Dawki at a Glance: Entry, Timings & Key Info
| State | Meghalaya |
| Famous For | Umngot River, crystal clear river, boating |
| Best Time to Visit | November to May |
| Ideal Duration | 2-3 days minimum |
| Language | Khasi, English |
| Nearest Airport | Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), Guwahati, 172km from Dawki |
| Nearest Railway | Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) |
| From Shillong | 82 km · 3h 30m |
| Entry Fee | Free – ₹500+ (varies) |
| Best For | all travellers |
Dawki: What Makes It Worth Visiting
Dawki is a small town in Meghalaya, India, famous for the Umngot River. The river is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, making boats appear to float on glass during the dry season.
Plan for at least two to three days to fully appreciate Dawki and its surroundings. Getting to Dawki involves a drive from Guwahati or Shillong, so factor in travel time.
How to Reach Dawki: Road, Train, Air & Bus Routes
directions_car Driving to Dawki: Road Routes & Highways
| From | Distance | Drive Time | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shillong | 82 km | 3h 30m | NH-206 |
train Train to Dawki: Nearest Station & Schedules
Nearest Station: Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) — Main railway station connecting to major cities. Located in Guwahati, 170 km from Dawki.
- From Delhi: 24-30 hours (₹1500-3000)
- From Mumbai: 36-48 hours (₹2000-4000)
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
flight Flying to Dawki: Nearest Airport & Transfers
Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), Guwahati, 172km from Dawki
- Delhi: 2.5 hours (₹4000-8000)
- Mumbai: 3.5 hours (₹5000-10000)
Airport transfer:
- Taxi: ₹3000-4000
- Shared Taxi: ₹800-1200 per person
directions_bus Bus to Dawki: Services & Timings
- From Guwahati: 5-6 hours (₹500-800)
Shared taxis are generally more comfortable than buses for this route.
Best Time to Visit Dawki: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
Best months: November to May
| Season | Temperature | What to Expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Time: November to May | 15-25 degrees C | The crystal-clear water is perfect for boating and photography. You'll have unob | Best ✓ |
| Shoulder Season: June and October | 20-30 degrees C | Fewer crowds than peak season, and prices are generally lower. The landscape is | Be prepared for occasional showers |
| Avoid: July to September | 25-35 degrees C | Avoid visiting during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall. The river's clar | Travel can be difficult due to road |
Peak season note: This is peak season, so expect higher prices and more tourists. Book accommodations and activities in advance.
2-Day Dawki Itinerary: Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1 — Nature & Landscapes
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
🏖️ Umngot River Boating
The main attraction is boating on the crystal-clear Umngot River. You can see the riverbed clearly from the boat, making it seem l…
💡 Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and for the clearest water.
📍 India-Bangladesh Border
Dawki is situated right on the border between India and Bangladesh. You can visit the border crossing and see the neighboring coun…
💡 Tip: Carry identification documents like Aadhar card or passport.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
📍 Mawlynnong Village (Asia's Cleanest Village)
Mawlynnong is known as Asia's Cleanest Village. The village is immaculately maintained by its residents.…
💡 Tip: Try the local Khasi cuisine at the village restaurants.
📍 Living Root Bridge
Living Root Bridges are unique to Meghalaya. These bridges are made from the roots of rubber trees.…
💡 Tip: Carry water and snacks for the trek.
Day 2 — Nature & Local Culture
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
🏖️ Burhill Falls
Burhill Falls is a scenic waterfall near Dawki. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery.…
💡 Visit during the weekdays to avoid crowds.
📍 Tamabil-Dawki Integrated Check Post
This is the integrated check post facilitating trade between India and Bangladesh. Witness the bustling border trade activities.…
💡 Check the trading hours before visiting.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
📍 Shnongpdeng
Shnongpdeng is another scenic spot on the Umngot River, known for adventure activities. The water is also clear here, although pot…
💡 Bargain for the best prices for water activities.
Top Places to Visit in Dawki: Must-See Attractions & Things to Do
| # | Place | Entry | Duration | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🏖️ Umngot River Boating | ₹500 per boat (shared, up to 8 people) | 1-2 hours | 08:00-17:00 daily |
| 2 | 📍 India-Bangladesh Border | Free | 30 minutes | 09:00-17:00 daily |
| 3 | 📍 Mawlynnong Village (Asia's Cleanest Village) | Free | 2-3 hours | Open all day |
| 4 | 📍 Living Root Bridge | ₹20 per person | 1-2 hours | Open all day |
| 5 | 🏖️ Burhill Falls | ₹30 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners) | 1-2 hours | 08:00-17:00 |
| 6 | 📍 Tamabil-Dawki Integrated Check Post | Free | 1 hour | Open during border trade hours |
| 7 | 📍 Shnongpdeng | Free (activities are paid) | 3-4 hours | Daylight hours |
🏖️ 1. Umngot River Boating
The main attraction is boating on the crystal-clear Umngot River. You can see the riverbed clearly from the boat, making it seem like you are floating on glass.
