Dawki Forest Reserve
Biodiversity Hotspot: The area loosely termed the Dawki Forest Reserve encompasses the dense, tropical evergreen forests that blanket the hillsides around the Umngot River and extend toward the border areas. While not a formally protected wildlife sanctuary in the national sense, these forests are c rucial for the region's biodiversity and are the catchment areas that keep the Umngot River pristine. The forests are rich in flora and fauna, including various species of orchids, medicinal herbs, and different types of subtropical trees. The undergrowth is dense, reflecting the extremely high rainfall of the Meghalaya plateau region. Trekking and Exploration: The forests are crisscrossed by numerous small trekking trails and paths leading to hidden waterfalls (like Byrdaw Falls) and Living Root Bridges (Riwai), maintained by the local Khasi and Jaintia villagers. These trails offer opportunities for quiet exploration, bird-watching, and experiencing the unique ecosystem of the region. Access often requires a local guide for safety and respecting local land ownership. The atmosphere is dense, damp, and vibrant, filled with the sounds of insects, birds, and running water. The deep green canopy offers a profound contrast to the clear blue river below. Conservation Importance: The "Reserve" is essential for the region's ecology. Local communities often play a vital role in protecting these forests, with community-based conservation initiatives being highly effective in this part of Meghalaya.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
2-4 Hours (For a small trek)Place Type:
Natural Attraction, Eco-TourismEntry Fees:
Entry Fee/Permit: While there is No Official state-run Entry Fee for the general forest area, a mandatory fee/permit (approx. Rs.50 - Rs.100 per person) and a local guide fee (approx. Rs.500 - Rs.1,500 per group) are required to access community-owned trails, especially towards Ro...Entry Fee/Permit: While there is No Official state-run Entry Fee for the general forest area, a mandatory fee/permit (approx. Rs.50 - Rs.100 per person) and a local guide fee (approx. Rs.500 - Rs.1,500 per group) are required to access community-owned trails, especially towards Root Bridges or remote waterfalls.
Conservation Fee: Fees collected by local village councils are considered a conservation fee, vital for the upkeep of the trails and community conservation efforts.Timing:
Regular Timings: Trails are generally open during daylight hours, approx. 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Trekking after dark is strictly discouraged and unsafe.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning is ideal for bird watching and experiencing the misty, qu...Regular Timings: Trails are generally open during daylight hours, approx. 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Trekking after dark is strictly discouraged and unsafe.
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning is ideal for bird watching and experiencing the misty, quiet jungle atmosphere. Avoid the peak midday heat.
Monsoon Trekking: While the forest is at its greenest in the monsoon, the trails are extremely slippery and potentially dangerous, making Winter the safer and better time.Special Events:
Local Harvest Festivals: The forest is celebrated during local Khasi harvest festivals (like Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem in April) where the community offers thanks for the land's bounty. While the main festival is in Shillong, local celebrations acknowledge the forest's life-givin...Local Harvest Festivals: The forest is celebrated during local Khasi harvest festivals (like Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem in April) where the community offers thanks for the land's bounty. While the main festival is in Shillong, local celebrations acknowledge the forest's life-giving role.Best Photo Spots:
Canopy View: The best photo spot is capturing the towering, moss-covered tree trunks reaching up to the dense canopy, emphasizing the scale and age of the forest.
Filtered Light: Capture the dramatic shafts of sunlight penetrating the dense ...Canopy View: The best photo spot is capturing the towering, moss-covered tree trunks reaching up to the dense canopy, emphasizing the scale and age of the forest.
Filtered Light: Capture the dramatic shafts of sunlight penetrating the dense canopy and illuminating the misty forest floor—best seen early in the morning.
Orchid Close-ups: Close-up shots of the wild orchids and colorful fungi found on the forest floor, highlighting the rich biodiversity.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Guided Jungle Trekking: Embark on a challenging trek with a local guide to explore the interior, focusing on flora, fauna, and water streams.
Bird Watching: The dense cover is a fantastic spot for bird-watching; look for local and migratory species, especially in the early morning.
Search for Rare Orchids: For botanical enthusiasts, search for the wide variety of orchids and other unique plants that thrive here.
Visit a Local Root Bridge: Take a hike to one of the nearby, lesser-known Living Root Bridges (e. g. , the one near Riwai or Nongriat) that are essentially extensions of the forest's architecture.
Eco-Volunteering: Check for any local community-run conservation or clean-up drives where you can volunteer your time to help...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Source of River Clarity: The forest is famous as the essential, protective Catchment Area that filters and feeds the pure, clean water into the Umngot River, making it the cleanest river in Asia.
Living Root Bridge Connection: It is the natu...Source of River Clarity: The forest is famous as the essential, protective Catchment Area that filters and feeds the pure, clean water into the Umngot River, making it the cleanest river in Asia.
Living Root Bridge Connection: It is the natural habitat where the unique Ficus elastica (Indian Rubber Tree) thrives, allowing the local Khasi community to construct their world-famous Living Root Bridges.
Exotic Orchids and Flora: The forest is renowned for its immense Botanical Diversity, particularly for the wide variety of wild orchids and rare medicinal plants that flourish in the damp, subtropical climate. -
Architecture:
Natural Canopy:
The architecture is the forest itself: a multi-layered canopy structure of tall, ancient trees.
Dimension: Trees often reach heights of 40-50 meters, creating a thick, dark layer that prevents...Natural Canopy:
The architecture is the forest itself: a multi-layered canopy structure of tall, ancient trees.
Dimension: Trees often reach heights of 40-50 meters, creating a thick, dark layer that prevents sunlight from reaching the forest floor.
Undergrowth and Trails: The forest floor is characterized by dense undergrowth and naturally formed earth pathways, often slick with moisture, necessitating a high degree of adaptability in local bridge-building (e. g. , the Living Root Bridges).
Botanical Diversity: The architecture is further defined by the symbiotic structures of lianas, epiphytes, and numerous species of ferns and mosses that coat every surface. -
How To Reach:
By Air/Train/Road: Access via Shillong to Dawki on NH206. The forest trails begin off the main road, requiring a local guide to be hired from Dawki or nearby villages like Mawlynnong.
By Local Transport: Hire a local taxi or shared jeep to ... -
Near Tourist Places:
Mawlynnong (Cleanest Village) (15 KMS), Riwai Living Root Bridge (15 KMS), Byrdaw Falls (10 KMS), Umngot River Boating Point (5 KMS), Shnongpdeng (10 KMS), Krang Suri Falls (40 KMS), Dawki Bridge (5 KMS), Jaflong Zero Point (6 KMS), Borhill Falls (4 KMS), Nartiang Monoliths (Further, approx.
60 KMS):
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: Always hire a local guide. Wear full-sleeved clothing to protect against insects and leeches (monsoon is worst). Carry a basic first-aid kit, insect repellent, and plenty of water.
Packing: Wear waterproof, sturdy hiking b...
Reviews
Dawki Forest Reserve Tourism:-
Information about New and Updated Locations(433+) of Meghalaya Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Bophill Falls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Border Security Force
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Borhill Falls
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Darrang Village
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dawki Boating Point
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dawki Check Post
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dawki Church
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dawki Fishing/Angling Spots
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dawki Forest Reserve
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dawki Guest Houses
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities