Umngot River Meghalaya-The clearest river in Shillong Plateau

Sutikshan Dwivedi
5 min readMar 16, 2023

--

Umngot river Meghalaya

Umngot River is a beautiful river that flows through the Indian state of Meghalaya and the neighboring country of Bangladesh. It is located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya and is known for its crystal-clear water, which is said to be one of the clearest rivers in India. The Umngot River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River and is surrounded by lush green forests and hills. It is a popular tourist destination and attracts travelers from all over the world who come to enjoy its scenic beauty and indulge in adventure sports such as river rafting and boating. Umngot river Dawki- One of the most popular attractions of the Umngot River is the Dawki Bridge, which is a suspension bridge that spans across the river. The bridge offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding hills and is a popular spot for photography.

Umngot river geology

The Umngot River Meghalaya is known for its unique geology. The region is part of the Shillong Plateau, which is a large tableland that consists of several layers of sedimentary rocks. The sedimentary rocks in the region were formed during the Paleocene and Eocene epochs of the Tertiary period, which lasted from 65 to 34 million years ago. These rocks were deposited in shallow marine environments and include sandstone, shale, and limestone.

The Umngot River Meghalaya has carved out a deep valley in the sedimentary rocks over millions of years, exposing the different layers of rocks and creating stunning geological formations such as waterfalls and gorges. The region is also known for its extensive network of caves, which were formed by the dissolution of limestone rocks by underground water. The caves are home to unique flora and fauna, including several species of bats. One of the most famous caves in the region is the Mawsmai Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites and is a popular tourist destination.

Umngot river history

Umngot River India dates back to ancient times when the Khasi and Jaintia tribes inhabited the region. The river was an important source of water for these tribes, and they relied on it for fishing and agriculture. During the British colonial period, the Umngot River Meghalaya played a crucial role in the transportation of goods and people between India and Bangladesh. The river was also used for irrigation and water supply to the nearby villages. In recent years, the Umngot River Meghalaya has gained popularity as a tourist destination due to its crystal clear water and breathtaking scenery. Tourists from all over the world come to enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, and river rafting on the river. Today, the Umngot River Meghalaya remains an important source of livelihood for the local communities, who continue to depend on it for fishing and agriculture. It is also a popular tourist destination and a symbol of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Also, read- A Hidden Secret-Garden of caves and Laitmawsiang in Meghalaya

Umngot river Dawki

The Dawki Bridge, also known as the Suspension Bridge of Dawki, is a popular tourist attraction located near the town of Dawki. The bridge is built over the Umngot River. The town of Dawki has located about 95 km from Shillong and is easily accessible by road. Visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi from Shillong to reach Dawki. The Dawki Bridge is a suspension bridge that was built in 1932 by the British to connect India with Bangladesh. The bridge is about 106 meters long and is supported by two large towers on either side of the river. The bridge is made of steel cables and has a wooden walkway. The Dawki Bridge is a popular spot for tourists who want to enjoy the stunning views of the Umngot River and the surrounding hills. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll on the bridge and enjoy the cool breeze and the panoramic views of the river.

Umngot river camping

Camping along the Umngot River is a popular activity among tourists who want to experience the natural beauty of the region up close. The river is surrounded by lush green forests and hills, making it an ideal location for camping and outdoor activities. There are several campsites along the Umngot River that offer tented accommodation and other facilities such as bonfires, barbecues, and adventure sports. Many of these campsites are located on the riverbanks, offering stunning views of the river and the surrounding hills.

Camping along the Umngot River Meghalaya is a great way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Visitors can indulge in activities such as fishing, boating, and river rafting during the day and relax around a bonfire under the stars at night. It is important to note that camping regulations are in place to protect the environment and ensure sustainable tourism practices. Visitors are advised to follow these regulations and take necessary precautions to avoid any harm to the natural habitat and wildlife.

Umngot river fish

The Umngot River Meghalaya is known for its rich fish diversity and is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The river is home to a variety of fish species, including trout, catfish, eel, carp, and mahseer. Mahseer is one of the most prized fish species found in the Umngot River. It is a game fish that is highly sought after by anglers for its size and fighting spirit. The Mahseer found in the Umngot River can grow up to 30 kg in weight, and catching one is considered a great achievement among fishing enthusiasts.

Fishing in the Umngot River is a popular activity among the local communities as well. They use traditional fishing techniques such as bamboo traps and nets to catch fish from the river. However, it is important to note that fishing regulations are in place to protect the fish population in the Umngot River Meghalaya.

How to reach the Umngot river

The Umngot River is located in the state of Meghalaya in Northeast India. The nearest major city to the river is Shillong, which is about 90 km away. The nearest airport to the Umngot River is Guwahati, which is about 170 km away. From Guwahati, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the Umngot River Meghalaya. The nearest railway station to the Umngot River is Guwahati.

--

--

Sutikshan Dwivedi
0 Followers

Geologist and electronic media journalist