Dawki

Dawki is a small town in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills, located at 210 meters along the Umngot River near the Bangladesh border. It is famous for the incredibly clear Umngot River, where boats appear to float in mid-air above the riverbed on calm days. The transparent water allows visitors to clearly see pebbles and boat shadows even at depths of 3 to 4 meters. The drive from Shillong to Dawki, around 85 km away, passes through dramatic landscapes filled with waterfalls, plateau edges, and scenic viewpoints. Travelers also cross the famous border bridge, which is the only road crossing between India and Bangladesh in Meghalaya. Among the most popular things to do in Dawki is taking a boat ride on the Umngot River, which remains navigable for nearly 7 kilometers. The nearby village of Shnongpdeng has become a major adventure and camping destination featured in many Dawki travel guide itineraries. Popular activities in Dawki include boating on the crystal-clear Umngot River, riverside camping at Shnongpdeng, kayaking and cliff diving, zip-lining across the river valley, and , photography near the India-Bangladesh border. Dawki is also known for its annual water carnivals held during the clearest river season. The best time to visit Dawki is from October to April, when water visibility is at its highest and outdoor activities are most enjoyable.