🌿 “Some journeys are measured not in kilometers, but in moments — a boat floating on the crystal waters of Umngot River, quiet paths of Mawlynnong, and the timeless roots of the Riwai Living Root Bridge reminding us that nature builds the most beautiful bridges.” — TravelWithSurajit
✨ A Chilly Morning in Shillong & Preparing for the Dawki Journey
After a long and eventful Day 3, we finally went to bed around 12:30 AM at our hotel in Shillong. Naturally, the morning started a little slow. Around 6:30 AM, we woke up at Hotel Rockski Boutique, still feeling the pleasant chill of the Shillong hills.
🏔️ Cool Weather of Shillong
Shillong sits at an average altitude of around 1,500 meters, which makes its climate cool and refreshing throughout the year. During mid-November, the weather is especially pleasant. Daytime temperatures usually range between 18°C to 25°C, while nights can drop to 7°C to 12°C.
Even in the morning, we could feel the cold breeze similar to the previous night. However, the sky was clear and bright with sunshine, making it a perfect start to the day.
📸 Morning Photography from the Rooftop
After brushing and getting ready, I decided to explore the hotel rooftop around 7:00 AM. The rooftop had a small shaded sitting area with tables and chairs, making it a peaceful place to enjoy the morning view.From the top, the city of Shillong looked calm and beautiful. The soft sunlight slowly spreading across the hills and houses created a perfect scene for photography. I took out my camera and captured a few beautiful angles of the waking city.
☕ Bed Tea with Friends
Soon the hotel staff arrived with bed tea, and I requested mine to be served on the rooftop itself.
One by one the group started joining.
✨ Joy, Indra, and Sougata came up first, enjoying tea while admiring the quiet morning views.
📷 After a while, Papai also joined us, carrying his camera as usual to capture some moments.
Since our journey was planned to start around 9:30 AM, we had enough time to relax and enjoy the morning atmosphere.
🚗 Vehicle Pickup Plan
Our vehicle and driver were staying somewhere inside the city. As promised, he would pick us up from the same market point where he dropped us the previous night.
So there was no rush in the morning.
🌤️ Relaxing Morning Moments
We spent more than 30 minutes on the rooftop, sipping tea and chatting about the exciting journey ahead.Meanwhile:
👧 Kids were still sleeping comfortably.
🧳 Ladies were busy preparing bags for the day’s trip.
🎒 Since we would return to the same hotel at night, we decided not to carry our luggage, only day essentials.
🌏 Today’s Plan – Dawki, Mawlynnong & Living Root Bridge
Day 4 was one of the most exciting days of our Assam–Meghalaya road trip.
Our plan for the day included:
🚗 Drive from Shillong toward the international border at Tamabil Border
🚣 Enjoy boating on the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River at Dawki
🌿 Visit Mawlynnong, famously known as Asia’s Cleanest Village
🌉 If time allowed, explore the famous Living Root Bridge nearby
It was going to be a day filled with nature, culture, and unique experiences in Meghalaya.
🚿 Morning Bath Drama – The Geyser Problem
After spending some relaxing time on the rooftop, we returned to our rooms to get ready for the day.
🚿 In our room, the hot water was working perfectly.
⚠️ But unfortunately, the geyser in Sougata’s room was not functioning.
We informed the hotel staff, and they tried to fix it, but the issue could not be solved immediately.
To help quickly:
🔥 The hotel staff carried buckets of hot water from our room.
🛁 Babu completed his bath in our bathroom.
The staff assured us that the geyser problem would be fixed before we returned at night.
🍳 A Pleasant Breakfast Surprise
One of the best parts of the morning was the complimentary breakfast, and the credit for that goes entirely to Joy.
Normally, breakfast was not included in the room tariff, but Joy had cleverly negotiated it while booking the hotel.
🍽️ When we reached the hotel dining room around 8:30 AM, breakfast was already prepared.
The menu included:
🥪 Bread with Butter & Jelly
🍛 Chana Curry
🍳 Egg Poach
🍌 Banana
🧁 Cupcake
☕ Tea / Coffee
The breakfast was simple but very tasty, and everyone enjoyed it. After such a satisfying meal, we were fully energized for the journey ahead.
🚐 Time to Begin the Journey
By 9:15 AM, everyone—including the kids—had finished breakfast.
📷 Cameras were checked
🎒 Day bags were ready
😊 Excitement was high
We walked down to the market area and reached our pickup point exactly at 9:30 AM, right where our driver had dropped us the previous night.
🚗 Now it was finally time to begin one of the most beautiful drives in Meghalaya—from Shillong to Dawki and Mawlynnong, heading toward the stunning India–Bangladesh border landscapes.
At that moment, none of us realized that the crystal-clear waters of Umngot River in Dawki would soon become one of the most magical highlights of our entire journey. 🌿
✨ Scenic Road Trip Through the Hills of Meghalaya
🚐 A Slight Delay Before the Journey Begins
We reached our pickup point at the market exactly 9:30 AM, just as planned. However, our vehicle had not arrived yet. After waiting for a few minutes, we called the driver multiple times to check the status.
Finally, he informed us that the car was getting cleaned and refueled, and there was also a bit of morning traffic inside Shillong. Because of that, the vehicle reached us slightly late.
