Mawlynnong, an Indian town located in the northeastern state of Meghalaya, has a well-deserved reputation as Asia’s cleanest village. People from all over the world are drawn to this lovely town. It has beautiful scenery, cares for the environment, and has friendly residents.
Mawlynnong Village, the cleanest village in India, is also known as God’s Own Garden. Mawlynnong was named the cleanest Village in Asia by Discover India in 2003. This village has done a lot besides staying clean. They have a special plan to help women, which is very impressive. Also, everyone in the village knows how to read and write.
In this article, you will read about a very special village, Mawlynnong. Here, you will get to know the best time to visit Mawlynnong, and the reasons for visiting Mawlynnong put it on your list of places to travel to.
Cleanest Village in Asia
Mawlynnong is famous all around the world for its cleanliness and contribution to the environment. The villagers here make sure every small space of the village is free from dirt or mess. The village has many beautiful flower beds along the streets. There are also bamboo trash cans placed regularly to keep the village clean. The village wants everyone to help keep it clean, whether you live there or are just visiting. Many magazines cover the story of this village as the cleanest village in Asia.
Best Time To Visit Mawlynnong
Even though Mawlynnong’s beauty is constant throughout the year, some seasons are preferable. The best months to visit Mawlynnong are from October to April since the weather is pleasant and there is little chance of rain.
But the monsoon also appears to be the best time to visit Mawlynnong, Meghalaya. The village and its surroundings turn incredibly gorgeous during the rainy season.
You can also visit the village during the holiday season. Some of the major celebrations in and around Mawlynnong Village include Behdienkhlam in July, Wangala from September to December, and Nongkrem Dance Festival in October or November.
9 Reasons For Visiting Mawlynnong
- Tranquil Natural Beauty
- Jingmaham Living Root Bridges
- Balancing Rock
- Skywalk
- Local Tribes
- Local Cuisines
- Dawki/Umngot River
- Mawlynnong Waterfall
- Brun Khongmen View Point
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Tranquil Natural Beauty
Mawlynnong is surrounded by rich vegetation, with rolling hills, waterfalls, and clear streams. The village offers a peaceful and relaxing retreat from the hustle of daily life, giving guests the chance to fully immerse themselves in nature.
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Jingmaham Living Root Bridges
This region is well known for its living root bridges, an amazing bioengineering achievement. These natural and sturdy bridges are built by guiding the aerial roots of old rubber trees across waterways. The Double Decker Living Root Bridge, the most well-known root bridge, is close to Mawlynnong and is a sight to behold.
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Balancing Rock
The balancing rock is another one of Mawlynnong’s distinctive attractions. This rock, situated perilously on a small boulder, has amused visitors for centuries because of its unusual balance. It is a fascinating sight that represents the village’s mystical charm.
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Skywalk
The magnificent skywalk at Mawlynnong provides sweeping views of the surroundings. Visitors can gaze at the lush vegetation and mist-covered hills from a dizzying height because of its bamboo-like structure.
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Local Tribes
Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia, is primarily populated by the Khasi tribe, a well-known group that has abandoned patriarchal dominance in society. The youngest daughter in the family gets the money, and her kids take their mom’s last name.
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Local Cuisines
The fact that all of the cuisine prepared at Mawlynnong is made using organically grown vegetables is the best thing about the food. Even the meat is made from domesticated animals and birds. There are many delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to choose from, including Tungrymbai, a decadent mixture of fermented soybeans, bamboo leaves, and regional spices, freshly cut and smoked banana flowers, and pig mixed in bell peppers, greens, and rice.
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Dawki/Umngot River
On their route to Mawlynnong village, passengers pass via the town of Dawki, which is situated directly along the border between India and Bangladesh. The Dawki River, also known as the Umngot River, is the main draw in this area due to its stunning, crystal-clear water, which gives the impression that boats are floating in midair. With breathtaking hills and other natural treasures encircling the river’s banks, the surrounding scenery creates some amazing photo opportunities. The Dawki River separates the Khasi Hills from the Jaintia Hills. You can cross this river using a suspension bridge that has a single span.
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Mawlynnong Waterfall
The sounds of birds chirping and the wind rushing through the dense vegetation will enchant visitors and create a mesmerizing atmosphere. The neighboring river that separates Bangladesh and India is fed by the water from the falls. Additionally, there are two bridges here: an older one that acts as a footbridge and one for vehicles.
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Brun Khongmen View Point
The Brun Khongmen viewpoint is situated 85 meters up a tree near the Riwai village. A bamboo trail leads up to this viewpoint, where you may take in the lovely, clear views of Bangladesh’s Bisnakandi region. In Mawlynnong, there are a number of additional bamboo watchtowers that are open to the public and provide breathtaking views of various regions of the area. However, the Brun Khongmen charge a small fee for using the treehouse, which goes towards the upkeep of the building.
Places to Stay in Mawlynnong
There are some excellent homestays in Mawlynnong where you may spend time with the people being close to nature. Only a few homestays are constructed like traditional huts; most are constructed of concrete. Accommodations in Mawlynnong are simple and equipped with the bare minimum with the average cost per night of INR 2000.
Some suggested guest houses/homestays in Mawlynnong are:
- Ila Jong Homestay
- Bangladesh View Homestay
- Hala Tyngkong
- Epiphany Society Guest House
- Sahpyngngad Homestay
Ways to Reach Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
Mawlynnong is near major cities like Shillong and Cherrapunji and is accessible via road. Here are some options for getting to the village:
By road: The majority of the roads leading to Mawlynnong are in good condition. Buses that go between the village and neighboring towns like Cherrapunji and Shillong are easily accessible.
By air: Shillong, which is 78 kilometers away from Mawlynnong, is home to the closest airport. Shillong is reachable by direct flights from Kolkata. However, if you’re coming from another location, like Delhi, you’ll have to take a connecting flight. You can take a bus or a taxi from the airport to get to Mawlynnong.
By train: Guwahati, which is located 172 kilometers from Mawlynnong, is the closest significant railway station. From the train station, take a taxi or a bus to the village.
