Meghalaya, the Scotland of the East, captivates with its beautiful waterfalls, caves, living root bridges, and lush green landscapes. Frequent rain adds to its mystique, but when the endless cascades and misty showers start to feel repetitive, Dawki offers a refreshing change—an invitation to experience Meghalaya’s beauty from a different perspective.
Here, you can glide over the crystal-clear Dawki River, dive into adventure sports, and unwind with riverside camping. Yet, Dawki remains a less-explored treasure, often overlooked by tourists because:
- Its remote location keeps it off the typical travel routes.
- Many visitors take a day trip from Shillong to Dawki, stopping at the commercial boating point, unaware of the best spots for water activities.
- It is difficult to find a perfect stay option in Dawki.
- The ideal to visit Dawki differs from the rest of Meghalaya.
Let’s dive into Dawki, my #2 favorite place in Meghalaya after Cherrapunji!
Dawki River: The Jewel of Meghalaya’s Border Town
Nestled in the West Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, Dawki is a small town resting on the India-Bangladesh border, and grew up along the banks of the breathtaking Dawki River.
While the town itself is modest, its true charm lies in the crystal-clear waters of the river—so transparent that you can see straight to the bottom, an unparalleled sight in India. The scenic beauty is further enhanced by riverside waterfalls, lush green hills, and hanging bridges, creating a serene river paradise for every nature lover.
Related Article: 19 Best Places to Visit in Shillong
Top Things to do in Dawki
Northeast India offers a refreshing escape into pollution-free, untouched nature—a rarity in the overpopulated tourist hubs of the rest of India. Meghalaya, with its lush landscapes, attracts visitors worldwide; while Shillong and Cherrapunji are the two most popular tourist destinations in Meghalaya, Dawki remains a less-explored treasure.
But trust me, Dawki’s enchanting beauty is not to be missed on your Meghalaya trip! Let’s explore the list of top things to do in Dawki.
Related Article: 10 Best Hotels in Shillong
Enjoy Boat Ride to Indo-Bangla Border
Upon entering Dawki, stop at the commercial boating point. If you can’t locate the exact place on GMap, tell your car driver or ask local people.
You can first check into your hotel and do boating later, but I recommend doing this boating activity upon your arrival at Dawki. It fits well in an ideal Dawki itinerary.
- Access: A 100-step descent from the main road.
- Cost: ₹500–800 per person (depends seasonally).
- 45-60 minutes boat ride.
- Capacity: Boats accommodate up to 4 people.
Tips: The rate varies season to season. If you are traveling in a larger group, do bargain. They often negotiate cost for large groups.
Caution: Avoid brokers near the parking area—they overcharge! Better, you talk to the boatmen directly.
A Mesmerizing Journey Over Crystal Waters
The journey is really thrilling. The boat glides gently over the glass-like waters of the Dawki River. On a sunny winter morning, the water is so crystal clear that you can count every pebble resting on the riverbed! It feels like floating in mid-air, an experience so magical. However, if you visit in late summer or post-monsoon, the magic of Dawki’s crystal clarity fades away.
As the journey unfolds, waterfalls tumble down from the steep, forested hills, their mist blending with the cool breeze. The boatman steers closer, allowing you to feel the water spray and capture the moments.
Stop at the Riverside Delta & Hanging Bridge
At the mid-way, you’ll be landed on a serene delta, a natural island of smooth white stones, nestled in the heart of the river. A hanging bridge stretches across the sky, framing the picture-perfect scene. Here, you pause, absorbing the tranquility, clicking a few unforgettable snapshots before setting off again.
Visit the Bangladesh Border
The final stretch leads to the Indo-Bangladesh border. The view may not be striking, but standing on the invisible line that separates two countries is a thrill in itself—a reminder of how nature knows no boundaries.
As you drift back towards shore, the journey leaves you with an unshakable sense of wonder, a memory of Dawki’s untouched beauty that lingers long after you’ve left.
Related Article: Mawlynnong: The Cleanest Village in Asia
A Full-Day Adventure in Shnongpdeng
If you’re planning an overnight stay in Dawki, I wouldn’t recommend the town itself—aside from the mesmerizing boat ride, there’s little else to do. Instead, venture 9 km further to Shnongpdeng, a picturesque riverside village that offers raw, untouched beauty and thrilling adventure sports.
Nestled along the clearest stretch of the Dawki River, Shnongpdeng is a nature lover’s paradise, surrounded by evergreen hills and a stronger river current that adds to the adventure. Accommodation here is simple—riverside huts, cozy village homestays, and tents right by the water. Luxuries are few, but for those seeking an authentic and immersive experience, this is the place to be.
