Dawki & Mawlynnong: The Crystal River and Asia's Cleanest Village

Two of Meghalaya's most photographed sights sit close together near the Bangladesh border: the crystal-clear Umngot river at Dawki and the immaculate village of Mawlynnong.

Boating on the Umngot

In the dry season the Umngot at Dawki runs so clear that boats appear to float on air, their shadows resting on the riverbed below. An early-morning ride, before the crowds, is magical.

Mawlynnong — Asia's cleanest village

Mawlynnong won fame as 'Asia's cleanest village', with flower-lined lanes, bamboo dustbins and a famous sky-view bamboo tower. A nearby single-decker living-root bridge makes an easy add-on.

Planning the visit

Both are usually combined as a long day trip from Shillong or Cherrapunji, or as an overnight to catch the river at its calmest at dawn.

• Visit the Umngot early for the clearest water
• October–April gives the best clarity
• Carry your ID near the international border
• Combine with a root-bridge walk

TripTrix builds Dawki–Mawlynnong days into most Meghalaya tours — ask us for net rates.