<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMy <\/strong>Meghalaya trip now took a turn as I took my next step in Dawki. While most people think of it as the famous Dawki River, Dawki is actually a large town. The Umngot river is spread across a huge border covering different parts of the town. Shnongpdeng and Darrang are the two villages by the Umngot River where riverside camping is available. <\/span>Top Things to Do in Dawki<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/span>1. Stay in Tents <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDawki Tent Stay<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOne of the best things I did here was to stay in tents by the Umngot River. I decided to stay in the Shnongpdeng village as it is right next to the river. The thrill of staying by the lush green dramatic trees forming mountains is indeed surreal!
Since I visited in the monsoon, boating and cliff jumping were not the option due to the heavy flow of water.
<\/span>2. Walk on the Dawki Bridge <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nNothing is normal when you are on your Meghalaya trip. Meghalaya is particularly filled with suspension bridges and bridges formed by the living roots of trees. These bridges are made for villagers and tourists to cross rivers, valleys and waterfalls. Walking on the Dawki Bridge and taking pictures is one of the most thrilling things to do in Meghalaya. It is a suspension bridge that connects the village to the other end of the river. Dawki Bridge<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe 165-meter-long bridge gives you chills as it constantly moves when you are on the top. Guess what? All you can see is the mountains in the front and the river beneath your vision. Now that was a scary yet such a worthy experience for life!
<\/span>3. Engage with Locals <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nLocals in Shnongpdeng<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nMy Meghalaya tour took an emotional turn when I met the close-knit communities of the hills. Simplistic lifestyle and joy of living sparkled in people. Villagers engage in fishing and cooking for their daily means. Moreover, the locals here run small restaurants and homestay business as a means of their daily living. They have so many stories right from floods to foreigners staying in their homes. So, embrace your Meghalaya trip by making forever connections.
<\/span>Where to Eat?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTraditional Food in Shnongpdeng<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBeing in a remote village, restaurants or snack shops are not available in the region. Here, villagers cook for tourists and that is the only food option. Dal, rice and vegetables are available. Chicken preparations are available too. Also, bread, Maggi and lemon tea are common for breakfast. A meal generally costs you from INR 100 to INR 150 here.
<\/span>What to Expect?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDue to load shedding, homestays use a dim light and no fans. You can use torches in tents.<\/li> Monsoon season also has some special guests like bugs and insects during the night.<\/li> Washrooms in the homestays are average yet manageable.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Day 3 – Enroute Mawlynnong Village <\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAfter a great time in Shnongpdeng village, it was now time to proceed with the Meghalaya trip to Mawlynnong. The Meghalaya tour was now coming to an exciting time by stepping in Asia’s cleanest village!
<\/span>Dawki Waterfall Viewpoint & Bangladesh Border <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDawki Waterfall Viewpoint <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOn the way to Mawlynnong, I stopped by the Dawki Waterfall viewpoint and yes, it was all worth the hype. The force of the fall and the sound it makes is something straight out of a dream! You’re not allowed to use the wooden bridge however, it is one of the places in Meghalaya where you can be so close to the fall. Also, you get to see the Bangladesh border and an aerial view of the Umngot River on your way.
<\/span>Best Things to Do in Mawlynnong Village <\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/span>1. Take a serene walk in the Village<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMawlynnong Village <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n