Mawlynnong Village-Asia’s Cleanest Gem in Meghalaya

Mawlynnong

Mawlynnong is a picturesque village located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India. It is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, sustainable living practices, and cleanliness, earning it the title of “Asia’s Cleanest Village” and “God’s Own Garden. Mawlynnong gained international recognition for its cleanliness and eco-friendly initiatives. The villagers actively maintain cleanliness by sweeping the streets, collecting waste in bamboo dustbins, and practicing responsible waste management.

Living Root Bridges-Mawlynnong is surrounded by lush green forests and is close to several living root bridges, which are unique to the region. These bridges are handmade by training the aerial roots of rubber fig trees (Ficus elastica) to form sturdy bridges over rivers and streams. The Village provides visitors with a tranquil retreat amidst nature, sustainable living practices, and warm hospitality, making it a must-visit destination in Meghalaya.

Mawlynnong weather

Mawlynnong, located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India, experiences a subtropical climate characterized by moderate temperatures, high humidity, and heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. Here’s a brief overview of the weather patterns in the village throughout the year.

Summer (March to June)

During the summer months, Mawlynnong Village experiences warm and humid weather. Temperatures typically range from 20°C to 28°C. While summers are relatively mild compared to other parts of India, humidity levels can be high, especially during the daytime.

Monsoon (July to September)

Mawlynnong weather receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which lasts from July to September. The region experiences frequent rain showers and thunderstorms, with rainfall contributing to the lush greenery of the landscape. Monsoon rains can be intense, leading to occasional flooding and landslides in some areas.

Also read- A Magical Meghalayan Escape- The Dawki Town

Autumn (October to November)

After the monsoon season, Mawlynnong transitions into autumn, characterized by cooler temperatures and decreasing rainfall. The weather becomes more pleasant during this time, making it an ideal season for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Mawlynnong Village is relatively cool and dry. Temperatures can drop to around 10°C to 15°C during the coldest months of December and January. Clear skies and comfortable weather conditions make winter an excellent time to visit Mawlynnong and explore its natural beauty.

Overall, the best time to visit Mawlynnong weather is during the winter months from December to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. However, travelers should be prepared for occasional rainfall and humidity throughout the year due to the region’s subtropical climate. Additionally, it’s advisable to check weather forecasts and road conditions, especially during the monsoon season, to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Mawlynnong.

Places to visit in Mawlynnong

Mawlynnong, often referred to as “Asia’s Cleanest Village,” offers visitors a serene and picturesque environment to explore. Here are some notable places to visit in Mawlynnong-

Village Walks

Simply strolling through the narrow lanes and pathways of Mawlynnong Village itself is a delightful experience. Visitors can observe the traditional Khasi architecture of the houses, interact with friendly locals, and immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere of the village. Visitors can engage in various community activities in the village, such as participating in traditional music and dance performances, learning about local customs and traditions, and experiencing the warm hospitality of the villagers.

Sky View Tower

The Sky View Tower is a bamboo watchtower that offers panoramic views of Mawlynnong Village, the surrounding lush greenery, and the plains of Bangladesh. Climbing to the top of the tower provides visitors with breathtaking vistas of the landscape.

Flower Orchards

Mawlynnong is known for its vibrant flower gardens and orchards. Visitors can take leisurely walks through these gardens, admiring a variety of blooming flowers such as orchids, lilies, and dahlias.

Exploring Surrounding Villages

Mawlynnong is surrounded by other charming villages and natural attractions in the East Khasi Hills district. Exploring nearby villages like Riwai, Dawki, and Shnongpdeng allows visitors to discover more of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Nature Walks and Hikes

Nature enthusiasts can embark on walks and hikes in the surrounding forests and hills to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Guided trekking tours are available, offering opportunities to discover hidden waterfalls, streams, and viewpoints.

These are just a few of the many attractions and activities that visitors can enjoy in and around Mawlynnong. Whether it’s experiencing the tranquility of village life, marveling at natural wonders, or engaging in cultural exchanges, the village offers a memorable and enriching experience for travelers.

