In the north-east of India, one of the most beautiful states among the seven sisters is Meghalaya. As the name suggests, this kingdom of clouds and mountains is a paradise for nature lovers. Mawlynnong is a small state in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. Why only Meghalaya, this small village is famous for cleanliness in the entire Asian continent. “God’s own garden” and “Asia’s cleanest village” – these two terms define the uniqueness of Mawlynnong.

Whenever I want to get rid of the daily routine of life for a while, I run to nature. And if that nature is as clear, beautiful and vibrant as Mawlynnong, that’s okay. Travelling is an unforgettable experience for me. I’ll tell you about Mawlynnong’s experience in this blog article, which may be helpful with planning your next travels.

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The beauty of Mawlynnong

Imagine the green hills all around. White cloud in the sky above the mountain. A small village at the foot of the mountain. The houses in the village are brightly colored. The roads are clean. Peoples are happy. It’s more than a dream. Yes, this dream state is nowhere else, it’s Mawlynnong.

The beauty of Mawlynnong village is very difficult to describe. Nature has brought out all its beauty here. Dense green forests, fountains, mountain rivers, colorful flowers, singing of birds – all this makes Mawlynnong a unique creation.

Some of the special attractions of Mawlynnong are:

Beautiful Greenery: The village of Mawlynnong is surrounded by beautiful green forests. Here you can see different species of plants, which will fascinate you.
Rolling Hills: The village of Mawlynnong is located at the foot of the hills. A lot of small and big mountains will surround you.
Unique Balancing Rock Formations In and around Mawlynnong: You will find some of the most beautiful rock sculptures created by nature.
Bamboo Dustbins: The most special attraction of Mawlynnong is the cleanliness here. You won’t find any dirt here. Even the dustbins here are made of bamboo.
Colorful Houses: Every house in Mawlynnong is colorful and decorated. These colorful houses have further increase the beauty of Mawlynnong.
Well-Maintained Gardens in a beautiful way: Every house in Mawlynnong has a well-maintained garden. A variety of fruit trees and bushes grow in these gardens.

Things To Do in Mawlynnong

Although Mawlynnong is a small village, there is much to see and do. Below I have listed some of the most popular things in Mawlynnong:

Explore the Village

The village of Mawlynnong itself is a special attraction. Wake up early in the morning and walk around the village. The daily life of the people of the village, their culture, hospitality – everything will impress you. Talk to the locals and learn about their lives. Believe me, this experience will teach you to look at life in a new way.

Walk Across The Jingmaham Living Root Bridge

Approximately 15 kilometres between Mawlynnong and the famous “Living Root Bridge.” Over hundreds of years, the living root of the ficus elastica tree has slowly grown to form this bridge. This bridge, known as Jingmaham Living Root Bridge, is a wonderful creation of nature. The bridge is about 100 feet long and it can hold the weight of 50 people at a time. While crossing the bridge, you will feel at one with nature.

Brun Khongmen View Point

Brun Khongmen Viewpoint is located at a distance of about 2 km from Mawlynnong village. From here you can see a charming panoramic view of the surrounding area, including the village of Mawlynnong. Green hills, hilly rivers, the border of Bangladesh – everything can be seen from here. The view is especially beautiful at sunset.

Go Boating on the Dawki River

The Dawki River flows near Mawlynnong. The river forms a natural boundary between Bangladesh and India. A boat ride on the Dawki River is a unique experience. The clear blue water of the river on the boat, the dense green forest on both sides, the occasional singing of birds – everything will fill your heart.

Climb Up The Bamboo Watch Tower

A high bamboo watch tower is located in the middle of Mawlynnong village. This tower is locally known as’ Sky View Point ‘. The tower is about 80 feet high. From here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire village and its surroundings.

Visit the Church of Epiphany

This village is a Christian village. The main religious place here is the Church of Epiphany. Established in 1902, the church is an important part of Mawlynnong’s history and heritage. The architecture and interior of the church is European in style.

How to get there

There are three ways to reach this village: By Air, By Train and By Road. Below is the detailed information about each of them:

By Air

Actually, Shillong Airport is the closest airport to Mawlynnong, situated roughly ninety kilometers distant. On the other hand, Shillong Airport has fewer flight alternatives due to its modest size. Other airport is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. It is a major airport with good connectivity to other parts of India. The distance from this airport to Mawlynnong is about 170 km. Several airlines operate regular flights from Guwahati to major Indian cities. From Guwahati airport you can easily reach Mawlynnong by taxi or bus. The trip will be enjoyable however the cab fee is more costly.

