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Dwaki in Meghalaya is a small town famous for its crystal-clear waters and unreal natural beauty. It has become popular for various water activities, including Dawki scuba diving. Umngot River is the primary spot for diving, here diving is beginner-friendly as the calm waters and clear visibility make it an excellent choice for first-time divers or those looking for a relaxed diving experience. Apart from diving, the place offers indulging in other water activities like boating, kayaking and canoeing making it a perfect travel destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Location
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
Dwaki lies near the India-Bangladesh border along the Umngot River. The town is approximately 80 kilometres from Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. The exact location is in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. It is easily accessible by road from Shillong and other major towns in Meghalaya.
How To Reach
Photo: Prabhat114 / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The closest airport is Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport), located about 80 kilometres from Dawki. A more viable option with better connectivity is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam which is approximately 170 kilometres from Dawki. Visitors can hire a taxi from these airports to reach their destinations. The journey from Shillong Airport takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, while the journey from Guwahati Airport takes about 5 to 6 hours.
By Train: The nearest railway station from Dwaki is Guwahati Railway Station. Visitors can hire a taxi or rent a private car from Guwahati to Dawki which would take around 5-6 hours to reach.
By Road: The visitors can hire a taxi or board a bus from Shillong to reach Dawki which is approximately 80 km away. Another option is taking taxi/public transport from Guwahati which is far yet better connected than Shillong.
Popular Places For Dawki Scuba Diving
1. Umngot River
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
The Umngot River is the main attraction in Dawki, offering exceptionally clear water that allows visibility up to several meters deep. This clarity provides an excellent opportunity for scuba diving, where divers can experience the vibrant underwater ecosystem, including fish and other aquatic life. The period between October and April is ideal for divers to visit this spot as the water levels and visibility are optimal. Other water activities available for visitors include snorkelling and boating.
Maximum Depth: 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters)
Minimum Depth: 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters)
2. Shnongpdeng
Photo: Shashank Sharma / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Shnongpdeng is another popular spot for Dawki scuba diving. The river here is equally clear, and the scenic surroundings make it a perfect location for scuba diving enthusiasts. The place also offers other activities like camping, snorkelling, cliff jumping, and kayaking for the visitors to enjoy. The best time to visit is between November to April when the waters are calm and clear making it ideal for diving.
Maximum Depth: 20 to 25 feet (6 to 7.5 meters)
Minimum Depth: 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters)
3. Jingkieng Ryndi
Photo: Arup619pal / Wikimedia Commons
Located at a distance of approximately 76 Km from Dawki, Jingkieng Ryndi is a beautiful living root bridge formation in Nongthymmai, Shillong. While not primarily known for scuba diving, the area around the living root bridges offers unique water formations and pools that can be explored. Scuba diving in natural pools and the cultural significance the place holds make it an interesting spot to visit. The time period between October and April is considered the ideal time to visit the place as the water levels are suitable for diving.
Maximum Depth: 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters)
Minimum Depth: 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 meters)
4. Laitlum Canyon
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
The Laitlum Canyon is primarily known for its breathtaking views and trekking opportunities but the nearby water bodies offer possibilities for snorkelling and exploring underwater life making it the perfect unexplored diving location for adventurers. It is located at a distance of approximately 81 km from Dawki which makes it easily accessible to visitors exploring diving sites around the region. The ideal time to visit this spot is between October to April and avoiding the rainy season is advisable for the divers.
Maximum Depth: 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters)
Minimum Depth: a few inches to 3 feet (0.1 to 1 meter)
5. Krang Suri Falls
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
At a distance of 30 km, Krang Suri is a beautiful waterfall with turquoise-blue water pools is another spot for Dawki scuba diving. Though not a traditional scuba diving spot, the pools at the base of the waterfall offer an immersive experience in the cool, clear waters to the divers. Other activities offered at this spot include swimming, snorkelling, and exploring the waterfall. The ideal months to visit this location for diving are between October to March, with clear waters and comfortable temperatures.
Maximum Depth: around 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters)
Minimum Depth: around 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 meters)
Where To Stay
Photo: Peaceray / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Betelnut Resort which is located in Shnongpdeng, is one of the accommodations for Dawki scuba diving. It offers a more comfortable stay with well-furnished rooms and facilities. Visitors can also stay at Luxurious River Resorts in and around Dawki. A few popular homestays/guesthouses are Dawki River Lodge, Dawki Traveller’s Nest and Shnongpdeng Homestays. Several operators offer camping facilities along the riverbanks in Shnongpdeng and Dwaki. These campsites often provide tents, sleeping bags, and basic amenities like toilets and campfires. Some campsites also offer activities like kayaking, snorkelling, and boating.
Where To Eat
Photo: Gitika Gayan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The area does not have a wide range of restaurants, but you can still find local eateries and dhabas that serve traditional Khasi cuisine and other Indian dishes. It’s highly recommended to try out the local dishes like- Jadoh, Nakham Bitchi, Dohneiiong, Pumaloi, Tungrymbai etc. Food options ranging from local eateries/street markets to home-cooked homestay meals to campsite BBQ, individuals can indulge in multiple food choices.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Sebastian Pena Lambarri / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
The average cost of a scuba diving trip in Dawki can vary based on several factors, including the duration of the dive, the equipment provided, and the instructors’ experience. A few options are listed below:
- Scuba Diving (Introductory Dives): Approximately ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per person for a single introductory dive session.
- Scuba Diving (Certified Divers): may range from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 per person per dive.
- Scuba Diving Packages: can range from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 depending on the number of dives and the level of service (includes multiple dives).
Tips For Travellers
- Monitor your air supply while diving.
- Equalise your ears to avoid pressure changes.
- Practice good buoyancy.
- Follow the instructions given by the guides.
- Be environmentally conscious.
Dawki Scuba diving offers an unparalleled experience, immersing adventurers in the pristine, emerald waters of the Umngot River. Renowned for its extraordinary clarity, the river unveils a mesmerising underwater world teeming with vibrant flora and fauna. Plan a trip with TripXL to explore the depths and captivating serenity. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced diver, the ethereal beauty of Dawki’s aquatic realm is waiting for you.
Cover Photo: Madhumita Das / Wikimedia Commons
