Tourism In Dawki- The History behind it. How it started and where it is Today?

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Located at a height of 1496 meters above the sea level, Shillong the capital of Meghalaya, is a great destination that fits the dream of nature lovers and adventure seekers. The picturesque landscape of the hill station earns it the name ‘Scotland of the East’.

Located on the Khasi hills, the colourful city offers adventurous outdoor activities such as rock climbing and boating. Various spots are also there to see like Ward’s Lake which is an artificial lake made by William Ward who was a British Commissioner in the year 1894. Various etymological museum- like Butterfly and Don Bosco Museum are also there to see. Markets of Shillong are beautiful during the evening.

Among several other enchanting places, there is a town called Dawki, which has been the centre of attraction in Meghalaya. It lies about 95kms away from Shillong and just 2kms away from the Bangladesh border. A journey amidst the hilly regions from Shillong will take you to this thrilling centre. One can opt for private or rented vehicle to go to this place.

Dawki- History Behind It

The tribes of Jaintia Hills had their own kingdom till they came under the British rule in the 19th century. Jaintia Hills was divided into 12 provinces which they named as ‘Elaka’ and those were ruled by the Dolois of the respective provinces. Doloi of Nartiang was the power centre as the Nartiang province was the largest and was named as UKongsan. The cluster of these provinces formed the Jaintia Syiem ship, which was ruled by the King chosen by the approval of all the Dolois.
Due to the absence of written script, the history of the place was passed over from one generation to another verbally through legends. To rule different provinces properly without any rifts between different provinces of Jaintia Hills all the Dolois decided to choose a king. But they could not get a man suitable for the post of king for some years.
After some years Doloi of Nartiang got the message that there was a man named U LohRyndi from Sutnga village who is living with a woman named KaLidakha. It was told that these two were transformed into a human being from a fish. These couple had two daughters and three sons. So, all the Dolois, decided to have one of the sons of LohRyndi as the king of Syiemship. Doloi of Nartiang along with two other Dolois reached the place to select one of the boys as king and after meeting the family, they decided to appoint Lakor Sing the son of the second daughter Rupanga  as the first  king who was just 14 years old, so that they could train him accordingly. So KaRupanga was recognized as the ancestral Queen mother of SutngaSyiem and her sister KaRupatong was entitled with ancestral queen mother for the KhadsawphraSyiem. From that time till the British rule, descendents of this ruled these cluster of provinces.

Meghalaya was incorporated into Assam in the year 1835. Due to treaty relationship with the British rule the region enjoyed semi-independent status. As soon as these provinces came under the British government, the office of the Syiem was abolished. Meghalaya was the part of Assam even after independence. On 21st January 1972 Meghalaya was chipped out of Assam to be made into a separate state consisting of United Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, and the Garo Hills. But Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills got separated from each other on 22nd February 1972.

Dawki is known for it’s pristine lush green surroundings and it is truly a blessing. The town is not just a tourist attraction but also one of the nearest ‘Gateways of Bangladesh’. The best way to reach the Dawki in by a rented cab or private vehicle. Alternatively, you can also rent a motorbike all the way from Guwahati to experience one of the finest rides in the country. Your route to Dawki from Shillong take you through spots like Shillong View Point(also called Shillong Peak), Elephant Falls, Laitlyngkot and Pynursla. It takes 2 and a half hours to reach from Shillong.

Usually while coming to Dawki, people visit Riwai and Mawlynnong to witness the Living Root bridge and the cleanest village in Asia. The more you explore, the more you fall in love with nature in these two villages. The villages are filled with Khasi tribals, who take care of these areas.

Among other things, the village has one of those format living bridges, the ultimate bioengineering spectacle of Meghalaya. The robust roots of ancient Banyan trees are “directed” manually to cross over small streams to build these bridges.

Places to visit in Dawki.

Dawki never ceases to surprise its visitors from it’s hidden beauty. It is a town in Meghalaya bordering Bangladesh. Some of the best places to visit in Dawki are crystal clear Umngot River., the cleanest Mawlynnong village. Dawki is popular for it’s clean river and beautiful green surroundings and it’s acts as a gateway Bangladesh.

Major Dawki Tourist Places include: 

Dawki River(Umngot River)

Have you ever imagined yourself being in a scenario; a cool and calm hill station, the cool breeze cuddling with pine trees and its fragile branches, mountains standing with their head held high seems like they are touching the skies, small and big streams playing and floating peacefully in the lap of the Mother Nature. A place with breath taking view whichever direction you look and fairyland like river with crystal clear transparent water where you can see the river bed from its surface. Isn’t it amazing? Feels like Mother Nature herself healing us and carrying away all our worries along with her gentle breeze.

So, if you are imagining for being in such a place and mesmerize yourself, Umngot River in Dawki, Meghalaya is the best option, where you can live your imagination. Dawki is a small town located in the Jaintia Hills District on India’s North Eastern state of Meghalaya. It shares international boundary with the country Bangladesh. It must be noted that this town is very much famous among travellers because of its river Umngot. The captivating sight is of the greenery of the hills near the river and one can easily that the rising sun gives a glowing effect to these hills from background.

Dawki river or called by its local name (U Wah Umngot) is a famous for the transparency of it’s water; if anyone goes for boating in the river, he can see the river bed from it’s surface. This pristine and clear watered river has a suspension bridge over it for transportation. It was constructed by the British in the year 1932. When visitors stand on the bridge, they can see fishermen fishing sitting on the banks of the rivers and it is quite interesting to see a crowd of fishermen almost fishing for the fishes which are caught in the net. Every year, thousands of visitors from across the globe come here to rejoice themselves with the beauty of the river and breath-taking views nearby and enjoying boat rides. This place is crowded with the tourist almost every season however in spring season, the pour of the tourist is more. Sometimes boat riding competition are also organized where winners are prized with cash money and sometimes with fishes caught. One must go on a trip to this place at least once in a lifetime.

