Mawlynnong: Mapping Memories in the Cleanest Village of India

Tucked away from the chaotic lifestyle, you get to dive into the blues and greens of Mawlynnong. As far-fetched and alien as it may sound, the vibes are quite the opposite. Located in the beautiful state of Meghalaya, Mawlynnong is a rural village. The destination is renowned for its natural beauty. Here, trees are interconnected, living root bridges act as the mode of transportation and people are the most loving souls ever!

As we talk about Mawlynnong, it is the rural settlement that elevates your time. In a world where hustling is glorified, this village in Meghalaya teaches you the essence of living. From dancing in the rain to understanding biodiversity, Mawlynnong is truly known for its conservative techniques. So, let’s explore Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, for your next soothing trip!

Mawlynnong: Slow Lifestyle with Greater Joys

As you step into Mawlynnong, all you see is greenery! The elongated paths lead to endless patches of green. Right amidst the greens are the well-constructed houses of wood. They are basically made strong to withstand heavy rains during the monsoon season. A day in Mawlynnong, Meghalaya typically begins when villagers wake at 6:00 am to the chirping of birds! 

The first thing they enjoy doing is sweeping in and around their houses. Community sweepers get out on the street to sweep the entire area. That’s how the morning begins and it is time for the famous black tea. People in this rural village prefer black tea or lemon tea, as the availability of milk is next to zero. Females generally cook and males make their way to the field.

Some of these males are also engaged in maintaining their homestays and taking care of the guests. Kids here enjoy the freedom to learn life skills as well as receive formal education. The village is well-equipped with schools where kids learn to speak Hindi, Khasi and English. Surprisingly, many people in Mawlynnong can communicate well in English. 

During the monsoon season, the school remains closed. Most businesses, including restaurants, remain closed. Everyone enjoys the season without worrying about getting going with the day. Otherwise, winter seasons invite a daily routine of cooking, cleaning and dozing off! Also, people in Mawlynnong love to decorate their houses by bordering them with flowering plants and trees.

While life seems slow and relaxed for the villagers, they are surprisingly content with it. Waking up to the sunrise and shutting down their business by 8 p.m. is what they happily do! At times, villagers gather for community meetings or storytelling sessions with a bonfire at the centre.

Mawlynnong Cleanest Village: Delve into the History

It is the tradition of sustainability that makes Mawlynnong one of the cleanest villages in Asia. The lifestyle of people here is deeply rooted in their values and ethics towards nature. Not only do they respect their natural surroundings, but they also take every step to maintain their glory. That’s exactly how the village focuses on balancing the natural paradise. 

Basically, the village believes in utilising natural resources for everyday living. Due to extensive bamboo cultivation, the bridges here are made of bamboo. You can also find dustbins every 5 metres, made of bamboo. Every morning, villagers sweep their homes and the streets to maintain hygiene. They often follow plantation practices as well.

During British rule, Mawlynnong experienced a plague outbreak. While villagers thought it was some evil spirit, missionaries educated them about cleanliness. That’s when they took the matter seriously and started with cleanliness drives. Plantations and building drainage systems became their priorities.

It was only in 2003 that Mawlynnong, Meghalaya received the limelight it deserved. A travel magazine named Discover India declared the village as the cleanest in Asia. In 2005, it was conferred the title of being the cleanest village in India. The village is completely against the idea of smoking and the use of plastic.

6 Top-Rated Places to Visit in Mawlynnong 

1. Riwai Living Root Bridge

Riwai village is a closeby destination to Mawlynnong. It is indeed one of the best places to visit in Mawlynnong. If you cannot visit the famous double-decker bridge in Cherrapunji, worry not. The living root bridge of Riwai enthrals you in every possible way.

To reach the bridge, you need to walk down a tricky path with slippery stones. The root bridge is such a beauty to admire in its surroundings. As the river flows beneath the bridge, it creates a euphoric feeling for you. If the waters are shallow, you can definitely sit by the river. Water flow is heavy during the monsoon season.