🚗 Around 9:50 AM, our car finally arrived, and after everyone settled in, we started our journey at 10:00 AM.
🌄 Beginning the Scenic Drive Toward Dawki
Our journey for the day began with an exciting road trip from Shillong toward the India–Bangladesh border near Tamabil Border, close to the beautiful town of Dawki.
This route is widely considered one of the most scenic drives in Meghalaya, and very soon we understood why.
Meghalaya is often called the “Abode of Clouds,” and the landscapes perfectly justify that name. Rolling green hills, winding mountain roads, deep valleys, and drifting clouds create a dreamlike environment for travelers.
The quiet morning roads and the fresh mountain air made the beginning of our journey peaceful and refreshing.
🏔️ Winding Roads & Endless Green Hills
As we continued driving through the East Khasi Hills, the beauty of Meghalaya slowly unfolded around us.
🌿 Smooth winding highways curved through lush green hills
🌄 Deep valleys opened up on both sides of the road
📷 Every few kilometers revealed a new panoramic view perfect for photography
These mountain roads are famous among travelers for their smooth curves and breathtaking viewpoints, making the drive itself an unforgettable part of the journey.
☁️ The Magical Meghalaya Mist
One of the most magical moments during the drive came when low-hanging clouds and mist began covering parts of the road.
🌫️ Soft fog drifted slowly across the hills
🏞️ Valleys disappeared under a blanket of clouds
🚗 Each turn of the road revealed a completely new view
This misty atmosphere is exactly what Meghalaya is famous for. It gave the entire road trip a dreamy and cinematic feel, making us stop several times just to admire the scenery.
🌿 Changing Landscapes on the Way to the Border
Another interesting thing about this route is how quickly the landscape changes.
🌲 Near Shillong, the surroundings are dominated by pine forests and cooler hill vegetation.
🌱 As we drove further south, the terrain slowly transformed into greener tropical landscapes.
This gradual transition happens as the road descends toward the plains near the Bangladesh border, showcasing the incredible geographical diversity of Meghalaya within just a short drive.
📍 Route & Distance Information
🚗 Distance: Approximately 80–90 km
🛣️ Route: Mainly follows NH206 through the East Khasi Hills
⏱️ Driving Time: Around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on stops
Some popular stops along the route include:
🌄 Pynursla viewpoints
🌿 Roadside valleys and scenic mountain viewpoints
To save time, we decided to stop only at the beautiful **Pynursla viewpoint.
📷 Photo Break at Pynursla Viewpoint
When we reached the viewpoint near Pynursla, the scenery was simply stunning.
🏞️ Endless rolling hills stretched across the horizon
☁️ Floating clouds slowly drifted across the valleys
🌿 The fresh mountain breeze made the place even more refreshing
We spent around 15 minutes there, enjoying the view and of course capturing plenty of photos and videos with friends and family.
Moments like these are what make road trips truly special.
🚏 A Funny Stop Along the Way
During the drive, we also made a short stop at a small public bus stand about 4 km before Mawptan for a quick nature break.
But this stop turned into a funny moment for the whole group.
😄 Papai suddenly sat down on the road, noticing how incredibly clean the road surface was.
😂 A few moments later, he even lay down for a short rest, jokingly saying the road was cleaner than some hotel floors.
He then asked me to take some photos of him lying on the road, which made everyone laugh.
It was a completely unexpected and hilarious moment that added some fun to the journey.
🌤️ Best Season for the Shillong to Dawki Road Trip
📅 October to April offers the best visibility and clear skies.
🌫️ Winter mornings often create beautiful misty landscapes.
🌧️ Monsoon season turns the region extremely green but can also bring heavy rainfall and fog.
Traveling in the morning, like we did, is ideal because it usually means less traffic and better views of the valleys.
By now, our road trip through the hills of Meghalaya was already turning into an unforgettable experience. But the biggest highlight of the day was still waiting ahead.
Soon we would reach the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River at Dawki, where boats appear to be floating on air — one of the most magical sights in all of Northeast India. 🚣♂️
🎥 Watch the Full Road Trip
👉 Shillong to Tamabil Border Drive – Mesmerizing Meghalaya Road Trip – Assam Vlog: Day 4 Ep 1
✨ Dawki Bridge, Tamabil Border & Boating on the Crystal Clear Umngot River
🌉 Crossing the Historic Dawki Bridge
After an incredibly scenic drive through the hills of Meghalaya, we finally reached Dawki around 12:50 PM.
One of the first landmarks we crossed was the historic Dawki Bridge, a beautiful suspension bridge built by the British in 1932. The bridge stretches across the famous Umngot River and still serves as an important connection between the surrounding regions.
As our vehicle slowly moved across the bridge, we got our first top view of the Umngot River from the road above.
And honestly… it was impossible to describe in words.
✨ The water looked unbelievably clear.
🏞️ The riverbed was visible through the green water.
🌏 The entire landscape looked like something from a foreign destination rather than India.
Everyone in the car became instantly excited. Cameras came out, and we all tried to capture that magical first glimpse.
🌏 Visiting the India–Bangladesh Border
To reach the India–Bangladesh border, you have to cross the Dawki Bridge and drive a little further.
📍 The border is only 2–3 km from the bridge, which takes about 10 minutes by car.
