We often see pictures of beautiful places on a calendar and become quite optimistic regarding the existence of those scenic places in real but after paying a visit, our hopes shatter often for not finding the place as per our expectations. But Mawlynnong is no such illusion.
The picturesque beauty of Mawlynlong is mesmerizing both in reel and real. Often regarded as ‘God’s own garden’, this quaint village in the heart of Meghalaya, situated in northeastern India is a place sure to be remembered. The village bagged the title of the cleanest village of Asia in 2003.
Situated around 90 km’s from Shillong in the East Khasi hills, the village propagates the concept of community-based ecotourism. 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 youngest daughter of the family. Khasi people worship nature, so outside of every home, there is eco-friendly bin made out of bamboo.
How To Reach Mawlynnong?
Dawki can be reached by Air, railways and road. Dawki is situated on the south-eastern border of Meghalaya, around 82 km south of Shillong. The best way to reach Dawki is by a rented cab or private vehicle.
The road view is mesmerizing. Your route to Dawki from Shillong will take you through spots like Shillong View Point (also called Shillong Peak), Elephant Falls, Laitlyngkot, and Pynursla, which can be seen on the way.
By Railways: The nearest railway station to reach Dawki, is Guwahati, Assam. From Guwahati, one can avail 4 seater cab or sumo to reach Shillong. The can normally charge 300 INR per person. The total distance is about 173 km and the time taken is approximately 4.5 hours by road. On the way, you can cover all the major spots mentioned above.
By Airways: The nearest Airport to Dawki is Lokpriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport. Several private vehicles are available for hire outside the Airport. The intermediate distance between Dawki and Guwahati Airport is approximately 195 km and it takes around 5.5 hours to reach Shillong.
By Road: Reach either Guwahati railway station or Airport and thereafter book rental cars to reach Shillong. From Shillong, you have to change the cab to reach Dawki. You have to hire local cars there because they don’t allow outside vehicles to run there.
What Makes Mawlynnong So Attractive for Tourists? Top 8 Attractions
# 1 Mawlynnong waterfalls are a sight to behold.
# 2 Dawki is another fascinating spot nearby, which apart from having received nature’s beauty, it’s also blessed mineral wise. It has coal mine as well as limestone stocks, which makes it an international trading point of India with Bangladesh.
# 3 Mawlynnong boasts of having a route which directly connects it to the other side of Bangladesh.
# 4 Umngot River in Dawki is magnificent with its crystal clear water and one can spot the rock bed beneath because of its clarity. Adding to this, the river also serves as a fishing ground for both countries.
# 5 The Dawki Suspension bridge, built by the British in 1932, hanging over the river calls for a photogenic capture. One has to cross the bridge to reach the main river point.
# 6 Mawlynnong stands as an example of how to work with nature, not against it. Also, the Jingmaham living root bridge strengthens this fact more. This root bridge is one of the two such incredible bridges, the other is the double-decker one which requires a long descent.
# 7 The skywalk is a popular vantage point which offers a 360-degree view of the Bangladesh border. It is almost 85 feet high. Entry is chargeable, which costs around 10 rupees per head.
# 8 5 km away from Riwai living root bridges, there lies a Niriang waterfall. It creates a deep green pool amidst the lush green forest. The entire ambience is free from the artificial chaos of the mundane world.
Weather, temperature and best time to visit :
Let’s take a brief look at the weather conditions and the best time to visit for this awesome natural beauty.
Summer: April – June
The average temperature during the summer months stays within 12°c – 30°c. Although clear skies make it the ideal time to hop around the places summer afternoons are often sweaty, which makes it uncomfortable. It is also the time for some regional festivals like Shad Suk Mynsiem and Chad Sukra, which are a must if you are a visitor of this time period.
Monsoon: June – October
The abode of clouds, Meghalaya receives the maximum rainfall during this time. Also because, this place has two wettest places in the world, which are- Mawsynram and Cherapunjee. The greenery is splendid with the splash of rain during this time but sightseeing often gets hindered because of incessant rain. Otherwise, if you are an indoor person, you can enjoy most of this majestic view from your four walls with sipping the tea from the cup.
Winters: October – February
The initial part is Autumn and late part is Winter. Winters are lovely in Dwaki and apt for sightseeing. But clouds often cover the road after 3 p.m so driving becomes risky. You can often find your road getting blocked by a sudden cloak of clouds or Imagine you are visiting a spot and suddenly you discover that the spot is no longer visible because of the cloaking of the clouds.
