Mawlynnong is a small village in the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya that has won the title of “Asia’s Cleanest Village”. The hamlet is about 90 kilometers from Shillong, the state capital, and is nestled among the lush greenery of the Khasi Hills.
Mawlynnong has earned international acclaim for its immaculate cleanliness, with spotless streets, houses, and even the surrounding forests. The hamlet has about 500 residents; the majority of them are farmers who have followed sustainable and eco-friendly practices for generations.
The villagers’ tireless efforts have earned the title of “cleanest village in Asia”. Mawlynnong residents follow a strict code of behavior, including not littering, cleaning up after themselves, and planting trees. The village has a unique waste management method in which organic waste is composted, and non-biodegradable waste is disposed of properly.
Mawlynnong: The Nature’s Soul
Mawlynnong presents a mesmerizing display of nature’s beauty, showcasing verdant valleys, pristine waterways, and blooming orchids adorning the trees. The climate is pleasant throughout the year.
In addition to its friendly environs, the village is renowned for its living root bridges and empowered tribal populace, who possesses a remarkable 100% literacy rate and extend warm hospitality to visitors. A trip to Mawlynnong promises to be a fulfilling experience for all those seeking respite amidst nature’s splendor.
Why should you visit Mawlynnong?
1. United Efforts for Cleanliness
Mawlynnong Village has embraced cleanliness as a way of life. Since 2007, every household in the village has been equipped with functional toilets, and bamboo dustbins are installed throughout the village to ensure proper waste disposal. The villagers meticulously keep the surroundings clean; even the dry leaves that fall from trees are disposed of in the dustbins. The use of plastic bags is prohibited, and smoking is not allowed. The rules are strictly enforced, and those who violate them are penalized.
Furthermore, Mawlynnong Village produces its manure by converting garbage into compost. The villagers are not content with keeping their homes clean; they also take it upon themselves to sweep the roads and plant trees. This lifestyle is deeply ingrained in the community, and the villagers’ commitment to cleanliness is genuinely inspiring. The village’s sustainable waste management practices and eco-friendly lifestyle make it a shining example for others.
2. No use of Plastic in Mawlynnong
Mawlynnong has prohibited the use of plastic, which has been in effect for many years now. The village’s inhabitants have taken it upon themselves to prevent plastic from entering their community. Bamboo bins have been installed in every possible location to achieve this goal, and a group of volunteers consistently clean the roads.
Instead of using plastic, the locals produce hand-woven baskets in the shape of cones to replace items such as chairs. Additionally, the village has erected large signboards warning against throwing plastic waste and littering, which are unacceptable. Mawlynnong enforces the regulations on the ban of plastic strictly, with strict penalties imposed on offenders.
3. Tribal Locals
Mawlynnong, acclaimed as the cleanest village in Asia, is predominantly populated by the Khasi tribe, known for shunning the traditional patriarchal societal norms. This progressive community practices a matriarchal system, where children inherit their mother’s surname, and the family’s youngest daughter inherits the wealth.
Mawlynnong is a testimony to the potential achievement of female empowerment and 100% literacy rates. Furthermore, the locals of Mawlynnong are renowned for their warm hospitality towards visitors.
4. Host Activities for Kids and Adults
To behold a panoramic view of the village entrance, head over to Brun Khongmen Viewpoint. It is located in Riwai hamlet. Mawlynnong village and its famed living root bridge are popular tourist destinations in Meghalaya, accessible via a moderate 400-meter trek through the woods.
Tourists can enjoy boating in the Dawki River, which is renowned for its stunning hills, natural wonders, and crystal-clear waters, allowing visibility of the riverbed shadows on sunny days.
5. God’s Own Garden
Mawlynnong village is commonly called ‘God’s Own Garden’, where almost every household features a garden adorned with blooming flowers. The village’s immaculate cleanliness is further accentuated by its abundant greenery, which enhances the ethereal beauty of the village. During the monsoons, the village appears even more stunning with its lush greenery.
What is the best time to visit Mawlynnong?
From June to September
Throughout the year, Mawlynnong has a pleasant and mild climate. Summer, from March to June, is a very enjoyable period. The average temperature is between 15 to 24 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season lasts from June to September, which is undoubtedly the ideal time to explore this village.
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are common during the monsoon season. Flowers blossom during this time of year, and the surroundings become lively. The winter months, which begin in December and conclude in February, are extremely cold. The lowest temperature may fall as low as 2 degrees Celsius during this period.
How can you reach Mawlynnong?
