Mawlynnong is not only recognized as the cleanest village in India but also it is an Asia’s cleanest village by Discover India in 2003. It looks like God’s own Garden. It is situated near Bangladesh Border in the Cherrapunji District of India. The Nohwer Living Root Bridge, one of Meghalaya’s most famous icons, is located in village. The brigde is naturally woven with the roots of the Ficus elastica tree and grows over generations. The Umngot river’s gushing, cool waters make for a fascinating experience. The village is located on the edge of Meghalaya’s southern ranges.
Mawlynnong is the proud home of the Khasi Tribe, a community deeply connected to the ethereal realm of nature. Their effort, dedication and discipline recoginsed Mwlynnong as cleanest village in India and all over the Asia. Their deep reverence for the environment is reflected in their admirable commitment to sustainable living, which includes the art of reclaiming waste, harnessing the rejuvenating power of rainwater, embracing the radiance of solar energy, avoiding the threat of plastic, and adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle.
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How to reach
Tourists can reach Mawlynnong from Shillong and Cherrapunji easily. The village is conveniently located near the Indo-Bangladesh border, allowing visitors to enjoy breathtaking views of the neighboring country from a variety of vantage points across the district. There is no railway connectivity in Meghalaya. It is primarily accessible via road. If you opt for train then Guwahati is most close railway station. By air, you can reach Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport) then opt road to reach Mawlynnong.
Shillong to Mawlynnong Distance
The best route to reach Mawlynnong village is through Shillong. By air, tourists can reach Shillong (Umroi Airport) from different parts of India.. Shillong to Mawlynnong distance is about 72 KMs. Tourists can reach the village from Shillong through NH206.
Cherrapunji to Mawlynnong Distance
Mawlynnong is 81 KMs away from Cherrapunji. Visitors can reach Mawlynnong from Cherrapunji by road in about 3 Hours.
Major attraction
Mawlynnong boasts a variety of picturesque landscapes as well as the allure of distinct cultural and traditional customs. Mawlynnong is well-known for its dedication to environmental preservation, as evidenced by a strict ban on plastic use and a promotion of cleanliness and hygiene among guests.
The world-famous Jingmaham Living Root Bridge, and the Church of The Epiphany, which has stood for over a century. Our journey also includes a stopover in Dawki, another hidden gem – truly a sight to behold with its Umngot River, which is one of India’s most pristine.
Living Root Bridge
The captivating tale of the living root bridges in the thriving Khasi Hills commenced in 1844, when Lieutenant Henry Yule chronicled their existence in the Journal of The Asiatic Society of Bengal. These extraordinary bridges, crafted from the resilient aerial roots of the Ficus Elastica tree, embody a harmonious blend of natural wonders and human inventiveness. Gradually interweaving, they transform into sturdy suspension bridges that seamlessly merge with the verdant scenery. Their narrative epitomizes the enduring connection between communities and their surroundings, showcasing the strength of collaborating with nature to forge sustainable solutions. The heritage of these living bridges continues to evoke wonder and admiration across the globe.
Sky View Platform
The Sky View Platform offers an unforgettable adventure for those tourists who are seeking breathtaking views of the verdant Meghalayan terrain. This elevated platform, perched atop a majestic bamboo structure, provides visitors with unobstructed views of Bangladesh’s vast plains, cascading waterfalls, and the resplendent emerald-green canopy of the Meghalayan rainforest. It is an idyllic haven to immerse oneself in the serenity of the surroundings while witnessing the enchanting interplay of luminescence and obscurity as the day gracefully unfolds.
Umngot River
The Umngot River, located just a short drive from the cleanest village, is well-known for its surreal beauty and transparency. Boating is a popular activity on this river, and you can take a traditional bamboo raft ride through the crystal clear waters while admiring the sunken stones and pebbles beneath the water. The emerald-colored Umngot River makes an enchanting setting for boat rides and peaceful reflection.
Mawlynnong Waterfall
The Mawlynnong Waterfalls are a must-see for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The majestic cascading waterfall beckons you with its thunderous roar and mist-scented water surrounded in the thicket of trees. Hiking through the lush trails surrounding the waterfall reveals hidden alleys and natural pools where you can relax in nature’s embrace.
Balancing Rock
This natural architecture is unbelievable. The famous balancing rock is a larger boulder perched precariously on a small rock. The balance of large boulder by this small rock signifies the village’s harmony and their intent of balancing the nature.
Activities and Adventures
Visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of Bangladesh and engage in thrilling activities such as boating, snorkeling, and cliff diving. Asia’s cleanest village offers a wide range of exciting activities and adventures for tourists. Tourists enjoy the natural beauty and extraordinary culture of village.
Village Walks
Mawlynnong is such a picturesque village with tidy lanes, flower-lined paths and traditional Khasi huts. Tourists enjoy village walks at Mawlynnong. They engage with talks to locals, enjoy their culture, and know about their way of life. The sustainable practices by locals like creation of bamboo dustbins and compost pits, let tourists attract to know the mechanism behind such a beautiful creations.
Skywalk
Villagers have created a platform made up of bamboo over the edge of the village. The platform gives a chance to tourists to experience skywalk views. The panoramic vistas of forests surrond the village and sight over the plains of Bangladesh are unbelievable.
Waterfall Hopping
The nearby waterfalls like Wei Sawdong Falls and Serene Mawphlang Falls allows tourists to capture the amazing life experiencing beauty around the village. Tourists enjoy the refresing dip in the crystal-clear water and relax the tranquil surronding with beauty views of nature.
Best time to visit
All-year destinations, post-monsoon, and winter allow for more activities.
Mawlynnong is all year destination for the visitors to enjoy this natural beauty. But, still the season after monsoon season and winters give very true and heart catchy experience at Mawlynnong.
Mawlynnong Weather
The Mawlynnong weather is influenced by its location in northeastern India. Over the year, the maximum time the climate remain tropical.
Summer (March to June)
Mawlynnong faces warm and Humid summer. The temperature here is in the range from 20°C to 30°C. Nights in summer are relatively cooler as the temperature drops to around 15°C to 20°C in summer. Occasionally, summer faces rainfall with possiblity of thunderstorms.
Monsoon (July to September)
As Mawlynnong situated near the Cherapaunji, the monsoon of Mawlynnong faces heavy rainfall. This area is come under the wettest regions of the world. This frequent rainfall contributes to lush grenery and large vegetation in this region. The temperature remain mild during daytime ranging from 20°C to 25°C, while in night the temperature is ranging from 15°C to 20°C.
Autumn (October to November)
The transition from monsoon to Winter is observed in Autumn season. Autumn becomes drier and more pleasant at Mawlynnong with occasional rains. During the daytime, the temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C and nights are cooler comparatively of temperatures around 15°C to 20°C. This time is good time for visitors to explore the village as the weather becomes favourable for outdoor activities.
Winter (December to February)
Mawlynnong is cool and dry during winter. In winter, the maximum time the skies become clear with comfortable temperatures. The temperatures remain 12°C to 15°C during daytime while nights temperatures drop to around 5°C to 10°C to make them chilly. Visitors can enjoy this season at Mawlynnong with pleasant temperature and without risk of heavy rainfall.
Mawlynnong Hotels
Mawlynnong provides homestay facilities to visitors. There is no Hotels to stay in the village. Homestay experience gives visitor opportunity to interact with locals deeply. Visitor immerse themselve with village life and gain insight into customs, traditions, and daily routines of the khasi people. The warm hospitality, delicious home food, and meaningful communication with the locals are enjoyed by the visitors and make them overwhelm to live the precious moments of their life with such a rich culture of Mawlynnong.