Dawki & The Umngot River
India's Clearest River
Boats that appear to float on air. A river so clear you can see every pebble 10 feet below. Dawki is Meghalaya's most jaw-dropping experience.
Distance
82 km from Police Bazar
Travel Time
~3 hours by taxi
Boating
₹500–₹800 (private boat)
Best Time
Oct – Apr (clear water)
Markos's Dawki Guide
The River That Looks Like Glass
The first time I took guests to Dawki, they literally stopped mid-sentence when they saw the river. The Umngot River at Dawki is so transparent that boats appear to be floating on air — you can see every single pebble on the riverbed, 10–15 feet below.
Dawki sits right on the India-Bangladesh border. The river itself forms the natural boundary. On one side is Meghalaya's lush green hills; on the other, the flat plains of Bangladesh. It's a surreal experience to stand at the border and look across.
The best experience here is a private boat ride. Sit back, let the boatman row you across the glassy water, and just absorb the silence. No engine noise, no crowds (if you go early), just the sound of water and birds.
Pro tip from Markos: Combine Dawki with Mawlynnong (Asia's cleanest village) — they're only 15 km apart. I can cover both in a single day trip from Shillong.
Dawki Quick Facts
What to Do at Dawki
All experiences, costs, and tips
Dawki Umngot River
Crystal-clear river where boats appear to float on air
82 km • 3 hrs from Police Bazar
Free (Boating ₹500–₹800)
Oct – Apr
Shnongpdeng
Camping, kayaking & cliff jumping by the river
85 km • 3 hrs from Police Bazar
Free (Activities extra)
Oct – Apr
India-Bangladesh Border
Walk to the international border at Tamabil
83 km • 3 hrs from Police Bazar
Free
Oct – Apr
Dawki Suspension Bridge
Historic bridge over the Umngot River
82 km • 3 hrs from Police Bazar
Free
Year-round
Dawki FAQs — Answered by Markos
Is Dawki worth the 3-hour drive from Shillong?
Absolutely. The Umngot River is unlike anything you've seen in India. The water is so clear that boats appear to float on glass. Most guests say it's the highlight of their entire Meghalaya trip.
Can we do Dawki and Mawlynnong in one day?
Yes! This is actually my most popular combo. Mawlynnong is just 15 km from Dawki. Start early from Shillong (6 AM), visit Mawlynnong first, then head to Dawki for boating. Return by 7–8 PM.
What is the boating cost at Dawki?
Shared boats cost ₹200–₹300 per person. Private boats are ₹500–₹800 for the whole boat (fits 4–6 people). I recommend private for the full experience.
Is it safe to visit the India-Bangladesh border?
Yes, tourists can walk up to the border gate. You cannot cross without a visa, but the view of the Tamabil border post is interesting. BSF personnel are friendly.
Best time to visit Dawki for clear water?
October to April is ideal. The water is crystal clear and the weather is pleasant. Avoid monsoon (June–September) — the river floods and visibility drops to zero.
Nearby Destinations
Stay Near Dawki
Wiba Homestay – Your Base in Shillong
Located in peaceful Mawpat, Wiba Homestay is the perfect base for exploring Shillong and Meghalaya. Run by Bah Markos – local expert, licensed guide, and taxi driver – you get everything in one booking.
4 × 2BHK Rooms
Ideal for families & groups
2 × 1BHK Rooms
Perfect for couples & solo
Taxi Pickup
From airport or railway station
Guided Tours
Custom itineraries by Markos
One Call Does It All
Book Your Dawki Day Trip with Markos
Private taxi, boating arrangements, Mawlynnong combo — all sorted in one WhatsApp message.