Adventure Awaits in Shnongpdeng
Shnongpdeng is the ultimate playground for thrill-seekers, offering:
✅ Boat rides across the crystal-clear waters
✅ River rafting through the strong currents
✅ Snorkeling in the transparent river water
✅ Zip-lining over the river
✅ Mountain climbing for the brave-hearted
For the best experience, visit between November and April. After that, adventure activities start shutting down due to:
- Heavy rains in Meghalaya making the river murky.
- Increased water currents in summer and monsoon, making river activities risky.
- River activities remain closed from June to September.
If you visit within early June, you can still enjoy boat rides and rafting, though other sports may not be available.
Why Shnongpdeng Beats Dawki for Boating
🚤 Fewer crowds, offering a peaceful, nomadic vibe.
💎 Cleaner water due to the stronger current.
🏞️ Stunning riverside views that make every moment magical.
The most thrilling part comes at the endpoint of the boat ride close to a downhill cascade, where the river suddenly plunges into a rapid, generating an intense current. Here, the boat rocks wildly, unable to remain stable against nature’s force.
Tips: Your life jacket is non-negotiable—the waters are unpredictable, but the thrill is unforgettable.
After your heart-racing boat ride, you can zip through the skies, enjoy river rafting, or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters.
Shnongpdeng isn’t just a stopover—it’s the ultimate adventure that makes your Dawki trip truly unforgettable!
Riverside Camping in Shnongpdeng
Imagine, the gentle sound of the river flowing beside you, the cool night breeze whispering through the hills, and a sky full of stars stretching endlessly above. Shnongpdeng’s riverside camping offers an experience unlike any other—a night where you disconnect from the chaos and reconnect with nature.
If you’re planning this adventure between October and April, make sure to pre-book your tent. This isn’t just about spending a night in a tent; it’s a 24-hour thrill package packed with activities that will leave you breathless and exhilarated.
Your camping journey begins early in the morning when the organizers pick you up from your Dawki hotel or Mawlynnong homestay. The entire day is packed with adrenaline-pumping activities, ensuring every second is filled with adventure.
What’s Included in the Camping Experience?
🏕️ Camping by the river – Fall asleep to the lullaby of nature.
🚤 Boat riding – Glide over the crystal-clear Dawki River.
🌊 River rafting – Brave the exciting currents.
🤿 Snorkeling – Dive into the transparent waters.
⚡ Zip-lining – Soar high over the shimmering river.
⛰️ Mountain climbing – Conquer the rugged beauty of Meghalaya.
🎣 Fishing – Enjoy a peaceful moment by the river.
As the sun sets, the real magic unfolds. A bonfire is lit, laughter fills the air, and the tranquil beauty of Shnongpdeng takes over. Sitting by the riverside, under the starry sky, sharing stories with fellow travelers—this is the kind of night that stays with you forever.
The next morning, you’ll be dropped back to your starting point, wrapping up an unforgettable adventure.
❗ Note: If you’re traveling with infants or very young children, this experience might not be ideal. But for everyone else—it’s an absolute must!
Related Article: Best hotels in Dawki
Other places to visit near Dawki in Meghalaya
While Dawki’s crystal-clear river steals the spotlight, there are two mesmerizing waterfalls nearby that deserve a visit.
Byrdaw Falls: Located on the route between Mawlynnong and Dawki, this waterfall requires a 1.5 km walk from the parking area. The short trek is worth it, as the falls cascade beautifully into a lush green setting, creating a picture-perfect view.
Borhill Falls: If you take the alternative route from Dawki to Mawlynnong, which runs alongside the India-Bangladesh border, you’ll find Borhill Falls nestled right by the roadside. It’s a great spot to take a break and soak in the pristine beauty of Meghalaya’s landscapes.
Your Queries (FAQs)
How to Reach Dawki?
Your journey to Dawki begins with reaching Shillong, the nearest major city with access to Guwahati Airport or Shillong Airport.
From Shillong, Dawki is approximately 82 km away, while from Cherrapunji, the distance is around 85 km. Depending on your itinerary, you can choose your route.
Don’t visit Dawki for a day-trip from Shillong; it’s a hectic journey that doesn’t allow you to feel the real thrill of Dawki. Instead, plan a one-night stay here, preferably at Shnongpdeng. Personally, I recommend visiting Dawki after exploring Cherrapunji or Mawlynnong Village for a well-structured Meghalaya tour.
Related article: Top 9 Cherrapunji Tourist Places You Shouldn’t Skip
Best time to visit Dawki
Dawki’s tourist season extends from late September to June, but the ideal time to visit is from November to early April.
