Dawki Beyond the Crystal Waters: Offbeat Things to Do
You have seen the transparent river.
Now it is time to see Dawki through a whole new lens.
When you think of Dawki, one image probably comes to mind: a boat gliding over glass-clear water, making it look like it’s floating in the air.
Yes, the Umngot River is breathtaking, and it deserves every bit of the fame it’s earned.
But Dawki is more than just a pretty river.
Nestled between lush green hills and sitting quietly on the India-Bangladesh border, this little town in Meghalaya is bursting with experiences most tourists completely miss.
So, if you’ve already taken your iconic boat ride or are just someone who likes to travel off the beaten path, here are some truly offbeat things to do in Dawki that go beyond the crystal waters.
1. Cross the International Friendship Gate Without a Passport!
Stand in two countries at once no visa required!
Just a few kilometres from the boating point, Dawki hosts a unique attraction: the India-Bangladesh Friendship Gate.
This isn’t just a border post.
It’s a symbol of diplomacy, culture, and local trade.
You can walk right up to the gate, chat with BSF jawans, and even wave at locals across the fence in Bangladesh.
The vibe here is surprisingly friendly.
Local vendors sell snacks, souvenirs, and you might even hear some Bangla music wafting through the air.
It’s surreal to be in such close proximity to another country and still feel at ease.
Pro Tip: Visit during the day and avoid public holidays when border activity might be restricted.
2. Hike Through the Lush Forests to Shnongpdeng
Adventure begins where the road ends.
Most people drive to Shnongpdeng, a lesser-known riverside village near Dawki.
But for the true explorers, there’s a hiking trail that weaves through thick forests, bamboo groves, and hanging roots to this serene spot.
The hike takes about 2–3 hours, depending on your pace, and along the way, you’ll pass tiny Khasi hamlets, chirping birds, and maybe even a shy mountain goat or two.
Once you reach Shnongpdeng, the reward is worth every step: pristine nature, minimal crowds, and homestays that feel like home.
What to do in Shnongpdeng?
- Try ziplining over the river
- Enjoy a traditional Khasi meal in a homestay
- Go night camping by the riverside
3. Visit Burhill Waterfall Dawki’s Best-Kept Secret
You won’t find it on postcards, and that’s the beauty of it.
Tucked away in the nearby hills, Burhill Waterfall (also called Bophill) is one of Dawki’s hidden natural gems.
Most tourists don’t even know it exists because it’s not well-marked on maps.
But ask a local, and they’ll gladly point you to the trail.
It’s a short 20-minute trek through shrubs and moss-covered stones, and then bam! you’re in front of a beautiful cascading waterfall pouring into a natural pool.
Take a dip, enjoy a picnic, or simply sit and listen to nature’s playlist.
It’s quiet, calming, and wildly photogenic.
4. Go Cliff Jumping (If You Dare!)
Ready to take the plunge literally?
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, this one’s for you.
Some spots along the Umngot River, especially in Shnongpdeng, offer cliff jumping activities organized by local adventure groups.
You’ll be given basic safety instructions, a life jacket, and a countdown.
And then it’s just you, the wind, the water, and your heartbeat!
It’s not super high (about 20–30 feet), but it’s high enough to give you a serious rush.
And that feeling of hitting the cold, clean river water? Pure magic.
5. Take a Sunset Kayaking Trip
Boating is touristy. Kayaking?
That’s a story worth telling.
While most people take a short boating trip in the morning, the real charm lies in sunset kayaking.
The river glows golden, the hills cast long shadows, and there’s a peaceful hush as birds return to their nests.
You can rent a kayak from Shnongpdeng or a local adventure club.
Glide gently over the calm waters, watch the sun dip behind the hills, and feel completely disconnected from the chaos of life.
For couples, it’s insanely romantic.
For solo travellers, it’s meditative. Either way, it’s unforgettable.
6. Sleep in a Bamboo Hut by the River
Wake up to the sound of a river and a view that makes you believe in paradise.
Why stay in a cement hotel when you can experience life like a local?
Around Dawki and Shnongpdeng, there are several eco-friendly bamboo cottages and homestays that offer authentic Khasi hospitality.
No fancy Wi-Fi. No room service.
But what you do get is a star-filled sky, fresh-cooked meals, and the chance to sit around a fire sharing stories with fellow travellers.
It’s simple living and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
7. Learn to Cook Khasi Food With Locals
Every dish has a story, and in Dawki, you’re invited to the kitchen.
If you’ve ever tasted Jadoh, Dohneiiong, or smoked pork with bamboo shoots and wondered how it’s made why not learn it yourself?
Some homestays offer interactive cooking sessions, especially if you ask in advance.
You’ll go to the local market, pick your ingredients, and then cook side-by-side with the host family.
It’s fun, delicious, and gives you a deep cultural connection to the place.
And trust us food always tastes better when you’ve stirred the pot yourself!
8. Attend a Local Festival (If Your Timing Is Right)
Dawki’s culture isn’t loud, it’s quietly colourful.
Dawki might seem sleepy, but come local festival time, the town comes alive.
Khasi New Year, local harvest festivals, or traditional dance performances are a treat for any traveller lucky enough to witness them.
These events are not commercial or made for tourists.
They are intimate, authentic, and usually open to outsiders with respectful interest.
Ask your host or a local guide if anything is happening during your visit you might just stumble into an unforgettable celebration.
9. Explore the Dawki Caves
Where darkness hides beauty and silence tells ancient tales.
Caving is a major adventure sport in Meghalaya, and Dawki has its network of limestone caves that few tourists ever explore.
While Mawsmai and Siju caves are more popular, Dawki’s lesser-known caves offer mystery and raw natural charm.
You’ll need a guide and a flashlight, and you might have to crawl, duck, and climb.
But inside, you’ll see stalactites, bats, natural pools, and the kind of eerie beauty that leaves a lasting impression.
It’s More Than Just a River
Yes, the Umngot River is the star of Dawki.
But the supporting cast is just as brilliant.
Whether it’s cliff jumping, cooking with locals, exploring waterfalls, or just sitting by the fire in a bamboo hut, Dawki has the power to surprise you.
So the next time someone says, “Dawki?
Oh, that’s the place with the clear river, right?” You can smile and say, “That’s just the beginning.”
Ready to explore Dawki beyond the waters?
Book your adventure now, pack your curiosity, and get ready to write your own offbeat story in the heart of Meghalaya.
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