Living Root Bridge Mawlynnong

Mawlynnong is renowned for its natural beauty and unique attractions, including living root bridges. While Mawlynnong itself may not have living root bridges within the village, nearby areas like Riwai and other villages in the region are home to impressive examples of these natural wonders.

The living root bridges are a unique form of bioengineering practiced by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya. These bridges are handmade by training the aerial roots of rubber trees (Ficus elastica) over many years to form sturdy and living bridges across rivers and streams. The roots are carefully guided and intertwined until they grow strong enough to support the weight of people crossing them.

The living root bridges are not only functional but also environmentally sustainable, as they are self-renewing and grow stronger over time. Some of the most famous living root bridges, such as the Double Decker Root Bridge and the Single Decker Root Bridge, are located in the nearby village of Cherrapunji (Sohra), which is known for its high rainfall and lush green landscapes.

To visit the Living Root bridges near Mawlynnong, visitors can take guided tours or trekking excursions led by local guides. These tours often include scenic walks through dense forests, river crossings, and opportunities to marvel at the engineering marvels of the living root bridges.

Things to do in Mawlynnong

Mawlynnong offers visitors a range of activities and experiences amidst its serene and picturesque surroundings. Here are some things to do in Mawlynnong-

Visit the Sky View Tower- Climb the bamboo watchtower known as the Sky View Tower to enjoy panoramic views of Mawlynnong Village, the surrounding landscapes, and even the plains of Bangladesh in the distance.

Explore the Village- Take leisurely walks through the narrow lanes and pathways of Mawlynnong Village itself. Admire the traditional Khasi architecture of the houses, interact with friendly locals, and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the village.

Admire the Flower Orchards-Mawlynnong is known for its vibrant flower gardens and orchards. Wander through the gardens and admire a variety of blooming flowers, including orchids, lilies, and dahlias.

Experience Living Root Bridges- While Mawlynnong itself may not have living root bridges within the village, nearby areas like Riwai and other villages in the East Khasi Hills district are home to impressive examples of these natural wonders. Explore these living root bridges and marvel at their unique construction.

Visit Sacred Groves- Near the village, there are sacred groves that are preserved by the villagers as sites of religious and ecological importance. Take a stroll through these groves and experience the tranquil atmosphere amidst ancient trees and lush vegetation. Participate in various community activities in Mawlynnong, such as traditional music and dance performances, learning about local customs and traditions, and experiencing the warm hospitality of the villagers.

Explore Surrounding Villages-Mawlynnong is surrounded by other charming villages and natural attractions in the East Khasi Hills district. Explore nearby villages like Riwai, Dawki, and Shnongpdeng to discover more of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Nature Walks and Hikes- Embark on walks and hikes in the surrounding forests and hills to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Guided trekking tours are available, offering opportunities to discover hidden waterfalls, streams, and viewpoints.

How to reach Mawlynnong

The nearest airport to Mawlynnong is Shillong Airport, also known as Umroi Airport, which is located in Umroi, about 80 kilometers from Mawlynnong. However, Shillong Airport has limited flight connectivity. The nearest major airport with better connectivity is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam, which is approximately 170 kilometers from Mawlynnong. From Guwahati, visitors can hire taxis or use public transportation to reach their destination.

By Road

Mawlynnong is well-connected by road to various towns and cities in Meghalaya and neighboring states. The most common route to reach the destination is from Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. Visitors can hire taxis or use public buses to travel from Shillong to Mawlynnong, which is approximately 90 kilometers away. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions.

State-run buses and private taxis operate regular services between Shillong and Mawlynnong. Visitors can also opt for shared taxis or local buses from nearby towns and villages to reach the destination. It’s advisable to check the bus schedules and availability of taxis in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Shillong to Mawlynnong Distance

The distance from Shillong to Mawlynnong is approximately 90 kilometers by road. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the traffic conditions, road quality, and mode of transportation. The route from Shillong to Mawlynnong passes through scenic landscapes of Meghalaya, offering travelers glimpses of lush green hills, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls along the way. While the distance is not considerable, the road may be narrow and winding in some sections, especially as you approach the destination.

Visitors traveling from Shillong to Mawlynnong can opt for various modes of transportation, including private taxis, shared taxis, or state-run buses.