Dawki Tourism: An Amazing Travel Guide

Dawki Tourism

We have all  been astounded by the captivating images of mountains, rivers and forests in numerous advertisements and movies. Dawki is one of those towns that would defy your  imagination when it comes to aesthetics and tranquility.
The town of Dawki is located in the West Jaintia Hill district of Meghalaya on the border of India and Bangladesh.With its pristine scenery and pleasant weather, it is capable of leaving an indelible impression on visitors. Dawki offers the perfect haven to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in a world of fantasy and enchantment .
The town offers a wide range of tourist activities, especially during the spring when the Umngot River rowing competition is held here. Surrounded by perpetual greenery, the cool waters of the river and the beautiful suspension bridge over the Umngot river make Dawki a worthwhile place to visit. Being an important border town, Dawki is also an important trade center between India and Bangladesh.
The icing on the cake is that Dawki is  also the ideal location for camping and  water sports adventures such as snorkeling, kayaking and boating on the Umngot River.
All these qualities make this picturesque town ,one of the most visited tourist destinations  in the Northeastern region of India.
Now let’s learn more about Dawki and get a better sense of what to expect.

What Makes Dawki so famous?

Dawki attracts tourists from all over the world because of the limpid waters of the Umngot River. Boats cruising this turquoise river create the illusion that the boat is floating in the air and you can even see the bedrock below. Besides being a delight to watch, the Dawki River also serves as a fishing ground for  India and Bangladesh. Dawki is not only blessed with abundant natural beauty, but also various minerals. Boasting coal mines and numerous limestone deposits, it is India’s international trading hub with Bangladesh and other neighboring countries. An extensive road network connecting with Bangladesh contributes to Dawki’s popularity.

Best time or When to visit Dawki

Dawki can be visited all  year round, but the best time to visit Dawki is during the winter and summer season, which starts in November and lasts until May. This time of year is perfect for sightseeing, camping and  water sports. In winter, temperatures in Dawki drop sharply, and nights can be very cold, but daytime temperatures can be quite warm with plenty of sunshine. Summers are hot, but  still cool compared to most other states in India. February to April are the busiest months in Dawki and the area attracts a lot of tourists.

How to reach{train, air, road}

Below are some of the most efficient ways to reach Dawki to help you choose the best option for your next trip.
By Air: Shillong Umroi Airport is the closest to Dawki, only 100 km away, but travelers prefer to fly to Lokpriya Gopinath Baldroy International Airport in Guwahati, Assam  to reach Dawki via the Shillong Straits. Guwahati Airport is about 200 km away and is well connected to many other places.
By Railways: It’s always exciting to ride a train with my family and witness the changing terrain. So if you plan to travel by train, consider taking the train to his Guwahati, which is the station closest to Dawki. Then you can head to Dawki. 
By Road: Dawki is 95 km  from Shillong and 150 km  from Guwahati by road. You can rent a taxi from either of the locations and get to Dawki easily. It takes 3 hours by car from Shillong and about 6 hours by car from Guwahati to Dawki.

Language, History, and people of Dawki

Prominent languages
The language spoken by most  Dawki natives is somewhat similar to standard Khasi. Others speak Humar or Biate, which is very similar to Mizo. However, for the convenience of travelers, the locals also speak English. Language is therefore not a barrier in most places.  Meghalaya people also have a deep knowledge of Hindi, Bengali, Nepali, and other Indian languages. .  In Shillong, the capital, you can find people from different parts of India speaking their language.
People of Dawki
Most people here practice Christianity and have a matrilineal social system. Their traditional attire is very similar to that of the Nagas and Mizos. Dawki Kali Temple attracts many tourists. Right near the Dawki and Thamavir border crossings, there are markets where you can buy various foreign contraband goods from Bangladesh. Agriculture , mining and fishing are the main sources of revenue and employment for the people of Meghalaya. Locals celebrate various tribal festivals such as Behdienkhalm, Seng Kut Snem, and  Wangala Festival. Tourism in Meghalaya is thriving thanks to its natural beauty, diverse cultures, and welcoming people.
History
Meghalaya became part of Assam in 1835 and enjoyed semi-independent status due to treaty ties with Great Britain. Meghalaya remained part of Assam even after independence. On  January 21, 1972, Meghalaya was separated from Assam and transformed into a separate state consisting of the united Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Galo Hills. However, Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills were separated on  February 22, 1972. The place has become famous for its scenic beauty, as one of the few border crossings on the road, and because the suspension bridge over the river he built in 1932  is still operational.

