Connecting the dots with Dawki

Meghalaya, in North-East India, has a special place in the hearts of adventure seekers who want to reconnect with nature. But what makes it a delight for eager tourists is how it has developed its tourism without losing the life of the village community. These communities play an important role in not just preserving the state’s history and heritage but also attracting more explorers every day. 

Such is the case of Dawki also spelled as Dauki, whose scenic beauty and location make it special. The rolling Khasi Hills - between the floodplains of Assam and Bengal - were described by the British as ‘the Scotland of the East’, and provided the natural connection for people between these two plains until the British-ruled Indian subcontinent was partitioned into India and East and West Pakistan in 1947. The Dawki Bridge is a suspension bridge, built by the British over the Umngot River in 1932, connecting the Khasi-Jaintia Hills and South Assam, Northeast India, with the Sylhet district of Bangladesh.

Dawki is on the Indian side of the border, roughly about 80 km from the state capital of Shillong - and on the Bangladesh side is the border town of Tamabil - 55 km from the divisional headquarters of Sylhet, Bangladesh. Umngot River flows through this town which creates a boundary between the Jaintia Hills and Khasi Hills. Jaintia Hills is bounded by Bangladesh on the South and in the East by Khasi Hills. On its Northern and Eastern boundaries, it has the state of Assam.

When guests visit Meghalaya, they don’t necessarily need to have only one place in mind. The village life connects each spot to the other and can be visited during a weekend. One of Dawki’s neighboring villages is Mawlynnong, also known as the cleanest village in Asia. 

Dawki Integrated Check Post or Dawki border crossing is one of the few road border crossings between India and Bangladesh in West Jaintia Hills district in the state of Meghalaya, India, the corresponding post in Bangladesh is Tamabil post. Shared transport is available from Lewduh in Shillong to the border post at Dawki every morning. Buses are also available from Shillong to Tamabil towards Sylhet.

Best Places to stay in Dawki:

Unfortunately, the town of Dawki does not have many accommodation facilities for tourists. But fret not because here is where the village community steps in. Apart from the PWD Bungalow at Dawki which needs to be booked in advance; you can even stay in the home stays at Mawlynnong, which is a half an hour drive from Dawki or Shnongpdeng Village, 8 km north of Dawki. Tourists can also find a lot of homestays in Dawki . Some of the best places to stay in Meghalaya are listed below:​​​​​ ​

Ka Bri War Resort is a luxury resort on the way to Dawki River and Mawlynnong. They have two restaurants KBR Pure Veg Restaurant and a Non Veg APR Restaurant within the premises. Rooms are quite big with clean toilet. The main attraction is the room balcony which overlooks the green mountain and gives a very serene feeling. Ther are great views from the hotel as you see the valley and waterfall.

Deli Baiar Guesthouse:  Deli Baiar Guesthouse is situated at Pongtung, which is about 30 minutes away from Dawki. The property has an in-house restaurant where guests can have different types of cuisines. There are 3 rooms in the backyard and 3-5 rooms near reception. Guests can request for bonfire on cold nights (chargeable). Rooms are clean and cozy with all the basic needs. Recommended for stay if you want to visit Dawki or Mawlynnong.

Betelnut Resort: Betelnut Resort is a good choice for travelers seeking a basic, clean, and affordable stay in a stunning natural setting. It is located at Shnongpdeng Village which is about 8 kms from Dawki.This exclusive resort is set up in a Betelnut plantation forest near the river Umngot famous for its crystal clear waters.

How much time should I spend in Dawki?

It depends on the activities that you look forward to in Dawki but in most cases, one day is enough to explore its beauty.

Best Time to Visit Dawki:

The best time to visit is between November and May. It’s during this time the usually emerald green waters of the Umngot River becomes crystal clear due to the reflection of the winter sun making it the best time to visit Dawki. Tourists also love the sweet-tasting oranges available there during those months. Due to the temperate climate, this place is the house of different kinds of flora and fauna, which becomes the point of attraction for many tourists. Please note that if you are travelling to Dawki to experience the transparent waters, you should definitely avoid coming when the rains are there, between June to September.

Things to do in Dawki:

Umngot River: Tourists often have picnics on the river bank. Boating, river rafting and even fishing a some of the popular activities there. There is also an annual boat race which is conducted there in March – April at Umsyiem, a village at the bank of the Umngot about 3 km from Dawki.

Dawki Bridge: This British structure is perfect to enjoy the view of the Umngot River and create memories and taking a walk.

Dawki-Tamabil Border: Unlike most International Borders, it is rather pleasing to see that the Dawki-Tamabil Border is quite friendly where civilians can go near the divide and vendors also exchange goods.

Local Bazaar: There is also a farmer’s market at the border which serves as a major import and export center. Along with it are also local bazaars where one can buy foreign goods from Bangladesh• Kali Temple: Tourists of all faith are attracted to the famous Kali Temple at Dawki, where every year Kali Puja is celebrated with great pomp.

Trekking: People also like trekking along the river up to the nearby Khasi hills.

Jaflong Falls: It is a mesmerizing site about 2 km from Dawki, known for its beautiful pebbles. Though located in the Sylhet District of Bangladesh it is easily accessible by tourists in India.

Apart from its scenic beauty, village community life, and tourist-friendly environment, what makes it even more distinct is its location. It is a town situated in various divides. It’s at the border of the Jaintia and Khasi Hills divided by the Umngot River. But also India and Bangladesh are divided by the Radcliffe line. So, when one visits it, they end up connecting all these dots with Dawki.

Shnongpdeng is situated approximately 8 kilometers north of Dawki. Shnongpdeng offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, boat rides and even scuba diving in the river's clear waters. The area also features thrilling ziplines and rappelling options for adventure enthusiasts 

Written by Charity Matlai: Meghalaya's Unveiling Guide

Charity Matlai, a 25-year resident of Meghalaya, the "Abode of Clouds," isn't just a travel blogger – she's a local expert. Fueled by a lifelong love for exploration, Charity's passion for her home state led her to pursue degrees in Tourism and a career crafting unique adventures. With 5 years of travel industry experience, Charity unlocks Meghalaya's hidden gems, offering a glimpse into the region's untouched beauty and rich culture. Join Charity as she unveils the secrets of her beloved Meghalaya, one adventure at a time.

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