Nartiang Monoliths: Exploring the Giant Stones and Ancient Capital of Jaintia Hills


 While most travelers rushing to Meghalaya spend their days chasing waterfalls in Sohra or boating in Dawki, the Jaintia Hills hold a different kind of magic altogether. Tucked away in a quiet village lies Nartiang, a place that instantly transports you back in time. If you love history, folklore, and places wrapped in mystery, walking through the Nartiang Monoliths should be right at the top of your travel itinerary.

​U Mar Phira & The Giants of Jaintia

​History here isn't just written in books; it's carved into massive blocks of stone. According to local Jaintia folklore, these giant monoliths are closely tied to U Mar Phira, a legendary warrior endowed with supernatural strength who lived during ancient times.

​Legend has it that U Mar Phira and other mythical figures hauled these massive stones from distant hills across rivers and valleys just to commemorate their strength and mark the glory of the ancient Jaintia Kingdom. Standing next to these towering pillars today gives you an eerie yet fascinating sense of how small we are compared to the legends of the past.



​Exploring the Monolith Site: Menhirs & Dolmens

​Nartiang was once the summer capital of the Sutnga Kingdom (Hima Jaintia). When you walk through the primary cluster of monoliths, you will notice two distinct types of structures:

​The Menhirs (Mawbynriew): These are the tall, slender vertical stones standing upright, some reaching heights of over 27 feet. Among them stands the tallest monolith in the world—a massive testament to human effort and ancient engineering without modern machinery.

​The Dolmens (Mawkynthei): These feature flat table stones resting on smaller support rocks, traditionally used as resting places or memorials by the chieftains and elders of the kingdom.

​Just a short walk away, you can also catch a glimpse of the historic Nartiang Durga Temple, adding another layer of cultural depth to your trip.



​Quick Travel Guide

​Location: Nartiang Village, West Jaintia Hills (~65 km east of Shillong).

​Getting There: Drive along the Shillong-Jowai highway (NH 6) and take the well-marked diversion toward Nartiang via Thadlaskein. Hiring a private taxi from Shillong is the most convenient option.

​Timings: Open daily during daylight hours (best visited between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM).

​Entry Fee: Free to explore, though hiring a local village guide for a small tip is highly recommended to hear the authentic stories.

​Best Season: October through April offers pleasant weather and clear skies for photography.

​Important Visitor Tips Before You Go:

​Respect the Heritage: These stones are sacred and hold deep historical significance for the local community. Avoid climbing on or defacing the ancient monoliths.

​Combine Your Trip: Pair your visit to Nartiang with nearby attractions like the Tyrshi Falls or Thadlaskein Lake to make it a full-day cultural and natural excursion.


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Location: Nartiāng, Meghalaya 793151, India

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