Mawlynnong is a picturesque village located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India. It is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, sustainable living practices, and cleanliness, earning it the title of “Asia’s Cleanest Village” and “God’s Own Garden. Mawlynnong gained international recognition for its cleanliness and eco-friendly initiatives. The villagers actively maintain cleanliness by sweeping the streets, collecting waste in bamboo dustbins, and practicing responsible waste management.
Living Root Bridges- Mawlynnong is surrounded by lush green forests and is close to several living root bridges, which are unique to the region. These bridges are handmade by training the aerial roots of rubber fig trees (Ficus elastica) to form sturdy bridges over rivers and streams. The Village provides visitors with a tranquil retreat amidst nature, sustainable living practices, and warm hospitality, making it a must-visit destination in Meghalaya.
Places to visit in Mawlynnong
Mawlynnong, often referred to as “Asia’s Cleanest Village,” offers visitors a serene and picturesque environment to explore. Here are some notable places to visit in Mawlynnong-
Village Walks
Simply strolling through the narrow lanes and pathways of Mawlynnong Village itself is a delightful experience. Visitors can observe the traditional Khasi architecture of the houses, interact with friendly locals, and immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere of the village. Visitors can engage in various community activities in the village, such as participating in traditional music and dance performances, learning about local customs and traditions, and experiencing the warm hospitality of the villagers.
Sky View Tower
The Sky View Tower is a bamboo watchtower that offers panoramic views of Mawlynnong Village, the surrounding lush greenery, and the plains of Bangladesh. Climbing to the top of the tower provides visitors with breathtaking vistas of the landscape.
Flower Orchards
Mawlynnong is known for its vibrant flower gardens and orchards. Visitors can take leisurely walks through these gardens, admiring a variety of blooming flowers such as orchids, lilies, and dahlias.
Exploring Surrounding Villages
Mawlynnong is surrounded by other charming villages and natural attractions in the East Khasi Hills district. Exploring nearby villages like Riwai, Dawki, and Shnongpdeng allows visitors to discover more of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Nature Walks and Hikes
Nature enthusiasts can embark on walks and hikes in the surrounding forests and hills to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Guided trekking tours are available, offering opportunities to discover hidden waterfalls, streams, and viewpoints.
These are just a few of the many attractions and activities that visitors can enjoy in and around Mawlynnong. Whether it’s experiencing the tranquility of village life, marveling at natural wonders, or engaging in cultural exchanges, the village offers a memorable and enriching experience for travelers.
Things to do in Mawlynnong
Mawlynnong offers visitors a range of activities and experiences amidst its serene and picturesque surroundings. Here are some things to do in Mawlynnong-
Visit the Sky View Tower- Climb the bamboo watchtower known as the Sky View Tower to enjoy panoramic views of Mawlynnong Village, the surrounding landscapes, and even the plains of Bangladesh in the distance.
Explore the Village- Take leisurely walks through the narrow lanes and pathways of Mawlynnong Village itself. Admire the traditional Khasi architecture of the houses, interact with friendly locals, and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the village.
Admire the Flower Orchards-Mawlynnong is known for its vibrant flower gardens and orchards. Wander through the gardens and admire a variety of blooming flowers, including orchids, lilies, and dahlias.
Experience Living Root Bridges- While Mawlynnong itself may not have living root bridges within the village, nearby areas like Riwai and other villages in the East Khasi Hills district are home to impressive examples of these natural wonders. Explore these living root bridges and marvel at their unique construction.
Visit Sacred Groves- Near the village, there are sacred groves that are preserved by the villagers as sites of religious and ecological importance. Take a stroll through these groves and experience the tranquil atmosphere amidst ancient trees and lush vegetation. Participate in various community activities in Mawlynnong, such as traditional music and dance performances, learning about local customs and traditions, and experiencing the warm hospitality of the villagers.
Explore Surrounding Villages-Mawlynnong is surrounded by other charming villages and natural attractions in the East Khasi Hills district. Explore nearby villages like Riwai, Dawki, and Shnongpdeng to discover more of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Nature Walks and Hikes- Embark on walks and hikes in the surrounding forests and hills to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Guided trekking tours are available, offering opportunities to discover hidden waterfalls, streams, and viewpoints.
How to reach Mawlynnong
The nearest airport to Mawlynnong is Shillong Airport, also known as Umroi Airport, which is located in Umroi, about 80 kilometers from Mawlynnong. However, Shillong Airport has limited flight connectivity. The nearest major airport with better connectivity is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam, which is approximately 170 kilometers from Mawlynnong. From Guwahati, visitors can hire taxis or use public transportation to reach their destination.
By Road
Mawlynnong is well-connected by road to various towns and cities in Meghalaya and neighboring states. The most common route to reach the destination is from Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. Visitors can hire taxis or use public buses to travel from Shillong to Mawlynnong, which is approximately 90 kilometers away. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions.