Entry Fee: INR 40 Per Person

2. Church of the Epiphany 

Most people in Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, belong to the indigenous Khasi tribe. They mostly follow Christianity; that’s why you can find small churches all around. Church of the Epiphany is believed to be a 100-year-old church for community prayers and gatherings.

It is believed that missionaries in the past transformed the mindset and lives of people. That’s one of the reasons why villagers follow Christianity. You can pray here and admire the architecture too. Floral beauty around the church soothes you well.

3. Sky View Point

You must have crossed various road bridges. However, it is indeed unique to cross bridges made with bamboo. It is something that you generally find in Meghalaya. Sky View Point is one of the best places to visit in Mawlynnong for mesmerising views. 

The bridge is particularly built to offer a view of the landscapes of Bangladesh. You need to climb towards the top. Once you reach upwards, bless your vision with the verdant lands of both countries. It is best to visit in the early morning or before sunset.

Entry Fee: INR 30 Per Person

4. Balancing Rock

Every place in Mawlynnong, India, has a story to narrate. So is the balancing rock located amidst the bamboo trees. It is one of the unique places to visit in Mawlynnong to witness nature’s wonder. A massive rock is balanced on a small rock, making it a great place for science enthusiasts. 

As per the legend, it is believed that many sacrifices were made for this place nearly 1000 years ago. However, many villagers claim that it was a place of worship for the Khasi tribes. The place was not used after the adoption of Christianity. The pathway to the place is tricky, so be ready for an adventurous time.

Entry Fee: INR 10 Per Person

5. Bamboo Trek, Mawryngkhang

Just 2 hours away from Mawlynnong, India, is the thrilling Bamboo Trek. It is located in Wankhen Village, giving you a crazy experience. Trekking through the hills or valleys is ordinary. However, imagine the thrill of the bamboo bridges leading to an idyllic destination. Interestingly, this is made entirely by locals.

A scenic bamboo trail is created circling the hill. As you reach the top, you can see the patches of green, signifying the beauty of Meghalaya. A musical school is right in Wankhen, so you might get to hear the drum beats if you are lucky. In your trek, you’ll come across gushing streams, flowers and the chirp of birds. You can also discover the nearby caves of Meghalaya for an added dose of fun! 

Entry Fee: INR 100 Per Person

6. Borhill Falls

Just 20 kilometres from Mawlynnong is the beautiful Borhill Falls. It is known for its cascading waters that crash through the rocks. You need to trek a bit to reach the main fall. Rugged landscapes surrounded by long trees sure create a mesmerising backdrop for your pictures. 

Guess what? When the waters are shallow, you can also swim in the pool created at the bottom. You can plan this place while visiting the village as it is on the way. The roaring sound is indeed therapeutic here!

Visitor Information: Stays, Rates and Food 

The food in Mawlynnong is simple. You can find cooked potatoes with chapati and a special tomato chutney. Chicken preparations are available as well. Maggi and parathas are available for breakfast and to top your experience, do try their tea! Restaurants and cafes remain closed during heavy rains. So, always carry enough food and ready-to-eat packets.

Apart from this, you can always ask the homestay owner for cooked meals. A vegetarian meal costs around INR 120, while a non-vegetarian meal costs around INR 160 to INR 200. It is best to ask for the extra charges in case of additional rice or chapatis, as the businesses try to charge a little more if not asked first.

As you are in a rural village, Mawlynnong, Meghalaya is not equipped with hotels. That’s exactly why experiencing life in an authentic way is the key! While homestays give a proper rural touch, you can find excellent ones ranging from INR 1000 to INR 1500 per night. 

Homestays in the village offer beds, breakfast and super-clean bathrooms. There are other luxurious homestays with spacious rooms that can accommodate up to 7 people. It is always a great idea to do your research and then book your stay. During monsoon, the high-priced homestays also offer electricity for extended periods due to the presence of generators.

Best Things to Do in Mawlynnong 

• Enjoy the floral beauty around the houses and across the streets.
• Admire the vibrant butterflies who can surely accompany you in your homestays.
• Communicate with locals to discover more about their traditions and cultural practices.

• Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, is known for secret bridges and streams. You are certain to come across places and waterfalls that are not necessarily listed on the maps.
• Savour delicious food and traditional tea and coffee prepared by locals.
• Capture the picturesque beauty of the Mawlynnong village to take home memories.

How to Reach Mawlynnong?

Despite being a remote village, it is well-connected via roadways. The journey can include longer hours; however, the wait is sure to be worth it!

By Air

• The best way to reach Mawlynnong is through the rail network. The nearby airports are Shillong and Guwahati. 
• They are approximately 103 and 190 kilometres from the village. 

By Railway

• Guwahati is the only city around that has its own railway station. Hence, you can reach Guwahati Railway Station, which is 168 kilometres from Mawlynnong, Meghalaya. 
• You then plan a journey to Shillong or Cherrapunjee as the first stop. 
• With numerous hotels in Shillong, you can easily spend a relaxing time here.

By Road

• If you opt for a road trip, you can easily reach Shillong or Cherrapunjee. Mawlynnong village is 76 and 80 kilometres from both cities, respectively. 
• Another option is to travel via bus that takes you to Dawki. It is approximately 30 kilometres from the village.
• From any of these spots, you can opt for private taxis or shared cabs from the market areas.

Best Time to Visit Mawlynnong 

The village experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year. So, you can plan a trip to Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, any time of the year. 

Winter: October to February 

Winter is indeed the best time to visit Mawlynnong. The temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C, making it an amazing place to enjoy the season. The temperature allows you to enjoy bonfires with the villagers. Hot maggi with coffee is surely an ideal combination to try during the winter season. It is also peak time, so you are certain to find tourists around.

Summer: March to May

If you like warm yet comfortable weather, summer is also a great time to visit Mawlynnong. The temperature ranges from 18°C to 27°C. Nights are generally cooler without the need for an air-conditioning system. The days are warm, with the utmost greenery all around. It is also the time when you can witness the flowers blooming. 

Monsoon: June to September

If you are up for an adventure, the monsoon is the second-best time to visit Mawlynnong, Meghalaya. The temperature ranges between 15°C to 25°C with heavy thunderstorms. This is the best time to enjoy locally grown juicy pineapples and berries. Rainfall literally washes off any dust on trees and leaves to turn them all green! The aroma of wet soil clubbed with fewer tourists is certain to elevate your time.

Things to Know Before Visiting Mawlynnong 

• If you plan to visit during the monsoon season, be ready for load shedding (electricity is available only during specific times of the day).
• Mawlynnong experiences chilly weather throughout the year; hence, you might not find fans in most of the homestays.
• It does have a few shops in the village parking area; however, they might be costly if you are planning to travel to Shillong. The villagers are dependent on the handicrafts, so negotiation does not go very well here.

• Even though people are lovely, you might come across voracious homestay owners. It is highly recommended to check reviews before booking a stay.
• It is best to carry insect repellent, as the place is surrounded by trees and bushes.
• Respect the culture and traditions of the people here. Do not interfere in their everyday routine, as people prefer a straightforward lifestyle.
• Tipping is not very common here. It is always a good idea to ask restaurants and homestay owners if they would like to accept the tip.

• Mawlynnong, the cleanest village, is the title that you must follow. So, do not litter anywhere and make sure to use the bamboo-made dustbins for garbage.
• It is important to get permission from locals before capturing them or their houses.
• ATMs and medical facilities are super limited to carrying enough cash as well as medicines for your journey. Digital payments are comparatively less.

• Visiting certain places might include light trekking, so wear sturdy shoes.
• Mawlynnong is located close to the India-Bangladesh border. This leads to a change in timing on your cell phone. While you may see the Indian timezone, it might again change to the timezone in Bangladesh. This is essential if you plan to wake up early for exploration.
• Public transport is limited, so you must either have a private vehicle or a hired cab to roam in and around Mawlynnong village.

Your way to Mawlynnong village! 

Mawlynnong is a truly enchanting destination known as God’s own garden! As you step into the tranquil aura, get ready to soothe yourself with jaw-dropping views and falls. Take help from the above guide along with a Meghalaya guide for your journey. So, pack your bags and let the journey to the world of calmness begin!