Dawki and Shnongpdeng
Day 6 of Meghalaya Backpacking Tour. We woke up by 6am. Done with morning chores, we packed our bags and headed straight for the breakfast at Jon's place. The same place where we were having our meals for last 2 days. Today was more of a travel day. We would be visiting famous Dawki river on India-Bangladesh border and then some watersports and stay at Shnongpdeng village.
We left Mawlyngbna by 8-9am and started our travel to Dawki. It would be around 4-5 hours of travel. Now, Dawki is a village situated on Umngot river and shares Indian border with Bangladesh. We bought loads of fresh fruits on the way and munched on them, along with some snacks which everyone had carried with them. For a change, we just skipped our lunch. We were hogging on pineapples, bananas, oranges. And these fruits were so fresh and juicy!
Just around Dawki, we encountered huge traffic jam. It was a small road, taking hairpin turns and going adjacent to Bangladesh border. By 1pm, we reached the Dawki and what we saw? Crowds, crowds everywhere! After spending last 4-5 days in remote villages, dense forests and now we were suddenly in the crowded area! It was typical of a tourist spots. Tourists, guides, photographers, hawkers, military security personnel and what not! Crazy scenes! 😅
We got down from the tempo traveler and went straight to the boating. Making some way from the crowd, we got the tickets, hopped on our boats and here we go. Boating through the crystal clear waters, calm sound of rowing. It was so peaceful and serene. All those photos on Instagram and videos on YouTube about Dawki and the clear waters! It was literally transparent. One could see the river bed below.
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| Crystal clear waters at Dwaki |
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| Bridge on the Umngot river, adjacent to India-Bangladesh border |
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| Boating in Umngot river at Dawki |
Back on the shores, had some local snacks and Jhalmuri, which is a little different style of Bhelpuri. We started our travel to our next destination, Shnongpdeng. Yes, another tricky pronunciation 😆 . Its "Shnong-Pe-Deng". Shnongpdeng is on the shores of same Umngot river where we did the boating. We reached the outskirts of Shnongpdeng but then we came to know the parking is full as some cultural festival is taking place and thus we need to leave our traveler and walk to the campsite. Well, there was no alternative left. We took the essentials and a small day-pack and started walking towards the campsite.
In some 15-20 mins, we reached the spot where we could see a long suspended bridge over the river which we had to cross to reach the campsite. We could see the large crowds on one side of the shore where some rowing boat races were taking place. Crossed the bridge and reached the campsite! Sandwhiched between river shore and tall Areca Palm tree!
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| Shnongpdeng and Umngot river |
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| Palm trees just behind camp site, Shnongpdeng |
Not a single day would go on this tour without any adventure activity 😎. This time, it was kayaking. Its basically a small canoe type boat, with two oars to paddle through water. Its kind of DIY activity. You have to co-ordinate with your partner to navigate your route. We put on our life jackets, had a small 5 mins session where guide explained us how to row the canoe, how to take left and right turn and all. And here we went! At first, we all were confused, most of use were either taking too big turns or just circling around here and there. It was too confusing yet fun!
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| Kayaking in Umngot river, Shnongpdeng |
Back at campsite, had some hot tea and again munched on fresh fruits. Changed into clean, dry clothes, had a small chit chat around the bonfire and then dinner. Quickly slept as to be ready for next day for some new adventure!
Adventure awaits
To be continued
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