Life at the India-Bangladesh Friendship Gate

With a total of 4096 km, the international border between India and Bangladesh is the fifth longest land border in the world. And 443 km of it is in the state of Meghalaya.

Dawki is no stranger to many of us. Crystal clear river that makes boats on them look like they are floating, remember seeing a picture like that somewhere? That place is Dawki, and the river, Umngot River. It is easily one of the cleanest rivers in Asia. Here the water is so clear, you can see the river bed easily. It for sure makes for a very good photo-op. No wonder Dawki is one of the most visited places in Meghalaya, after Shillong and Cherrapunji.



Dawki is about 70 km away from Shillong, and here lies the India-Bangladesh Friendship Gate. While Dawki is the Indian village bordering Bangladesh, on the other side of the gate is Tamabil.

The India-Bangladesh Friendship Gate was inaugurated in February 2018, with the aim to have a border ceremony, akin to the Wagah Border. As of now, people can still visit the place and experience the land border.


The gate is right next to the Integrated Check Post, a crucial place that facilitates movement of people across the border and also bilateral trade between the two countries.


Ever since the inauguration, the border has had many tourists coming in just to get the feel of the place, how it’s like to live right on the border, and of course, to take happy selfies for social media. Since it is a trading point, one can expect a lot of vehicles crossing the border. In case you are wondering, it is nothing like the Wagah Border, but whatever it is, you cannot ignore that special feeling when you are at the country’s border and are looking at the guards patrolling it. That’s a different kind of thrill, you see.


If you are here visiting the India-Bangladesh Friendship Gate, you are definitely visiting the Dawki River too. From the gate, the very popular river is just a kilometre and a half, and Mawlynnong Living Root Bridges are just 35 km away. They make for a very fun detour.

1. Is the India-Bangladesh Friendship Gate open to visitors?
   Yes, it is a very popular tourist destination in Meghalaya. But like every other border area, this too is a sensitive area and visitors are advised to follow rules and regulations set by the governments of both India and Bangladesh.
2. What are the other important tourist attractions near the border gate?
   One can easily visit Dawki River for boating (1.6 km). Jaflong (Bangladesh) is a very scenic spot with clean rivers, beautiful tea plantations and lush forest. Mawlynnong is around 35 km from the border.
3. What is the best time to visit Meghalaya?
   The winter months of November to February are best. Do avoid the heavy monsoon months of May and June.