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.