Weather is very unpredictable so set out for sightseeing as early as possible. The day temperature is extremely pleasant at 15°c but nights are super chilly having a temperature less than 3°c. Trekking is the best thing, one can do at this season. And moreover, winters are full of festivals including Kite flying, food festival, fishing competition, flower exhibition, music festival, Archery etc.
Accommodations in Mawlynnong; Hotels and Homestays
When it comes to accommodations for tourists, there are not too many good places to stay here. If you are looking for the star hotel luxuries, you will probably not find it here, however, I am pretty sure that the sheer natural appeal of the place will make it up for you.
There is something in this place that leaves a permanent effect on whoever visits here. Here, we will talk about a few places that are probably the best that you get in this hilly hamlet.
Polo Orchid Resort
Located on the edge of the cliff of the Cherrapunjee Valley and Nongsithiang Waterfalls, this rustic-style star resort is one of the best hotels in Cherrapunjee. Hotel Polo Orchid, Cherrapunjee is a perfect abode for soul soothing sight with lush greenery, grand architecture, and huge balconies overlooking the natural green carpet.
One can opt for either deluxe Orchid Rooms or villa cottages. The property is close-by the Mawsmai Caves, Mawsmai Falls, Arwah Caves and Thangkarang Park. The resort is a short distance away from the oldest Presbyterian Church in India. This Cherrapunjee resort offers 23 beautiful rooms and suites. All ground floor rooms provide great access.
The Polo Cottage rooms, housed in stand-alone Villas have been minimally decorated to retain the rustic charm and are equipped with all modern amenities. Room categories include Orchid Room; Polo Cottages; Misty Mountain Villa. This Cherrapunjee hotel also offers a majestic open-air – Sky Grill, and a multi-cuisine- Rain Cafe, a large banquet and conference.
The Betelnut Resort
An oasis in a remote village, this property is perfect for all those mentally weary travellers who seek some solace in the natural lap. The property has the best rooms with balconies overlooking the green meadows and extremely hygienic ambience with solar backup. You can choose an ample amount of local cuisines from the property’s kitchen. With all the major sports in the vicinity, this property stands as the popular choice of travellers.
Marvel’s camp and treks
Camping, trekking, kayaking, cliff jumping, snorkelling, if part of your itinerary, then this is your place to be. The camps have huge outdoor space providing the perfect leisure abode for couples and family. The campsite also provides fresh outdoor meals and friendly guides. Completely trust Marvel’s camp with 5 years of experience for your next Trek in Cherapunjee.
Pumpkin Hala Rympei Homestay
If you are a seeker of offbeat in everything, then ditch hotels and reside in Homestays. Homestays offer much more hospitality with the local ambience, local people and local food.
Mawlynnong Umpohliew Homestay
Located very close to Mawlynnong village, this homestay provides a comfortable home alike stay with home-cooked local food and rooms offering a garden view.
Embor’s Homestay
A decent comfortable stay with home-cooked meals, this homestay is one of the best to look out for. They organise your trips as well on prior contact.
What to See and Do in Mawlynnong
Here we are listing a few activities and sightseeing places that you should not miss here at any cost. Most of them are very unique and exclusive activities that you won’t get anywhere else.
River Boating
Boating in Umngot river, one of the cleanest rivers in India. The water here is transparent enough to spot the rock beds beneath. You can do several activities here like kayaking, snorkelling etc. The river shared a common shore with Bangladesh on one side.
You can spot armies of both countries on duties on the shore to form a human chain of a division of borders. It is much thrilling to observe people of two nationalities enjoying the same water at the same place.
Experience Asia’s Cleanest Village to its Potential
The cleanest village of Asia, Mawlynnong happens to be situated here as well. In spite of human habitation, the nook and corners of the place only provide the essence of Nature and cleanliness. The scenario can be felt as soon as you step your feet in. Before entering the village, there is a checkpoint where villagers themselves provide a ticket since they are the ones behind the maintenance.
Therefore the amount collected from the visitors goes directly to the development fund of the village in particular. There are plenty of food joints and shops inside. If you want to carry a souvenir on your return, then this market place for local handmade products is your perfect place to be. And never forget to bargain.