So instead of going directly to boating, we decided to visit the border first and then return to the river later.
Around 1:00 PM, we reached the Tamabil Border, which is part of the Dawki Integrated Check Post. This checkpoint plays an important role in facilitating trade and travel between India and Bangladesh.
🌍 Standing at the border always feels special.
📷 We spent around 30 minutes there, capturing photos and videos.
😋 We also enjoyed some local street snacks like:
🌶️ Jhal Muri
🥔 Alu Kabli
The lively atmosphere, combined with the border setting, made it a memorable stop.
🚣 Reaching the Umngot River Boating Point
After visiting the border, we drove back toward the river.
Around 1:40 PM, we reached the boating point on the beautiful Umngot River near Dawki.
☀️ The weather was perfect that day.
🌞 Bright sunshine illuminated the emerald-green river.
🌡️ Surprisingly, it wasn’t too hot, making the atmosphere extremely pleasant.
Now it was time for the most awaited activity of the day — boating on the crystal-clear river.
🤝 Choosing the Boat & Bargaining
The first task was selecting a boat operator, and this responsibility was quickly taken by Sougata and Joy.
💰 Normally, the boat charges range between ₹500 to ₹750 per boat.
⛵ Each boat can accommodate up to 3–4 passengers.
Since we were a large group, we needed four boats.
After some bargaining by Sougata and Joy, we finally managed to hire 4 boats for ₹1800 total, which was quite reasonable.
💸 Later, we also gave ₹200 as tips to the boatmen.
👨👩👧👦 Boat Distribution for Our Group
Our group divided into four boats:
🚣 Boat 1: Mou, Joy, Tanushree, and Jiya
🚣 Boat 2: Indra, Paramita, Ishan, and Diya
🚣 Boat 3: Sougata, Babu, Titli, and Adrija
🚣 Boat 4: Me, Suchismita, Monika, and Papai
Finally, around 2:00 PM, our boating adventure began.
💎 Boating on the Emerald Waters of Umngot River
The Umngot River is famous across India for its extraordinary transparency.
💎 The water is so clear that you can see the riverbed beneath the boat.
🌿 The natural green reflection from surrounding hills gives the river its beautiful emerald color, which is why many travelers call it the “Emerald River of Meghalaya.”
As our boats slowly glided across the water, the scenery looked almost surreal.
🌏 The ride also takes you very close to the India–Bangladesh international border, making the experience even more unique.
🎥 Fun Moments on the Boat
The entire boat ride was full of laughter and excitement.
📷 We captured countless photos and videos.
😄 Everyone was enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
But the kids enjoyed the most.
👦 They even tried rowing the boat themselves for a few moments, guided by the boatmen.
Thankfully, all four boat guides were friendly and helpful, making the ride comfortable and safe.
🎣 Life Along the River
While boating, we also noticed local fishermen working quietly along the riverbanks.
It was interesting to see how this beautiful river is also an important part of local livelihood.
However, one thing we realized was that the river’s crystal-clear effect feels even stronger in the early morning.
🌅 Early morning usually offers:
✨ Perfect sunlight angle
🌊 Calmer water
📷 The best photos of boats appearing to float on air
Since we arrived in the afternoon, we still enjoyed the view but missed the absolute mirror-like clarity of early morning water.
📍 A Stop Near the Bangladesh Border
During the ride, there was a small stop point along the riverbank.
🏞️ Here visitors can get down from the boat briefly.
📷 It’s a popular place for photos.
Interestingly, this point is very close to the Bangladesh border, which made the experience even more unique.
⏳ Boating Duration
🚣 Boating started: Around 2:00 PM
⏱️ Total boating time: Approximately 40 minutes
After finishing the ride, we spent another 10 minutes at the ghat, capturing more photos and soaking in the beautiful surroundings before continuing our journey.
ℹ️ Dawki Boating Information for Travelers
⏰ Boating Time: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💰 Cost: ₹500 – ₹750 per boat (30–45 minutes)
👥 Boat Capacity: 3–4 passengers
📍 Location: Dawki / Shnongpdeng (around 7.5 km from the bridge)
⚠️ Travel Tips
✨ Go early morning for the clearest water and best photos
🚫 Ignore roadside touts trying to redirect you
📍 Proceed directly to the official boat jetty
🌿 Nearby Shnongpdeng village offers quieter boating, swimming, kayaking, and cliff jumping experiences.
🦺 Safety: Life jackets are usually provided by boat operators.
By now, we had already experienced one of the most magical highlights of Meghalaya — boating on the crystal-clear Umngot River.
But the journey for the day was far from over.
Next, we would head toward Mawlynnong, famously known as Asia’s Cleanest Village, and if time allowed, explore the fascinating Living Root Bridge nearby. 🌿
🎥 Watch the Full Floats on Air
👉 Umngot River Dawki – The Boat That Floats on Air – Assam Vlog: Day 4 Ep 2
✨ Hungry Travelers at Mawlynnong, Asia’s Cleanest Village
🍽️ Hunger Strikes After the Boating Adventure
By the time we finished our boating on the beautiful Umngot River, the clock was already 2:55 PM.
Since our breakfast was around 8:30 AM, none of us had eaten anything after that. Naturally, everyone in the group started feeling quite hungry. Little did we know that something unexpected was waiting for us later in the journey.
