Mawlynnong Village: What to Expect Before You Go

Mawlynnong Village, Meghalaya: What to Expect Before You Go

Mawlynnong is dubbed the cleanest village in Asia, and it is one of the most popular destinations in Meghalaya. However, this small village offers more than a chance to admire clean pathways, flower-lined gardens, and the daily life of the local Khasi tribes.

If you are thinking of visiting Mawlynnong, this article contains everything you need to know about reaching the village, things to do, the best time to go, places near Mawlynnong, and a few vital tips before you go.

About Mawlynnong Village

Mawlynnong Village is a hamlet in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya near the India-Bangladesh border. It earned the tag of the cleanest village in Asia after receiving recognition from the Discover India magazine in 2003.

The village is also referred to as God’s Own Garden and is famous for its greenery and flower beds. It is home to the Khasi tribe, and a distinctive part of the culture is the matrilineal system, where the family name and property are passed from mother to daughter.

You cannot go wrong by visiting Mawlynnong if you wish to witness a slice of rural life in harmony with nature. It is best experienced at a slower pace as finding multiple interesting things to do in Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, may not be easy.

How to Reach Mawlynnong Village

Mawlynnong is about 90 km away from Shillong, and the drive may take around 2.5 to 3 hrs, depending on the road conditions and traffic. Here is some information on the different ways to reach Mawlynnong:

Taxi or Shared Cab from Shillong: These are the most common ways of reaching Mawlynnong. You may choose between a private hire taxi or a shared cab, depending on your budget and convenience.
By Road: The distance between Shillong and Mawlynnong is covered at an average speed of 40 – 50 km/h. Make sure that you leave earlier if you wish to cover the distance at a slower pace, especially during the monsoon season.
Parking: Most visitors are advised to walk around the village after parking their vehicles at specific parking slots. Always remember to respect the village by obeying the rules.

Since Mawlynnong is a bit far from Shillong, it is always a good idea to leave earlier if you plan to witness any other attractions during the same day.

Wander Around the Mawlynnong Village

Wandering around Mawlynnong is the best activity in this lovely village, Meghalaya. Mawlynnong is well-known for its clean village lanes, gardens, and the lifestyle of its residents. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind while exploring the village:

Walk around the lovely village and enjoy the local surroundings.
Marvel at the village’s cleanliness while spotting bamboo trash cans and the beauty of the Khasi houses and gardens.
Take a break at the various sit-out places and let your thoughts roam free.
Respect and follow all instructions and rules of the village.

Always remember that the Mawlynnong locals are residents of this area, and it is essential to respect their privacy while exploring their village.

What to See in Mawlynnong

You do not need to look hard to explore this lovely village and discover some beautiful places to see in Mawlynnong, Meghalaya. Listed below are some attractions you could spot while being in Mawlynnong:

Khasi houses and gardens: The locals of Mawlynnong village grow a variety of flowers and plants and tend to their gardens diligently.
Bamboo structures and benches: Take a break and enjoy the view while spotting the bamboo structures and fascinating sits in the village.
Local shops: Remember to buy some souvenirs and snacks, if any, from the local shops in the village.
Village life: Observe the village life and the calm and composed lifestyle of the Khasi tribe people.

While there are no specific places to sightsee in Mawlynnong, a walk in the village will keep you busy for quite some time. And if you wish to explore more, head to Mawlynnong Riwai Living Root Bridge and Sky View Point or the Church Epiphany in the village.

Explore Nearby Places in Mawlynnong

There are various exciting short and long trips that one can take from Mawlynnong. The approximate time needed to explore the following destinations depends on the traffic, road conditions, and monsoon season:

Riwai Living Root Bridge

The Riwai Living Root Bridge is among the best attractions near Mawlynnong, and the exploration takes around 2 – 3 hrs. It is a root bridge made of intertwined and knotted tree roots that offer a clear view of the valley and the rivers below. It is always advisable to wear comfortable clothes and shoes as the pathways might be slippery and narrow.

Sky Walk or Sky View Point

The Sky Walk in Mawlynnong is a bamboo walkway offering panoramic views of the valley and the greenery around. It is a famous local attraction with different timings all year. Make sure to enquire about the entry fees beforehand as the pricing might change sometimes.

Church of Epiphany

The Church of Epiphany is a small church tucked away in the Mawlynnong village with a green view of the surroundings. As always, make sure to keep the general decibels of your group low to avoid disrupting any services or events in the church.

Balancing Rock

The Balancing Rock is a natural landform in Mawlynnong that is slightly shorter in distance compared to other excursions. It is a day trip from Mawlynnong; however, make sure to leave earlier as the journey might take longer.

If you enjoy exploring natural attractions in Meghalaya, you can also read our guide to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge to learn about another famous living-root structure in the state.

How Crowded is Mawlynnong?

Mawlynnong village has quite a number of day-trippers, making it moderately crowded. However, the best time to visit Mawlynnong is during early mornings to witness fewer people, especially if you are not a fan of overcrowding. Listed below are a few insights about the crowds in Mawlynnong:

Early morning: This is the best time to witness lesser crowds while exploring the Mawlynnong village.
Midday: This is the busiest time in Mawlynnong, and the chances are higher that you might spot more tourists and groups of people exploring the village.
Late afternoon: This is also a good time to explore the village as there are lesser tourists around. However, it is always best to leave a bit earlier as the roads can get busier.

Since Mawlynnong has different visiting seasons, these pointers might change slightly depending on the day, date, and month of your visit.

