Mawlynnong

Are you tired of scrolling through social media and seeing the same vacation spots repeatedly? Looking for something unique and refreshing for your next trip? Well, look no further because we have something that will leave you in awe. 

You must have heard of the Swatch Bharat Abhiyan, a campaign aimed at making India clean and hygienic. But have you ever heard of the cleanest village in all of Asia? This hidden gem has taken cleanliness to a whole new level and has gained recognition for its pristine surroundings. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the village of Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, where cleanliness is not just a campaign but a way of life.

Mawlynnong, oh Mawlynnong,

A village so pristine,

Where the air is fresh,

And the surroundings are so clean.

Nestled in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, Mawlynnong is a small village that has gained popularity for being the cleanest village in Asia. The beauty and uniqueness of Mawlynnong, Meghalaya will be explored in this blog, as when the peaceful and pollution-free environment is sought by nature lovers, which makes this picturesque village a perfect getaway.

How to Reach Mawlynnong?

A taxi or shared cab can be taken from Shillong, which is approximately 90 km away and has the nearest airport to Mawlynnong, to reach the village. Similarly, a taxi or bus can be taken from Guwahati, which is approximately 170 km away and has the nearest railway station to Mawlynnong, to reach the village.

What Makes Mawlynnong Unique?

The living root bridges,

A sight to behold,

Nature’s engineering marvels,

More valuable than gold.

Greenery of Mawlynnong & bamboo dustbin

Cleanliness and hygiene are maintained with pride in Mawlynnong, a village where every household has a dustbin made of bamboo and the streets are swept every morning. The initiative to keep the surroundings clean has been taken by the villagers, and a committee has been set up to ensure the village remains clean and hygienic. 

Additionally, Mawlynnong is known for its living root bridges, which are created by training the roots of rubber trees to grow in a specific direction and can take up to 15 years to grow and last for more than 500 years. A unique treehouse is also present in the village, built on a huge tree and offering a panoramic view of the village and surrounding forests, and visitors can climb up and enjoy the view while sipping on a hot cup of tea.

Local cuisine 

The cuisine in Mawlynnong is mostly vegetarian and prepared using organic ingredients. Farming and agriculture are relied upon for livelihood by the villagers, and hence the food is fresh and healthy. Some popular dishes in Mawlynnong include- 

  • Jadoh, which is a rice dish cooked with pork or chicken and flavored with ginger, garlic, and onion.

Jadoh

  • Tungrymbai, which is a fermented soybean paste.

Tungrymbai

  • Dohneiiong, which is a pork dish prepared with black sesame seeds, ginger, and garlic

Dohneiiong

  • Kappa, which is a dish made with boiled tapioca and flavored with chili and garlic.

Kappa

Things to Do in Mawlynnong

The trek to Riwai,

Through the forests so dense,

A journey to remember,

An experience so intense.

The treehouse up high,

A view to die for,

Surrounded by greenery,

Nature’s very own decor.

In addition to exploring the village and admiring its cleanliness and beauty, a trek to the nearby Riwai Village can also be taken by visitors, which is famous for its living root bridge. The trek through dense forests and beautiful landscapes is about 2 km long. 

Living Root Bridge

Local handicrafts and souvenirs can be bought by visitors from a small market in the village.

Conclusion

Mawlynnong, oh Mawlynnong,

A village so pure,

A paradise on earth,

That we must all secure.

Mawlynnong Kid

Popularity has been gained by Mawlynnong, a hidden gem in Meghalaya, for being the cleanest village in Asia. Its cleanliness, living root bridges, and treehouses constitute the beauty and uniqueness of the village. Trekking, shopping, and trying out the local cuisine can also be enjoyed by visitors. Mawlynnong should be added to your itinerary if you are planning a trip to Meghalaya.