So the first plan was simple — find a good restaurant in Dawki and have lunch.
But unfortunately, after searching around the area for some time, we couldn’t find any restaurant that looked suitable for a proper meal.
🚗 Finally, our driver suggested a better idea.
He said we could drive to Mawlynnong, famously known as Asia’s Cleanest Village, where we might find better food options.
Without wasting more time, we decided to continue our journey.
🚗 Road Trip from Dawki to Mawlynnong
📍 The distance between Dawki and Mawlynnong is roughly 30–35 km.
Because the road passes through narrow and hilly terrain, the travel time usually ranges between 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
🚐 After a quick toilet break for everyone, we started our drive around 3:00 PM.
The road was scenic but winding, passing through villages, forests, and small hill roads typical of Meghalaya.
⏱️ We finally reached Mawlynnong around 4:30 PM, which means it took almost 90 minutes, exactly as expected.
🍪 Emergency Snacks on the Road
During the journey, the mothers in our group saved the day.
Every experienced traveler knows that when traveling with kids, mothers always carry emergency snacks.
🍪 Biscuits
🥨 Light snacks
🥤 Small packed food items
These snacks helped calm down the hunger temporarily, especially for the kids.
☕ Searching for Food in Mawlynnong
Once we reached Mawlynnong, the very first task was finding a restaurant.
After searching for a while, we finally found a small place that looked like a local café.
However, our excitement quickly disappeared.
😅 The café only served light snacks, such as:
🍜 Maggi
☕ Tea
☕ Coffee
But we were hoping for a proper lunch, and by that time everyone was seriously hungry.
🌆 Time Running Out Before Sunset
It was already around 4:40 PM, and the daylight was slowly fading.
In Meghalaya’s hills, sunset arrives earlier than in the plains, so we had to think quickly.
After a short discussion, we made a practical decision:
✔️ Skip lunch for now
✔️ Explore the village first
✔️ Eat something afterward
The only real challenge was managing the kids.
👦 Ishan and Jiya were especially hungry, while
👧 Diya, Adrija, and Titli agreed to manage with some snacks.
Finally, we decided that the kids could have Maggi later, while the adults would just take tea after finishing the village tour.
With that plan, we started exploring Mawlynnong Village.
🌿 Discovering Mawlynnong – Asia’s Cleanest Village
Located in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, near the Bangladesh border, Mawlynnong is globally known as “Asia’s Cleanest Village.”
The village gained international attention after being featured by Discover India Magazine in 2003, highlighting its extraordinary cleanliness and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Today, Mawlynnong has become one of the most popular rural tourism destinations near Shillong.
🧹 A Village Built on Cleanliness
What makes Mawlynnong truly special is its community discipline.
The entire village follows strict cleanliness practices maintained collectively by the residents.
🌿 Bamboo dustbins are placed throughout the village
🚯 Plastic usage is strongly discouraged
🌸 Roads and gardens are maintained by the community
Walking through the village truly feels like entering a natural garden.
Every house, courtyard, and pathway is beautifully maintained and spotless.
🚶 What We Noticed While Exploring
As we walked through the narrow pathways of Mawlynnong, several things immediately caught our attention:
🌿 Bamboo dustbins placed everywhere
🪨 Beautiful stone-paved walking paths
🌸 Colorful flower gardens around every house
🏡 Traditional Khasi-style houses with bamboo fences
The village atmosphere felt peaceful, green, and incredibly clean.
🌄 The Famous Bamboo Sky View Tower
One of the most popular attractions here is the bamboo sky walk tower.
From the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy:
🌏 Panoramic views of Mawlynnong Village
🌾 Vast plains of Bangladesh visible in the distance
🏔️ Beautiful hills and forests of Meghalaya
The entire structure is built almost completely from bamboo, showcasing the region’s traditional eco-friendly architecture.
🪨 The Curious Balancing Rock
Another fascinating attraction near the village is the Balancing Rock Mawlynnong.
It is a natural geological formation where a large rock sits perfectly balanced on a smaller rock.
According to local legend, the rock has remained balanced even during earthquakes, making it a mysterious and interesting natural wonder.
🌱 Why Mawlynnong is So Famous
Mawlynnong is well known for:
✨ Exceptional cleanliness and waste management
🌿 Eco-friendly lifestyle
👨👩👧 Community-driven tourism
🏡 Beautiful rural landscape
🌉 Nearby Living Root Bridge culture
The villagers have followed these practices for generations, which eventually brought international recognition.
⏳ A Quick Village Tour
Because the daylight was fading quickly, we had limited time.
⏱️ We managed to explore almost all the major points in about 45 minutes, though much of it was already under low evening light.
Still, the peaceful environment and unique village culture made it a memorable experience.
😔 Another Unexpected Disappointment
After finishing the village walk, we returned to the café around 4:50 PM, hoping to finally eat something.
But unfortunately…
🚪 The café was closing for the day.
Everyone in our group felt a little disappointed, especially since we were already hungry.
However, the café owner gave us an interesting suggestion.
He told us that near the Living Root Bridge area, there was a local restaurant where we could experience traditional Khasi food.
And just like that…
Our plan changed once again.
🚗 Next destination — the famous Living Root Bridge Mawlynnong.