✅ November to April: The crystal-clear waters of the Dawki River are at their best during this period, making it the perfect time for boat rides and adventure activities.
⚠️ Mid-winter (December – January): While Dawki River remains stunning, some waterfalls in Meghalaya, especially in Cherrapunji, may dry up during peak winter.
📌 Best overall travel window: October-November (for lush waterfalls) or December-March (for clear river views and pleasant weather).
🚫 Avoid Sundays! Dawki remains relatively inactive on Sundays, as most adventure activities are closed. Plan your visit accordingly.
Where to Stay in Dawki?
Finding the perfect stay in Dawki can be challenging. Many tourists struggle to locate a good hotel, and I faced the same issue during my trip. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered in the following review article. Click the button below to find the best hotels in Dawki.
Other Places to Visit in Meghalaya
The other beautiful places in Meghalaya that you can include in your itinerary are:
- Shillong
- Cherrapunji
- Double Decker Root Bridge
- Mawsynram
- Mawlynnong
- Mawphlang Sacred Forest
- Garden of Caves
Ready to Explore Dawki?
So, when are you planning your Dawki adventure? A 24-hour stay (one full day and night) is perfect to experience the best of Dawki—no need to extend your trip beyond that.
💬 Have questions? Drop your queries in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help! 😊
Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.
Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.
He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!
Wow! That’s a beautiful, amazing place! I’ve never heard of the Dawki River. I’m always looking for new places to visit, and this is a place I would love to see. The water is so crystal clear! I would love to go on that boat ride. Thanks for the tip to get a ride directly with the boatsmen!
It’s unfortunate that now there are so many travel restrictions, but I hope that one day I can see the Dawki River. I don’t need a fancy hotel room if it’s hard to find. I will be happy with a bed and some local food or I could also bring a tent, like I saw in one of the photos.
Hi Christine,
Definitely, you should visit Dawki, and not only Dawki but plan a trip to the whole of Meghalaya, including Cherrapunji, Shillong, Double Decker Root Bridge, Mawlynnong, and other sub-stations of the state. This particular state of India is very popular to foreign delegates; till before the COVID-19 breakthrough, every year thousands of foreigners visit Meghalaya in search of unlimited adventure, excitement, and magnificent landscapes. Now, domestic travel restrictions have been minimized, but not removed. Hope things will be absolutely normal very soon when travel will become restriction-free once again.
Dawaki is popular for riverside adventure camping. Tour operators provide the tents as per your need. So, it is not mandatory to bring a tent with you unless you strictly prefer to stay in your personal tent.
Dawki River looks so beautiful with its clear blue-green water. The brightly colored canoes make it all the more picturesque and peaceful.
To have a good trip anywhere requires rigorous planning, especially if it is to a foreign country; you have done a great job of researching all that information and packaging it into this article. May I ask if there are tour packages available for those who might wish to have arrangements made for them, as this might address the issue of having to personally look for a hotel.
This is certainly a lovely place to consider for my next vacation.
Ceci
Hi Ceci, wish you a very happy new year, 2022.
There are several tour operators in Shillong and Cherrapunji to arrange a Dawki trip. You can hire them or plan your trip by yourself. When you finalize your plan, stay connected to me, I’ll help you to plan the best Meghalaya trip suggesting the best tour packages/ hotels.
Specifically for Dawki, you may check the best stay options HERE.
For your stay in Shillong you may check THIS Article.
Hey!
OMG, that looks so amazing! I’ve been to Thailand for several times and thought about traveling to India and Malesia. If I plan an India trip next year, I would really want to visit Dawki as well as the whole of Meghalaya. I hope I could do that during 2022 or 23. I wonder what current Covid 19 regulations are for now??
Hi Markus, Wish you a very happy new year, 2022.
presently Covid restrictions in India are relatively lax, people are traveling with all precautions. Hopefully, everything will be normal late in this new year.
If you are interested to visit India/Meghalaya, target 2023 or the end of 2022. If you plan the trip, stay connected with me, I’ll inform you of the latest updates of COVID restrictions in India.
As a nature lover, I love learning about beautiful places one can visit on tourist adventures. I have never heard of the Dawki river though, but from your review, I can see it is really a very beautiful place with green trees, boats and crystal-clear water!
Oh my, the Instagram worthy photos of a beautiful landscape and a river so clear that you could literally see through it has got me dreamy already!
Thank you for this very detailed and informative review of the best way and places to visit when on a Dawki trip in Meghalaya. It is really an intriguing place and I hope many people give it a try.
Cheers,
Femi.
Thank you for sharing your honest insight.