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Mawlynnong!

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Population

500

schedule

Best Time

March to May

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Time Needed

2-3 days minimum

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Currency

Rupee (₹)

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location_on Meghalaya map Northeast India 🗺️ Offbeat Mawlynnong Cleanest Village Meghalaya Tourism Living Root Bridge Northeast India Travel

Mawlynnong, nestled in Meghalaya, is renowned as Asia's cleanest village. This title reflects the community's dedication to cleanliness and sustainable living. The village offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Mawlynnong is worth visiting for its pristine environment, living root bridges, and authentic Khasi culture. However, it's a remote location with limited infrastructure, and can become crowded during peak season. Be prepared for basic amenities and a slower pace of travel.

Reaching Mawlynnong requires travel from Guwahati, the nearest major airport. Plan for at least two full days to explore the village and nearby attractions. Pre-booking accommodation is highly recommended, especially during peak season.

When To Visit

Best Time

March to May

20-30 degrees C

Pleasant and dry weather makes it ideal for exploring outdoors. Clear skies provide excellent views of the surrounding landscapes.

Why Visit:

The weather is perfect for hiking to the living root bridges and enjoying the village's natural beauty. This is also the best time to witness the vibrant Khasi culture and participate in local festivals. The village is lush and green during these months.

Tip: This is peak season, so expect higher prices and more tourists. Book accommodations and transportation well in advance.

Shoulder Season

September to November

15-25 degrees C

The monsoon season ends, leaving the landscape refreshed, but occasional showers are possible. The humidity is relatively high.

Why Visit:

The landscape is lush and green after the monsoon. There are fewer tourists compared to the peak season, offering a more peaceful experience. The weather is still pleasant for outdoor activities.

Tip: Some trails might be slippery due to lingering moisture. Check weather forecasts before planning outdoor activities.

Avoid

June to August

22-32 degrees C

Heavy rainfall during the monsoon season makes travel difficult. The village experiences frequent landslides and road closures.

Why Avoid:

The heavy rains can disrupt travel plans and limit outdoor activities. The living root bridges can become slippery and dangerous to cross. The humidity is very high, making it uncomfortable for some visitors.

Note: Unless you enjoy heavy rainfall and don't mind potential travel disruptions, it's best to avoid visiting during the monsoon.

Top Sights - Top Attractions!

Living Root Bridge (Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge)

⏱ 3-4 hours ₹30 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners)

The Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge is a remarkable example of bio-engineering. It is crafted from the aerial roots of rubber trees, guided and int...

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Mawlynnong Waterfall

⏱ 1 hour Free

The Mawlynnong Waterfall is a small, picturesque waterfall located near the village. It's a serene spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty....

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Sky View Point

⏱ 30 minutes ₹20 (Indians), ₹400 (foreigners)

The Sky View Point is a bamboo structure offering panoramic views of the Bangladesh plains. It provides a unique perspective of the surrounding landsc...

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Balancing Rock

⏱ 30 minutes ₹10 (Indians), ₹200 (foreigners)

The Balancing Rock is a fascinating natural formation consisting of a large boulder precariously balanced on a smaller rock. It is considered a sacred...

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Church of Epiphany

⏱ 30 minutes Free

The Church of Epiphany is a charming church in the heart of Mawlynnong. It reflects the strong Christian influence in the region....

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Nohwet Living Root Bridge

⏱ 2 hours ₹20 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners)

The Nohwet Living Root Bridge is another stunning example of a living root bridge. It is smaller and less crowded than the Double Decker Bridge....

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Bangladesh Viewpoint

⏱ 30 minutes Free

The Bangladesh Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the plains of Bangladesh. It's a great spot to appreciate the vast landscape....

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View all attraction details

Things To Do

attractions

Trekking to Living Root Bridges

⏱ 4-6 hours 💰 ₹500-1500 per person (including guide)

Embark on a guided trek to the living root bridges, including the iconic Double Decker Root Bridge. The trek involves na...

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attractions

Village Cleaning Drive

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 Free

Participate in a village cleaning drive and contribute to maintaining Mawlynnong's cleanliness. This is a unique opportu...

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attractions

Bird Watching

⏱ 3-4 hours 💰 ₹300-800 per person (including guide)

Explore the forests surrounding Mawlynnong and spot a variety of bird species. The region is home to numerous endemic an...

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attractions

Exploring Nohwet Village

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 Free

Take a leisurely walk through the neighboring Nohwet village. Experience the traditional Khasi way of life and interact ...

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Cultural Experiences

celebration

Khasi Traditional Dance Performance

1-2 hours | ₹500-1000

Witness a vibrant Khasi traditional dance performance showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the r...

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celebration

Khasi Cooking Class

2-3 hours | ₹800-1500

Learn to prepare traditional Khasi dishes from a local family. Discover the unique flavors and ingre...

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celebration

Betel Nut Chewing Experience

30 minutes | ₹20-50

Try chewing betel nut, a common practice in the Khasi culture. It's a mild stimulant and a social cu...

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celebration

Visit to a Khasi Home

1-2 hours | ₹100-300 (as a token of appreciation)

Visit a traditional Khasi home and learn about the daily life of the local people. Experience their ...

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celebration

Learning Khasi Language Basics

1 hour | Free (with a local)

Learn a few basic phrases in the Khasi language. It's a great way to connect with the local communit...

