🏡 Mawlynnong – Cleanest Village Tour
🌿 A Breath of Purity in the Abode of Clouds
There are some journeys that don’t just take you to a new place, but bring you closer to the soul of a land. My Mawlynnong – Cleanest Village Tour in Meghalaya was one such unforgettable passage. Nestled in the East Khasi Hills, near the India-Bangladesh border, this tiny village is famed as “Asia’s Cleanest Village” — but to me, it became something even more: a living example of how humanity and nature can coexist in perfect balance.
This beautifully crafted journey was arranged by Sonakshi Travels, who ensured everything from travel to homestay to cultural interactions was seamless, warm, and deeply enriching.
🚗 Reaching the Village of Dreams
🔼 How to Get to Mawlynnong:
- Guwahati to Shillong: 100 km (Approx. 3 hours)
- Shillong to Mawlynnong: 80 km (Approx. 2.5 hours)
The journey is scenic, with winding roads, pine forests, and cascading waterfalls. We stopped at Elephant Falls and Shillong View Point before reaching Mawlynnong by early afternoon. As soon as we entered the village, it was clear why it earned its cleanest title—flower-lined cobbled paths, bamboo dustbins, and a sweet fragrance of betel leaves in the air.
🏡 My Stay in a Khasi Bamboo Cottage
My accommodation was a traditional Khasi-style bamboo hut, elevated on stilts. Inside, the decor was minimal yet welcoming—woven mats, handmade quilts, and the soothing sound of rustling leaves.
Evenings were magical. Fireflies danced around the porch as I sipped ginger tea made with lemongrass grown in the garden. Sonakshi Travels had pre-booked the homestay, and the host family’s warmth made me feel at home.
🌺 What Makes Mawlynnong Special?
🪜 Cleanliness Culture
Cleanliness is not a rule but a way of life in Mawlynnong. Every household participates in daily cleaning of the streets. Plastic is banned, bamboo bins are placed every few meters, and even dry leaves are promptly swept away.
Children grow up with the values of cleanliness, order, and community pride.
🌍 Bio-toilets and Solar Lamps
Most homes use eco-friendly bio-toilets and rely on solar energy for lighting. The whole village runs on a model of low-impact, sustainable living.
🌄 Places to Visit in Mawlynnong
🌟 Sky View Point
A bamboo tower rising 85 feet, built by the villagers. From the top, I saw Bangladesh plains on one side and misty forests on the other. It was like standing between two worlds.
🚵 Living Root Bridge (Riwai)
Just a 15-minute walk from the village, this single-decker living root bridge is nature’s architecture at its best. Twisting roots of rubber trees are woven together to form a sturdy path over a gentle stream.
🏡 Mawlynnong Church
A charming old church surrounded by gardens. The Sunday service I attended featured beautiful Khasi hymns echoing in the hills.
🌊 Umngot River (Dawki)
Just 30 km from Mawlynnong, the crystal-clear Dawki River is perfect for boating, with its glass-like waters and picturesque landscapes.
🍽️ Tasting Khasi Cuisine
Meals at the homestay were made fresh, using ingredients from the garden and forest.
🍲 Must-Try Dishes:
- Jadoh: Red rice with pork, lightly spiced
- Dohneiiong: Pork cooked in sesame
- Putharo: Steamed rice pancakes
- Tungtap: Dry fish chutney
- Sla Tyrpad: Wild greens cooked with garlic and bamboo shoots
Everything was served in bamboo or clay utensils, enhancing the authenticity of the experience.
🌿 A Day in the Life of Mawlynnong
👩🌾 Cultural Interactions
I spent a morning with a Khasi matriarch learning how to weave bamboo baskets. Kids guided me through the gardens, explaining the names of herbs and trees.
In the evening, a local troupe performed Khasi folk dances. The rhythm, the storytelling through movement, and the sound of bamboo flutes created an atmosphere of sheer joy.
📅 Time Slows Down
There’s no honking, no rush. The air feels cleaner. You hear more—wind in the trees, chirping cicadas, your own thoughts. It’s a kind of peace urban life can never offer.
🌍 Nearby Places to Explore
🚗 Distances:
- Mawlynnong to Dawki: 30 km (1.5 hrs)
- Mawlynnong to Shillong: 80 km (2.5 hrs)
- Mawlynnong to Cherrapunji: 85 km (3 hrs)
Include them in your trip to enrich your journey further.
🌬️ Dawki Boat Ride
Get on a wooden boat on the Umngot River and look down at your own shadow. Yes, the water is that clear!
🌫️ Cherrapunji Falls & Caves
Famed for Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Caves, and more. Ideal for nature and adventure lovers.
🌧️ Weather & What to Carry
⛅ Best Time to Visit:
- October to April: Dry and scenic
- Avoid heavy monsoon (June to September)
🛆 Essentials:
- Light woolens (mornings can be cool)
- Walking shoes
- Sunglasses & sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle (no plastic allowed)
🙏 Emotional Takeaway
The Mawlynnong – Cleanest Village Tour is more than sightseeing. It’s about reflecting on the small things that matter: cleanliness, community, quiet pride in traditions.
As I left, a little girl handed me a flower and said in English, “Come back soon.” And I knew I would.
✨ Book Your Mawlynnong Tour with Sonakshi Travels ✨
Let Sonakshi Travels guide you into the pure heart of Meghalaya. From curated eco-stays to guided cultural walks, we ensure your journey is smooth, soulful, and sustainable.
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