On the outskirts of Mawlynlong village, lies the balancing rock where one large rock is balancing over a very small one, defying all scientific theories. Visit the church of Epiphany to get some solitude amidst the greenery.
Go to the Several View Points
Brun Khongmen viewpoint is located near Riwai village. Treehouse is located here, which offers the sight of the plains of Bangladesh. The visit is chargeable. Visit the International border of India Bangladesh which is few metres away from the Umngot river. You don’t need any permission to see the border. It’s completely free of anything.
Waterfalls and Picnic Places
Not only rivers and suspension bridges, but there is a plethora of waterfalls as well to quench your wander thirst. For example Krang Suri Falls, Bo Phill Falls, Bydraw Falls etc.
Nohsngithiang falls are also known as the seven sisters’ fall. This breathtaking waterfall is in seven-segment, hitting the limestone layers of Khasi hills. Thangkharang park is the ideal destination for a picnic spot. The place is surrounded by rare species of plants, managed by the State Government. The spot also offers an extraordinary view of the Bangladesh plains.
Living Root Bridges ( Do not Miss, Come What May)
More than 500 years old, Living root bridge is yet another natural wonder here. The suspension bridge is created naturally with no artificial materials. The locals are extra cautious when it comes down to Nature. One has to Trek along the uneven and steep path to reach down below to the bridge. It is suggested that if you are suffering from any breathing problem, then it’s better to avoid the downward trek.
If you have time in hand then there are other wonders waiting on the list. Trek to Double-decker bridge and limestone cave of Mawsmai are not to miss. If the living root bridge in Mawlynnong bewilders you, then Double decker root bridge is sure to blow your mind and most notably the rainbow falls.
Winter is best for the double-decker root bridge trek, or else other times the trek can be proved risky because of the slippery surface and poisonous insects during rains.
You need to hire a guide with INR600 for to and fro. It is very risky to venture alone without any guidance because there are no signs available for directions, which may create confusion in the dense jungle. Better take a guide than being lost.
Limestone Caves
The other marvel i.e the limestone cave in Mawsmai is deep and narrow and in the continuous growth process. The space inside is very narrow and gliding through the stones can be strenuous enough. Be sure to mind your head as you move forward. Flexibility is what you need inside. Upon reaching inside, you can explore the different shapes of the stones carved incomplete natural process.
The Lailtlum canyon is another natural marvel situated here. Don’t forget to visit the Elephant falls, which is a three-tier waterfall. Most marvels of Meghalaya stay hidden at the bottom. In this case also, as you descend, the force and quantity of the water of the falls keep on increasing.
In the last layer, you get to see the magnificent waterfall out of all three tiers. It is suggested that old people or person with breathing problems should not make the descent.
What are the Local Foods of Mawlynnong? What to Eat Here?
We are listing here a few local delicacies that you must have at least once during your stay to experience Mawlynnong in its totality.
Jadoh
The Khasi community of Meghalaya consumes it mainly. Jadoh is basically red rice, cooked with ample amounts of pork meat. But it can also be cooked with chicken or fish. This dish has a mixture of green chillies, onions, ginger, turmeric, black pepper and thereafter pieces of pork are added and fried, following which the red rice is added and cooked off.
Adding turmeric gives the rice a rich yellow colour and an aroma. Interestingly, Jadoh can also be cooked in pork blood. This is a must-try dish if you are in Meghalaya.
Doh Khlieh
Another famous dishes of Meghalaya is Doh Khlieh. It is a kind of delicious salad made out of minced pork, onions and chillies. One can add Mexican touch to Doh-Khlieh by adding beans, tomatoes, carrots and lemons. It can also sometimes be cooked as a curry of pig brains and eaten with bread.
Pumaloi
Rice is considered the staple food in Meghalaya so people here try cooking rice in different forms. This dish, in particular, is powdered rice which is thereafter steamed. This dish is specifically served during any festival or special occasion. The rice being Cooked is consumed with various kinds of curry dishes.
Pukhlein
Another one from the rice family with some touch of sweet. Puhelin is powdered rice combined with jaggery. Although it’s a sweet preparation, it can be served with various meat items.
Kyat :
The names of the Meghalaya cuisines can often confuse you with the upcoming taste but be sure to be amazed by the local cuisines. This one is particular is a drink or we can say fermented rice beer. Every bar or restaurant of Meghalaya is sure to serve you with Kyat. This drink is a sign of Meghalaya Hospitality.