Around 90 km from Shillong, in the East Khasi hills there is a magical paradise – Mawlynnong – a small village that won the status of being the cleanest village (2003), not just in India, but in Asia. This was the main reason Meghalaya made it to my list. If you are curious to know about this unique village, read on!
The Mawlynnong village is filled with lush green plantations all around, where waterfalls are pave their way to small streams and orchids dangle from trees and hedges that adds to the scenic beauty of this village. In spite of human habitation, the nook and corners of the place only provide the essence of nature and cleanliness. The onus to keep the village clean lies with every person residing in the village. Bamboo garbage bins adorn every nook and corner of the village highlight the consciousness of cleanliness among the villagers. Cleanliness is an age old tradition and a way of life for all villagers.
Apart from tourism, the main features of the village are the literacy rate of the villagers and women empowerment. All the important works are mostly supervised by women. Interestingly the children of these areas get the surname of their mothers and the wealth gets inherited from the mother to the youngest daughter of the family.
Come what may, you cannot afford to miss the majestic Jingmaham Living Root Bridge located in Mawlynnong. More than 500 years old, this living root bridge is yet another natural wonder there.
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The suspension bridge is created naturally with no artificial materials. The trek to the Living Root bridge is extremely beautiful. While trekking, you will go through small local villages, narrow streams and jungle. The Jingmahan Living Root Bridge has been given the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site as this bridge is formed by the sheer strength of nature.
Only found in this part of the country, the living root bridge is the result of innovation by the Khasi tribals. Locals say the bridge was constructed to cross the overflowing stream during monsoon. The thick roots of a variety of rubber tree (Ficus elastica), grown on either side of the stream, have been intertwined together by villagers and flat rocks and mud placed on them to make a path. The roots have grown for several years making the living root bridge stronger by each year. No one knows the age of the bridge, but villagers vouch for its longevity and strength. Interestingly, when any villager witnesses a new root even today, he/she weaves it into the bridge structure.
Another interesting thing the villagers have constructed there is the Sky View, an 85 feet high viewing tower that’s made of bamboo. When you reach the top, you will witness stunning views of not just the village but also see breathtaking view of Bangladesh plains as it is located on the Indo-Bangla border. It will be simply gorgeous
I realized that it’s the simplicity and warmth of the people that make Mawlynnong so special. They serve a wholesome lunch to the visitors between 1-3 pm. I never thought a simple meal of dal, rice, potato, and green chilies would make me so content. But when that is served at Asia's cleanest village, one can only be grateful.
Accomodation
There are a lot of guest houses and home stays are available in Mawlynnong. You can also plan a one day trip from Shillong.
How to Reach?
By Road
Mawlynnong is well-connected to Shillong by road. The route from Guwahati to Mawlynnong via Shillong is extremely scenic with several winding roads flocked by lush green hillocks and misty landscapes.
By Flight
The best way to reach Mawlynnong by flight is to fly to the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati which is the nearest airport. The distance from Guwahati airport to Mawlynnong is 188 km and it takes around 5 hours and 15 minutes by road.
By Train
The nearest railhead from Mawlynnong is also at Guwahati. Guwahati railway station to Shillong is around 104 km and then Mawlynnong is another 78 km away.
I truly salute to the 'spirit of cleanliness' exhibited by the villagers through their self sustained efforts. Mawlynnong village has set an example for others that needs to be replicated in other villages. You can experience the local life the interacting with the villagers, having lunch with them climbing up a tree house and watching the breath-taking views of the landscape. So, in case you are planning a trip to the magical state of Meghalaya, make sure you include Mawlynnong in your itinerary .
Happy Reading!
Love,
Sushmita