Honest take: Worth the experience if the water is clear. Check water conditions before going.
📍 Getting there: Accessible by road from Dawki market. Boats are available at the riverbank.
📍 2. India-Bangladesh Border
Dawki is situated right on the border between India and Bangladesh. You can visit the border crossing and see the neighboring country.
Honest take: A quick stop for a unique photo opportunity.
📍 Getting there: Located near Dawki market.
📍 3. Mawlynnong Village (Asia's Cleanest Village)
Mawlynnong is known as Asia's Cleanest Village. The village is immaculately maintained by its residents.
Honest take: Worth a visit to witness community-driven cleanliness.
📍 Getting there: Approximately 30 km from Dawki. Hire a taxi or shared cab.
Food & Restaurants in Dawki: Local Dishes & Where to Eat
Must-try dishes: Jadoh, Dohkhlieh, Pumaloi, Tungrymbai, Bamboo Shoots Pickle
| Dish / Specialty | Price Range | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Jadoh and Dohkhlieh | ₹₹ (₹400-600 for two) | Mawlynnong |
| Khasi Thali | ₹₹ (₹400-600 for two) | Mawlynnong |
| Fish Curry | ₹₹ (₹400-600 for two) | Dawki |
🛺 Street Food: Dawki Market — Momos, noodles, and local snacks (₹50-150 per person)
Dawki Trip Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹800-1200/night | ₹1500-2500/night | ₹6000+/night |
| Food/day | ₹200–400 | ₹500–800 | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Local transport | ₹100–200 | ₹300–500 | ₹500–1,000 |
| Entry fees (avg) | ₹50–100 | ₹100–200 | ₹200–400 |
| Total (2 days) | ~₹1,700 | ~₹4,500 | ~₹11,000 |
Day Trips from Dawki: Best Nearby Destinations
| Place | Distance | Drive Time | Famous For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherrapunjee | 80 km | ~1.5–2 hrs | — |
| Shillong | 85 km | 3h 30m | Hill Station, Scotland of East, Waterfalls |
| Mawlynnong | 30 km | ~30–40 min | Cleanest Village, Living Root Bridge |
Hotels in Dawki: Best Accommodation for Every Budget
💰 Budget
Betelnut Resort
₹800-1200/night
Dawki
Santa Maria Guest House
₹700-1000/night
Dawki
🏨 Mid-Range
Dahlia Guest House
₹1500-2500/night
Mawlynnong (near Dawki)
Halatong Homestay
₹1800-2800/night
Mawlynnong (near Dawki)
⭐ Luxury
Polo Orchid Resort Cherrapunjee (nearby)
₹6000+/night
Cherrapunjee (approx. 80km from Dawki)
Ri Kynjai Serenity By The Lake (nearby)
₹8000+/night
Near Shillong (approx. 85km from Dawki)
Dawki Travel Tips: Safety, Money & Getting Around
- ✓ Overcharging by taxi drivers: Negotiate the fare beforehand. Use ride-hailing apps when available.
- ✓ Fake guides: Verify the credentials of the guide before hiring. Ask for recommendations from trusted sources.
- ✓ Wear comfortable and layered clothing as the weather can change quickly. Carry rain gear, especially during the monsoon season.
- ✓ Limited ATM availability in Dawki. Carry sufficient cash.
- ✓ Airtel and Jio have good network coverage. Buy a local SIM card for better connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Dawki
How many days are enough for Dawki?
2-3 days minimum is ideal for Dawki. Day 1 covers Umngot River Boating and India-Bangladesh Border, while Day 2 explores Burhill Falls and Tamabil-Dawki Integrated Check Post.
What is Dawki famous for?
Dawki is famous for Umngot River, crystal clear river, boating.
What is the best time to visit Dawki?
The best time to visit Dawki is November to May. Pleasant and dry weather with clear skies. The Umngot River is at its clearest during this period.
How do I reach Dawki from Shillong?
Dawki is 82 km from Shillong by road, approximately 3h 30m drive via NH-206. The nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station (GHY). The nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), Guwahati, 172km from Dawki.
Is Dawki worth visiting?
Yes, Dawki is worth visiting for Umngot River, crystal clear river, boating. It is especially recommended for all travellers and can be combined with a visit to Cherrapunjee.
What is the budget for a trip to Dawki?
A 2-day trip to Dawki costs approximately ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person including accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget accommodation starts at ₹800-1200/night per night.