Declared the cleanest village in India, Mawlynnong Village is also known as God’s Own Garden and truly for all the right reasons. Here is your gateway to escape the city’s hustle and noise and jump onto a formidable adventure, stepping towards an unimaginable experience in the lap of Mother Nature here. Moreover, to make the most of your trip, look at our recommendations on things to do in Mawlynnong. What are you waiting for then? Step onto the East Khasi Hills and surround yourself with the beauty of natural wonders while not forgetting to savor the local cuisine of Meghalaya.
Top Things To Do In Mawlynnong
When you visit this village that was even mentioned in Prime Minister’s radio talk ‘Mann ki Baat’ in 2015, you should know exactly where to go and how to spend your time here because Mawlynnong is just way too gorgeous for you even to waste a second not exploring it. After being awarded the title of the cleanest Village in Asia, Mawlynnong has gone from being an oblivious village to now becoming a popular tourist attraction. But be mindful that you do not litter around, as you will find bamboo dustbins placed outside every house in the village. Here are some amazing things to do in Mawlynnong:
1. Trek Your Way To The Living Root Bridges
Image Credit: Kiranjit for Wikimedia Commons
The Nohwet Living Root Bridge is unarguably the most famous icon of Meghalaya, found here at Mawlynnong. As soon as you catch the first glimpse of Mawlynnong, the road splits into two: one that leads to Asia’s cleanest village and the other road will lead you to this double-decker root bridge. Building such a bridge supporting a considerable weight takes ten or maybe 15 years. A historical staple of Khasi traditional architecture, the amazement lies in its roots growing and strengthening over time. You will learn from the locals that these architectural marvels of nature can last as long as 500 years.
Beside the bridge, you can also enjoy excellent views of the Riwai Falls, which flows through the rocks below the bridge. After hiking this trail, a dip in the gushing, cool waters of the river is all you need.
Location: Nongriat Village, Sohra, Meghalaya, India 793111
Timings: 5 AM to 5 PM
Must Read: Places To Visit In Meghalaya
2. Visit The Balancing Rock Of Mawlynnong
Image Credit: Nirbangogoi for Wikimedia Commons
In other words, this location is nothing more than a large boulder resting on a much smaller stone without losing its balance. But this is precisely what intrigues the onlookers. As the locals narrate, these two boulders have remained in this position for ages. Not even the strongest earthquakes or deadliest storms could move these stones from their place. The formation is popularly also known as a shark’s jaw, as after carefully perusing from the sides, it exactly resembles the jaws of a shark.
In the native Khasi language, it translates to Maw Ryngkew Sharatia. This was a revered site for the native tribes during the olden days until the advent of Christianity. Also, as per the local belief, the boulder rises from the ground once a year on a particular day for a few minutes and appears floating in the air.
Location: 2 kilometres from Mawlynnong village, Meghalaya
Timings: 6 AM to 5 PM
3. Boating Over The Transparent Dawki River
Image Credit: Madhumita Das for Wikimedia Commons
Popularly called Dawki River, Umngot is a small river flowing through Dawki in the East Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. It is one of the pleasant places to visit around Mawlynnong, for the Umngot River is the cleanest river in India. Among the many adventurous activities that the Dawki river offers, such as kayaking, cliff jumping, snorkelling, and ziplining, the most famous and accessible is boating over the transparent waters. Take advantage of coming here as you can see clean and pristine water and even the bottom of the lake in some parts.
You will be surprised to know that while one shore of Dawki is in India, the opposite shore is in Bangladesh. You can even engage with our Bangladeshi neighbours on the other bank. The boatman will row the boat over the river until you reach a small rapid flowing over boulders. There, you will disembark and can either walk along the scenic boulder-strewn shore or make a pitstop at the small riverside stalls.
Location: Near the Indo-Bangladesh border, Dawki Market, Dawki, Meghalaya
Timings: 7 AM to 5 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Shillong
4. Witness Seven Sister Falls
Image Credit: Kunal Dalui for Wikipedia
Nohsngithiang Falls is a splendid cascade of water flowing from the Khasi Hills in Meghalaya, India. This name may be less prevalent, though, because everybody would recognise it as Seven Sister Falls flowing from the limestone cliffs. Gushing down from a height of 315 m over the Khasi hills, this waterfall features one of the highest waterfalls in India. It is believed to be named after the seven segments that reflect the sunlight with an ethereal glow, resembling seven sisters. It is also believed that the falls are separated by seven streams of water, which exemplifies the seven sister states of north-east India.
During the monsoon season, the grandeur of the falls rises to their majestic peak when they roar in full force, offering a breathtaking view against the backdrop of the verdant forest. One can witness the falls from a viewing platform while enchanted by the gushing water’s roaring sounds. Coming to Mawlynnong is synonymous to visiting this location as the panoramic view of the breathtaking landscape as the surrounding area is also enveloped in mists and low-floating clouds, mingling with the lush greenery to create a mesmerising scene is too spectacular to miss. The charm of visiting this picturesque spot. is complete with the cultural anecdotes of the local Khasi people.
Location: Nohsngithiang View, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, India 793108
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
5. The Church Of The Epiphany
Image Credit: Ankan Ghosh Dastider for Wikipedia
The Church of the Epiphany in Mawlynnong is more than a century-old beautiful European architecture carefully tucked into this lush and verdant tropical paradise. Its architecture may exhibit the colonial influence but it is only partially free of that touch of local artistry, subjected by a simple yet elegant structure with a steep sloping roof and a prominent cross atop.
When you visit this beautiful tourist spot, try rising up to your fear of heights and climb up those cute tree houses close to the church. If you succeed, you will be rewarded, from these bamboo structures, by the seeming gaze at the endless plains of Bangladesh that lay beyond. This remote town’s community-driven approach to cleanliness and sustainable tourism elevates the experience for all the visitors, making the church not just a famous tourist destination but also a part of a conducive eco-friendly lifestyle.
Location: Opposite Mawlynnong Bus Stand, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India 793112
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
Further Read: Picnic Spots In Meghalaya
Now that you have an elaborate list of things to do that you have to try when you visit Mawlynnong, make sure you plan your trip to Meghalaya as soon as possible to this fabulous destination for the guaranteed experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss such unique opportunities, and book your tickets now!
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Cover Image Source: ANKAN for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Mawlynnong
What is the aerial route to reach Mawlynnong?
Even the nearest airport from Mawlynnong is located in Shillong, at a distance of 78 km. Once you land at the airport, you can hire a taxi or board a bus that will traverse a dreamy route before dropping you at Mawlynnong.
Is Shillong also called Scotland of the East?
The capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong, is often referred to as the Scotland of the East. This is because the British strongly influences the city's architecture. Moreover, its many beautiful hills and lakes have also helped Shillong earn this title.
When should I plan a trip to Meghalaya?
You should plan your trip to Meghalaya between October and April. During these months, the weather is pleasant, far from harsh summers or winters, accompanied by clear skies with mild temperatures rarely rising beyond 30°C.
Is Cherrapunjee still the wettest place in India?
For a long time, Cherrapunjee was the wettest place in India. But according to the latest data, Mawsynram is now the wettest place in India. Located in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district, Mawsynram is just 100 kilometres from Cherrapunjee.
Is Hindi spoken in Mawlynnong?
While you may find English speakers in major tourist areas, interacting with the local population may get challenging in remote villages where Hindi, or even English, is not spoken. Learn basic phrases of the prevalent indigenous languages or use translation apps to bridge the communication gap.
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