Mawlynnong- Unearthing the Secrets of the Cleanest Village in Asia

Mawlynnong –The Magical Paradise village is located in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. It applause itself as the cleanest village in Asia in 2003. The village is also acclaimed as "God's Village". It is located at a distance of 90km from Shillong, which takes 2 hours and 30min by road. Several Cabs ply daily from Shillong to the village.

Pictures - Tejoswita Sarma

The populace has made a unified effort to maintain the ambiance of a clean village and they are maintaining the constant effort to preserve the natural beauty. Mawlynnong has scenic beauty. People of different community stays in Meghalaya –the land of Khasi tribe, Jaintia tribe, and Garo tribe. Mainly Khasi People live in this village. The people of this village doing collective effort to keep the village cleaner, greener, and a substantial environment. Mawlynnong proves women empowerment and 100 percent literacy rate, both are commendable.

Image Credit-Tejoswita Sarma

Villagers are so environment friendly so that they have banned plastic items and smoking is strictly prohibited. Bamboo dustbins are used every hook and nook in the village, even the dry leaves are fallen goes directly to the dustbin. Since 2007 all the houses have fundamental toilets. 

The people that opened my eyes. To wake up to majestic views, fill our lungs with fresh air, and forget the hurly-burly environment from the cities. Staying with the villagers gives me immense joy, they provided us organic fresh food. 

The village is hidden in the mountain, without who's no buses dare to journey.

The weather is pleasant throughout the year and thus turn absolute scenic. The best time to visit is between Octobers to June. But if one wishes to go, they can travel throughout the year. A variety of exotic flora is grown in every household. The people of the village use organic vegetables which they cultivate in their yard. There is lush greenery all around the village and a huge number of flowers dangling from the trees adds beauty to the village.

Image Credit-Tejoswita Sarma

Village houses are with bamboo and corrugated iron sheet but before that straw is used. Bamboo, which is abundant in nature and most environmentally friendly. Bamboo is life and culture in the region.

Image Credit- Tejoswita Sarma

More interesting in this village is the viewpoint and the living root bridge

The village has a viewpoint from where the breath-taking view of Bangladesh can be seen as the village comes nearby indo-Bangladesh border. View tower is 85 feet high and is made of bamboo and bamboo products. Sky's viewpoint is most popular among the traveler. Moreover, the greenery of the village and small and big waterfall can be seen.

Image Credit-Tejoswita Sarma

And also, the living Root bridge is described as God's unbelievable creation.  The living Root is declared as the World Heritage site by UNESCO. The bridge is connected by the rubber tree root with one another which is not man-made. It is the most fascinating wonder of men and nature.

Image Credit-Tejoswita Sarma

I Just like to say places like Mawlynnong are rare and unique. Let us be the bearer of change, towards the development and preservation of this wonderful land.

"An adventurous life does not necessarily mean climbing mountains, swimming with sharks, or jumping off cliffs. It means risking yourself by leaving a little piece of you behind all those you meet along the way"- Shawna Grapentin