Top Tourist Attractions in Dawki

Umngot River

The Umngot river is also called the Dawki river. The river and breathtaking views nearby attract thousands of visitors each year from around the world to enjoy boat rides and marvel at the beauty. Tourism is frequent here almost all year round, but the number of tourists is greater during spring months. It has garnered fame due to its crystal clear water, which can be seen in countless pictures published on the internet. However, when encountered in person, the river surpasses all of the photographs in terms of splendor. Its untouched natural beauty, which when seen by the eyes, functions as an elixir for all troubled spirits. All of your anxieties and worries are eliminated by the clear water, leaving behind serenity, tranquility, and contentment. Boating down the river with the surrounding trees glistening in the sunrays is a must-do for all visitors.
A remarkable fact about this river is the fact that it forms a natural border between two hill districts at Meghalaya – one being the Jaintia Hills, and the other being the Khasi Hills

Jaflong Zero Point

Jaflong Zero Point is located near the Dawki River on the border between India and Bangladesh. Due to its proximity to the border, the place is patrolled by Indian security forces to ensure the safety of its citizens, but this does not dwindle the enthusiasm and curiosity of tourists.It is the point where the Umngot River flows into Bangladesh. Another spectacular feature of Jaflong Zero Point is the collection of various stones carried by the river. The subtropical mountains and the magnificent Mari River add to its beauty.

Shnongpdeng

Dawki is an exquisite place that tends enchant all its visitors . As a small town it has lots and lots of hidden gems like the Krang Suri waterfalls and the extraordinary campsites that are ideal for stargazers. The crisp air here refreshes your body, while the chilling waters of Umngot River soothe your spirit. The river in Shnongpdeng is crossed by a bridge. The bridge can only carry 7-8 people at a time, making it a very adventurous experience. It’s so overwhelming here that you can spend days engaging yourself in adventure sports like boating, swimming, zip lining, camping, fishing, and scuba diving.

Dawki Tourism

India – Bangladesh Friendship Gate

In Dawki, about 70 km away from Shillong, you can find the India-Bangladesh Friendship Gate. On one side of the border between India and Bangladesh lies the Indian village of Dawki, and on the other side, the Bangladeshi village of Tamabil.
In February 2018, an India-Bangladesh Friendship Gate was inaugurated, with the intention of holding a similar border ceremony to that held at the Wagah Border. It is at this point that the Indian subcontinent ends and Bangladesh begins. Visiting this place enables travelers from India to eat various Bangladeshi snacks and also buy clothing from local vendors. It doesn’t matter what currency you use because they accept Indian rupees as well.

Jingmaham Living Root bridge

Similar to the way nature has weaved itself into the lives of the people of Meghalaya, roots of rubber and beetle trees are deeply intertwined to construct natural bridges.  The living bridges are as sturdy as conventional bridges made of concrete and iron. These bridges are grown by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes, who nurture them for a long time before they are able to facilitate transportation across them.Throughout history, these techniques have been passed down from generation to generation. These bridges are a perfect example of how the people of Meghalaya have managed to live in harmony with nature. It’s astonishing how many of these marvelous structures have been built in Meghalaya without expensive equipment or materials. Dawki also has such a bridge, called the Jingmaham Living Root Bridge.  It is located about 10 minutes from Mawlynnong and is well worth a visit due to its majestic setting. There is one living root bridge on this slope, and as you climb steeper and steeper, you will encounter a double-decker living root bridge on the slope. The effort to reach this place might seem tiresome at first, but once you gaze at the bridge your hard work will be rewarded. The place is worth a visit if you are an adventure enthusiast who isn’t afraid to go deep into the forest to see it.

