Mawlynnong

Mawlynnong is located 90 km from Shillong, along the India–Bangladesh border. Mawlynnong is known for its cleanliness. The waste is collected in the dustbins made of bamboo, directed to a pit and then used as manure. A community initiative mandates that all residents should participate in cleaning up the village. Smoking and use of polythene is banned while rainwater harvesting is encouraged. The travel magazine Discover India declared the village as Asia's cleanest village in 2003, and the cleanest in India in 2005. This reputation has boosted local tourism; in 2017 NPR reported that, according to the village headsman, incomes had increased by 60 percent due to increased tourism.

Mawlynnong Travel Trips

Things to do in Mawlynnong:

Nohwet Living Root Bridge: Contrary to popular belief, the Nongriat Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunjee is not the only living root bridge in Meghalaya – there are many more, some lesser known, some not known to tourists at all. There’s an equally beautiful and awe-inspiring living root bridge in the village of Nohwet, near Mawylnnong, relatively lesser known to tourists. The bridge was created by weaving the roots of the Rubber Tree (Ficus Elastica) around a framework and continuing this process for generations. These living root bridges are a staple of Khasi traditional architecture and were important for the villages in the steep valleys and mountains, helping the people connect with each other and travel to the plains to trade. These fascinating bridges are built in harmony with nature and get stronger as they grow older. After admiring the bridge, you can also take a dip in the gushing, cool waters of the river.
Balancing Rock in Mawlynnong: A notable geological formation, the Balancing Rock is a large boulder resting on a smaller stone, attracting visitors due to its intriguing appearance and local legends.
Bamboo Watch Tower: This structure offers panoramic views of the village and surrounding landscapes, enhancing the visitor experience.
Church of Epiphany: A charming 100-year-old church that adds to the village's picturesque setting, surrounded by lush gardens and vibrant flowers

Local food in Mawlynnong: Mawlynnong is known for its organic food, with dishes made from locally grown vegetables and meats sourced from the village. Popular dishes include Jadoh (a rice and meat dish) and Tungrymbai (fermented soybean with bamboo leaves)

Where to stay in Mawlynnong:

You can also visit Mawlynnong during the festive times – Behdienkhlam in July, Wangala – between September to December, and Nongkrem Dance Festival in October or November.

Mawlynnong Facts

As of 2019, Mawlynnong had about 900 residents, primarily from the Khasi tribe, known for their matrilineal society where property and wealth are passed down through the female line.

Literacy Rate: The village boasts a remarkable literacy rate of 90%, attributed to the community's emphasis on education and women's empowerment

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport is the Shillong Airport, also known as Umroi Airport, located in the capital city of Shillong. Domestic flights from all across the country fly to Shillong directly; there are also connecting flights available to the city. The distance from the airport to Mawlynnong is just around 90 km; travellers can choose to book a private car or take buses from the airport to reach Mawlynnong.

By Train

Mawlynnong does not have its own railhead. The closest railhead is at Guwahati located at a distance of 162km from Shillong.

By Road

If you choose to hit the road to reach Mawlynnong, your best option is to first reach Shillong or Cherrapunji, which is located roughly 90 km and 92 km away respectively. Buses do not usually run directly to Mawlynnong from either city. Most buses go till the village of Dawki, which is about 17 km away from Mawlynnong. Travellers often end up spending some time sightseeing at Dawki before catching another direct bus to Mawlynnong. There are also private taxis available that will take you to your destination directly and in the most convenient manner. From Shillong, one can take a cab till the Khasi Hills Sumo stand at the Bara Bazaar market and then take a shared sumo directly to Mawlynnong.