Opening Timings and Entry Fees

As Mawlynnong is a residential village, it does not have specific entry fees for the entire village. However, some gates and points might charge you a minimal fee, and it is always best to carry some extra cash with you. With that said, here are a few pointers that might help:

Village tours are open daily for nature lovers and photography purposes.
All the local attractions in Mawlynnong might have varied opening timings, so make sure to enquire beforehand.
There might be some parking charges as well, depending on the visitor spots, so it is best to keep some extra cash with you.
You can also ask the locals about their rules and regulations before exploring the village.

Best Time to Visit Mawlynnong

The best time to visit Mawlynnong depends on your preference and whether you like cloudy or clear days and rainy or sunny weather. Listed below are the best months and periods to witness the beauty of this village:

October to April: This is the best time to visit Mawlynnong and witness more clear days and sunny weather in the village. However, the weather can vary from cloudy to sunny days.
June to September: This is the peak season in Mawlynnong, where the monsoon rains nourish the village, offering visitors a clear view of the green valleys and mountains.
Early mornings: This is always a fantastic time to visit any place, and Mawlynnong is not an exception. It is a good time to witness lesser crowds while exploring this lovely village.

For more information about the best season to visit Meghalaya, you can always visit the Meghalaya Government website to plan your trip and itinerary accordingly.

Things to Remember Before Visiting Mawlynnong

Do not litter or leave any garbage in the village. Always use the provided dustbins or toss the litter in the provided bins by the residents of Mawlynnong.
Always respect the rules and any restrictions imposed by the locals in the Mawlynnong village.
It is always best to keep your noise levels low and not disturb the residents of the village.
You must seek permission before clicking pictures of the locals in the village.
Make sure to carry some extra cash with you for small expenses and local fees in the village.
Always wear comfortable clothes and shoes, especially if you wish to witness the Mawlynnong Riwai Living Root Bridge.
During the rainy season, make sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast and the road condition before heading to the village.

One Day Itinerary in Mawlynnong

If you are visiting Mawlynnong from Shillong, here is a rough itinerary that can help you plan your day:

Early Morning: Head to Mawlynnong and enjoy the beauty of the Mawlynnong village walk.
Late Morning: Witness the Riwai Living Root Bridge and allocate enough time for this activity.
Afternoon: You could take a tour of the Sky Walk, Church of Epiphany, or the Balancing Rock, depending on your time and energy.
Late Afternoon: You could start your journey back or reach Dawki, if possible, depending on the availability of transport.

If you wish to spend a night in the village, you can always consider local homestays. However, you must look around and shortlist a few homestays before visiting Mawlynnong once again.

Who Should Visit Mawlynnong?

Mawlynnong is suitable for almost every kind of visitor, and a few reasons are mentioned below:

If you are a fan of nature, the Mawlynnong village walk has something for you.
If you want to explore a small village with your family, this is the perfect place for you.
If you are a photography enthusiast and wish to capture the Mawlynnong villagers’ lifestyle, this village is for you.
If you are planning a Shillong – Mawlynnong – Dawki tour and want to witness some breathtaking views, this is a great place to stop by.
If you are a fan of Khasi tribe culture and wish to witness the Mawlynnong villagers’ lifestyle, this village has something unique for you.

As the Mawlynnong village walk is easy on most visitors, everyone can explore this lovely village. However, the nearby attractions might need a pair of comfortable shoes and a good amount of stamina.

Pros and Things to Consider

Pros

Cleanliness of the village
Beautiful flower beds and gardens
An a unique experience of discovering the Khasi culture and lifestyle
Multiple attractions in and around the village are perfect for a day trip

Things to Consider

The Mawlynnong village is small, and there are not many things to do in this lovely village
The village can get quite busy, especially on weekends and public holidays
Some local attractions might charge extra fees for entry and parking
The Mawlynnong village has fewer accommodations and amenities as compared to other tourist destinations
The monsoon season can affect your travel plans and keep you stuck in one place

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there an entry fee for Mawlynnong Village?

There might be certain charges for parking or visiting specific gates in the village. However, these charges may vary, and it is always best to keep some extra cash with you while exploring this lovely village.

How far is Mawlynnong from Shillong?

Mawlynnong is around 90 km away from Shillong, and the drive may take around 2.5 – 3 hrs, depending on the road and traffic conditions.

Can I stay overnight in Mawlynnong?

Yes, you can always consider local homestays. However, make sure to enquire about the facilities before heading to this lovely village.

Which is the best month to visit Mawlynnong?

October to April is the best time to visit Mawlynnong and witness clear days and sunny weather in this lovely village. June to September is the peak season in Mawlynnong, whereas the rainy season can keep you stuck in one place due to the slippery roads.

Is one day enough to explore Mawlynnong?

One day is enough to witness the beauty of Mawlynnong village and explore some exciting short trips around the village. However, it is always best to leave early if you wish to witness the Mawlynnong Riwai Living Root Bridge and the Sky Walk.

Conclusion

Mawlynnong is worth visiting for its clean lanes, flower beds, greenery, and the lifestyle of the local Khasi tribe. However, it is not one of those tourist destinations where you can explore multiple things in one day. As mentioned in this guide, Mawlynnong has fewer attractions, making it perfect for a slow-paced village tour. Make sure to visit this lovely village in the morning and leave early in the evening. And if your schedule permits, make sure to allocate enough time for the Riwai Living Root Bridge in Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, and the Sky View Point.