Located deep within the Meghalaya, Mawlynnong Village has been conferred with a deserved name of being Asia's Cleanest Village. In the East Khasi Hills, Mawlynnong stands not only for cleanliness but also for the warmth and hospitality of its people. The place has become a model of sustainable living and community efforts; thus, it attracts tourists from the world to be taken in and witness how such cleanliness can be kept in a natural, rural setting.
In this article, we will discuss the history, special features, and the increasing popularity of Mawlynnong; besides that, it will let you know how to access this pristine village and how you can spend your time when you get there.
History of Mawlynnong Village
The story of Mawlynnong Village is a testament to the power of community-driven efforts. For years, the villagers have worked together to maintain their environment and uphold cleanliness. It is said that this culture of cleanliness was passed down through generations. In the past, the villagers followed strict rules regarding waste disposal, and even today, residents ensure that the village remains spotless by using bamboo baskets for waste collection and composting.
The village gained international acclaim by its commitment towards cleanliness. Media houses across the country and outside the country have covered the village that led to becoming Asia's Cleanest Village. There is a very big difference in the clean village streets, well-manicured gardens, and well-kept surroundings as against the usual filthy urban surroundings.
The cleanliness approach has also been merged with the concept of eco-tourism in Mawlynnong. The villagers have adopted sustainable measures like rainwater harvesting and organic farming methods to conserve the environment.
The Cleanest Village: Mawlynnong Village
Mawlynnong is not just Asia's cleanest village in name alone; the village itself has been proactive in ensuring that every street, home, and garden remains spotless. The pride the residents take in their surroundings is reflected in the tidy lanes and clear skies.
One of the most impressive features of Mawlynnong village is how the villagers use their surroundings to maintain cleanliness. Waste management is taken seriously, with all the houses having a bamboo basket that receives waste from every section of the household. All the waste is then composted or disposed of in a controlled manner. Visible waste bins installed at every nook and corner of the village help locals and visitors keep the cleanliness to the best standard.
Unlike many villages where waste is left unattended, the villagers of Mawlynnong collect and sort garbage, with an emphasis on composting organic waste and recycling. Even the public restrooms are spotless, with attendants ensuring cleanliness at all times. This collective responsibility has made Mawlynnong a model village for others to emulate.
Mawlynnong Village Tourism
Due to its excellent cleanliness and natural features, Mawlynnong has become one of the most frequented tourists spots. The village welcomes tourists from various parts of the world, including backpackers, nature lovers, and eco-tourists. Not only is the environment in its original condition, but the community's tactics of keeping their culture intact while adopting eco-friendly practices are also of great interest to the visitors.
Visitors can take a walking tour of the village and engage with the villagers to learn more about their sustainable living practices. The village also has small guesthouses that offer homestays, allowing tourists to experience local life and enjoy the warm hospitality of the villagers.
Things to Do in Mawlynnong
There is no lack of things to do in Mawlynnong Village, especially for those who enjoy nature, adventure, and learning about sustainable living. Here are some of the top things to do when you visit:
1. Living Root Bridge
One of the most important attractions near Mawlynnong is the Living Root Bridge. These amazing bridges are crafted by the Khasi people using the rubber tree roots. The roots of the rubber tree are trained across streams and rivers, creating a natural bridge on which people may walk. The Living Root Bridge located near Mawlynnong is short trek from the village and among the must-visit places in that region.
2. Bamboo Hut and Home Stays Mawlynnong offers the visitor the unique experience of staying with local people in bamboo huts. This green lodging lets one closely experience the life in the village along with acquiring lessons on the concept of sustainable living.
3. Viewpoint and "Sky Walk"
The Sky Walk in Mawlynnong offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. This viewpoint is built on a high bamboo tower that overlooks the village and provides stunning views of the Khasi Hills, forests, and neighboring Bangladesh. The Sky Walk allows visitors to experience nature from above while enjoying the serenity of the village.
4. Visit the Mawlynnong Market
The village market is small but vibrant, selling handmade goods, organic produce, and bamboo crafts. You can purchase unique souvenirs that reflect the culture of the village, such as bamboo baskets and other handicrafts.
5. Nature Walks
The village and its surroundings are perfect for nature walks. The clean environment, chirping birds, and peaceful atmosphere make it ideal for walking through the lush greenery, enjoying the fresh air, and observing local wildlife.
6. Interact with Locals
Mawlynnong is very hospitable, and the locals are friendly. There are ample opportunities to interact with the locals, who can also introduce tourists to their traditional ways, culture, and why they need to keep the village clean. Hindi-speaking people abound here, so people from other states in India won't find it too hard to communicate.
How to Reach Mawlynnong
Mawlynnong Village is situated in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, and it is not too difficult to get there from popular towns and cities in the region.
From Shillong: Mawlynnong is about 90 kilometers from Shillong, which is the capital city of Meghalaya. You can reach the village by hiring a taxi or taking a shared cab from Shillong. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on the road conditions.
From Cherrapunji: It is located 30 kilometers from Mawlynnong. So, it was quite easy to visit it as one day trip while traveling to and from the destination.
From Guwahati: From Guwahati (Assam), Mawlynnong is located at about 165 kilometers. Guwahati to Mawlynnong takes an approximate time of 5-6 hours by road.
Places to visit around
While Mawlynnong itself is a beautiful destination, there are further attractions near the place that complement a visit to the village:
Cherrapunji: Known for living root bridges and breathtaking waterfalls, Cherrapunji is among the wettest places on earth.
Nohkalikai Falls: Situated close to Cherrapunji, this waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in India and a must-see destination for nature lovers.
Elephant Falls: Situated near Shillong, Elephant Falls is a lovely cascade of water surrounded by lush greenery.
Mawsmai Cave: This is a popular tourist destination in Cherrapunji. Mawsmai Cave is a natural limestone cave that adds an element of adventure to the trip.
Best Time to Visit Mawlynnong
Mawlynnong is best visited between the months of October to March as the climate is nice with cold weather. Outdoor activities and sightseeing are enjoyable at such a time. Heavy rains pour down from June to September in this region, and travelling can get disturbed; however, the beauty during these months is so vibrant that no one can even think of avoiding the trip to Mawlynnong.
Conclusion
The village of Mawlynnong in Meghalaya is considered Asia's cleanest village. It is the epitome of how community work can lead towards a sustainable and eco-friendly life. The cleanliness of the village provides a retreat from the urban life, characterized by clean roads, lush green lands, and very warm-hearted residents. Whether you come for the beauty of the place, the unique living root bridges, or to learn about sustainable practices, Mawlynnong promises to be an enriching experience.
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