Shillong Cherrapunji Dawki Tour

The Shillong Cherrapunji Dawki tour is a classic Meghalaya sightseeing itinerary designed for first-time visitors to the region. Covering the most popular destinations in the state, the tour includes hill town experiences in Shillong, waterfalls and viewpoints around Cherrapunji, and a visit to Dawki's crystal-clear Umngot River. The itinerary is paced comfortably, allowing travelers to enjoy Meghalaya's natural beauty without long or rushed travel days. This tour is ideal for travelers looking for a well-rounded introduction to Meghalaya's landscapes, culture and scenic highlights.

The Shillong Cherrapunji Dawki tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Meghalaya's most popular destinations. This itinerary combines the hill town charm of Shillong, the dramatic waterfalls and viewpoints of Cherrapunji, and the serene beauty of Dawki's Umngot River. Designed with a comfortable travel pace, the tour allows visitors to enjoy scenic landscapes and key attractions without rushed days or long drives. It is an ideal choice for first-time travelers to Meghalaya who want to experience the region's natural highlights, cultural atmosphere and scenic routes within a balanced and thoughtfully planned itinerary.

Yes, Shnongpdeng is generally a better place to stay than Dawki for travellers seeking a quieter and more scenic experience near the Umngot River. Located just a few kilometres from Dawki, Shnongpdeng offers peaceful riverside surroundings and easy access to activities like boating and kayaking, especially during early mornings and evenings when the river is at its clearest.

The main limitation of staying in Shnongpdeng is that accommodation options are limited — most stays are simple homestays with basic facilities. However, for travellers interested in riverside camping and a close-to-nature experience, Shnongpdeng is an ideal place to stay. Dawki works well for a short visit, but for an overnight experience, Shnongpdeng offers a more immersive and relaxed setting.

Yes, the water at Dawki is genuinely clear, but its clarity depends heavily on the season and weather conditions. During the dry months, especially from December to April, the Umngot River appears crystal clear, often giving the illusion of boats floating in the air.

However, during the monsoon season (June to September), heavy rainfall causes the river to turn muddy and brown due to silt runoff from the surrounding hills. Water clarity can also reduce temporarily after continuous rain, even outside peak monsoon months.

For travellers hoping to see the famous clear waters of Dawki, visiting during the dry season and staying nearby offers the best chance to experience the river at its clearest.

Yes, Kaziranga National Park can be added to a Meghalaya trip, and it is a popular extension for travellers interested in wildlife alongside nature and hill experiences. Kaziranga is located in Assam and can be reached by road from Meghalaya, most commonly via Guwahati or Shillong.

To include Kaziranga comfortably, the itinerary usually needs to be extended by one additional days. This allows time for travel as well as at least one jeep safari inside the national park. Adding Kaziranga works best for travellers who are flexible with travel days and want to balance Meghalaya's waterfalls and landscapes with a wildlife experience.

If you'd like to include Kaziranga in your Meghalaya tour, we can help customise the route, safari planning, and overnight stays to ensure a smooth and well-paced journey.

Yes, Kamakhya Temple can be added to a Meghalaya tour, as it is located in Guwahati and fits naturally into the travel route, especially at the beginning or end of the journey.

To include the Kamakhya Temple visit comfortably, the tour needs to be extended by one additional day. This allows sufficient time for darshan and travel without rushing the Meghalaya itinerary. If you'd like to add Kamakhya to your tour, we can customise the plan accordingly.