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celebration

Participating in a Local Festival

Varies | Free

If your visit coincides with a local festival, participate in the celebrations. Experience the vibra...

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View all cultural experiences

Eat This!

Must-Try Dishes

Jadoh
Jadoh

A Khasi dish made with rice, pork blood, and spices (try at a local eatery).

Dohkhlieh
Dohkhlieh

A pork salad with onions, chilies, and ginger (try at a local restaurant).

Pumaloi
Pumaloi

A rice powder dish steamed in a special pot (try at a Khasi home).

Tungrymbai
Tungrymbai

Fermented soybeans, a staple in Khasi cuisine (try at a local market).

Where to Eat

Roots Restaurant

Roots Restaurant

₹₹

Indian, Khasi

📍 Mawlynnong Village

A popular restaurant serving authentic Khasi cuisine in a comfortable setting. Known for its flavorful dishes and friendly service.

JadohDohkhlieh

₹600-800 for two

Halal Food Point

Halal Food Point

Indian, Chinese

📍 Mawlynnong Village

Serves a variety of Indian and Chinese dishes at affordable prices. A good option for budget travelers.

BiryaniNoodles

₹400-600 for two

Street Food Spots

Mawlynnong Village Market

Mawlynnong Village Market

💰 Budget: ₹50-100 per person

⚠️ Tips: Try the local snacks and fruits for a taste of the region. Be mindful of hygiene when eating street food.

🍽️
Discover More on
Foodie Finder: Mawlynnong

More restaurants & dishes from Mawlynnong

Where To Stay ?

Best Neighborhoods

Mawlynnong Village Center

Ideal for those who want to be close to the main attractions and experience village life. Expect a bustling atmosphere during the day.

Best For: First-time visitors, cultural explorers

Nohwet Village

A quieter alternative to Mawlynnong, offering a more peaceful and secluded experience. Suitable for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.

Best For: Nature lovers, peace seekers

Accommodation Options

Budget

💰

₹800-1200/night

Ha-La-Lalinn Homestay

📍 Mawlynnong Village

Basic but clean rooms with friendly hosts. A good option for budget travelers seeking an authentic experience.

₹800-1200/night

Ilalong Inn

📍 Mawlynnong Village

Simple guesthouse offering comfortable rooms and essential amenities. Close to the village center and attractions.

₹900-1300/night

Mid-Range

🏨

₹2000-3000/night

Mawlynnong Bamboo Huts

📍 Mawlynnong Village

Charming bamboo huts offering a unique and comfortable stay. Surrounded by lush greenery and close to nature.

₹2000-3000/night

Serene Homestay

📍 Mawlynnong Village

Well-maintained homestay with spacious rooms and modern amenities. Offers a peaceful and relaxing environment.

₹1800-2500/night

Luxury

₹5000+/night

Polo Orchid Cherrapunjee (Near Mawlynnong)

📍 Cherrapunjee, 2 hours from Mawlynnong

Luxurious resort with stunning views and world-class amenities. Offers a comfortable and indulgent stay.

₹5000+/night

Conrad Bengaluru (Considered a day trip)

📍 Bengaluru

Upscale hotel offering luxurious rooms and excellent service. Ideal for a relaxing and memorable stay.

₹8000+/night

View all stay & eat options

How To Get There ?

flight

By Air

Airport: Guwahati Airport (GAU), 172km from village

train

By Train

Stations:

Guwahati Railway Station (GHY)

The nearest major railway station, located in Guwahati. Connects to major cities in India.

Routes:
  • From Delhi: 28-32 hours (₹1500-3000)
  • From Mumbai: 36-40 hours (₹2000-4000)

Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia

directions_bus

By Bus

Terminals:
  • Guwahati ISBT
Routes:
  • From Guwahati: 5-6 hours (₹400-600)

Note: Taxis are more convenient for reaching Mawlynnong directly from Guwahati.

Getting Around

directions

Walking

💰 Free

Best for: Exploring the village and nearby attractions

Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking. The village is relatively small and easy to navigate on foot.

directions

Shared Taxis

💰 ₹50-100 per trip

Best for: Traveling between Mawlynnong and nearby villages

Shared taxis are readily available in the village. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

Practical Tips

checkroom

What To Wear

Wear comfortable and breathable clothing suitable for warm weather. Pack light layers as the weather can change quickly. Sturdy shoes are essential for trekking.

payments

Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1500, Mid: ₹3000, Luxury: ₹5000+

ATMs: Limited ATM availability in Mawlynnong. Carry sufficient cash.

Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred for most transactions. Cards are accepted at some hotels and restaurants.

Bargaining: Not expected in most establishments. However, you can try bargaining with taxi drivers and at local markets.

health_and_safety

Health

Water: Drink bottled or purified water. Avoid drinking tap water.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food from unhygienic vendors. Be cautious of spicy food if you're not used to it.

Common Issues: Altitude sickness, sunburn, insect bites. Bring necessary medications and sunscreen.

sim_card

Communication

SIM Cards: Airtel and Jio offer good network coverage in the region. Purchase a local SIM card at Guwahati Airport.

WiFi: Limited Wi-Fi availability. Some hotels and homestays offer Wi-Fi, but the connection can be unreliable.

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Language & Tipping

Language: English is widely spoken. Learning a few basic Khasi phrases can be helpful.

Tipping: Restaurants: 5-10%, drivers: ₹50-100

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