How to Reach Dawki: A Traveller’s Guide to India’s Clearest Waters

How to reach Dawki? It’s a question that dances on the lips of travellers dreaming of crystalline waters and ethereal landscapes. Tucked away in the verdant folds of Meghalaya, it is where the Umngot River puts on a spectacle of transparency that would make even the clearest tropical seas blush.

Picture this: a river so clear you can count the pebbles on its bed from a boat, waters that mirror the sky so perfectly you might forget which way is up, and tranquillity that seeps into your very soul. That’s Dawki for you!

But before you can dip your toes in those crystal-clear waters or snap that Instagram-worthy shot, you need to get there. So, buckle up, dear travellers! In this blog, we are going to unravel the mystery of how to reach Dawki. From the best airports to aim for, to the most scenic road routes, and even the train odysseys that’ll bring you to its doorstep.

1. How to Reach Dawki by Air

Now, let’s be clear—Dawki doesn’t have an airport. When pondering how to reach Dawki by air, set your sights on Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport) or, for more options, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati.

Landing in Shillong puts you about 80 km from Dawki—not too shabby! But here’s a travel hack for you: flights to Shillong can be as elusive as a snow leopard in summer. Guwahati, on the other hand, is like the popular kid at school—everyone wants to go there. It’s about 170 km from Dawki, but the connections are more reliable.

Once you’ve touched down, congratulations! You’re halfway there. The rest of your “how to reach Dawki” adventure continues by road. But more on that in a bit—first, let’s talk trains!

2. How to Reach Dawki by Train

Alright, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: figuring out how to reach Dawki by train is like trying to find a direct route to Atlantis—it doesn’t exist. But don’t let that derail your plans! The train journey is part of the adventure, my friends.

Your iron horse will take you as far as Guwahati Railway Station. It’s like the backstage pass to Northeast India—everyone goes through here. Overnight trains from Kolkata, Delhi, or Mumbai are your best bets. And as you chug along, you’ll see India transform outside your window, from bustling cities to serene countryside.

Once you reach Guwahati, take a deep breath—you’ve still got a road trip ahead. But trust me, it’s worth every kilometre.

3. How to Reach Dawki by Road

Now we’re talking! How to reach Dawki by road is where the real adventure begins. Whether you’re coming from Shillong (80 km) or Guwahati (170 km), you’re in for a treat.

From Shillong, hop into a shared taxi or hire a private car. The journey takes about 2-3 hours, winding through the East Khasi Hills. You’ll pass by living root bridges, waterfalls that seem to appear out of nowhere, and villages that look like they’re straight out of a storybook.

If you’re starting from Guwahati, brace yourself for a longer but equally mesmerising 5-6 hours journey. The road snakes through Assam’s tea gardens before climbing into Meghalaya’s misty hills.

Pro tip: Make a pitstop at Umiam Lake—it’s the perfect preview of the watery wonders that await in Dawki.

For the budget-conscious, buses run from Shillong to the town of Pynursla, about 30 km from Dawki. If you’re coming from Guwahati, you’re not left out of the bus adventure! Regular buses operate from Guwahati’s Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) to Shillong.

Once in Shillong, you can catch a connecting bus to Pynursla and then a shared taxi to Dawki. This bus route from Guwahati to Dawki, with a change in Shillong, is perfect for those who want to soak in the local flavour and enjoy a more immersive travel experience. Just remember to start early, as the last leg of the journey to Dawki is best completed before sunset.