Dawki - The Mirror of Nature

Dawki, a serene village in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills, is a haven of natural beauty and cultural charm. Often referred to as Duki, Dauki, or Dawki, this picturesque destination sits on the India-Bangladesh border, with Tamabil as the crossing point. Known for its crystal-clear Umngot River and proximity to stunning landscapes, Dawki has become a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and peace seekers alike.

Although thousands of tourists visit the area, most tourists travel to Dawki as part of a day tour from Shillong or the Cherrapunjee area.

Why Visit Dawki?

Dawki’s attracts tourists primarily for a boat ride on the Umngot River and various other attractions.

Umngot River: Renowned for its transparent waters, the crystal-clear Umngot River is Dawki’s crown jewel. A boat ride on its glass-like surface reveals a surreal world of reflected greenery and pristine waters. Known as the Goyain River once it flows into Bangladesh, it remains a highlight for tourists on both sides of the border. Boating on the Dawki River is the most popular tourist activity here.

Dawki Suspension Bridge: Built in 1932 by the British, this historic bridge offers breathtaking views of the river and surrounding hills. You can take a picture of the river from the bridge and get the effect of boats floating over a transparent river. This view is especially mesmerising during the winter months.

Adventure Activities: Tourists can undertake boating on the Dawki River. The boat rides take you to a small island on the river where tourists enjoy food and drinks and an occasional bath on the river before heading back. There are other offbeat tourist activities available such as trekking in the woods for experiential travellers.

Cultural Crossroads: The India-Bangladesh border here offers a rare opportunity to experience cross-cultural exchanges. The friendly border is open during the day and tourists can interact with their Bangladeshi counterparts. The boat rides take you a few meters inside Bangladesh where you can shop nick nacks from Bangladesh.

Shnongpdeng Village - Located a few kilometres away from the Dawki Bridge, this tranquil village is an adventure hotspot. Activities such as camping, ziplining, and kayaking are complemented by the locals’ warm hospitality, making it perfect for both thrill and relaxation.

Activities Nearby

Most tourists combine a visit to Dawki with a tour of the Mawlynnong and Riwai village areas. This area is famous for several natural and cultural marvels such as the world-famous living root bridge, the balancing rock and the clean village of Mawlynnong. The wonderful Khasi people and their culture can be witnessed from close quarters in the heavily forests area. The area is about an hour's drive from Dawki.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Dawki is between October and April when the river is at its clearest.
Winter (October to February): Perfect for boating and sightseeing.
Spring (March to April): Best for adventure sports and cultural exploration.
Monsoon months between June and September bring Heavy rains that can disrupt boating and other tourist activities.

Typical tours of the area

Most tourists visit Dawki as part of a day tour from Shillong. A tour of Dawki and Mawlynnong is combined. Those who wish to visit the Cherrapunjee area need an extra day. They will start from Shillong and visit Dawki and Mawlynnong before going to Cherrapunjee. Here you will stay overnight and next day undertake the sightseeing of local attractions of the area before leading back to Shillong. 

Distance from nearby places to Dawki

Umroi Airport in Shillong - 104 km (4 hours drive)
Shillong city - 80 km (3 hours drive)
Mawlynnong - 25 km (about an hour)
Cherrapunjee - 83 km (3 hours drive)
Cherrapunjee - Dawki and Shillong form a triangle. The road connecting the three places crosses at a place called Laitlyngkot.

Accommodation Options

Homestays and lodges are available at Dawki and Darrang villages in nearby areas. The accommodations are mostly basic.
Riverside Campsites: Ideal for nature lovers near Shnongpdeng. Amenities as of 2025 are very basic.
Hotels & Resorts: Luxurious hotel options are available in Shillong and Cherrapunjee areas.