Byrdaw Falls

Byrdaw fall is located 22 kilometers from the Dawki river and is definitely worth checking out. The waterfall is not accessible by car, so you have to walk for 15-20 minutes, almost half a kilometer, and descend 650 steps to reach it. Monsoon is best to visit during the monsoon when the waterfall cascades so steeply, but during other seasons it is more dry.During the monsoon rains, the verdant surrounding the fall replenishes itself, so be sure to bring out your inner photographer and capture the scene before you.Aside from taking pictures of nature’s beauty, this place provides trekking, hiking, and other activities at an affordable price.

Mawshun Cave

The Mawshun caves were opened in 2017 near Dawki, introducing a new tourist attraction that is completely different from what existed previously. From entry to exit points, the newly found cave stretches 100 meters. With water flowing in certain areas and producing small ponds inhabited by fish, the short cave offers natural beauty to visitors. In spite of this, it is still in the process of being developed, and visitors are required to walk about three minutes on a rough path to reach it.The limestone caves are a rare sight as only a few places can boast such extraordinary features, so make the most of your time here. The best thing to do is to travel with a guide since  travelers might find it difficult to explore the site on their own. It is important to have adequate lighting when entering caves because they are dark.

Krang Suri Fall

A delight to the eyes, this waterfall is situated in the Jaintia Hills, approximately 75 kilometers from Dawki River. There is nothing more relaxing and pleasing than to see the flowing water and the greenery all around you. It is very pleasant and chilled here and coming from other parts of India where it is very hot and humid, staying here will help you to refresh your mind. The picturesque environment is perfect for photoshoots, swimming and many other activities, such as hiking through the chilling waters.

Burhill Falls

The Burhill Waterfall is a scenic waterfall located in Meghalaya, 9 km from Dawki. Dawki Tourism invites you to explore this spectacular waterfall in Meghalaya.The Burhill Waterfalls can be found along the Dawki – Riwai Road.
 The thick wooded hills provide a perfect environment for nature enthusiasts. It flows into a river in the Sylhet border region of Bangladesh with milky white water. The waterfall is difficult to get close to, but from the bridge over it, one can get some great views and take a few pictures.

Travel Advice on Dawki

Traveling to unfamiliar places can be difficult, especially if you have a family with you. In a situation like this, there is nothing better than having someone  guide you through your journey and make suggestions that you might otherwise not know.To make your trip hassle-free and memoDawki Tourismrable and comfortable. Here are  some travel tips from seasoned travelers. Travel advice includes steps to take in preparation.To visit Meghalaya, you must generate an E-Invitation. You can download the Meghalaya Tourism App from the Google Play Store to generate your Meghalaya e-invite. 
It is recommended to avoid visiting Dawki during peak monsoons as excessive rainfall can cause landslides and obstructions.Rain also disrupts the water sports and sightseeing that travelers crave. Traveling by road in mountainous terrain can cause motion sickness. So take the necessary precautions and carry your medicine with you in case of an emergency.Wear good quality shoes to make the trek easier. Avoid trekking  with small children.
If you’re planning to travel during the peak season, find the accommodation and transportation that best fits your budget and book in advance to avoid price hikes and long wait times.
We offer a variety of packages to help you find the perfect combination. Check out our website on Kajaawa.

Tips for visiting Dawki

Consider the time of year you are traveling and pack your clothes accordingly. Wear light clothing if traveling in the summer. If you are traveling in winter, you should bring warm woolen clothes, warm gloves,  etc. Rain is unpredictable, so having an umbrella is a wise choice for tourists
Get the most out of your trip by participating in all the adventure activities and admiring the ravishing town of Dawki. You should also capture all the exciting moments and beautiful scenery with your camera so that you can relive the entire trip at any time.

