Shillong to Dawki Complete Travel Guide 2026
Planning a trip from Shillong to Dawki? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 82km journey. Watch the interactive route animation above to visualize your journey, then explore detailed information about travel options, costs, attractions along the way, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.
analytics Travel Comparison: Shillong to Dawki
| Mode | Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| directions_car Private Car | 3h 30m | ₹783 Fuel & Tolls |
| train Train | 12h – 16h | ₹108 – ₹295 |
| bus Bus | 12h – 16h | ₹150 – ₹905 |
How to Travel: Shillong to Dawki
Compare different travel modes to find the best option for your budget, schedule, and preferences.
By Car
Flexibility, scenic stops, family trips
By Train
Comfort, scenic views, budget-friendly
By Bus
Budget travel, multiple stops
lightbulb Our Recommendation
For this 82km journey, driving is your best option. The 3h 30m drive gives you flexibility to stop at attractions along the way and explore at your own pace.
Before You Leave Shillong
Fuel up with these authentic local dishes before hitting the road:
Local Specialties
- local_dining Jadoh - Rice cooked with pork blood and spices (try it at Trattoria)
- local_dining Dohkhlieh - Pork salad with onions, chillies, and ginger
- local_dining Pumaloi - A powdered rice dish, usually steamed
Trattoria • Police Bazaar
Worth Stopping: Cities Along Your Route
These cities are within 50km of your Shillong to Dawki route and offer excellent attractions worth a brief detour:
Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra, is a high-altitude town in Meghalaya, Northeast India. It's famed for its living root bridges, numerous waterfalls, and being one of the wettest places on Earth.
attractions Top Attractions
Nohkalikai Falls
Nohkalikai Falls is one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India, cascading from a height of over 340 meters. The water plunges into a lagoon of turquoise water below.
Double Decker Living Root Bridge (Nongriat)
The Double Decker Living Root Bridge is a unique bio-engineering marvel created by the Khasi tribe. It's formed by training the roots of rubber trees to grow across a stream.
Mawsmai Cave
Mawsmai Cave is a well-maintained limestone cave with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. It's one of the most accessible caves in the region.
restaurant Must Try Local Food
Jadoh - Rice cooked with pork blood and spices (try at local Khasi restaurants)
Top Attractions in Dawki: What to See and Do
Once you arrive in Dawki, explore these must-visit attractions that showcase the best of the city:
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Umngot River Boating
⏱ 1-2 hours • 💰 ₹500 per boat (shared, up to 8 people) • 🕐 08:00-17:00 dailyThe 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.
Best Time to Visit: Morning or early afternoon for best light and water clarity.
💡 Insider Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and for the clearest water.
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India-Bangladesh Border
⏱ 30 minutes • 💰 Free • 🕐 09:00-17:00 dailyDawki is situated right on the border between India and Bangladesh. You can visit the border crossing and see the neighboring country.
Best Time to Visit: Anytime during the day.
💡 Insider Tip: Carry identification documents like Aadhar card or passport.
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Mawlynnong Village (Asia's Cleanest Village)
⏱ 2-3 hours • 💰 Free • 🕐 Open all dayMawlynnong is known as Asia's Cleanest Village. The village is immaculately maintained by its residents.
Best Time to Visit: Anytime during daylight hours.
💡 Insider Tip: Try the local Khasi cuisine at the village restaurants.
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Living Root Bridge
⏱ 1-2 hours • 💰 ₹20 per person • 🕐 Open all dayLiving Root Bridges are unique to Meghalaya. These bridges are made from the roots of rubber trees.
Best Time to Visit: During daylight hours.
💡 Insider Tip: Carry water and snacks for the trek.
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Burhill Falls
⏱ 1-2 hours • 💰 ₹30 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners) • 🕐 08:00-17:00Burhill Falls is a scenic waterfall near Dawki. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery.
Best Time to Visit: Post-monsoon season for the best flow.
💡 Insider Tip: Visit during the weekdays to avoid crowds.
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Tamabil-Dawki Integrated Check Post
⏱ 1 hour • 💰 Free • 🕐 Open during border trade hoursThis is the integrated check post facilitating trade between India and Bangladesh. Witness the bustling border trade activities.
Best Time to Visit: During trading hours to witness activity.
💡 Insider Tip: Check the trading hours before visiting.
Where to Eat in Dawki: Local Cuisine Guide
Must-Try Dishes in Dawki
Don't leave Dawki without tasting these local specialties:
- Jadoh - Rice cooked with pork blood, a Khasi delicacy (try at local restaurants in Mawlynnong).
- Dohkhlieh - Pork salad with onions and spices (try at local restaurants in Dawki).
- Pumaloi - Rice powder dish steamed in a special pot (try at Khasi households or local eateries).