By Train

Guwahati Railway Station is the closest train station. Guwahati Railway from India’s main cities. There are regular trains to the station. You can easily reach Mawlynnong by taxi or bus from Guwahati railway station. Buses and trains are relatively less expensive.

By Road

Mawlynnong is about 90 km from Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. There are regular buses from Shillong to Mawlynnong. Apart from this, if you want, you can also hire a taxi to Mawlynnong. The journey from Shillong to Mawlynnong is very beautiful. On both sides of the road you can see green hills, fountains, small villages. This trip will be a different experience for you.

When is the best time to visit Mawlynnong?

The best time to visit this village is from October to May. At this time, the weather is very pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold. However, if you want to see another form of Mawlynnong in the rain, then June to September is the right time for you.

Culture and Tradition

The main religion of the people of Mawlynnong and its surrounding areas is Christianity. However, they are very conscious of maintaining their own customs and culture. The Khasi people mainly live in this area. Their culture, food, music, everything is different. If you go to Mawlynnong, talk to the Khasi people, learn about their culture. Try to see their cultural activities. You will get to know more about the Khasi culture.

Mawlynnong’s past: Hidden in the pages of history

The village of Mawlynnong, known today as Gods Own Garden and the Cleanest Village in Asia, is covered in mystery. There is very little historical information available about this remote mountain area. However, we can get an idea about the past of this region from local legends, some historical facts and archaeological guides.

The origins of the Khasi people and the Aboriginal population:

It is believed that people have been living in this area since ancient times. The Khasi people are an important part of this native population. There are various theories about the origin of the Khasi people. However, their language, culture, and way of life suggest that they are descended of Southeast Asia.

The Kings and the British Colonies:

The Khasi kingdoms emerged in the 13th century AD. The entire region, including Mawlynnong, was under the rule of the Khasi kings. British colonial power arrived in the region in the late 18th century. In 1833, a treaty was signed between the British government and the Khasi kings, whereby the region became part of British India.

The arrival of Christianity and changes in society:

Christianity arrived in the region during British colonial rule. The Khasi people were converted to Christianity by European missionaries. The people of Mawlynnong gradually adopted Christianity and a new religious and cultural identity was formed in their society.

Independence and Modern Mawlynnong:

After the independence of India in 1947, Mawlynnong became part of the newly created state of Meghalaya. Since independence, the people of Mawlynnong have been particularly conscious of keeping their village beautiful and clean.

Mawlynnong and the tradition of cleanliness:

Mawlynnong’s tradition of cleanliness was not built in a day. This cleanliness is the result of an important lesson passed down from generation to generation among the local people. From a young age, they are taught the importance of keeping the environment clean.

A chance to taste the food.

If you go to Mawlynnong then definitely try to eat Khasi food. Food is an important part of their culture. Among the Khasi dishes’ Jadoh ‘,’ Dohkhlieh’,’ Nakam Bitchi ‘etc. are quite famous. A variety of meat and fish dishes are also available. Basically, the food is salty and spicy. Try to learn about Khasi local food from the local people.

Accommodation Options

Homestays: These are the best place to stay in Mawlynnong. By booking homestays in the houses of local people, you will get a chance to know about the Khasi culture from close. Also, the cost of living in the homestay is lower than other options.
Guesthouses: There are many guesthouses in Mawlynnong where you can stay comfortably. The service and facilities are good.
Resorts: There are several resorts in and around Mawlynnong. In the resorts you will find luxurious services and facilities.
Budget-Friendly Hotels: You can choose budget-friendly hotels to stay at a lower cost. There are many budget-friendly hotels in Mawlynnong where you can get good service at low cost.

Some important tips:

The use of plastic is strictly prohibited. It is better not to carry plastic bags.
You should take permission before taking pictures.
Smoking is strictly prohibited in Mawlynnong.
Be sure to check out the local food before you eat.
Be sure to check online before booking.
Be respectful of the local people and their culture.

Conclusion

Mawlynnong is not just a tourist place, it is an inspiration. Cleanliness, love for nature and hospitality is a unique example of the people of this village. It is an ideal place to get rid of the daily routine of life and get back to nature. I hope this small effort of mine will help you in your journey to Mawlynnong.

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