The Umngot River also known as the Dawki River flows in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India. Furthermore, the river also extends into Bangladesh. The river flows through the small town of Dawki before entering Bangladesh. Most importantly, the biggest attraction of the river is the crystal clear waters and the breathtaking landscape surrounding it.
About Umngot/Dawki River
The biggest attraction about Umngot River are the boat rides on the river. Pictures taken feel as if the boats are floating on a sheet of glass. The surrounding mountains and the vegetation on it is breathtaking. The water is crystal clear and you can see the white river bed. Furthermore as you go down the river the rocks and pebbles on the river bed will be clearly visible. Although boat rides are the biggest attractions, camping and fishing along the river banks attracts a number of tourists.
Getting to Umngot-Some Do’s and Dont’s
The distance from Shillong to Dawki is about 90 Kms. The roads are good and there are cabs and jeeps available between Shillong and Dawki. Even as you turn into the bylanes that take you to the boat jetty, you will be hounded by touts offering boat rides. Avoid them at all cost. Proceed to the counters that are run by a cooperative who offer boat rides at INR 800 per boat. The ride upstream and back takes about an hour. A boat can hold 3 people plus one or two oarsmen. Remember to wear a hat, wear sun glasses, apply sun screen and carry water.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6nhn8UsCmsVDALK19
The Boat Ride
The lush green mountains and the crystal clear waters are a sight to behold. Words can never describe the beauty of Umngot River. Enjoy and savor every minute of the ride. Thirty minutes into the ride the boat stops along the banks and you get to click some memorable pictures. Further there are a couple of small eateries from where you can pick up bottled water and canned beverages. Likewise during the return ride along the right banks, you get to see inscriptions made by British soldiers during the 19th century.
Things to do at Dawki
As you get off the boat and walk along the river banks you get to see the boundary between India and Bangladesh. There is a board put up by the Border Security Force showing the boundary. As you walk back to the parking area do not miss out on the numerous eateries. Most of them serve traditional Meghalaya food including fresh fish caught from the river.
Intrepid Travelers Take on Dawki
A must do when you are in Meghalaya. If you have time then camp at the river banks and enjoy the time as the sun sets and the river is pitch dark and the lights from households in the surrounding hills creates an ethereal atmosphere. Additionally getting up at dawn and enjoying the first rays of light as you row down the river is a beautiful memory. Also you get to fish along the river banks at the camp sites.