- Tungrymbai - Fermented soybeans with spices (try at local markets).
- Bamboo Shoots Pickle - A spicy and tangy pickle made from bamboo shoots (available in local shops).
Recommended Restaurants in Dawki
Orange Roots
Indian and Khasi • ₹₹ (₹400-600 for two)
Specialty: Jadoh and Dohkhlieh
A popular restaurant known for its authentic Khasi cuisine. It offers a pleasant dining experience with good service.
📍 Mawlynnong
Betelnut Resort Restaurant
Indian and Chinese • ₹ (₹300-500 for two)
Specialty: Noodles and fried rice
A casual dining option with basic but tasty food. Convenient if you're staying at the resort.
📍 Dawki
Halatong Homestay Restaurant
Khasi • ₹₹ (₹400-600 for two)
Specialty: Khasi Thali
Offers a home-style dining experience with authentic Khasi dishes. Great for trying local flavors in a cozy setting.
📍 Mawlynnong
Dwaki River View Restaurant
Indian and Bengali • ₹₹ (₹400-600 for two)
Specialty: Fish Curry
Offers a menu with a mix of Indian and Bengali dishes, with a view of the river. Good for a relaxing meal.
📍 Dawki
Where to Stay in Dawki: Accommodation Options
Budget Hotels (₹500-1500/night)
Betelnut Resort
Price: ₹800-1200/night
Location: Dawki
Basic rooms with essential amenities. A convenient option for budget travelers.
Santa Maria Guest House
Price: ₹700-1000/night
Location: Dawki
Simple and affordable guesthouse. Offers a comfortable stay for budget-conscious travelers.
Mid-Range Hotels (₹2000-5000/night)
Dahlia Guest House
Price: ₹1500-2500/night
Location: Mawlynnong (near Dawki)
Comfortable rooms with good views. Offers a pleasant stay with decent amenities.
Halatong Homestay
Price: ₹1800-2800/night
Location: Mawlynnong (near Dawki)
Homestay experience with comfortable rooms and local hospitality. A good option for experiencing local culture.
Luxury Hotels (₹8000+/night)
Polo Orchid Resort Cherrapunjee (nearby)
Price: ₹6000+/night
Location: Cherrapunjee (approx. 80km from Dawki)
Luxury resort with stunning views and excellent amenities. A great option for a luxurious stay near Dawki.
Ri Kynjai Serenity By The Lake (nearby)
Price: ₹8000+/night
Location: Near Shillong (approx. 85km from Dawki)
Offers unique cottages by a lake with excellent facilities. A high-end experience with serene surroundings.
Best Time to Travel from Shillong to Dawki
Plan your trip according to the season for the best experience in Dawki:
Best Time: November to May
Temperature: 15-25 degrees C
Weather: Pleasant and dry weather with clear skies. The Umngot River is at its clearest during this period.
Why Visit: The crystal-clear water is perfect for boating and photography. You'll have unobstructed views of the riverbed and surrounding landscapes. It is also the ideal time for outdoor activities like trekking and camping.
Important Note: This is peak season, so expect higher prices and more tourists. Book accommodations and activities in advance.
Shoulder Season: June and October
Temperature: 20-30 degrees C
Weather: The weather is generally humid with occasional rainfall. The river's clarity may be slightly reduced due to the rain.
Why Visit: Fewer crowds than peak season, and prices are generally lower. The landscape is lush and green after the monsoon rains.
Important Note: Be prepared for occasional showers and potential disruptions to outdoor activities.
Avoid: July to September
Temperature: 25-35 degrees C
Weather: Heavy monsoon rains can cause flooding and landslides. The Umngot River becomes murky and unsuitable for boating.
Why Visit: Avoid visiting during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall. The river's clarity is significantly reduced, and outdoor activities are limited.
Important Note: Travel can be difficult due to road closures and landslides.
Practical Travel Tips for Dawki
💰 Money & Budget
Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1500, Mid: ₹3000, Luxury: ₹5000+
ATMs: Limited ATM availability in Dawki. Carry sufficient cash.
Payment Methods: Cash is preferred for most transactions. Cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants.
Bargaining: Expected in local markets and while hiring taxis.
🏥 Health & Safety
Water: Drink bottled water or boiled water. Avoid tap water.
Food Safety: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food from unhygienic vendors.
Common Health Issues: Altitude sickness, stomach infections. Carry necessary medications.
📱 Communication
SIM Cards: Airtel and Jio have good network coverage. Buy a local SIM card for better connectivity.
WiFi Availability: Limited Wi-Fi availability. Rely on mobile data.
👕 What to Wear
Wear comfortable and layered clothing as the weather can change quickly. Carry rain gear, especially during the monsoon season.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shillong to Dawki
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