It’s worth nothing the fact that the river builds up a innate boundary between two hills district of Meghalaya, one being the Jaintia Hills(Ri Pnar; local Jaintia language for Jaintia Hills) and the other being the Khasi Hills(Hima Khyrim; local khasi language denoting the Khasi Hills) additionally, this river also helps in building a natural one of the international boundary between India(Meghalaya) and Bangladesh , Indo-Bangladesh borders. One more interesting fact about Dawki and its river is that, one can feel being in the two different countries at the same time; and yes it’s true. Bangladesh border is very near to this river and it’s bank at some places we can even walk to the international border and one can find our brave BSF jawans guarding the border end doing their general duty.

The river act as a boon to the local fishermen, to be noted Meghalaya primarily depends on agriculture and poor people earns from it. So, even in Dawki, these fishermen earn their their living by selling the fishes in local area, Shillong main city as well as neighbouring country, Bangladesh; which they have fished from the river.

Mawlynnong Village

Mawlynnong, a small, picturesque village which overlooks the sylvan plains of Bangladesh, is unique in more ways than one. It has earned the sobriquet of ‘God’s own Garden’ and the Discover India Magazine had given Mawlynnong the status of being ‘Asia’ Cleanest Village’ in 2003. The achievement might be an old one, but the village folks continue to live up to it.

The lush green village, located in Pynursla block of East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya, has around 87 environment conscious families who make sure their abode(home) is spic and span round the clock. Villagers take turns to clean the concrete roads, which are decorated with colourful creepers, natural stone structures and flowering plants of varied hues. In front of every house, there is a large rock with a deep crater in it, which is used by villagers to collect rainwater.

At every 30 meters of the roads, there is a bamboo basket placed where people can throw garbage. The garbage is collected throughout the day is thrown in a large pit on the outskirts of the village and left to turn into compost. Littering is a punishable offence and plastic has been banned here.

The cosy houses on stilts are primarily built with bamboo and straw. All the households have a small garden of flowering plants and fruit bearing trees. For Tourists, the village has just one small eatery, Halathyngkong, which serves tea, local noodles, puffs and pastries as well as local thali in the Meghalaya style.

Jaflong Zero Point

Jaflong Zero Point is a place to the Dawki River located along the Indo-Bangladesh border. It is also known as Dawki Tamabil Border Crossing.

Since this is a border area, you may find many security forces moving around for the public safety, but they usually don’t interfere with the visitors. The Umngot River enters Bangladesh from India at this place. This Zero Point has another spectacular speciality, you can see the variety of stone collection carried away by the river in this area and there are many places to see in Dawki. The sub-tropical mountains and the beautiful river Mari adds more to it’s beauty. You can head to this place from Shillong by taking many means of transportation. If you want to view a different place in Dawki then definitely this rare scenic spot with rolling stones amidst tea gardens will calm your mind and refresh you for the forth coming busy schedule.

Shnongpdeng

This exquisite place is a treat to the eyes of all the visitors to Dawki and is one of the best places to visit in Dawki. It is actually a small town with lots and lots of hidden gems around like the extraordinary campsites that are ideal for people who want to spend their nights with the stars. The weather here refreshes your body and the chilling water of the Umngot River soothes your mind.

There is a bridge in Shongpdeng that has been built over the river. It is very important to note that the bridge can at once only carry 7-8 people so it’s very adventurous at the same time. The adventure sports out here like boating, swimming, zip-lining, camping, fishing, and scuba-diving are all so overwhelming that they can keep you engaged for days.

Jingmaham Living Root Bridge

It needs to be witnessed to believe this outstanding miracle of nature. Located 10 minutes of drive away from Mawlynnong, this majestic place is worth it’s fame. It is actually a single living root bridge and steeper to it, you will find the double-decker root bridges. Though reaching this place might be a bit tiresome but once you gaze at the bridge, your effort will pay off. You will have to walk deep down the forests to see the beauty. So, for adventure lovers this place is worth it. All the credit for these majestic living paranormal goes to the khasi creation out of the roots of a living tree without any artificial equipment. 

Best season to visit Dawki.

November to May is Best Season to Visit Dawki

Dawki can be visited all throughout the year but the best time to visit Dawki is Winter and summer seasons from November to May to explore its immense natural beauty. This is the time the weather remains more pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing. Monsoon receives heavy rainfall in Dawki, and it is advisable to avoid a visit to Dawki during peak monsoon season because that excessive rainfall might cause landslides and road blockages.

Adventurous activities to do in Dawki.

Have you ever wanted to create your own Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara moment with all your heart and love? Do you believe in living bigger than life? So what are you waiting for? You must visit Shnongpdeng and turn all  dreams into opaque realities. Shnongpdeng Village is a paradise for all adventure lovers. Located 4 miles from Dawki, Meghalaya. Each year it welcomes thousands of people from different parts of the world  who are eager to overcome their fears.  Here is a list of adventure water sports activities in Shnongpdeng:
River Rafting
Kayaking
Cliff Jumping
Trekking
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Riverside Camping
Ziplining
Rock climbing
Rappelling

Tips For Visiting Dawki

Consider the time of year you are traveling and pack your clothes accordingly. Wear light clothing if traveling in the summer. If you are traveling in winter, you should bring warm woollen clothes, warm gloves etc. Rain is unpredictable, so having an umbrella is a wise choice for tourists
Get the most out of your trip by participating in all the adventure activities and admiring the ravishing town of Dawki. You should also capture all the exciting moments and beautiful scenery with your camera so that you can relive the entire trip at any time.