And yes… we were still hungry. 😄
✨ Living Root Bridge Experience & A Long-Awaited Late Lunch
🌉 Heading Toward the Living Root Bridge
After finishing our quick visit to Mawlynnong, we immediately got back into our car and started driving toward the famous Riwai Living Root Bridge.
📍 The bridge is located about 3 km from Mawlynnong village.
🚗 The drive to Riwai village parking area usually takes around 5–10 minutes, followed by a short 10–15 minute walk (roughly 300–500 meters) down a stone pathway to reach the bridge.
By the time we arrived at the parking area, it was already around 5:15 PM.
And finally… we found what we had been looking for all afternoon — a proper local restaurant.
🍽️ First Priority – Food!
After staying hungry for almost the entire afternoon, we decided not to repeat the same mistake again.
So before doing anything else, we immediately ordered food.
The restaurant was surprisingly large and well arranged, and the menu included several local dishes.
Since it was already late for lunch, we ordered:
🥩 Bamboo Shoot Smoked Meat Dish
🫓 Roti for everyone
The restaurant staff told us that the food would take around 30 minutes to prepare.
Instead of waiting there, we decided to visit the Living Root Bridge first and return afterward for dinner.
🌿 A Natural Wonder – The Living Root Bridge
Near the clean village of Mawlynnong, the Riwai Living Root Bridge stands as one of the most fascinating examples of traditional Khasi bio-engineering.
These bridges are not built using wood or steel.
Instead, the aerial roots of rubber trees are carefully guided across small streams. Over many years—sometimes even decades—the roots grow thicker and stronger, eventually forming a natural bridge strong enough for people to walk across.
It is an incredible example of how nature and human wisdom work together.
🚶 Walking Through the Forest Trail
The path leading to the bridge is peaceful and beautiful.
🌿 Surrounded by green vegetation
🎋 Bamboo fences lining the pathways
🏡 Traditional Khasi homes nearby
As we walked further, the trail gradually sloped downward toward a small forest stream.
🪨 Stone steps and narrow pathways guided us through the dense greenery.
🐦 Slowly, the sounds of the village faded away.
Instead, we could hear:
🌊 The gentle sound of flowing water
🐦 Birds calling as they returned to their nests
The entire walk felt calm, refreshing, and close to nature.
🎟️ Entry Fee Information
The area around the bridge is maintained by local village committees.
They collect a small entry fee which helps maintain:
🌿 Clean surroundings
🪨 Walking pathways
🌉 Preservation of the bridge
💰 Entry Fee: ₹20 – ₹50 per person (may vary)
🌉 Single Root Bridge vs Double Decker Bridge
Originally, we had thought about visiting the famous double-decker bridge of Nongriat Living Root Bridge.
However, that trek requires several hours of hiking, and by this time it was already getting dark.
So we decided to explore only the single root bridge at Riwai, which is much easier to access.
Although smaller, this bridge has its own charm and beauty.
🌅 A Magical Evening at the Bridge
By the time we reached the bridge, it was around 5:30 PM, and the evening light was slowly fading.
This timing actually created a very special atmosphere.
🌲 The forest became quieter
🌊 The soft sound of water flowed beneath the bridge
🐦 Occasional birds flew back to their nests
The fading daylight gave the bridge a mysterious and magical feeling, almost as if nature itself was slowly closing the curtain for the day.
✨ A Peaceful Moment in the Forest
Standing on the Riwai Living Root Bridge at that quiet moment felt incredibly peaceful.
After a long day of exploring:
🚗 Scenic mountain roads
🚣 Crystal-clear rivers
🌿 Beautiful villages
This quiet pause inside the forest felt timeless and calming.
The bridge itself looked almost like something from a fantasy story — completely natural, yet perfectly functional.
It was one of those travel moments where you simply stop, look around, and feel grateful for the journey.
🍽️ And now, after hours of waiting…
It was finally time to return to the restaurant for our very late lunch — almost dinner.
A warm local Khasi meal was waiting for us after one of the most memorable days of our Meghalaya adventure.
✨ A Dark Forest Trek to the Living Root Bridge & The Rewarding Lunch
🌆 Evening Descends Over the Hills
By the time we reached the area near the Riwai Living Root Bridge, the daylight was already fading fast.
It was around 5:45 PM in November, that magical yet tricky hour in the hills when the forest slowly begins to slip into darkness. The cool air, the quiet surroundings, and the dimming light created an atmosphere that felt both beautiful and mysterious.
We knew the single living root bridge was not very far. The trail from the village usually takes 10–15 minutes, covering roughly 300–500 meters down an uneven stone pathway.
Compared to the famous Nongriat Living Root Bridge, which requires trekking through more than 3,000 steps and several hours of descent, the Riwai bridge trek is considered relatively easy.
But that evening, the forest had its own adventure planned for us.
🔦 Entering the Dark Forest Trail
The trail began with stone steps and narrow forest pathways, slowly disappearing into dense greenery.
Within a few minutes, the light dropped dramatically.
🌲 Tall trees covered the sky above
🌫️ The jungle turned darker and quieter
🔦 We switched on our mobile torches to guide the way
Thin beams of light illuminated the steps ahead while the rest of the forest remained in shadow.
⚠️ Slippery Stones and Local Warnings
As we continued walking deeper into the trail, we noticed that some stones were slippery due to water seeping from the forest floor.
