Tucked away on the border of India and Bangladesh, the Dawki River is known for water so clear, it’s sparked memes about “floating boats” and even fooled a few drone pilots. But what’s really going on beneath that glassy surface?

Turns out, the river’s clarity comes from a combo of low pollution, fast-moving currents, and a rocky riverbed that doesn’t stir up much silt. Dawki is also a key trade route, with boats carrying everything from limestone to betel nuts between the two countries. During spring, you might catch the annual boat race, which draws crowds from both sides of the border.

The best time to visit is from November to April, when the water is at its clearest and the weather stays dry. Dawki is about a three-hour drive from Shillong, with shared taxis and buses making the trip pretty straightforward.

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