Mawlynnong village, Meghalaya: Asia's cleanest village | Best Guide

One of the most demanded places by our travelers in our Meghalaya Tour Packages is the Mawlynnong Village. It’s no wonder, after all, who wouldn’t want to visit Asia’s Cleanest Village!

The Mawlynnong Village in Meghalaya is fondly called “God’s Own Garden” due to its rustic charm that comes from its traditional houses, warm villagers, and the greenery that surrounds it. Visiting this postcard-perfect town is one of the top things to do when in Meghalaya!

Let’s explore what the Mawlynnong Village offers to its visitors and how it sets an ideal example of how humans can peacefully coexist with the natural beauty that Meghalaya holds.

History And Facts about Mawlynnong Village

The story of Mawlynnong becoming Asia’s Cleanest Village goes back to 2003 when it earned the title by Discover India. It slowly gained popularity after 2005 when it was featured on BBC. But, the locals of Meghalaya have always been key players in maintaining the scenic beauty of this state.

Inhabited by the Khasi tribe, the Mawlynnong Village in Meghalaya appears straight out of a fairy tale. The road leading to the village passes through a thick forest cover and Mawlynnong reveals itself like a hidden charm at first sight. You will have to park your vehicle outside the village and walk to explore one of the best places in Meghalaya.

Here are some of the key facts and features of Mawlynnong Village:

• Deeply rooted in Khasi cultural values, the village has a long tradition of cleanliness. The practices have been passed down for generations.
• Local Khasi folklore emphasizes living in harmony with nature, which also influences the sustainable style of living. Plastic is completely banned, bamboo dustbins are placed throughout, waste is composted, and rainwater harvesting methods are adopted. Residents take pride in their community's eco-friendly practices.
• The village has a population of 900 people, mostly from the tribal community of Khasi, following matrilineal society, which is prevalent till date. The unique system sets them apart from most Indian communities. However, education and urbanisation are gradually transforming traditional practices, with some families opting for a more bilateral inheritance system.
• Education holds a great significance, the place has a 100% literacy rate. Most of the villagers can also speak Hindi and English. Despite being a traditional community with reliance mostly on agriculture, the significance of education can be seen in every home.

Places To See In Mawlynnong

From sightseeing to cultural experiences, here are the top places to see in Mawlynnong:

1. Walk Around The Village

Strolling around the village will give you an insight into how cleanliness is maintained here. There are several bamboo baskets installed in the village for the people to dispose of their waste properly. The warm hospitality of the villagers will surely elevate your experience in the village. Getting a chance to experience the Khasi hospitality is the best part of Mawlynnong tourism.

• Approx Cost: ₹100 - ₹150 are the parking charges

2. Interact with the locals

Interacting with the locals in the Mawlynnong Village is a great way to understand the local culture.

3. Try Local Cuisine

The highlight of Mawlynnong tourism is the chance to savour their authentic Khasi cuisine.You can try a few dishes like Jadoh - a meat and rice dish, Tungrymbai - made from fermented soybean, and bamboo shoot pickle.

• Approx Cost: ₹100 - ₹250 per person for a meal

4. Explore The Living Root Bridge 

The Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya have gained a spot on the world map and a UNESCO World Heritage status. You can explore one such living root bridge between the Mawlynnong and Riwai village which is said to be 180 years old.

• Approx Cost: ₹20- ₹50 per person

5. Visit The Village Church

There are several small churches built across villages in Meghalaya including the Mawlynnong Village. You can visit the rustic 100-year-old Church of Epiphany built in European architectural style.

6. Marvel At The Balancing Rock

If you want to see something unique, you can also visit the Balancing Rock in the Mawlynnong Village. It is a unique rock formation where a huge boulder is balanced over a really small rock, making it a must-visit site.

• Approx Cost: ₹10 per person

7. Walk On The Bamboo Sky Deck

Overcome your fear of heights by walking up a bamboo sky deck built on a tree 85 feet above the ground. As this village is located near the Indo-Bangladesh border, you can marvel at the sweeping landscapes of Bangladesh afar.

