Dawki is considered among the most beautiful places in Meghalaya. This town is famous for its clean and clear waters of the Dawki River, locally known as Wah Umngo, where boats appear to be flying in the air. You can see the river bed clearly, especially in the winter season. This Dawki travel guide will help you to plan your trip and help you explore the natural beauty that makes this destination so special.
Whether you love nature or seek adventure or simply want to relax and seek calmness, this place is best for you. If you are a first-time visitor, this travel guide will help you to find out when to visit Dawki, what to do there, and other helpful information.
Distance and How to Reach Dawki in Meghalaya
Dawki is a small town located in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. It is near the India-Bangladesh border. Its distance from Shillong is about 82 km, and from Guwahati it is about 180 km.
How to reach from Guwahati
To reach Dawki, you can book your flight to Guwahati Airport or reach Guwahati Railway Station. You can book a cab from Guwahati to reach Shillong. After reaching Shillong, you can further travel to Dawki by taxi or local bus, which will take around 3 hours to reach.
If you are taking a flight from Kolkata or Delhi, you can get a direct flight to Shillong Airport. You can save a lot of travel time by reaching Shillong Airport.
Best Time to Visit Dawki
The best time to visit Dawki is between November and February. During this time, the Umngot River will be much clearer, and you can enjoy boating and other activities.
During winters (November – February), you can get the following best experiences:
- Extremely clear Umngot River
- Very pleasant weather
- Best views for photography.
- Overnight camping beside the Dawki River
- Adventure activities like Kayaking, Snorkeling, Cliff Jumping and Zip Lining.
During the monsoon, there is excessive rainfall, thus making the river water appear muddy, and you will miss watching the iconic crystal-clear view of the river. Due to the rain, the above-mentioned adventure activities often remain suspended or are frequently cancelled. So if you plan to see the clear water of the river, do not travel to Dawki during the monsoon.
If you’re visiting during the monsoon, keep your itinerary flexible. Check the latest weather forecast before travelling, and confirm boating or camping availability with local operators, as conditions can change quickly after heavy rain.
Activities that can be done in Dawki
Boating on the Umngot River- Boating is a must-do activity while you are in Dawki. The transparent water in the river gives visitors a chance to view the riverbed.
Explore Dawki Suspension Bridge- This bridge is another major tourist attraction in Dawki. It was constructed during the British colonial era and still stands proudly over the Umngot River.
Take a look around the closest living root bridges- If you have some free time while in Dawki, be sure to check out the single living root bridge of Mawlynnong, accredited with the award of the cleanest village in Asia. The Living root bridge is a unique natural bridge made by encouraging the roots of rubber trees to grow over many years to cross a stream.
Visiting the India – Bangladesh Border Viewpoint –Dawki is located almost directly at the international border, so you can see the border gates and observe the movement of people and products from India to Bangladesh. It serves as a great stop for something different from what you would typically experience while in the area.
Shnongpdeng is the best place to camp. Shnongpdeng is a small village located about seven kilometres from Dawki Town. It is a popular place for riverside camping in Dawki because of its location on the bank of the Umngot River.
Camping in Dawki is one of the best experiences for travellers visiting Meghalaya. Alongside camping, food, bonfire and water activities make it ideal for families, couples, and groups.
Shnongpdeng is also famous for adventure and water activities. The following are some of the activities that can be done here:
Kayaking – Enjoy kayaking with the beautiful view of the surroundings and paddle across the Umngot River. Kayaking here is ideal for novice as well as expert kayakers.
Zip Lining – Fly across the Umngot River on a zip line and enjoy the scenery from above. It is a popular adventure sport in Shnongpdeng.
Cliff Jumping- You can do Cliff Jumping here under the supervision of trained personnel with the required safety equipment.
Snorkelling- Snorkel in the clean river and explore the underwater world. Be sure to always pay attention to local water safety guidelines before entering the water.
Where to Stay other than Camping
Homestays: Local families welcome travellers into their homes. They provide a safe and clean room and offer home-cooked meals in addition to learning about the local culture.
Low-Cost Hotels- Travellers seeking budget accommodations can find simple lodging at guesthouses and budget hotels in and around and in Dawki.
Midrange Resorts: Some resorts near Dawki and Shnongpdeng offer comfortable lodging and have stunning views of the river and hills.
So it is advised to reserve your stay a month in advance for weekends and vacations to avoid the last-minute hassle of not getting a proper place to stay.
Places to Eat
There are small outlets as well as restaurants in and around Dawki where you can find Indian and Chinese meals. Tea, Coffee, Roti Sabzi, rice, dal, etc., can be found easily here.
Travel Tips for First-Timers
Following are some useful tips to make your trip memorable and enjoyable:
- The best sights of the river are seen in winter.
- Take along sufficient cash as there are not many ATMs in the vicinity.
- Mobile signals can sometimes be poor in certain areas.
- Wear proper shoes to walk around comfortably.
- Carry warm clothes in winter.
- Make sure you keep the river clean.
- Observe respect for local traditions.
- The cost of the boat journey depends upon the time of the year and the duration of the journey; make sure you know about it beforehand.
Suggested Itinerary for Dawki Tour
Day 1
– Depart in the morning from Shillong
– Arrive at Dawki and enjoy boating on the Umngot River
– Visit the suspension bridge and then the Indo-Bangladesh Border
– Have lunch at one of the local restaurants
– Head to Shnongpdeng for camping.
– Enjoy a bonfire in the evening
Day 2
– Enjoy your breakfast at the campsite
– Have an adventurous day by performing water activities like Kayaking and Snorkeling
– Leave for Mawlynnong Village for an overnight stay
Day 3
– Wake up in the Mawlynnong Village and explore the clean locality
– Trek a little and visit the Single Living Root Bridge.
– Return to Shillong.
Dawki is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful locations in Meghalaya. Crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River, serene environment, and adventure activities make this place an ideal place for tourists. Moreover, the warm and hospitable reception of the local people is sure to leave an unforgettable impression. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a road trip through Meghalaya, Dawki deserves a place on your itinerary. Visit during the dry season to witness the river at its clearest, travel responsibly, and help preserve the natural beauty that makes this destination so special.
Do share your experience or questions in the comments below. If you found this travel guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with fellow travellers and explore our other Meghalaya travel guides for more hidden gems, practical travel tips, and detailed itineraries to help you plan the perfect Northeast India adventure.
You may also read: The Beautiful Nohkalikai Waterfalls in Cherrapunjii, Meghalaya
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