Dawki River: With lush green meadows, rivers clear as crystal, pine clad hills, gorgeous waterfalls, lakes and majestic forests, the mesmerizing Meghalaya is truly a nature lover’s paradise. This state is not only an abode of scenic natural beauty but is also the cradle of rich cultural and traditional heritage of Khasi, Garo Jaintia tribes. While every nook and corner of the state is beautiful, there are some incredible places that are unlike anything you have ever seen! Situated at the foot of the Jaintia hills, one such village is Dawki, mostly famous for the crystal clear waters of the Vah Umngot River.
What’s special about it?
The water of the Umangot River (Dawki River) is so clear and transparent that the boats floating on it look as if they are on a crystal glass surface. Not only this, you can see beautiful rocks, pebbles and even fish swimming in the emerald green water. The beautiful little boats of many fishermen ply the river making it a spectacular and fairytale sight. Trust us, you won’t be able to stop clicking pictures here.
What activities are available?
The best place to witness the beauty of Dawki river is through boating as you will be able to see the river bed when it is about 15-20 deep. Each boat can carry a maximum of 4 people and one fisherman in a row. Boating on this river will make you feel like you are floating on a transparent glass surface. A boating trip of one and a half hours around the river will cost you around Rs 500 per person. Not just clear water, you can also see the mighty Bangladesh border from the Dawki River.
Good Read : Workation – Safe and Serene Destinations in India
There is a small island in the middle of the Umngot River – a beautiful place filled with rocks in every shape, color and size. Towards the shallow end of the river, you can also descend into the river and take a dip in the cool, green waters. (which we did)! Many activities are also available here like boating, cliff jumping and zip-lining.
Where is it located?
The Umngot River flows through Dawki, a small town in the East Jaintia Hills district near the Indo-Bangladesh border. The best time to visit Doki is from January to May as it is closed for boating in monsoons when the river overflows.
How to reach there?
The nearest airport to the Dawki River is Guwahati, located at a distance of about 175 km, which can be easily covered by road. It is about 95 km from Shillong (capital of Meghalaya). So, you can board a cab from Guwahati or Shillong or reach there by bus. Don’t be bothered by the distance, as the journey to Docky is a very satisfying journey in itself. On the way, you will see gorgeous views passing through valleys, ravines and lush greenery.
While you are there, do not miss to visit Mawlynnong village, which is located 30 kms from Dawki and is considered as one of the cleanest villages. You can also go to Bangladesh border by road and click pictures.
Read More About North East : North East India – Top 5 Unique Dishes
Frequently Asked Questions About Dawki River
Q. How to reach Dawki?
A – Dawki is easily accessible by road from Shillong or Guwahati, located about 100 and 200 km away. Traveling in a private car or hired taxi will prove to be much more comfortable than bus travel. However, both public and private buses are available from the city to Dawki.
Q. How far is Dawki is from Shillong?
A – Dawki is located about 82 km south of Shillong on the south-eastern border of Meghalaya. The best way to reach Dawki is by hired cab or private vehicle.
Q. How to go to Dawki from Shillong?
A – From Shillong you can reach Dawki by road. By Train: Guwahati Railway Station is the nearest station from where you can hire private or public transport or cab service to reach Dawki. By Road: Dawki is about 90 km from Shillong. There are private and state buses from Shillong.
Q. How to reach Dawki from Guwahati?
A – The nearest railway station to reach Dawki is at Guwahati. From here, you will have to take a road route to reach Dawki via Shillong as shown above. The distance between Guwahati Railway Station and Dawki is 173 km and it takes around 4 hrs 45 mins to reach by road.
Q. How to reach Dawki from Kolkata?
A – The fastest way to get from Kolkata to Dawki is by flight and taxi which costs ₹4,600 – ₹9,500 and takes 5h 9m. The distance between Kolkata and Dawki is 473 km. The road distance is 704.1 km.
Q. Where is Dawki?
A – Dawki, also known as Dauki, is a town in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India. The city is a must visit place for travelers and nature lovers. Dawki is situated on the border of India and Bangladesh.
Q. How to reach Dawki River Meghalaya?
A – The nearest airport to reach Dawki is the popular Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. Many private vehicles ply from Guwahati to Dawki via Shillong. The distance between Guwahati airport and Dawki is 195 kms and it takes around 5h 11m to reach via Shillong.
Q. What to see in Dawki Meghalaya?
A – Best things to do and see in Dawki Meghalaya
- See the India/Bangladesh Border at the Sky Walk
- Visit Shnongpdeng
- Take a Boat Ride Down the Umngot River in Shnongpdeng
- Eat at a Riverside Hut
Q. What to do in Dawki?
A – Best things to do and see in Dawki Meghalaya
- See the India/Bangladesh Border at the Sky Walk
- Visit Shnongpdeng
- Take a Boat Ride Down the Umngot River in Shnongpdeng
- Eat at a Riverside Hut
Q. Dawki is in which district?
A – Dawki or Dauki is a town in West Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya
Q. How to reach Dawki from Cherrapunjee?
A – The best way to get from Cherrapunji to Davki without a car is by taxi which takes 1 hour 15m and costs ₹1,400 – ₹1,800.
Q. How long does it take to get from Cherrapunji to Dawki?
A – It takes approximately 1 hour 15m to cover a distance of 82.8 km from Cherrapunji to Dawki.
Q. Which are the hotel options near Dawki River?
A – Stay Options in Dawki
- Travenjo Camping
- Nestled in Nature
- Betelnut Resort
- Reach Destination Homestay
Other Stay Options/ Hotels in Dawki
Among other stay options in Dawki you may search for Apslem Riverside Camping and TK River-side Camping accommodations.
Q. What is the best time to visit Dawki River?
A – Dawki can be visited throughout the year but the best time to visit Dawki is winter and summer season from November to May to explore its immense natural beauty. This is the time when the weather is more pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing.
