25.185692.0216Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

NATURE

Dawki River - Boating on Meghalaya's Crystal Clear Umngot

Experience boating on the remarkably clear Umngot River in Dawki, a border town offering unique views of the riverbed and the India-Bangladesh border.

Cherrapunji, Meghalaya2-3 hours8:00 AM – 5:00 PMFree EntryNo Photography

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Best Season:The best time to visit is from October to April. The post-monsoon months of November and December are ideal, as the river is calm and the water is at its clearest, offering the famous transparent views. The weather is pleasant and dry during this period. It is best to avoid the monsoon season, from June to September, when heavy rainfall makes the river water muddy and the currents strong, often leading to the suspension of boating activities.

Duration:2-3 hours

Entry (Indian):Free

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Dawki?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

Dawki is a small town in Meghalaya located on the border between India and Bangladesh, famous for the Umngot River. The river is known for its exceptionally clear water, which, during the winter months, becomes so transparent that the riverbed is clearly visible from the surface. The main activity for visitors is taking a boat ride, which creates an illusion of the boat floating in mid-air over the colourful stones below. A key landmark here is the Dawki Suspension Bridge, a single-span structure built in 1932 that hangs over the river, providing a great vantage point for photos.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

Jan

Winter

Feb

Winter

Mar

Spring

Apr

Spring

May

Summer

Jun

Summer

Jul

Monsoon

Aug

Monsoon

Sep

Post-M

Oct

Autumn

Nov

Autumn

Dec

Winter

BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

November to January, especially on weekends and during Christmas and New Year holidays, due to peak tourist season and ideal weather.

Moderate

February to April and on weekdays during the peak season.

Low Season

June to September, during the monsoon, when weather conditions are unfavorable and the river is murky.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

Free

No entry fee

Opening Hours

8:00 AM — 5:00 PM

Boating activities generally run from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. These timings are flexible and depend on daylight and weather conditions. It is advisable to finish activities by 4:00 PM to ensure you can travel back before it gets dark.

There is no entry fee to visit Dawki. However, activities are chargeable. A boat ride for 4-5 people typically costs between ₹500 and ₹800 for a 45-60 minute duration. There might also be a nominal fee for vehicle parking.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Umngot River, Dawki-Tamabil Road, Dawki

Coordinates

25.1856, 92.0216

Nearest City

Cherrapunji

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

The nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, about 190 km away (5-6 hour drive). From the airport, you can h...

By Train

Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) is the nearest major railhead, located about 180 km from Dawki. Taxis and shared cabs are available from the station for the onwa...

By Road

Dawki is well-connected by a scenic road from Shillong (95 km) and Cherrapunji (85 km). The most convenient way to travel is by hiring a private car for a day t...

Local Transport

Dawki is a very small town, and the main boating point is accessible by foot from the main road. There are no local auto-rickshaws or app-based taxi services fo...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

Dawki's historical importance stems from its strategic location as a border town and trade route between India and Bangladesh. The most prominent historical structure is the Dawki Suspension Bridge, an engineering feat built by the British in 1932 to facilitate trade and movement across the Umngot R...

Significance

Dawki's primary significance lies in the natural phenomenon of the Umngot River, one of the cleanest rivers in India. Its transparent water has made it a major tourist attraction in Meghalaya, drawing visitors from across the country and abroad. The location is also significant for being a functiona...

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