What's it like to visit Mawlynnong, one of Asia's cleanest villages?

The quaint village of Mawlynnong, located approximately 90 km away from the capital city of Shillong, Meghalaya. The village may be small in size, and has a total population of less than 1000 individuals, but it is one of the most memorable places you will ever visit in India. Mawlynnong is one of the best places in Cherrapunji.

When you are in Mawlynnong, you are also in one of the cleanest villages in Asia. Not too long ago, this tiny village was awarded the title of the Cleanest Village in Asia.

This charming village offers visitors a pristine environment, which is already very difficult to come by these days. Like most places in Meghalaya, Mawlynnong also enjoys pleasant temperatures throughout the year. Add to that the quiet, almost idyllic surrounding, and you have one of the most beautiful holidays. Almost poetic in fact.



When every resident is conscious about general cleanliness, like they are in Mawlynnong, what you get is a very sustainable tourist destination. It’s not uncommon to see men, women and children tidying up their surroundings. Visitors can also do their part – make use of the bamboo or tin dustbins for disposing of any garbage.

Also read: Breathtaking beauty of Laitlum Canyons in Meghalaya

Apart from cleanliness, tourists also visit Mawlynnong for its living root bridges. These root bridges are perfect examples of traditional knowledge put to use. For centuries, Khasi people have been manipulating the roots of ficus trees into functional bridges. These woven bridges are not only impressive to look at, they are also eco-friendly and sustainable. They definitely give a unique look to these villages in Meghalaya. We don’t find these bridges anywhere else in the world.



When in Mawlynnong, another experience that you must enjoy is the Sky View. It’s a bamboo platform, like a treehouse, that allows you a sweeping view of the lush surroundings. You can also see the vast and distant plains of Bangladesh. It’s all shades of green that you can imagine right in front of your eyes.



Since you are in Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places in the world, don’t be surprised if it rains during your visit. The rain also brings fog and that adds to the beauty of the place.

Also read: This man-made lake turned Meghalaya into a dreamy destination

Visitors can also stay at a traditional Khasi home. There are a number of homestays, and the locals are pretty welcoming of visitors. But do keep in mind to be equally respectful of the local culture, tradition and cuisine.

1. How did Mawlynnong become one of Asia's cleanest villages?
   Mawlynnong earned its reputation as Asia's cleanest village through the unwavering dedication of its residents who meticulously collect, sort, and dispose of waste.
2. What are the major attractions in Mawlynnong?
   Mawlynnong is renowned for its living root bridges, the Sky View platform, Church of the Epiphany, Balancing Rock, and traditional khasi homes.
3. Does it rain a lot in Mawlynnong?
   Yes. Mawlynnong is a small village in Cherrapunji, which is also one of the few places on earth that receives the most rainfall.