is during the dry season which is during the summer months from May to September; however, winter their winter which is between December and February is also another good season to visit due to the cool weather complemented by the beautiful hike. Summer is slightly different and ranges from March to June and as expected, it is warm but the abundance of trees in the forest offer lots of shades. The best time to visit the waterfall is from June to September, because of the monsoon season, the rain makes the trail a little difficult but the waterfall and the area around becomes beautiful.
Exploring Nearby Attractions
For the “…time” enthusiasts, one can opt to go to Krangsuri Falls which is fairly close to Phe Phe Falls. Krangsuri Falls is the other waterfalls area found in Jaintia Hills with beautiful and crystal clear blue water. It is great for swimming and there is a nice area for picnicking, thus, it is good for a day trip when visiting Phe Phe Falls.
Cherrapunji is another prominent site in Meghalaya, and it will bank be about 70 kilometers from Phe Phe Falls. Richmond, also home of the living root bridges and blessed with lots of rain at Cherrapunji is unforgettable. One can also get to visit the caves and other many waterfalls existing within this park.
Phe phe falls is located about 90 KMs from shillong which is the capital of the state of Meghalaya. Strewn with scores of markets, beautiful colonial structures, and culturally rich traditions, Shillong is also known as the “Scotland of the East. It is good for explorations of the natural beauty that is characteristic of the region.
Accommodation Options
Being in the vicinity of the falls helps plan a start early in the morning, when the heat of the day is not felt.
If you are seeking for a more local and traditional feel, then, it is encouraged to rent a room outside the city in a homestay close to Phe Phe Falls. Staying in homestays will give an individual a chance to meet locals and feel a quite different hospitality. One can taste in-house cooked food, engage with the local people and even understand their manner of living a day. Many homestays are situated in beautiful places so the visitors will be able to view beautiful sceneries in the surrounding region.
As mentioned earlier, accommodations for tourism are the hotels or guesthouses present in Jowai. Shillong being a bigger city offers a number of hotels and lodges starting from the very luxurious ones to the modestly priced ones. For example, it is always advised to arrange for a place to stay ahead of your visit to the place, more so during the tourist season.
Jowai Phe Phe Falls: Concerning the Falls
It would be a blunder not to recommend Jowai Phe Phe Falls as truly fascinating. It tumbles out from a considerable distance to a crystal clear, green pool at the base. Lunch or sundown or just a resting place is possible and several places are provided with tables and benches where one can sit and gaze at the waterfalls and greenery all around. This is a photographer’s delight, therefore bring your camera along.
The water at the foot of the falls forms a pool and the water looked so refreshing and clear. This is contributed in especially during the summer when people go for a swim to relax. The landscape surrounding the falls is not heavily developed and so, it is easier to have a feel of the sites with fewer interferences from hordes of the tourism industry. This is a place where there is no noise, and hence, it is good for one to go and rest or even meditate.
Jawai Phe Phe Falls Weather
Temperature at Jowai Phe Phe Falls can be mild to a little cold depending on the season with the option averagely being between 15-25 degrees. Monsoon is from June to September and in this case it is fully rainy season so trekking through the forest and the waterfall is a bit difficult but the path of the water in the waterfall will be much better. Talking about the climate its better to visit the park post monsoon and in the month of winter because the climate is clear with mesmerizing greenery all around.
When it is colder, that is especially during winter, then one is advised to carry clothes that are warmer in nature. The ascent happens during the hot summer with no sources of heat, but there is so much tree cover, it cools down to a fairly comfortable hike up the mountain. It is advised to consult a weatherman before attempting the trek particularly during the monsoons because that is when the trail will be wet and challenging.
Distance and Travel Tips
- Jowai Phe Phe Falls distance from Shillong: Thus, the distance preferably should not be as long as 90 kilometers.
- Jowai Phe Phe Falls to Cherrapunji: About 70 kilometers would be the length for this type of building.
- Jowai Phe Phe Falls distance from Guwahati: It is about 200 kilometers and it would take several hours to cover that distance and that is if one is not stopped by border control on the Ugandan side.
When planning your trip, consider using the following hashtags to find more travel tips and experiences shared by fellow travelers: Another clip from the day when Jowai Phe Phe falls triumphed over the Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya with #TrekkingAdventures and #HiddenGem. These hashtags can enable you interact with other travelers, and get real time information regarding the trek and the falls.
Interesting facts that could be included in a visit
- Hire a Local Guide: It is felt that having a local guide can be of great advantage when trekking. They may also be able to inform you about the plants and animals in the area and some history as to the falls and the region.
- Pack Light: What to bring: only the items that would not weigh the cyclist down but are essential such as water, snacks, first aid kit and camera. Other factors include, it is recommendable to put on comfortable trekking shoes, also carrying a trekking pole is resourceful.
- Respect the Environment: Finally, make sure that there is nothing left behind. Take all your waste back aces and do not tamper with the natural environment of the area.
- Stay Hydrated: The trek can be tiring thus it is advisable to carry enough water for example in a water bottle.
- Start Early: Begin your hike early in the morning to escape strong sunlight and to have enough time for waterfalls and the territory observation.
Conclusion
The target in Jowai Phe Phe Falls is indeed a wonderful one that combines both thrill and beauty in one. I would say for those who want to get away from the stressful city life and just be one with nature, Phe Phe Falls is a perfect haven. As more travelers discover this enchanting destination, it is crucial to ensure that it remains a pristine and peaceful sanctuary for generations to come.
Whether you are an avid trekker, a nature lover, or simply someone looking for a serene escape, Jowai Phe Phe Falls promises an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the natural splendor of Phe Phe Falls and the warm hospitality of Meghalaya.
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