Rainfall in Dawki

As the name Meghalaya, or “abode of the clouds,” suggests, the skies here are rarely clear. Rainfall adds to the beauty of the city by injecting new vitality into the vegetation. Rain gives  nature a new and admirable charm.
The Dawki monsoon is accompanied by heavy rains and the murky water of the tide mixes with the water of the Umngot River, a disappointment for anyone looking to explore the crystal clear beauty of the Umngot River.Owing to its tropical climate, Dawki receives rainfall throughout the year , but less frequently in winters.You can witness sudden small bouts of showers at any point of time.

Things to do in Dawki

Below is a list of  top 12 things to do in Dawki to get the most out of your trip. 
Boat Ride – If you are planning to visit Dawki, don’t miss the fascinating boat ride down the Dawki river surrounded by lush trees. 
Kayaking – Kayaking at Shnongpdeng is a must for a spine-chilling experience.
Snorkeling and Swimming – If you want to go underwater but are afraid of diving, snorkeling is the way to go. Snorkel, swim and cool off in shallow waters near shore under expert guidance.
Fishing – Have you ever wondered how  you can catch your favorite fish? If so, fishing is for you.  
Diving – If you want to explore the underwater world up close, experience river water diving at Shnongpdeng Dawki.
Trekking– Trekking gives you the chance to have a more vivid connection with nature and enjoy the views from above.
Camping – We encourage you to get  away from the comfort of your cozy bed and get closer to nature. A night spent with someone special in nature under the beautiful night sky  is exceptional. 
Interact with Locals – The best way to get to know a place is to interact with the locals. This will give you insight into their culture, customs and beliefs. 
Explore: Explore hidden treasures near Dawki. For example, Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia.  
Riverside Cabin Feast – There are so many delicious options to try, including  local river fish and savory jackfruit dishes. It will seduce you  with its ambrosial combination of herbs and spices and its earthy scent.
Visit  Waterfalls: Dawki also has an abundance of waterfalls  to leave you gobsmacked with its serenity. For example, Kransuri Falls, Bophill Falls, and Byrdaw Falls. 
Visit Bangladesh Border: Visit the India-Bangladesh border just meters from the Umngot river.

Adventurous Activities to do in Dawki

Have you ever wanted to create your own Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara moment with all your heart and love?Do you believe in living bigger than life?So what are you waiting for? You must visit Shnongpdeng and turn all  dreams into opaque realities. Shnongpdeng Village is a paradise for all adventure lovers. Located 4 miles from Dawki, Meghalaya. Each year it welcomes thousands of people from different parts of the world  who are eager to overcome their fears.  Here is a list of adventure water sports activities in Shnongpdeng:
River Rafting
Kayaking
Cliff Jumping
Trekking
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Riverside Camping
Ziplining
Rock climbing
Rappelling

Best Places to Stay in Dawki

While hotels and BnBs are a relatively new concept for Dawki , recently few new accommodations have sprung up that cater for all the needs of the tourists without jeopardizing Dawki’s immaculate beauty.Besides resorts, there are also hotels and homestays  that you can choose according to your needs. Homestays are affordable and have basic amenities whereas hotels are more comfortable and well-equipped. The Lamin Guest House can be considered when considering a decent hotel in the town. If you’re an adventurous person who wants to push the limits, nothing beats camping on the riverbank. The campsite is located in Shnongpdeng, Dawki and can be pre-booked through Kajaawa for an affordable, hassle-free and memorable stay. Get the best deals from Dawki’s best camping service providers who list deals with us.

The Weather of Dawki

Planning a trip to the unsung Dawki? Want to know  the weather  in Dawki? You are in the right place. Undoubtedly, the weather is an important factor that depends on  the tourism of the place.Dawki, like the rest of Meghalaya, is no exception. Therefore, it enjoys a pleasant climate all year round and is very comfortable for  tourists. Dawki has rarely experienced extremes of cold or heat, hence its weather conditions are described as tropical. Temperatures and humidity change slightly as the seasons change, but the weather remains pleasant for tourists. The cool winter season, which lasts from November to March,is warm during the day and cool at night.then comes the warm summer, which lasts from March to May, with temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees. This is followed by a wet monsoon from June to October, which dampens the air and causes mild discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions on Dawki Tourism