Mawlynnong
ShillongThe Cleanest Village in Asia
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Overview
Mawlynnong is a picturesque village located approximately 90 kilometres (56 miles) from Shillong, known for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. It has been dubbed the "Cleanest Village in Asia" and is a must-visit destination for travellers seeking an authentic rural experience.
Suggested Duration - Half-day to full-day trip
What To Expect?
At Mawlynnong, you can expect a pristine and picturesque village, with well-maintained gardens, bamboo houses, and friendly locals. The village is also home to the famous Living Root Bridges, which are unique structures made from the roots of rubber trees. These bridges are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the local Khasi people. The village offers a range of activities, such as trekking, bird-watching, and exploring the nearby waterfalls and caves.
Tips
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the village has many walking paths and trails.
- Carry cash, as not all establishments accept credit or debit cards.
- Be respectful of the local customs and traditions, and always ask for permission before taking photographs of the villagers or their homes.
Mawlynnong Overview: A Spotless Nest of Nature’s Virtue
A small village in Meghalaya, Mawlynnong is known for its utmost cleanliness, earning itself the tag of the Cleanest Asian Village. It is situated in the heart of East Khasi Hills and is about 76 km away from Meghalaya’s capital city Shillong. The village is an eco-tourism hub and has numerous natural attractions to explore across its untouched wilderness. There are some most picturesque sights one can explore and capture here.
| Mawlynnong is Famous For | Living root bridges, a thriving ecotourism community, spotless cleanliness, matrilineal Khasi tribes, panoramic views |
|---|---|
| Mawlynnong Timings | Any time of the day |
| Mawlynnong Best Time to Visit | June to December |
| Fee | Not Applicable |
| Ticket Price | Not Applicable |
| Required Time | 1 day |
| Popular Nearby Places | Dawki-Shnongpdeng, Kudengrim, Pynursla Khasi Hills |
About Mawlynnong History
Mawlynnong is a small village known for preserving its rich cultural and heritage practices over centuries. A place known for its ethnic tribal community, Mawlynnong also has one of the highest literacy rates in India. It is typically popular for the Khasi tribe that resides here and is known for their popular matrilineal society, with family traditions followed and surnames followed in the mother’s name.
Known as God’s Own Garden, Mawlynnong has some of the most striking features, including abundant orchards, swaying palms, rushing streams and traditions that remain well-preserved. It is also known for the iconic Nohwet Living Root Bridge, an intricate part of the region’s traditional architecture.
Top Things to Explore in Mawlynnong
- Church of Epiphany
This century-old church is the tallest structure in the village and is a centre of religious worship for residents here. - Living Root Bridge
The 300-year-old Jingmaham Living Root Bridge is located in the heart of Mawlynnong, an architecture comprising living roots from rubber trees, betel trunks and pebbles that thrive in a carefully woven ecosystem. - Balancing Rock
Visit this famous boulder miraculously placed on a small rock to form a visual and ethereal delight. - Skywalk
You can also try leisure walks through the ethnic skywalk made of bamboo poles and living tree branches.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Mawlynnong
What is the most cleanest village in the world?
Mawlynnong, located in the state of Meghalaya, is known as the cleanest village of Asia. Globally, the quaint village is known as a model for cleanliness as well as protection of the environment. Situated in the East Khasi Hills, it is also known for its breathtaking landscapes
Is Dawki and Mawlynnong same?
No, Dawki and Mawlynnong are not the same. While Mawlynnong is the cleanest village of Asia located in the East Khasi Hills, Dawki is a nearby town that falls in the West Jaintia Hills. Dawki often comes under the same tourism plan as Mawlynnong because of its proximity to the village.
Can we cover Dawki and Mawlynnong in one day?
Yes, you can cover Dawki and Mawlynnong in one day along with the nearby Living Root Bridge, which is also the top attraction of the region. Dawki is about 90 km away from Mawlynnong. To explore the latter more leisurely, you can extend your stay to a day or two here and spend some time in the laid-back village.
How to choose a destination to travel to?
Travelling is exhilarating - and a little bit intimidating too. You are venturing into the unknown and you really have very little ideas about what things will be like there when you arrive. It's always a massive learning curve when you leap into the new (which is why it's important to thoroughly research a travel destination before you go.) Some of the important things to keep in mind while deciding on a destination to travel are :Figure out how to travel to a destination, where to stay and what are the things to do amongst other things. Trip Ideas by MakeMyTrip brings you a plethora of knowledge about a destination ranging from images and videos to lists of all the activities Read posts by travel bloggers who have been there and if needed email them Watch documentaries and reach out to people who have been there
How to explore a place by yourself?
"Adventure is out there!" - You just need to know the 'whats' and the 'hows' of it. You need to realize the things that will make exploring a place completely worthwhile and satisfy all of your travel cravings. This can be achieved by - Taking Yourself Out To Eat At A Restaurant Learn The Public Transportation Routes Check Out A Local Planetarium Or Observatory Take A Drive To The Nearest Coastal Town Or National Park Join A Group Of Tourists On A Sightseeing Tour Take Pictures At A Botanical Garden Go Shopping At A Local Farmers Market
How do you plan for the perfect trip to any destination?
To plan the perfect trip, the following will help cover any caveats for your to arrive at the best plan for your vacations : Where do you want to go? - Your first step in how to plan a vacation is to choose a travel destination that meets your interests and travel budget. Once you have chosen your destination, the next step in planning a trip is to book flights. And learning how to find and book cheap flights will help you reduce one of your biggest expenses when it comes to travelling Where you stay is your other major travel expense, so choosing the best stay for your needs at a price that suits you will free up more money for activities Another major thing to consider while planning a trip is to find out the transportation options in your chosen destination, be it public or private and the costs involved When you plan a trip you should also research about the must-visit attractions and the best free things to do in your destination of choice Know the visa requirements for visiting the destination Depending on where you are planning your trip in a particular country, it's important to get the correct advice for any necessary vaccinations that needs to be taken care of before your travel dates Make copies of your important documents and keep them handy
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