Dawki — Where the River Looks Like Glass

Tucked away in the West Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, right along the India-Bangladesh border, Dawki is one of those rare destinations that simply has to be seen to be believed. This small and peaceful border town is famous for one thing above everything else — the Umngot River. The water of this extraordinary river is so perfectly clear, so completely transparent, that boats floating on its surface appear to be hovering in mid-air rather than sitting on water. People from across India and the world travel to Dawki just to see this natural wonder — and every single one of them leaves completely amazed. But Dawki is far more than just its famous river. It is a place of quiet valleys, hidden waterfalls, adventure activities, rich Khasi tribal culture, and some of the most stunning border landscapes you will find anywhere in Northeast India. The contrast of the lush green Meghalaya hills on one side and the wide flat plains of Bangladesh stretching out on the other creates a truly unique and unforgettable visual experience. Whether you are a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply someone who wants to experience something completely different — Dawki will surprise you, delight you, and stay in your memory long after you leave. With Ababli Tour, your Dawki journey will be smooth, well-organised, and full of the kind of moments you will talk about for years.

Top Places to Visit in Dawki

• Umngot River (Dawki River) — The crown jewel of Dawki and one of the most photographed natural wonders in all of India. The Umngot River flows through Dawki with water so incredibly clear and transparent that every stone and pebble at the bottom of the river can be seen perfectly from above — even at its deepest points. When sunlight hits the emerald-green surface, the boats floating on it look as though they are gliding through thin air. A boat ride on the Umngot River is an experience that truly feels like nothing else in the world — peaceful, beautiful, and completely surreal.
• Dawki Suspension Bridge — A historic single-lane suspension bridge built by the British in 1932, stretching gracefully across the Umngot River. Standing on this bridge and looking down at the transparent river flowing beneath you — with green hills all around and colourful boats below — is one of the most beautiful and photogenic views in all of Meghalaya. The bridge still serves as an active trade route between India and Bangladesh, adding a wonderful sense of living history to the experience.
• Shnongpdeng Village — A beautiful riverside village just a short drive from Dawki town, sitting along the banks of the crystal-clear Umngot River. Shnongpdeng is where adventure meets nature in the most perfect way — you can go kayaking and snorkelling in the transparent river, try thrilling cliff jumping, go zip-lining over the water, or simply set up a tent by the river and enjoy a night of camping under a sky full of stars. It is one of the best adventure spots in all of Meghalaya and an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors.
• Jaflong Zero Point — The exact international border point where the Umngot River crosses from India into Bangladesh. Standing here at Zero Point, you can literally see both countries at once — the green rolling hills of Meghalaya on one side and the vast flat plains of Bangladesh stretching out endlessly on the other. Border security guards are always present, and the entire experience of standing at this unique geographical crossing is both fascinating and incredibly memorable.
• Mawlynnong Village — Just 35 km from Dawki lies Mawlynnong — officially recognised as the Cleanest Village in Asia. Every lane in this extraordinary village is spotlessly clean, every home has a beautiful garden, and the entire community takes great pride in maintaining their village as a green and welcoming paradise. Walking through Mawlynnong's pristine bamboo-lined lanes, visiting the living root bridge nearby, and climbing the bamboo Sky Walk for a panoramic view of the Bangladesh plains — it is a complete and truly wonderful experience.
• Byrdaw Falls & Borhill Falls — Two beautiful hidden waterfalls tucked away in the lush green forests around Dawki. Byrdaw Falls, located near Pomshutia village, is a peaceful and crowd-free natural gem surrounded by dense greenery — perfect for a quiet and relaxing nature experience. Borhill Falls, located about 9 km from Dawki, is equally stunning and scenic. Both waterfalls are wonderful spots for photography, nature walks, and simply escaping into the untouched beauty of Meghalaya.
• Nohwet Living Root Bridge — A beautiful and ancient living root bridge near Dawki, created by the local Khasi tribe by carefully guiding the roots of rubber fig trees to grow naturally across a river. This centuries-old bio-engineering wonder is a remarkable piece of living heritage and a fascinating contrast to the modern world — an example of how communities have lived in harmony with nature for generations.
• Krang Suri Falls — A stunning multi-tiered waterfall about an hour from Dawki, famous for its gorgeous turquoise-coloured pools and powerful cascades. The vivid blue-green colour of the water surrounded by lush rainforest is absolutely spectacular and makes it one of the most photographed waterfalls in all of Meghalaya. A refreshing and beautiful stop for any Dawki itinerary.

Things to Do in Dawki

• Take a peaceful boat ride on the crystal-clear Umngot River and experience the magical feeling of floating on glass
• Go kayaking, snorkelling, and cliff jumping in the transparent waters of Shnongpdeng Village
• Try zip-lining over the Umngot River for a thrilling and uniquely beautiful aerial experience
• Camp overnight by the riverbank at Shnongpdeng and enjoy the stars reflecting in the clear water below
• Walk across the historic Dawki Suspension Bridge and enjoy the stunning view of the river and surrounding hills
• Visit Jaflong Zero Point and experience the unique thrill of standing at the India-Bangladesh border
• Explore Mawlynnong — the Cleanest Village in Asia — and climb the bamboo Sky Walk for a breathtaking view
• Trek to Byrdaw Falls and Borhill Falls for a peaceful and crowd-free nature experience

Best Time to Visit Dawki

• October to February (Autumn & Winter) — The absolute best time to visit Dawki. The river is at its most perfectly clear and transparent during these months, making for the most stunning boat rides and photographs. The weather is cool and pleasant, the skies are blue and clear, and all outdoor activities and water sports are fully available.
• March to April (Spring) — Another excellent time to visit with comfortable weather and clear river water. The surrounding landscape is lush and green, and crowds are relatively smaller compared to the winter peak season. A great time for a peaceful and unhurried Dawki experience.
• June to September (Monsoon) — The monsoon transforms the entire landscape around Dawki into a breathtaking sea of deep green. Hidden waterfalls come alive with full force and the hills look magnificently lush. However, the heavy rainfall makes the Umngot River murky during this period, so the famous boat ride experience is not at its best. Water sports and activities are also limited during the rains.

How to Reach Dawki

• By Air — The nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, about 172 km from Dawki. Shillong's Umroi Airport is closer at around 95 km but operates limited domestic flights. From Guwahati, private taxis and shared cabs can take you to Dawki via Shillong.
• By Train — Guwahati Railway Station is the nearest major railhead, well connected to all major Indian cities. From Guwahati, the most comfortable and convenient way to reach Dawki is by hiring a private cab, which takes around 5 to 6 hours via Shillong.
• By Road — Dawki is approximately 80 km from Shillong, a scenic drive of about 2.5 to 3 hours through beautiful Meghalaya hill roads and Khasi villages. From Shillong, private taxis and shared Sumo cabs are easily available and make for a comfortable and scenic journey to Dawki.

Quick Travel Tips

• Visit the Umngot River early in the morning — the light is most beautiful at that time and the river is at its calmest and most perfectly transparent before the afternoon wind picks up
• Weekends can get quite crowded at Dawki — if possible, plan your visit on a weekday for a much more peaceful and personal experience
• Carry enough cash as ATMs and digital payment options are very limited in Dawki and Shnongpdeng
• Indian citizens do not need a permit to visit Dawki — however, foreign nationals must register with the local Foreigners Registration Office before visiting
• Wear light, comfortable clothing and carry water shoes or sandals if you plan to wade into the river or go snorkelling
• Combine your Dawki visit with a trip to Mawlynnong Village and Cherrapunji for a complete and deeply rewarding Meghalaya experience