Dawki

The Umngot River at Dawki is one of India's most quietly astonishing natural phenomena. From November to April, the water reaches a clarity that defies belief — every pebble on the riverbed is visible, and the wooden fishing boats appear to float suspended in glass. Photos look edited. They aren't.

Dawki sits on the India-Bangladesh border, 85km from Shillong. The 90-minute drive winds through Khasi hills and passes Shnongpdeng village, where you can camp on the riverbank and take coracle rides at dawn before tourists arrive.

Combine Dawki with Mawlynnong village (Asia's cleanest village, 12km away) and the double-decker living root bridges at Nongriat for a 3-day Meghalaya circuit unlike any standard India itinerary. The seven-sister Nohsngithiang Falls are 13km from Dawki.