Camping at Dawki, Redefine the expectation of solo camping

Take out some time from
your regular monotonous life and experience the tunes of hurrying water, flight
of feathered friends, and hustle of leaves and freshness of lush green.

Meghalaya
is one of the most picturesque states especially in tourism.  Once you are here, the winding roads will take
you to marvelous scenery at every single turn, thereby making the road trip
ever memorable. Many people are aware of Meghalaya but not known to the hidden
spots that make for amazing memories. One such place is Dawki, known for the
boat ride, green river and the natural flora all around.

The beauty of Dawki
will hold you forever to this place and will never let you go. Dawki and its
river Umngot should be a must visit in your travel list, if you visit
Meghalaya, sandwiched between India and Bangladesh.  Umngot is also the venue for annual boat race
organized during March-April at Umsyiem.

Bamboo cottages stand
erect in the deserted and undisturbed location and offer a comfy stay with
double beds and carpeted floor to provide you an ultimate camping experience in
Dawki.

When you will advance
out of the camp, the mellow sand under your feat will de-stress you, making you
feel heavenly. If you are also looking forward to unwind yourself in the lap of
nature, camping at Dawki would never turn out to be a bad decision.

Best time to visit Dawki

You can visit Dawki
whenever you have time as it is a year round destination. The climate remains
pleasant throughout the year. The town located in Jaintia Hills is blessed with
greenery all around. The winters here are comparatively colder than summers.
So, if you plan to visit the place in winter, make sure you keep warm clothes
to keep yourself safe. Otherwise the temperature remains delightful the year
round.

Weather of Dawki

The weather is hotter
than Shillong and Chirapunji. In winters the temperature varies from 24 degree
Celcius to 11 degree celcius, whereas, in summer the temperature varies from 35
degrees Celcius to 20 degree Celcius.

You should not visit
Dowki during the rainy season. You will never be able to experience the crystal
clear water when the sky pours. Also, many water sports are prohibited during
rains.

Travel around Dawki

Camping at Dawki alone
won’t serve the purpose of the trip. Exploring and visiting new places should
be on the top of the list to redefine the whole camping experience. If you wish
to travel around Dawki, visit Khasi hills. Khasi hills also known as HimaKhyrim
are a part of Garo-Khasi range in Meghalaya. Dawki is a place full of
surprises. You will also get to learn about different cultures of the region
which will make your visit rich with experiences.

How to reach Dawki?

It is not difficult to
reach Dawki. You can travel by train, by road or by air as per your
convenience.

About
camping

Once you reach Dawki, you can camp anywhere by the riverside at a place
called Shnongpden. It is a few minute drive from Dawki.

Under the starry night with full moon overlooking from above, you can
relish the astounding ambiance. To spend days and nights, you can purchase
tents which are available at a cost of about Rs 400 per head per night.

On feeling cold, you can even light a bonfire near the river side with
chairs around and sit for as long as you want. While I was camping at Dawki, I
realized that I have reached the place at a full moon night and from the place
I was taken across the river over a wire bridge.

The scene was mesmerizing as the bridge was swinging with the flowing
wind and on the either sides of the bridge, there were hills interlocking to
form gorge from where the river passes.

The bridge entering into the abyss of thick woods could not be seen after
a certain moment. When I reached the other end, I along with others was taken
through the rough rocky path to the camp site. The experience was entirely rich
and soulful. Take a few things like camping tables to enjoy the nature in the fullest.

Activities to do

If you are adventurous, you can even enjoy some of the adventurous sports
like snorkeling, cliff jumping, zip lining and kaya king.

For all shopaholics and
foodies

While being in Dawki,
you can shop for succulent oranges. There is no such commercialized market in
the vicinity. The place only offers you more of nature than amenities. So, it
is advisable to keep yourself aloof from the materialistic things and relish
the gift of nature.

Tickle your taste buds
with food at Dawki

If you are a foodie and
like to relish different cuisines, food at Dawki will provide you such
experience. At Dawki, try out delectable Meghalayan delicacies like
Makham-Bitchi, Jadoh, JhurSideh. Apart from the aforesaid dishes, taste the
sweets and luscious oranges, for which Dawki is famous.

Other places to visit

The list of places you
can visit while being in Dowki are as follows:

• Borhill Falls
• Sinbad’s Island
• Jaflong Zero Point
• DawkiTamabil Border Crossing

Take precautions

• Bring odomos or any other mosquito
  repellant creamalong with comfortable foot wares.
• Toilets are outdoor but well covered
  with proper water supply.
• Telephone signals of Airtel, Aircel and
  some times of BSNL are available.
• Prefer going on weekdays as weekends get
  crowded by the localities.
• Availability of electricity is not there
  but managers will arrange for hanging solar lights.
• Beware of the big red ants. Rest the
  place is free from reptiles like snakes and other animals.

A rendezvous with
nature and comfort at the same time would nothing be short of a revitalizing
experience. Also remember even if the networks of aforesaid companies are
available, internet will be scarce.

All that I can say is –
wherever you go, go with all your heart and you will enjoy every moment more
than you expected. Live in the lap of nature and cherish the memories forever.