Dawki is a small, charming village amidst the greenery of Meghalaya, popular for its rustic beauty. There are many places to visit in Dawki that one could desire to visit during a vacation, capturing natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure sports. Crystal-clear rivers share a valley with spectacular green hills and living root bridges in Dawki. It has something different for everyone, be it a nature lover, a culture seeker, or one who loves adventure. These are the treasures that make Dawki a must-see in Northeast India.
10 Best Places To Visit In Dawki
Let us look at some of the best places to visit in Dawki, all representing a unique view and culture of the town, rich in natural beauty.
1. Umngot River
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
Umngot River is the crown jewel of Dawki. It constitutes one of the clearest rivers of the country. Crystal-clear waters of this pristine river present a surreal experience with the illusion of boats floating on air. One can take a boat ride and see the colourful pebbles resting at the bottom of the river, with fish swimming beneath. Lush green surroundings on the sides of the river enhance its dreamy beauty and make it one of the best places for Dawki’s trip.
Major Attractions: Crystal-clear water, boat rides,
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport), approximately 85 km away
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Dawki For An Enthralling Experience
2. Shnongpdeng
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Shnongpdeng, a quaint village near Dawki, is rapidly gaining popularity among adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can indulge in various water activities like kayaking, snorkelling, and cliff jumping. The village also provides camping facilities, allowing tourists to spend nights under the starry sky by the riverside. The rustic charm of Shnongpdeng and its adventure offerings make it a tourist place in Dawki for those seeking an adrenaline rush in a natural setting.
Major Attractions: Water sports, camping, riverside beauty
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport), approximately 90 km away
3. Dawki Bridge
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
The Dawki Bridge, an engineering marvel spanning the Umngot River, is a vital infrastructure and a tourist attraction in Dawki. This suspension bridge connects India and Bangladesh and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The bridge’s unique design, with its sturdy steel structure contrasting against the natural beauty of the river and hills. From the bridge, visitors can witness the mesmerising clarity of the Umngot River below and enjoy sweeping vistas of the lush Meghalaya countryside.
Major Attractions: Scenic views, border crossing point
Best Time To Visit: Year-round, but best during clear weather
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (SHL), approximately 90 km away
Suggested Read: The Mysterious Caves In Meghalaya
4. Kupli Dam
Photo: Chirayu Sharma / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Kupli Dam, an impressive hydroelectric project on the Kupli River, offers visitors a unique blend of technological marvels and natural beauty. This massive structure serves as a crucial power source for the region and creates a stunning artificial lake that has become a scenic attraction in its own right. Visitors can marvel at the engineering feat while enjoying panoramic views of the dam, the lake, and forested hills. The area around Kupli Dam provides excellent opportunities for nature walks, bird watching, and photography.
Major Attractions: Dam structure, scenic views, picnic spots
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (SHL), approximately 110 km away
5. Jaflong Zero Point
Photo: Md.Saiful Aziz Shamseer / Wikimedia Commons
Jaflong Zero Point offers a unique geographical experience as the tri-junction where India, Bangladesh, and Meghalaya meet. This distinctive location offers visitors the rare opportunity to stand where three different regions converge, offering a sense of being at the crossroads of diverse cultures and landscapes. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, which changes dramatically with the seasons.
Major Attractions: Tri-junction point, scenic views, border experience
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (SHL), approximately 85 km away
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6. Tamabil Border
Photo: Md. Shahnoor Habib / Wikimedia Commons
The Tamabil Border, the official crossing point between India and Bangladesh near Dawki, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of international borders. While not a conventional tourist spot, it is the best place to visit in Dawki for those interested in geopolitics, cross-border relations, and cultural exchanges. Visitors can observe the day-to-day operations of a busy border post, witnessing the movement of people and goods between the two countries.
Major Attractions: Border crossing, cultural exchange, trade activities
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (SHL), approximately 95 km away
7. Mawlynnong
Photo: Madhumita Das / Wikimedia Commons
Mawlynnong, often hailed as “God’s Own Garden” and recognised as the cleanest village in Asia, is a testament to community-driven cleanliness and sustainable living. This picturesque village is one of the most scenic Dawki tourist places. The village is renowned for its spotless streets, beautiful gardens, and the warm hospitality of its residents. One of the main attractions is the incredible living root bridges, where the roots of rubber trees are guided over decades to form sturdy, natural bridges across streams.
Major Attractions: Clean village, living root bridges, sky view platform
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: Half day to full day
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (SHL), approximately 90 km away
Suggested Read: Top Offbeat Places In Meghalaya That You Must Visit On Your Trip
8. Rymben River
Photo: Prabhat114 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Rymben River, a lesser-known tributary of the famous Umngot, offers a more secluded and intimate river experience near Dawki. The river’s clear waters rival the Umngot, providing excellent visibility of the riverbed and aquatic life. Visitors can enjoy peaceful boat rides, try their hand at fishing, or simply relax on the banks surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature.
Major Attractions: Boating, fishing, picnic spots
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (SHL), approximately 100 km away
9. Bophill Falls
Photo: Chirnzb / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bophill Falls is a hidden gem in the Dawki region, offering visitors a mesmerising display of nature’s beauty. This multi-tiered waterfall cascades down rugged cliffs, creating a spectacular sight as water flows over various rock formations. The journey to Bophill Falls involves a short trek through lush forests, adding an element of adventure to the experience. Upon reaching the waterfalls, visitors are rewarded with the refreshing mist and the thunderous sound of water plummeting into natural pools.
Major Attractions: Waterfall, natural pools, trekking
Best Time To Visit: June to September (monsoon season for full flow)
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (SHL), approximately 110 km away
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10. Byrdaw Falls
Photo: fei wang / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Byrdaw Falls, another stunning waterfall in the Dawki region, offers visitors a chance to experience the raw beauty of Meghalaya’s natural landscape. The falls cascade down in multiple tiers, creating a mesmerising display of water and mist. Visitors can enjoy short hikes to reach various vantage points, each offering a unique perspective of the falls. The area around the falls is rich in biodiversity, making it an excellent spot for nature photography and bird watching.
Major Attractions: Waterfall, natural scenery, swimming
Best Time To Visit: June to September (monsoon season for full flow)
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (SHL), approximately 105 km away
These places to visit in Dawki offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure activities. From the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River to the living root bridges, there’s something to captivate every traveller. Whether you’re seeking tranquillity or cultural immersion, Dawki provides a diverse array of experiences. Plan your trip with TripXL to this enchanting corner of Meghalaya to discover the hidden treasures of Northeast India.
Cover Photo: Sohini.sen / Wikimedia Commons