Each step required careful attention.
The silence of the forest was broken only by:
🦗 The sound of insects in the evening
🌊 The distant murmur of a small stream flowing below
A few local villagers passing by gently warned us that going down at that hour with children might not be the safest idea because the forest would soon become completely dark.
But by that time…
😄 The kids were already in full adventure mode.
And honestly, something else was pushing us forward too — hunger.
After skipping lunch and spending the whole day exploring, everyone was eager to finish the visit and return to the restaurant.
🌉 Reaching the Living Root Bridge
With slow and careful steps, encouraging each other along the way, we finally reached the Riwai Living Root Bridge after around 20 minutes of descent.
By then, it was almost completely dark.
Under the faint glow of our mobile torches, the bridge slowly appeared before us.
🌿 The bridge was formed from intertwined roots of an ancient rubber tree
🌊 A small stream flowed quietly beneath it
🌌 The surrounding forest stood silent and mysterious
It felt almost surreal, like stepping into a hidden world where nature quietly demonstrates its patience and genius.
📸 Capturing Memories in the Dark
Taking photos in such low light was not easy.
📱 We tried capturing a few shots using our mobile phones.
📷 Some group photos were taken using camera flash and mobile torch light.
But honestly, the moment itself felt far more powerful than any photograph could capture.
Standing there in the quiet forest, surrounded by living roots that had taken decades to grow into a bridge, was truly unforgettable.
👨👩👧👦 Not the Entire Group This Time
This time, our entire group was not together at the bridge.
Some members decided to stay at the restaurant.
🍽️ Mou
👧 Tanushree and Jiya
👩 Paromita and Ishan
The kids were feeling tired after the long day, so they decided to rest at the restaurant and start eating early.
It turned out to be a good decision.
Meanwhile, the rest of us continued our small forest adventure.
⏳ A Short but Memorable Visit
We didn’t stay long at the bridge — about 15 minutes.
But those 15 minutes were enough to make the moment truly unforgettable.
Sometimes a short experience leaves a deeper impression than a long one.
🧗 Climbing Back in the Dark
The climb back to the top turned out to be a bit more challenging.
Going uphill in the dark, with tired legs after a full day of travel, required patience.
🔦 Guided by mobile torches
😄 Encouraged by jokes and laughter
🪜 Step by step we climbed the stone pathway
It took us almost 30 minutes to reach back near the village lights.
And when we finally saw the lights of the restaurant above, it felt like returning from a small jungle expedition.
🍲 The Reward – A Warm Local Meal
And just as if the universe had planned a perfect reward for our effort…
A warm meal was waiting for us.
When we returned to the restaurant around 6:15 PM, we saw that Jiya and Ishan had already eaten and were looking much more refreshed.
That instantly relaxed everyone in the group.
For Mou, Tanushree, and Paromita, we showed the photos and shared the moments we captured during the trek.
Soon our food arrived.
🥩 Bamboo Shoot Smoked Meat
🫓 Roti
☕ Tea and Coffee
After the long day and empty stomachs, that meal felt absolutely delicious and comforting.
🌙 Ending the Day’s Adventure
By around 7:00 PM, everyone had finished their meal.
Now it was time to begin the return journey to our hotel in Shillong after one of the most adventurous and memorable days of the trip.
Looking back, the trek in the dark may not have been perfectly planned.
But sometimes the unexpected moments become the best stories of a journey.
And in just 15 minutes under the shadows of the forest, the Riwai Living Root Bridge gave us something more than a sightseeing stop — a travel story we will remember for a lifetime.
✨ The Long Night Drive & A Late Surprise Dinner
🚗 Starting the Return Journey
After finishing our late meal near the Riwai Living Root Bridge, we finally started our return journey toward Shillong around 7:15 PM.
It had been a long and adventurous day.
From crystal-clear rivers to forest treks and village explorations, everyone was now feeling the weight of the day’s journey.
🎵 Music, Silence & Tired Travelers
Inside the car, the mood became quiet and relaxed.
🎶 Indra connected his phone to the car Bluetooth, and soft songs began playing during the drive.
The calm music mixed perfectly with the dark mountain roads outside.
Many of us slowly started dozing off, trying to recover some energy after the long day. The journey back to Shillong would take more than two hours, and we had decided not to stop anywhere on the way.
The plan was simple:
🍽️ Reach the hotel as quickly as possible
🍲 Have dinner
🛌 And finally take some proper rest
🌙 Darkness Over the Hills
Outside the car windows, the surroundings had already turned completely dark.
🌌 The hills were invisible in the night
📸 No scenery to capture
🌲 Only winding mountain roads ahead
With nothing much to see outside, even I decided to take a short nap.
That was unusual for me.
I normally never sleep during journeys, because I enjoy watching landscapes pass by. But this time, the long day had taken its toll.
⚠️ An Unexpected Break
But as every traveler knows…
What you plan doesn’t always happen exactly that way.
Around 9:00 PM, we were still driving through the winding hill roads on our way to Shillong.
Our driver and helper politely requested a short break.
They were feeling tired after driving continuously through mountain roads for hours. And honestly, driving on narrow hill roads while tired is never a good idea.
We all immediately agreed.
Safety always comes first.
