Set along Meghalaya’s southern edge, Dawki is a small border town famous for the glass-clear waters of the Umngot River. Many travellers search for ‘Dawki Lake’, but no such lake exists; the iconic glass-clear emerald-green water you see in photos is actually the Umngot River flowing through Dawki and Shnongpdeng. On calm days, the emerald surface becomes so transparent that boats appear to float in mid-air, and you can count the pebbles resting on the riverbed many feet below. Travelers come here for this surreal clarity, the warm sunlight on the water, and the peaceful charm of the rolling hills that cradle the valley.
Beyond its postcard river, Dawki serves as a lively transit hub connecting Meghalaya to Bangladesh’s Tamabil border. The town blends Khasi village life, gentle hill landscapes, and a multicultural buzz from cross-border trade. Visitors enjoy boating, riverside picnics, suspension bridge views, and short drives to nearby villages for a more intimate glimpse of Meghalaya’s countryside.
Dawki lies roughly 82 km from Shillong and is often combined with Mawlynnong and Riwai in a single day trip. The journey to Dawki is an attraction in itself — winding cliffs, lush forests, and valleys that open dramatically as you approach the river.
Dawki is the river-lover’s corner of Meghalaya. The scenery is gentle but striking, with the Umngot River at its heart and the surrounding hamlets offering a relaxed pace of exploration.
Dawki often pairs beautifully with Mawlynnong for its eco-friendly village experience and Cherrapunji for waterfalls and caves, forming one of Meghalaya’s most scenic day circuits.
Dawki lies 82 km from Shillong (2.5–3 hours) and 170 km from Guwahati (5–6 hours). The drive from Shillong is especially scenic, with high cliffs, deep valleys, and winding forest stretches.
The nearest airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU), located in Guwahati. From the airport, most visitors travel to Shillong first and then continue to Dawki by taxi or shared cab.
Meghalaya has no operational railway network. Guwahati is the nearest major station with strong connectivity to the rest of India, after which the journey continues by road.
No ILP or special entry permit is required for visiting Dawki. Standard government ID is sufficient for check-ins and local travel.
Dawki enjoys a warm and comfortable climate for most of the year. Winters are pleasantly cool, summers are mild with clear river visibility, and the monsoon brings dramatic clouds and lush greenery. Water clarity is typically at its best from October to April, when the Umngot River becomes calm and glasslike. During the monsoon and the months that follow, heavy rainfall washes silt and mud down from the surrounding hills, turning the water turbulent and reducing its transparency until the flow settles again.
| Season | Months | Temperature Range | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | December – February | 12°C – 20°C | Clear river views, crisp mornings, ideal boating conditions. Light woollens recommended. |
| Summer | March – May | 15°C – 27°C | Mild to warm days; clarity begins to reduce due to pre-monsoon rains; boating remains possible but water conditions vary. |
| Monsoon | June – September | 18°C – 24°C | Heavy showers, strong currents; boating may be restricted. Beautiful mist and lush greenery. |
| Post-Monsoon (Autumn) | October – November | 14°C – 22°C | Stable weather, vivid skies, and peak river transparency. |
Since boating depends on water safety conditions, mornings usually offer the calmest waters. Carry sunglasses, sandals, and a light jacket for breezy river rides.
Dawki is accessible throughout the year, but the clarity of the Umngot River is at its finest in specific months:
Day 1: Drive from Shillong → Stop at Mawkdok Dympep Valley → Continue to Dawki for Umngot River boating
Day 2: Visit Shnongpdeng for adventure activities → Explore Dawki Suspension Bridge → Border viewpoint photography
Day 3: Return to Shillong or proceed toward Mawlynnong and Riwai for village experiences
For curated river-side experiences, explore our Dawki Tour Packages and our dedicated Dawki Camping Packages.
Boating on Crystal Clear Water
Suspension Bridge
Umngot River
Zip Lining
Dawki is a small town located in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, crystal-clear Umngot River, and the Dawki suspension Bridge, which serves as a border crossing between India and Bangladesh.
The best time to visit Dawki is during the winter months (October to March) when the weather is pleasant, and the river is exceptionally clear. Monsoons (June to September) should be avoided as heavy rains can make travel challenging.
The main attraction in Dawki is the Umngot River, known for its crystal-clear waters. Tourist can enjoy boat rides on the river and witness the stunning beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
Yes, boating is a popular activity in Dawki. Visitors can take boat rides on the Umngot River to experience its clear waters with transparent bottoms are available for a unique view of the riverbed.
Yes, Dawki serves as a border town between India and Bangladesh. The Dawki Bridge connects the two countries, and visitors can get a glimpse of the international border while exploring the area.