By car: The roads leading to Mawlynnong are mostly in good condition. Buses operate regularly between the village and nearby locations like Cherrapunji and Shillong.
By Rail: The closest railway station to Mawlynnong is Guwahati, 172 kilometers away. Take a bus or a cab from the station to get to the village.
By Air: The nearest airport to Mawlynnong is Shillong, 78 kilometers away. From Kolkata, there are direct flights to Shillong. If you’re flying in from another city, such as Delhi, you must take a connecting flight. After you arrive at the airport, you can take a cab or a bus to Mawlynnong.
Places to see and things to do Mawlynnong:
1. Balancing Rock of Mawlynnong
The balancing rock of Mawlynnong is situated near the village. It is a unique geological marvel that captivates the attention of its visitors. Surprisingly, an enormous-sized rock is perfectly balanced on a small rock without much support. Still, It is in equilibrium, and no natural calamity like an earthquake has changed its position of it.
2. Tree Top Viewpoint
An eye-catching sight at the village entrance is a treetop observation deck built in a traditional style using bamboo and haystacks. This structure offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the scenic beauty of Mawlynnong and the vast plains of Bangladesh. Although some tourists have mentioned a previous existence of a tree hut in this location, it has been reportedly damaged by heavy rainfall several years ago.
Nevertheless, you can still revel in the majestic views from the observation deck atop the tree. However, it is advisable to avoid visiting during the monsoon season, as the bamboo pathway leading up to the deck can become slick and treacherous.
3. Sky View
The Sky Walk, also known as the Sky View Tower, is a highly sought-after destination in Mawlynnong village. It is constructed from cane and bamboo materials and provides visitors with an unobstructed view of the Indo-Bangladesh border and the charming village.
A nominal fee of INR 10 per person is required to access this towering structure, which is an impressive 85 feet tall. From the top, visitors can bask in the stunning and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, observe locals engaging in their daily routines, and marvel at the beauty of the Indo-Bangladesh border.
4. Mawlynnong Waterfall
It is located within the village and is another moderate-sized waterfall that serves as a delightful picnic spot for tourists seeking a tranquil afternoon getaway. Visitors can bask in the soothing sound of the cascading waterfall as they relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.
This spot is highly recommended for those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature’s serene beauty.
5. Dawki River
During your trip from Shillong to Mawlynnong village, you will encounter the Umngot/Dawki river, which is widely considered the cleanest river in India. The river’s pristine waters are so clear that the boats appear to be gliding effortlessly along the riverbed, creating an unparalleled and unforgettable experience for visitors.
Boating on this river is available for approximately INR 600 per 40-minute ride, which is a reasonable price for such a unique and breathtaking adventure.
Cuisine of Mawlynnong
Food is essential to any place’s culture and tradition, and Mawlynnong is no exception. The most remarkable aspect of the local cuisine is that it is entirely made from organically grown vegetables. Even in non-vegetarian meals, the meat is sourced from house-bred poultry and animals.
There is a wide range of non-vegetarian and veggie dishes available here. Choose from smoke and newly cut banana flowers, pork tossed in bell peppers and greens, Jadoh (a meat and rice treat), or Tungrymbai – a delectable concoction of fermented soybean, local spices, and bamboo leaves.
Read Also: 9 Popular Food of Meghalaya – That Are a Must-try
Where should you stay?
Shillong is about 75-80 kilometers away from Mawlynnong. A lovely 2-hour and 30-minute journey will bring you to the boundaries of this tranquil spot. Shillong has numerous hotels and resorts where tourists can unwind after a day of traveling. If you are searching for delightful accommodations loaded with modern conveniences, Woodstock Farmhouse, an exclusive hotel by Hotel Polo Towers Group, is a one-stop location.
This unique bed and breakfast is designed to complement Shillong’s artistic atmosphere. You can enjoy delectable meals here, which serve Chinese and Continental foods. If you want to stay in Cherrapunji, head down to Polo Orchid Resort, Cherrapunji, for a relaxing stay.
Conclusion
Mawlynnong village is a remarkable illustration of India’s eco-friendly destinations and has gained recognition as Asia’s cleanest village. The village’s adherence to sustainable tourism practices, such as waste management, conservation initiatives, and eco-friendly infrastructure, has safeguarded the region’s natural magnificence and provided financial advantages to the local community. Tourists who visit Mawlynnong can relish an exceptional and eco-conscious travel experience while helping the village maintain its efforts towards sustainable tourism and conserve its ecological legacy for generations to come.
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