The breathtaking Umngot River, also known as Dawki River or Wah Umngot, is nestled at the foothills of the majestic Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. The river is famous for its crystal clear and pristine waters. The water is so transparent that you can see the riverbed like a shimmering mosaic beneath. The river is a connection between India and Bangladesh, and it serves as a trade link between the two countries. Experience the magic of the Umngot River as part of our curated Meghalaya trip packages and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty and cultural richness of this enchanting region.
The Umngot River is one of the dreamiest rivers in the world and it is surrounded by pine trees, beautiful mountains touching the sky, and peace all around. Apart from the magical time at the river, the Dawki town is also worth visiting. The river also has a suspension bridge. Built by the British in 1932, it offers panoramic river views and a serene spot to observe fishermen and nature's beauty.
The most interesting fact about visiting this site is that one can feel being in two different countries at once. Bangladesh border is very close to the river’s bank and you can walk up to the international border and see our BSF Jawans guard it.
Highlights
• Feel enchanted in the magical crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River and experience peace and tranquility touching your heart.
• Do boating or kayaking in the pristine waters of the river and watch fishes swirl beautifully in the clear waters.
• Stand on the iconic Dawki Bridge which spans the Umngot River and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
• Embark on a nature walk along the banks of the Umngot River and feel the cool breeze.
• Explore nearby waterfalls like Amlong Waterfalls, Amset Waterfalls, and visit Dawki town.
How To Reach
Umngot River or Dawki River is located in the small town of Dawki, approximately 80 km from Shillong. You can reach Dawki via different modes from Shillong.
By Cab/Taxi: You can take a shared maxi cab transport facility from Lewduh (Bara bazaar) Shillong to the border post at Dawki every morning. It will take approximately 3 hours to reach Dawki from Shillong.
By Train: Guwahati Railway Station is the nearest station to Dawki. After reaching the train station, you can hire a cab and reach Dawki.
By Bus: You can also choose to travel via buses. You can take a bus from Shillong to Dawki, which will drop you off near the Umngot River. However, bus schedules and frequency may vary, so it's advisable to check ahead of time.
By Shared Sumo/Jeep: A very common transport in Meghalaya is via shared Sumo or Jeep. You can ask a local which car will be going to Dawki and how to book it. It is a budget-friendly mode of commuting in Meghalaya.
By Car: Rent a car from Shillong and take the Shillong-Pynursla Road (NH6) south towards Pynursla and continue towards Dawki to reach the river. This option allows you to explore the area at your own pace and make stops along the way.
Best Time To Visit
Dawki is a serene town that is closest to the Umngot River. The site is open 24 hours all year round. It is closed only in case of some special circumstances.
Best Season to Visit: The ideal season to visit the Umngot River is from November to May. In winter the water gets crystal clear and the beauty is enhanced tenfold. The months of April and May, the summer season, are also pretty scenic, and very easy to explore other areas near the site.
Best Day of the Week: Usually weekdays are less crowded as compared to weekends. So, if you want a quieter experience then weekdays are your pick. However, if you enjoy a livelier atmosphere and don’t mind crowds then you can choose to go on weekends.
Best Time of the Day: If you wish to witness the rising sun dropping its light on the clear waters of the Umngot River, then you must visit this site in the early morning. Evenings are usually a bit crowded but more lively as compared to afternoons and mornings. Pick your preferred time according to your itinerary.
Other Essential Information
- Take the boat ride with all safety measures like life jackets and only ride on a licensed boat.
- Check weather conditions before visiting the river banks.
- Wear comfortable clothes and always carry an umbrella or raincoat, just in case it rains.
- Respect the environment and keep your surroundings clean.
Boating & Kayaking
Boat riding or kayaking is the most fun activity to do at the Umngot River. Rowing in the majestic waters will become one of the most beautiful and memorable moments of your life. The island is covered with colorful radiant pebbles and watching the riverbed through the boat is quite unique and ecstatic. The boat ride costs between Rs. 500 to Rs. 800, depending on the season.
Walk Along the Dawki Bridge
Visit the Dawki Bridge and take in all the stunning landscape surrounding the Dawki River. The Dawki Bridge in Meghalaya is also known as the Dawki Suspension Bridge and is located near the border with Bangladesh. The most fascinating part about the bridge is that you can watch the color of the river change from blue to green as it flows to Bangladesh. Walking along the bridge is an incredible experience and you can capture the most scenic pictures in your lens with nature’s pristine beauty all around.
Visit Dawki Village
Explore the town of Dawki and shop in its local markets for handicrafts, woven textiles, or locally-made products. The area near Dawki is great for nature explorers. You can go for trekking and nature walks. Explore the lush forests, discover hidden trails, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Or you can visit the nearby waterfalls such as Krang Suri Falls or Rainbow Falls. While they are not directly located in Dawki the waterfalls offer a refreshing experience.
.jpg)
.jpg)
