Mawlynnong, known as ‘Asia's cleanest village’, is a picturesque settlement in Meghalaya. Famous for its pristine beauty, eco-friendly practices, and welcoming community, it offers a unique experience of sustainable living amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Mawlynnong is a picturesque village located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, about a two-hour drive from the state capital of Shillong. In 2003, Discover India magazine declared it as “Asia’s cleanest village.” Since then, it has gained a lot of tourist attention and been recognised for its outstanding cleanliness, well-maintained surroundings, and environmentally conscious practices.
Mawlynnong’s reputation as the cleanest village in Asia stems from the collective effort of its inhabitants to maintain their environment. The villagers practice strict waste management protocols. They segregate waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories, which are then disposed of or recycled accordingly.
The locals, primarily from the Khasi tribe, take pride in their cleanliness, and this practice is ingrained into the community’s lifestyle. It’s no surprise that visitors are often amazed by how pristine the village looks, with no litter in sight, even in the smallest alleyways.
The village lies on the border of Bangladesh, offering spectacular views of its plains from certain viewpoints, such as the “Bangladesh Sky Point”, made out of bamboo. There is also a single-decker living root bridge about two kilometers from the village, which is made from the roots of a banyan tree.
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Mawlynnong is a popular tourist destination, particularly for those seeking to experience rural life and eco-tourism. However, this influx of tourists has also brought some challenges but the community has been proactive in managing these challenges, ensuring that the village benefits without compromising its values.
There are 34 homestays in Mawlynnong, with accommodation prices ranging from Rs 1500 to Rs 5000 per night, depending on the type of stay. For food and refreshments, the village has several restaurants and tea stalls scattered throughout, offering local meals and snacks. Near the parking area, you’ll find a small market where visitors can pick up souvenirs, such as handcrafted items and local products.
Visitors to Mawlynnong can help preserve its beauty by not littering and disposing of their waste responsibly. The village’s cleanliness is a result of the community’s hard work, and we can respect their efforts by keeping the surroundings clean. There are dustbins placed all over the village. We can make sure to use them to dispose of waste.
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The thumbnail shows a single-decker living root bridge in Mawlynnong village, Meghalaya.
Atiqur Rahman is a Delhi-based photographer who hails from Nagaland.
