Introduction
Imagine walking through a village so clean that it feels like a garden, where locals take immense pride in keeping their surroundings pristine. Welcome to Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, often called “Asia’s Cleanest Village”! 🏡✨
Located in the East Khasi Hills, just 90 km from Shillong, this picturesque village is not just about cleanliness—it’s also home to living root bridges, waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, Mawlynnong is the perfect getaway!
Why Mawlynnong is Special
🌿 Asia’s Cleanest Village – Mawlynnong was awarded this title by Discover India magazine in 2003. Every home has a bamboo dustbin, and villagers actively clean roads, plant trees, and avoid plastic!
🌉 The Famous Living Root Bridge – Just a short trek from the village, this centuries-old bridge made from intertwined tree roots is a marvel of natural engineering.
🌅 Sky View Tower – A handmade bamboo structure that gives you panoramic views of the Bangladesh plains and Meghalaya’s green hills.
🏕️ Sustainable Tourism – Mawlynnong follows an eco-friendly lifestyle, using renewable materials, banning plastic, and relying on rainwater harvesting.
🕌 A Unique Church – Mawlynnong is a predominantly Christian village, and its century-old church surrounded by flowers is a peaceful place to visit.
Best Things to Do in Mawlynnong
✅ Walk Through the Cleanest Village – Enjoy the neatly maintained flower-lined pathways, bamboo houses, and peaceful environment.
✅ Visit the Living Root Bridge – Take a 15-minute scenic trek through lush greenery to see this natural wonder, grown over centuries by the Khasi tribe.
✅ Climb the Sky View Tower – A 85-feet-high bamboo watchtower that lets you see across the border into Bangladesh!
✅ Explore Nearby Waterfalls – Mawlynnong is surrounded by hidden waterfalls and natural streams, perfect for nature lovers.
✅ Interact with the Locals – The Khasi people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. Try staying in a traditional bamboo homestay for an authentic experience!
✅ Taste Local Khasi Cuisine – Try dishes like Jadoh (meat and rice dish), Tungrymbai (fermented soybean curry), and Pumaloi (steamed rice cake). 🍛
✅ Visit Dawki & Umngot River – Just 40 km from Mawlynnong, the crystal-clear Umngot River in Dawki is a must-visit! You can take a boat ride in waters so transparent that boats look like they’re floating on air! 🚣♂️
Best Time to Visit Mawlynnong
🌤 Summer (March – June) – Pleasant weather, great for sightseeing and exploring the village.
🌧 Monsoon (July – September) – The village looks lush and green, but rains can make travel difficult.
🍂 Winter (October – February) – Cool and refreshing, ideal for photography and exploring nearby attractions.
✨ Pro Tip: Visit during the monsoon season if you want to see the living root bridge at its best, but be prepared for occasional heavy rainfall.
How to Reach Mawlynnong
🚆 By Train: The nearest railway station is Guwahati (170 km). From there, take a taxi or shared cab to Mawlynnong.
✈️ By Air: The closest airport is Shillong Airport (90 km), with flights from Kolkata and Guwahati.
🚗 By Road:
- From Shillong – 2.5 hours (90 km) by taxi or self-drive car.
- From Dawki – 45 minutes (40 km) by shared taxi or bike rental.
🚙 Best Way to Travel: Hire a private cab or rent a bike from Shillong for a fun road trip through Meghalaya’s scenic landscapes!
Average Travel Expenditure
💰 Budget Travelers: ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 per day (Budget homestays, shared cabs, local food)
💰 Mid-Range Travelers: ₹4,000 – ₹7,000 per day (Boutique stays, private taxi, guided tours)
💰 Luxury Travelers: ₹8,000+ per day (Luxury resorts, premium guided experiences)
🏡 Stay Options: ₹1,500 (budget homestays) to ₹6,000+ (premium resorts)
🍛 Food: ₹200 – ₹1,000 per meal (local Khasi cuisine & cafes)
🚗 Transport: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 per day (private cab from Shillong)
✨ Pro Tip: Stay overnight in a local Khasi homestay for an authentic village experience!
Essential Travel Tips
✔ Respect the Environment – Do not litter! Mawlynnong follows a strict zero-waste policy.
✔ Carry Cash – No ATMs in the village, and most places do not accept cards.
✔ Wear Comfortable Shoes – You’ll need to walk a lot, especially for the Living Root Bridge trek.
✔ Book Stays in Advance – Homestays fill up quickly, especially in peak season.
✔ Pack for Rain – Even in non-monsoon months, Meghalaya’s weather can be unpredictable.
Final Thoughts
Mawlynnong is not just a destination; it’s an experience. From its clean, green surroundings to its welcoming locals, this little village in Meghalaya will leave you inspired. Whether you’re here for nature, peace, or just to see what a truly eco-friendly village looks like, Mawlynnong is a place you won’t forget.
So, ready to explore India’s cleanest village? 🌿🏡✨