So we asked them to stop wherever they could find a small tea stall along the road.
☕ A Perfect Little Stop in the Hills
Within about 10 minutes, we found a surprisingly beautiful spot along a turn in the hill road.
And it felt almost like a hidden roadside moment waiting just for us.
🏔️ A small waterfall flowing gently beside the road
🏚️ A tiny tea stall standing quietly near the turn
🌬️ Cool night air flowing through the hills
The tea stall itself was very small, but it felt warm and welcoming.
🍪 Tea, Biscuits & Mountain Air
We asked the shop owner to prepare fresh hot tea for everyone.
Inside the small shop we found:
🍪 Biscuits
🥔 Chips and Lays packets
🥤 Cold drinks
The kids immediately asked for some snacks.
Normally we might have restricted them, especially in the cold mountain weather.
But that night…
Everything was allowed.
After all, it had been our mistake earlier — skipping lunch and not planning the meal properly during the day.
🌊 A Small Moment of Peace
That little roadside stop turned out to be exactly what we needed.
☕ Warm tea in hand
🌊 A small waterfall flowing beside the road
🌬️ Cold mountain air touching our faces
Even though the waterfall had only a small flow of water, the atmosphere felt incredibly refreshing.
Sometimes the simplest travel moments heal the tiredness of an entire day.
🚗 Back on the Road Again
After 15–20 minutes of rest, everyone felt refreshed again.
We got back into the car and continued our journey toward Shillong.
This time the road felt shorter.
And finally, around 10:00 PM, we reached Shillong Market area.
🍽️ Planning a Surprise Dinner
From the market area, the rest of the group went directly back to the hotel to freshen up.
But three of us had another small mission.
👨🦱 Me
👨🦱 Papai
👨🦱 Sougata
We headed to a nearby restaurant to arrange dinner for everyone.
Before leaving, we told the group:
🛁 Freshen up at the hotel
⏳ Meet us in the dining room within 30–45 minutes
Everyone was extremely tired, and more importantly, we hadn’t eaten properly all day.
So we decided to plan a little surprise meal for the group.
🍜 The Late-Night Feast
After searching nearby restaurants, we finally managed to arrange food for everyone.
The menu was simple but perfect for that moment:
🍜 Chowmein
🍗 Chilli Chicken
🍲 Hot Soup
🥤 Cold Drinks
And of course…
😄 Sougata added his own special twist, turning the cold drinks into mocktail-style mojitos for the kids.
After the long day, the food tasted absolutely amazing.
🌙 Ending an Unforgettable Day
That night dinner felt more than just a meal.
It felt like a celebration of the entire day.
From the crystal-clear waters of Umngot River in Dawki, to the peaceful beauty of Mawlynnong, and the mysterious forest trek to the Riwai Living Root Bridge, the day had been filled with unforgettable moments.
And sometimes…
The best part of travel is not just the destination, but the stories created together along the way.
✨ Midnight Dinner, Reflections & Planning the Next Day
🏨 Back to the Hotel at Last
After finishing our food arrangements from the market, we finally reached our hotel in Shillong around 10:40 PM.
To our surprise, everyone was already waiting for us in the dining area, freshly changed and ready for dinner.
The moment we arrived, we told them to start the dinner without waiting for us, because the three of us still needed a quick refresh after the long journey.
Meanwhile, there was another small piece of good news.
🔧 The geyser issue in Sougata’s room had finally been fixed by the hotel staff during that time.
🍜 Energy Returns with Food
As soon as the food was opened on the table, the atmosphere changed completely.
🍜 Chowmein
🍗 Chilli Chicken
🍲 Hot Soup
Seeing the food after such a long day instantly brought back everyone’s energy, especially the kids.
After the long journey and missed lunch earlier in the day, this late-night meal felt absolutely perfect.
🍹 Sougata’s Special Mojito for Kids
After we finished refreshing ourselves and joined the group at the dining room, Sougata added his own creative touch to the dinner.
Using simple ingredients available there:
🍋 Lemon
🧂 Bitnoon (black salt)
🌿 Jaljira
He quickly turned the cold drinks into refreshing mojito-style mocktails for the kids.
The kids loved it.
It instantly became a fun little highlight of the dinner table.
🍽️ Dinner in Groups
The dinner happened in stages.
👧 Kids finished first because they were already very sleepy.
👩 Ladies, along with Babu and Joy, ate next.
Finally, the last dinner round was for the four of us:
👨 Indra
👨 Sougata
👨 Papai
👨 And me
By the time we finished eating and chatting, it was already around midnight.
🌙 Wrapping Up the Night
By that time:
🛌 The kids had already gone back to their rooms with the ladies.
👩 Only Tanushree stayed back for a while, helping serve food before returning to the room to take care of Jiya.
Gradually, even the hotel staff went to sleep, as it was already very late.
Before leaving the dining area, we made sure to clean and arrange the table as much as possible, so that the staff wouldn’t have extra work in the morning.
Finally, around 12:30 AM, we all went back to our rooms for sleep.
🤔 Late-Night Reflection
Before ending the day, we had a small discussion among ourselves about the lessons from the day.
Today had been amazing, but it also showed us a few mistakes in planning.
