There are several lovely homestays in Mawlynnong where you can stay during your trip to this beautiful village in Meghalaya. They are known for being cosy and charming and offer various services to ensure your stay is perfect! Mawlynnong is a village in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district, a little over 90 km from the capital. This place is most notable because it is renowned for its cleanliness and ecological practices. It was named the cleanest village in Asia in 2003.
An Overview Of Mawlynnong Village
Image Credit: ANKAN for Wikimedia Commons
Mawlynnong is about 90 km from Shillong in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district. It is also known as “God’s Own Garden” because of its cleanliness. 2003 Discover India magazine deemed it the cleanest village in Asia and the cleanest in India in 2005. The residents of Mawlynnong are dedicated to keeping the town very clean and, therefore, practise various ecological activities. One such environment-friendly practice is using dustbins made of bamboo to dispose of any waste.
Moreover, this waste is also converted into manure for further use. Rainwater harvesting is highly encouraged here, and using polythene is banned, as is smoking. The majority of its residents earn their living through agriculture; the significant crops here include betel nuts, lychees and pineapples. The overall beauty of the region, coupled with its reputation as one of India’s cleanest villages, has attracted many tourists over the years.
Although fewer tourist attractions exist here, Mawlynnong is a treat for nature lovers. You can explore its dense forests for a fun hike, visit its colourful fruit orchards or even swim in its river. One of the most notable attractions here is the Nohwet Living Root Bridge, built after the Ficus Elastica tree’s roots got intertwined over a long span of time. Living root bridges are a prominent element of Khasi culture. Lastly, you must visit the Church of the Epiphany, one of the village’s three churches. This church represents a beautiful European style of architecture and is surrounded by greenery. There are also tree houses made out of bamboo near the church. You can climb to the top to glimpse Bangladesh’s fields.
Must Read: Mawlynnong
5 Homestays In Mawlynnong
When staying in Mawlynnong, there are different accommodation options to choose from, one of which is a homestay. The following are 5 homestays in this village where you can stay:
1. Gawooh Adventure Homestay
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The Gawooh Adventure Homestay is a little away from Mawlynnong in Shillong and is a great homestay for adventure seekers. Situated close to a river, this quaint homestay has one big bed that is enough for three people and a private bathroom. Although it lies amidst nature, Wi-Fi here can be used for work or other purposes. You can enjoy the bonfire set up here at night or partake in one of their adventure sports, like scuba diving, cliff jumping, or kayaking.
Location: Shillong Division, Meghalaya, India
Starting Price: INR 4,000 onwards
2. Stream Side Guest House
A charming property in Pynursla near Mawlynnong, Stream Side Guest House is an affordable and comfortable accommodation choice. This guest house is close to many tourist attractions and has one bedroom that is perfect for 2 guests and a bathroom. Moreover, there is Wi-Fi at the property that you can use to access your social media!
Location: Mawlynnong, Shillong Division, Meghalaya, India
Starting Price: INR 2,500 onwards
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Shillong
3. Mawlynnong Verde Cottage
Mawlynnong Verde Cottage is a 4-star homestay with 2 bedrooms suitable for a maximum of 8 guests. Each bedroom has its own bathroom. Overlooking a lovely green landscape is a great option if travelling with many friends. You can sit on the balcony and enjoy quiet time with your book or take pictures. Furthermore, their Wi-Fi makes it convenient for you to be connected to the rest of the world.
Location: Mawlynnong, Shillong Division, Meghalaya, India
Starting Price: INR 3000 onwards
4. Pumpkin StreamSide Guest House
The Pumpkin StreamSide Guest House is located in Shillong near the Kshaid Nohsngithiang Eco Park and is a good choice for accommodation if you don’t mind travelling a bit to Mawlynnong. This property comprises 6 rooms and a small garden attached to it. If you drive here, you can park your vehicle in their parking space. What’s more, if you don’t like travelling without your pet, this is the place for you since it is pet-friendly!
Location: Mawlynnong, Shillong Division, Meghalaya, India
Starting Price: INR 3500 onwards
Suggested Read: Shopping In Shillong
5. Odyssey Stays Mawlynnong
A very affordable place to stay, Odyssey Stays Mawlynnong is a small property with rooms made out of bamboo. The greenery around the property gives you the impression of being in the midst of the forest. Although the rooms here are small, they are ideal for travellers who like to be out and about for the most part. There is also an attached bathroom. It is one of the best homestays In Mawlynnong.
Location: Odyssey Stays, Parking Lot, near Mawlynnong, Mawlynnong, Meghalaya 793019
Starting Price: INR 1,700 onwards
The Perfect Time To Visit Mawlynnong Village
Image Credit: Prasun Bhardwaj 2106 for Wikimedia Commons
It is pretty challenging to determine which time of the year is best to visit Mawlynnong Village since it is a great place to come to at any given point in time. If you live where the summers are unbearable, you can book a quick getaway to Mawlynnong; the summer months from May to August are characterised by pleasant and cool weather. The region receives rainfall sometime around June or July, and it is an excellent time to be here since you can see the flowers bloom. Although the rainfall and occasional thunderstorms might make it challenging to be outdoors, it is still a great time to experience Mawlynnong.
Another good time to visit is during the transitional months, from March to April when winter turns to spring or from September to October when summer turns to fall. This is because these months generally have pleasant weather and little rainfall. You can explore the village and neighbouring areas without worrying about rain. Lastly, you can also plan your trip for the winter season, which lasts from November to February. It does get a little cold during this time, with temperatures dropping as low as 5 degrees Celsius, but there is minimal rainfall, and sightseeing is still quite fun. Simply make sure to pack warm clothes and perhaps avoid venturing out on excursions during the night time.
Further Read: Resorts In Meghalaya
Homestays in Mawlynnong make for an excellent accommodation choice since they give you the feeling of being in your home. They are comfortable and come with different amenities that guarantee that you do not have any problems during your stay. Moreover, homestays here offer stunning views of the surroundings, which adds to the experience. Whether travelling alone or with family, you will have a blast on your trip to Meghalaya since it is a gorgeous place with a lot to explore.
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Cover Image Credit: Madhumita Das for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Homestays In Mawlynnong
Do homestays in Mawlynnong offer a cancellation policy?
Whether or not homestays have a cancellation policy would depend on each establishment as well as on the website where you made your booking. Some do allow you to cancel your booking for free, while others might charge a small cancellation fee.
What is the easiest way to reach Mawlynnong?
The most convenient way to get here is by road. You can bring your car or hire a taxi from a neighbouring city like Shillong. If you take the train, you would first need to go to the Guwahati Railway Station, about 5 hours away and then take a car or take a flight to Shillong’s Umroi Airport and do the same.
Is Meghalaya an excellent place to visit for vegetarians?
Since the local cuisine of Meghalaya’s Khasi people includes meat, it might be challenging to find vegetarian food in some places. However, the more touristy areas like Shillong and Cherrapunji have more options for vegetarians.
Do the locals in Meghalaya speak Hindi?
Since the main language spoken here is Khasi, followed by Jaintia and Garo, you would find that Hindi is not widely spoken here. However, many people speak English.
Can one explore Mawlynnong in just 1 day?
Yes, given its small size, it is possible to see the village in 1 day. But you can also stay for more days to explore other sites in the city.
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