This article introduces the 6 best stay options/ Hotels in Dawki.
Dawki is a must-visit destination on a Meghalaya trip, yet many tourists tend to skip it. Most visitors primarily focus on Shillong and Cherrapunji, often overlooking this beautiful riverside town. Even those who do visit Dawki usually opt for a one-day trip—starting early from Shillong, covering Dawki and Mawlynnong, and returning by evening.
Since Dawki is a relatively less explored destination, the availability of quality hotels is limited. Based on our personal experience, I’m sharing some of the best stay options along the banks of the Dawki River.
Ideal Place to stay in Dawki?
I strongly recommend not staying in Dawki town itself. Other than boating on the river, there isn’t much things to do in Dawki town. While a few commercial hotels are available, they lack the charm of nature-centric accommodations.
Instead, consider staying in Shnongpdeng, a serene riverside village just 8 km from Dawki town. This is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the true beauty of Meghalaya.
Best Stay Options/ Hotels in Dawki
Unlike Shillong or Cherrapunji, Dawki doesn’t have luxury resorts. This is a place where you stay close to nature, while camping by the Dawki River is one of the most popular accommodation choices. However, if camping isn’t your preference, a few resorts and homestays are available nearby.
Below, I’ve listed some of the best places to stay in Dawki, catering to different tastes and travel styles. Let’s explore!
Let’s explore.
Gino’s 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. |
Shnongpdeng Riverbank Camp
| 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, Shnongpdeng Riverbank Camp 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. |
Gilbert Ryngksai Campsite
| CATEGORY | Camping |
| PERFECT FOR | Groups, Couples |
| Our Rating | 8.5 |
This is another campsite at the bay of Dawki River, situated a bit away from Shnongpdeng, at Konwong. The place is extremely calm, so if you love the serenity of nature it’s a nice pick for you.
You can enjoy a meal in an outdoor dining area while enjoying the river views.
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 campsite is situated in a serene place. | No internet connection. |
| Beautiful river view. | Parking issues (contact the host before visiting). |
| Helpful host. |
Other Stay Options/ Hotels in Dawki
Among other stay options in Dawki you may search for Food Planet Restaurant & Guesthouse and Rebha Hotel accommodations. Both of these are situated in Dawki Town close to the river.
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: The River Paradise
Thank you.
