Imagine a river so clear that boats look suspended in mid-air, with every pebble on the riverbed visible 15 feet below. Welcome to the Umngot River at Dawki – the crown jewel of Meghalaya, often called “India’s most transparent river” and one of the clearest in Asia. Located on the India–Bangladesh border just 82 km from Shillong, this emerald-green ribbon flows between lush hills, with the zero-line running right through the water – you can literally wave to Bangladesh while standing in India. From November to May, the water achieves otherworldly clarity, turning boat rides into surreal experiences. A magical contrast to Nohkalikai’s thunderous plunge, Dawki offers gentle adventure and jaw-dropping photography. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, this is Meghalaya’s ultimate “wow” moment. With 2025 glass-bottom boats and the Dawki Boat Festival, the Umngot is an unmissable destination for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone craving crystal-clear magic.
Key Attractions
Umngot River Boating – boats appear to float in air
India–Bangladesh Zero Line – wave to the other side
Dawki Bridge (Wah Umngot) – 100-year-old British suspension bridge
Jaflong Zero Point – Bangladesh hills & stone quarries view
Shnongpdeng Village – riverside camping & homestays
Dawki Lake (created by river widening) – mirror-like reflections
Byrdep Wetland – seasonal lotus blooms
Things to Do
Boat ride on the transparent Umngot (~₹600–1200 for 30–45 min)
Try the new 2025 glass-bottom boats for underwater views
Camp on the riverbank at Shnongpdeng under starlit skies
Attend Dawki Boat Festival – dragon boats & music (Mar 6–8, 2026)
Kayak or stand-up paddle on the calm stretches
Photography during golden hour when water turns sapphire
Cross the border gate (with ID) for zero-line selfies
Swim in designated safe zones (life jackets mandatory)
Local Culture and History
The river marks the international boundary, yet fishermen from both countries share the water peacefully. Local War-Jaintia tribes run most boats and camps. The 2025 glass-bottom fleet, highlighted by Meghalaya Tourism and X posts, makes the river even more accessible while staying eco-friendly.
Best Time to Visit
Open year-round, with November to May (dry season, 12–25°C) best for maximum clarity and glass-like water. March–April is peak transparency. Monsoon (June–October) turns it milky green but still beautiful.
How to Reach
By Air: Shillong Airport (90 km) or Guwahati (160 km)
By Road: Shillong → Dawki (82 km, 3 hrs) via Jowai
Local Transport: Shared sumo from Shillong (~₹300) or taxi (~₹3500 return)
Parking: At Dawki market (~₹50)
Travel Tips
Booking: Boats on-spot; book glass-bottom in advance via meghalayatourism.in
Cost: Boat ~₹600–1200; camping+food ~₹1500–3000/person
Dress: Quick-dry clothes; water shoes; hat
Safety: Life jackets mandatory; no diving
Respect Local Culture: Ask before photographing fishermen
Connectivity: Good 4G at Dawki town; patchy at river
Environment: No plastic; support local boatmen
Accessibility: Flat boarding area; boats have steps
Nearby Attractions
Shnongpdeng (8 km) – camping & suspended bridge
Mawlynnong (35 km) – Asia’s cleanest village
Living Root Bridges (50 km)
Krang Shuri Falls (45 km) – turquoise cascade
Borhill Falls (5 km) – hidden riverside fall
Explore More
Discover other Meghalaya miracles like Nohkalikai Falls or the living root bridges on our Meghalaya destinations page. Plan your crystal river adventure with indiatourisminfo.com today!
