On a Meghalaya trip, Dawki is a must-visit destination that many tourists skip. A part of Meghalaya tourists don’t have a proper idea about the place, they mainly target Shillong and Cherrapunji. But apart from this class, some tourists visit Dawaki just go for a one-day trip; they start from Shillong very early in the morning, cover Dawki and Mawlynong in a single day, and return to Shillong within the evening. A part of these tourists fails to find suitable hotels in Dawki.
Dawki is a relatively less explored destination in Meghalaya, which is the prime reason people can’t find good hotels in Dawki. From my personal experience, I’m updating here some of the best stay options on the bay of Dawki river.
*Updated on 27 January 2022.
Preferably, Where should you stay in Dawki?
The first thing I’d suggest, don’t stay at proper Dawki town because there is nothing so interesting except boating at Dawki river at the entrance. Although there are a few commercial hotels inside the town, I suggest just avoid those if you prefer to enjoy nature.
Shnongpdeng, a small river-side village situated 8 km away from the town, is the best place to stay during your Dawki trip. This is the exact place where you may enjoy pure nature.
Best Stay Options/ Hotels in Dawki
In Dawki, you’ll not get aristocratic resorts as available in Shillong or Cherrapunji. This is a place to enjoy nature by staying at nature. Camping on the bay of Dawki River is one of the most popular activities as well as stay options in Dawki. However, a few resorts and homestays are also available nearby.
Below, I’m introducing a few stay options in Dawki that you may pick up based on your taste.
Let’s explore.
Gawooh Adventure Camping
| CATEGORY | Tent/Camping |
| PERFECT FOR | Groups, Couples |
| Our Rating | 8.5 |
As camping adventures at the bank of Dawki river is the most demanding, I’m introducing a fabulous Camping option first.
Away from the town, this camping facility is situated right on the bay of Dawki river at Shnongpdeng village. The host provides you with single, double, and tripple bed tent accommodation on the bank of crystal clear Dawki river. Each are having different charges. Tent space varies between 2-6 squer meter. With a serene ambience and excellent river view, this is a great option to stay in Dawki.
There are plenty of activities you can do throughout the day; so, probably you’ll use the tents only for sleeping at night.
These are not luxury tents with attached baths, etc., they provide a shared bathroom facility that includes toilet paper and a shower. Private parking is available nearby at a low cost (INR 100/-).
You should note, this tent accommodation is situated at an interior location. Internet connection may not be accessible here.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent location, right into the lap of nature. | The bathroom facilities should be improved. |
| Amazing beauty all around. | No internet connection. |
| Great camping experience with lots of activities. | |
| Nice host, very cooperative. |
Crystal River Camping and Homestay
| CATEGORY | Tent/Camping/homestay |
| PERFECT FOR | Groups, Couples, families |
| Our Rating | 8.7 |
This is another tent facility at Shnongpdeng; additionally double bed private accomodation is also available here! All tent accommodations are similar to the previous property, just hosting is shared by a different owner. Staying in tent you have to share a common bathroom, otherwise tents are perfect!
The double bed room facility is much suitable for honeymoon couples and families. Each double bed room is equipped with dining area, an attached bathroom, fireplace, and dishwasher. I revealed, the outdoor dining area is awesome addition to this accomodation that offers an ultimate fooding experiene into the lap of nature!
You have to pay INR. 100 extra for parking your car in the nearby parking area.
If you are an adventure lover, Crystal River Camping & Homestay is a great option for you to stay in.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent location, right into the lap of nature. | The bathroom facilities for tents should be improved. |
| Amazing serenity and beautiful views all around. | No internet connection. |
| Great camping experience with lots of activities. | |
| Nice host, very cooperative. | |
| Homestay options are great for families and couples. |
Betelnut Resort
| CATEGORY | Resort |
| PERFECT FOR | Couples, Family |
| Our Rating | 9.0 |
If you don’t prefer to spend the night in tent, Betelnut Resort is the best stay option on your Dawaki trip.
As it named, the resort is surrounded by betelnut forest and situated beside Dawki river. The resort is built with a number of two-storied cottages. Every room is very spacious and featured with a balcony and attached bath.
A restaurant is attached to the property that offers delicious foods (in comparison to nearby food facilities). Room delivery is available.
Although this resort is pretty beautiful in terms of location, decoration, and services, there is no AC facility. In summer, Dawki is a bit hot in comparison to the rest of Meghalaya. So on a summer trip, you may feel hot in the daytime, but at night, the weather becomes very pleasant and the provided stand-fans are good enough to sleep.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Nice Location. | Very poor internet connection. |
| Beautifully decorated spacious cottages right into the betelnut forest. | Unknown Insects may enter the room, the resort is situated inside the forest; be a little careful. |
| Sound of the river during the sleeping time: it’s amazing. | AC-facility is not available. |
| Nice host, very cooperative. | |
| Shnongpdeng river activity point is very close to this property. | |
| An in-house restaurant is available. |
Reach Destination Homestay
| CATEGORY | Homestay/Camping |
| PERFECT FOR | Groups, Couples |
| Our Rating | 8.5 |
This is a simple wooden homestay at the bay of Dawki river, situated a bit away from Shnongpdeng, at Kongwang. The place is extremely calm, so if you love the serenity of nature it’s a nice pick for you.
The cottages are featured with a balcony and private bathroom; mosquito net, toilet paper, towels, bathtub are provided.
A kitchen and dining space are attached with the homestay offering average quality food.
In the daytime you may enjoy the beautiful nature of the surroundings; for river activities, you may go to Shnongpdeng river bay (not far away from here). Evening time may be enjoyed with a charming campfire beside the river; the host can arrange it upon demand.
It’s a interior location, so internet connection is not available in this place.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Nice Location, the homestay is situated in a serene place. | No internet connection. |
| Beautifully decorated spacious cottages right into the betelnut forest. | No AC facility. |
| Beautiful river view. | Parking issues (contact the host before visiting). |
| Nice accommodation, neat and clean. | |
| Helpful host. | |
| An in-house kitchen+dining is available. |
Other Stay Options/ Hotels in Dawki
Among other stay options in Dawki you may search for Apslem Riverside Camping and Sunset Camping accommodations. I personally didn’t visit/stay at any of these 2 camping facilities, so I can’t offer a strong recommendation about these.
I attended Sunset Camping on the way, just for a survey; If you decide to stay there, you don’t need to drive at Shnongpdeng, which is 9 km away from Dawki; rather you can avail this camping facility near the entrance of Dawki, just beside Umngot (Dawki) river side. Both single and double bed tents are avaible here, though the you have to share a common bathroom as usual. The place is extremely calm, so if you love the serenity of nature Suntet Camping is a nice pick for you.
I suggest, if the above-mentioned 4 tents/resort/homestay are houseful/sold out, you may try any of these two.
Camping, Resort, Hotels in Dawki: Remarks
A Meghalaya trip remains incomplete without enjoying the crystal clear Dawki river and the amazing beauty of the surroundings. No, spending there only for a few hours is not a good idea. You should enjoy all the activities (it’s not only boating) in Dawki, specifically at Shnongpdeng village. It’s worthy to spend at least one night beside the Dawki river; you can stay in tent or resort, it’s up to your personal choice, but stay and enjoy anyway.
From the following link, you may check an article exploring the beauty of the place and the list of activities you may perform in Dawki.
Must read: >> Dawki in Meghalaya: A Perfect Gateway to Explore the River Paradise
Thank you.
