Envision yourself in a peaceful hill station, where the mountains rise majestically and the pine trees are embraced by gentle winds. Here, at Dawki, Meghalaya's Umngot River, reality exceeds fantasy. You can see the riverbed below through its ethereal, crystal-clear waters, providing a window into the grandeur of nature.
Dawki, a popular tourist destination in Meghalaya's Jaintia Hills district, lies close to Bangladesh and attracts visitors from all over the globe. Its crown jewel, the Umngot River, is encircled by verdant hills that sparkle in the sunlight, producing an enthralling sight. Suspension bridges enhance the allure of boat cruises on its immaculate waters, which provide breathtaking views.
Anglers line the banks of the river, their nets full of catch, as you cross the bridge. Spring is the peak season for visitors who come to enjoy the river's scenic beauty and watch boat races. You may walk between countries and see BSF jawans protecting the border along the Umngot River, which splits highlands and also forms a natural international boundary. Including this unique experience in your North East package will provide an unforgettable glimpse into the region's natural and cultural beauty.
• Explore the charming village of Shnongpdeng, which offers a window into rural life in an amazing setting.
• Sail along the glistening waters of the Umngot with a sense of exhilaration as your boat reveals the river's hidden gems.
• Take a leisurely stroll along the Umngot River, which forms a border between Bangladesh and India, and marvel at the natural beauty of the area.
• Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Meghalaya's Dawki as you float peacefully down the river Umngot,
• Admire the immaculate depths of Umngot, where you can see the riverbed from the surface and feel enticed to dive deep.
Umngot River in Dawki, Shillong, is located in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India. Here is how you can reach it.
1 By Car/shared taxis: From Shillong city centre, you can drive south on NH6 towards Dawki for approximately 80 kilometres. Upon reaching Dawki, follow signs towards Umngot River. The journey covers a distance of 80 kilometres and takes about 2 hours. Moreover, Shared taxis operate from Shillong to Dawki and take around 3 hours to reach. Once in Dawki, you can hire a local taxi or walk to Umngot River, which is approximately 2 kilometres away.
2 By Bus: You can board a bus from Shillong to Dawki, which typically takes around 3 hours. Upon reaching Dawki, hire a local taxi or walk to Umngot River, which is about 2 kilometres from the town centre.
Umngot River in Dawki, Shillong, is a delightful destination to visit all year round and is often featured in popular Meghalaya packages for travelers seeking natural beauty and tranquility.
1 Best Season: The best time to visit Umngot River is during the spring months of March to May when the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. During this time, you can enjoy boating on the crystal-clear waters, and marvel at the lush greenery along the riverbanks.
2 Best Day of the Week: Any day of the week is perfect for visiting Umngot River. However, try to pay a visit during weekdays to enjoy activities like boating, kayaking, and fishing in the pristine waters without the rush of people. You can also relax on the riverbanks, soak in the tranquil atmosphere, and savour a picnic with your loved ones.
3 Best Time of the Day: The early morning hours are ideal for experiencing the magic of Umngot River. You can watch a splendid sunrise as you embark on a peaceful boat ride.
Visit the Dawki Bridge and take in all the stunning landscape surrounding the Dawki River. The Dawki Bridge in Meghalaya, also known as the Dawki Suspension Bridge, 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, especially on a Meghalaya family tour, where you can capture the most scenic pictures with nature’s pristine beauty all around.
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.
Enjoy the ultimate excitement by cliff jumping at Umngot River. The crystal-clear blue waters entice you to swim after a tranquil boat cruise. Here, you can take a leap from the top of the sheer cliffs with a life jacket. It's a thrilling journey that guarantees complete fulfilment, making it an adventurous highlight of any Meghalaya honeymoon trip. However, prioritise safety above all else—use high-quality life jackets, secure them properly while jumping, and select the ideal cliff jump location for a memorable and risk-free experience.
At Umngot River, go off on an unforgettable boating trip. At the border between India and Bangladesh, wooden boats that can hold four to five passengers each are available for Rs. 800. Admire the shallow spots where fish swim beneath and pebbles gleam as you glide over the glistening clean waters. Schedule a 45-minute ride between 9 AM and 5 PM, and don't forget to choose boating after crossing the bridge for the ultimate experience.
Umngot River is famous for its crystal-clear, transparent waters that create a magical illusion of boats floating on air, making it one of the most stunning and picturesque rivers in India.
The best time to visit Umngot River is during the spring months from March to May, when the weather is pleasant and the water is clear.
Popular activities include boating, kayaking, cliff jumping, fishing, and nature photography.
Yes, the water is clean and clear, but always take safety precautions, especially if you plan to swim or cliff jump.
Yes, Umngot River is often visited as a day trip from Shillong or Dawki.
Yes, including Umngot River in a 4-day North East India trip is a great choice, especially if you’re exploring Meghalaya. Its stunning clear waters and serene surroundings provide a perfect blend of natural beauty and relaxation within a compact itinerary.
When planning a North East India tour with a stop at the stunning Umngot River in Meghalaya, your departure city plays a key role. Here’s a quick overview of top cities offering packages that often feature this beautiful destination:
North East tour packages from Mumbai
Mumbai offers several 5–6 day North East tours that commonly include Umngot River, allowing travelers to enjoy its crystal-clear waters alongside other Meghalaya attractions like Dawki and Shillong.
Delhi serves as a convenient hub with frequent flights to Guwahati and Shillong. Packages from Delhi, usually 3–5 days, often feature Umngot River, giving tourists a chance to explore Meghalaya’s natural beauty.
Due to layovers, Chennai-based tours are generally longer, around 6–8 days. These trips frequently include Umngot River, combined with visits to other scenic spots like Mawlynnong and the living root bridges.
North East packages from Bangalore
Bangalore offers popular 5–7 day North East tour packages, often highlighting Umngot River as a key attraction to start or enrich your Meghalaya journey.
North East trip packages from Ahmedabad
Though flights may have a stop, Ahmedabad-based tours tend to be 7+ days, with Umngot River visits included along with other iconic destinations in Meghalaya like Shillong and Cherrapunjee.