• Approx Cost: ₹30 per person

8. Soak in the beauty of Mawlynnong waterfall

There are several scenic waterfalls in Meghalaya and one such waterfall is the Mawlynnong Waterfall. Cascading down from a height of 100 ft, spending leisure time near this waterfall can be a peaceful experience.

9. Shop Local Handicrafts At Souvenir Shops

Take back pieces of Meghalaya by shopping for some unique souvenirs and handicrafts from the locals of Mawlynnong Village. You can buy products made of bamboo like bags, home decor, etc.

Also Read: Best Villages in Meghalaya to Experience Local Culture

Best Time To Visit Mawlynnong Village

So, you're planning a trip to Mawlynnong? Here you will get to know about the best time to visit Mawlynnong Village. While it's beautiful year-round, aim for drier months to avoid heavy monsoon rains (June to September). Spring (March-April) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures, perfect for exploring.

October-November is especially exciting, as the vibrant Nongkrem Dance Festival fills the air with music and celebration. Want to experience a unique harvest festival? Catch Wangala between September and December.

How To Reach Mawlynnong, Meghalaya?

• By Airways: The best way to reach Mawlynnong village is to fly to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam, about 190 kilometers away; as it has direct flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, etc. Another alternative is the Shillong airport which is 103 kilometers away but has limited flights. From there, visitors can hire a taxi/ cab or take a bus for a scenic road journey of around five hours to reach Mawlynnong.
• By Railways: The nearest railhead is the Guwahati Railway station which is well-connected to major Indian cities by railway network. From here, you can continue your journey by hiring a cab/ taxi or taking a local bus which can take around 5-6 hours.
• By Roadways: For those preferring road travel from other parts of Meghalaya or neighboring states, well-connected highways provide access to Mawlynnong, offering the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Northeast India along the way. The winding roads offer beautiful views, so keep your camera handy!

Regardless of the mode chosen, the journey to Mawlynnong promises unforgettable vistas and experiences in one of Asia’s cleanest villages.

Reasons For Visiting Mawlynnong

Here’s some of the top reasons for visiting Mawlynnong Village in Meghalaya:

• Scenic Beauty: Mawlynnong offers stunning views of landscapes, waterfalls, and lush green surroundings. You will fall in love with the sunsets here.
• Rich Culture: One of the top reasons for visiting Mawlynnong Village is to experience its rich culture. The unique lifestyle of the Khasi tribe, with matrilineal traditions, followed by the warm hospitality and mouth-watering authentic dishes.
• Eco-Tourism: Sustainability lies in the heart of Mawlynnong people, use of bamboo products, prohibition of plastic, and active participation of the community in keeping their surroundings clean, makes it an eco-friendly destination. The village is a living example of how tourism and environmental conservation can go hand in hand.

Places To Stay In Mawlynnong Village

Finding places to stay in Mawlynnong Village won't be like booking a hotel in a bustling city. Due to the village's focus on eco-tourism and sustainable living, most accommodations are homestays or guesthouses. These options offer a chance to experience local culture firsthand.

Many homestays boast beautiful gardens and provide delicious homemade meals. While luxurious amenities might be limited, the warmth of Khasi hospitality and the chance to immerse yourself in the village's serene atmosphere more than make up for it. Consider booking your stay in advance, especially during peak season, as options are limited.

Also Read: 8 Days Ultimate Adventure Trip to Meghalaya

Travel Tips For Visiting Mawlynnong Village

Here are a few travel tips to keep in mind while visiting Meghalaya’s Mawlynnong Village:

• If you're not staying in Mawlynnong, start your day trips early to return to your accommodation on time.
• Remember not to litter, as there are fines for doing so. Also, avoid carrying plastic into the village to maintain its cleanliness.
• If you visit on Sundays, you can attend the Sunday rituals at the local church, which can be a unique cultural experience.
• Always respect the locals and seek their permission before taking any pictures or exploring any areas in the village.
• If you plan to stay in the village, especially during peak season, make sure to book your accommodation in advance as options are limited.
• Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking around the village, exploring its beauty and attractions.
• Try to carry enough cash to pay at various places in the village or for shopping for some souvenirs. Due to the poor network in the region, online transactions may not be possible.