So we decided to be more careful for the remaining days of the tour:
✔ Ensure timely meals, especially for the kids
✔ Avoid skipping lunch due to tight schedules
✔ Spend less time on photography when the schedule is tight
✔ Try to follow the daily plan more closely
✔ Start journeys on time
Of course, like every group trip, a small debate also happened.
📸 The topic: photography time
There was a friendly discussion between:
👨 Sougata
👨 Me
👨 Papai
But honestly, such discussions are part of every group adventure and often become funny memories later.
🌧️ A Cold Shillong Night
That night in Shillong became quite cold.
🌡️ The temperature dropped below 10°C
🌧️ A light rain began outside
🌬️ The chilly wind made the night feel even colder
After such a long and adventurous day, the cool weather made the sleep even more comforting.
🌄 Planning the Next Day – Cherrapunjee
Our plan for the next day was exciting.
We would travel from Shillong to Cherrapunjee (also known as Sohra), covering several beautiful viewpoints and attractions along the way.
Since we slept quite late that night, we decided to start the next day a little later than usual.
📅 Planned departure: around 10:00 AM
But this time, we made sure not to repeat any mistake.
📞 We called our car driver and clearly informed him to meet us at the Shillong market pickup point at 9:45 AM.
Everything was now planned properly for the next day.
✨ And with that, Day 4 of our Meghalaya journey finally came to an end — a day full of rivers, villages, forest adventures, roadside tea, and a midnight dinner that turned into a celebration of friendship and travel.
🧭 Day 4 Travel Tips – Shillong to Dawki, Mawlynnong & Riwai Living Root Bridge
✨ If you are planning a similar journey covering Umngot River, Dawki, Mawlynnong, and the Riwai Living Root Bridge, here are some practical tips from our real travel experience.
🌅 Start Early from Shillong
The route covers multiple attractions, and roads in Meghalaya are narrow hill roads. Starting early helps you enjoy places like Umngot River in good daylight and avoid rushing later.
🚗 Plan Travel Time Carefully
Distances may look short on maps, but hill roads slow down travel.
Approximate travel times:
🚗 Shillong → Dawki: 2.5–3 hours
🚗 Dawki → Mawlynnong: 1–1.5 hours
🚗 Mawlynnong → Shillong: 2–2.5 hours
Always keep buffer time in your itinerary.
🍽️ Do Not Skip Lunch (Very Important!)
Good restaurants are limited around Dawki and Mawlynnong.
Either:
✔ Eat lunch early in Dawki
✔ Or carry snacks and dry food
If traveling with kids, always keep biscuits, chips, and water handy.
🚣 Best Time for Boating at Umngot River
The crystal-clear water is best seen between:
☀️ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
During this time the sunlight makes the boats look like they are floating on air.
Late afternoon light is less ideal for photography.
📸 Manage Photography Time
Places like Umngot River and Mawlynnong are extremely photogenic.
But remember:
⏳ Too much photography can delay your schedule
🌙 You may reach the next destination after sunset
Balance experience vs photography.
🌉 Visit the Living Root Bridge Before Sunset
The trek to Riwai Living Root Bridge is short but the forest becomes dark very quickly.
Try to visit before 4:30–5:00 PM, especially if traveling with children.
Carry:
🔦 Mobile torch
👟 Good grip shoes
👨👩👧👦 Travel Tip for Families with Kids
Kids enjoy these places but long travel can make them tired.
Helpful tips:
🧃 Carry snacks and drinks
🧥 Keep light jackets (weather changes quickly)
⏱ Take short breaks during long drives
🌧️ Weather Changes Quickly in Meghalaya
Even if the day is sunny, evenings can become:
🌧 Rainy
🌬 Windy
🥶 Cold
Always carry:
🧥 Light jacket
☂️ Small umbrella
☕ Enjoy Small Local Stops
Sometimes the best travel memories come from unexpected roadside stops.
A small tea stall in the hills, warm tea, and mountain air can become one of the most memorable parts of the journey.
🌄 End of Day Four Summary
Day Four of our Meghalaya journey turned out to be one of the longest and most adventurous days of the entire trip.
Starting from Shillong, we traveled through winding mountain roads to reach the breathtaking Umngot River at Dawki, where the crystal-clear water made boats appear as if they were floating in the air.
From there, the journey continued to Mawlynnong, proudly known as Asia’s Cleanest Village, where we walked through spotless pathways, beautiful gardens, and traditional Khasi homes.
The adventure didn’t end there.
As evening approached, we trekked through a dim forest trail to reach the Riwai Living Root Bridge, experiencing the incredible natural engineering created by the Khasi people over decades.
The return journey brought another unexpected memory — a peaceful roadside tea break beside a small waterfall somewhere along the hill road.
By the time we reached Shillong, it was already late night, but the day ended with laughter, warm food, and stories shared over a midnight dinner.
Day Four reminded us that travel is not just about destinations — it is about unexpected adventures, small moments, and the joy of experiencing them together.
And with that, we closed the day under the cool, rainy night of Shillong, ready for the next chapter of the journey.
Tomorrow’s destination awaited us — the misty hills and waterfalls of Cherrapunjee.
🛏️ Overnight Stay: Hotel Rockski Boutique, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, Meghalaya
🦏 Day 5 – Shillong to Cherrapunjee | Where Clouds Become Neighbors – Coming Soon…
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