Welcome to Mawlynnong, a hidden gem in Meghalaya that proves cleanliness is more than a habit โ it’s a way of life! ๐ก๐ผ Often called โGodโs Own Garden,โ this village is not just spotless, but full of charm, nature, and local culture. ๐ฟ๐
๐ Getting There
Mawlynnong is around 80 km from Shillong โ a scenic 2.5-hour drive through lush hills, waterfalls, and cloud-kissed roads. ๐โ๏ธ
Perfect for a day trip or a quiet weekend getaway! ๐งณ
โ What Makes Mawlynnong Special?
๐งน Cleanest Village in Asia
Mawlynnong earned this title in 2003 thanks to the villagersโ collective commitment to cleanliness. Every morning, residents sweep the streets, clean drains, and maintain gardens โ turning hygiene into a lifestyle.


โป๏ธ Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Living
The village uses bamboo dustbins, composting pits, and locally sourced materials for housing and tourism. Plastic is strictly banned, and every household takes pride in preserving nature.
๐ธ โGodโs Own Gardenโ
The entire village looks like a living garden, with flowering plants in every yard and well-kept stone paths. Itโs a real-life Eden maintained by its own people.


Traditional Khasi Lifestyle
Mawlynnong is home to the Khasi tribe, one of the few matrilineal societies in the world. Property and lineage pass through the women, and you can observe their unique customs and values during your stay.
๐ช Community-Driven Tourism
Tourism here is owned and operated by the villagers themselves. Homestays, guides, shops โ all run by locals. Your visit directly benefits the community, making it a model for responsible tourism.


-
๐๏ธ Peace & Harmony
With no noise pollution, very little traffic, and a tightly-knit community, Mawlynnong offers an atmosphere of peace thatโs rare in todayโs world.
๐ฒ Top things to do in Meghalaya
๐ฟ Walk to the Living Root Bridge (Riwai)
Just a 10โ15 minute walk from the village lies one of Meghalayaโs famous natural wonders. These bridges are made from the aerial roots of rubber trees and can last over 100 years โ a testament to ancient eco-engineering.


๐ญ Climb the Bamboo Sky View Tower
Built entirely from bamboo, this 85-foot structure offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding forests and even Bangladeshโs plains on a clear day. Perfect for sunrise or sunset photography!
๐ถโโ๏ธ Explore the Village on Foot
Stroll through neat stone pathways, admire traditional Khasi stilt houses made of bamboo and wood, and chat with friendly locals who will happily share stories about village life.


๐ Taste Authentic Khasi Cuisine
Donโt miss trying Jadoh (rice cooked with pork or chicken), doh-nei-iong (meat in black sesame sauce), bamboo shoot dishes, and fresh garden produce โ all served with warm Khasi hospitality.
- ๐ง๏ธ Visit During Monsoonย
The rains turn the village into a lush, green paradise. While it can be wet and slippery, the misty trails and blooming flora make for an enchanting experience โ just pack good shoes and a raincoat!

๐ถโโ๏ธ How to Reach Meghalaya
-
โ๏ธ By Air
โก๏ธ The nearest airport to Meghalaya is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, Assam โ approximately 120 km from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya.
โ Direct Flights Available From:
- ๐๏ธ Delhi
- ๐๏ธ Mumbai
- ๐๏ธ Kolkata
- ๐๏ธ Bengaluru
- ๐๏ธ Chennai
๐ From Guwahati Airport to Shillong:
- Private Taxi: โน2,500 โ โน3,500 (approx. 3โ4 hours) ๐
- Shared Taxi: โน500 โ โน700 per person ๐
- State Transport Bus: โน150 โ โน300 per person ๐
๐ Tip: Prepaid taxis are available at the airport โ safest and most comfortable option!
๐ By Train
โก๏ธ Meghalaya does not have a railway station. The nearest major railhead is Guwahati Railway Station (GHY), about 100 km from Shillong.
โ Trains to Guwahati Available From:
- ๐๏ธ Delhi (Rajdhani Express)
- ๐๏ธ Kolkata (Saraighat Express)
- ๐๏ธ Mumbai (LTT Guwahati Express)
- ๐๏ธ Chennai (Dibrugarh Express)
- ๐๏ธ Bengaluru (Guwahati Express)
๐ From Guwahati Station to Shillong:
- Private Taxi: โน2,000 โ โน3,000 (approx. 3 hours) ๐
- Shared Taxi: โน400 โ โน600 per person ๐
- State Bus: โน150 โ โน300 ๐
๐ Tip: Taxis and shared cabs are easily available outside the station.
๐ By Road
โก๏ธ Meghalaya is well-connected to Assam and neighboring northeastern states by road. The roads are scenic, with lush green hills and misty valleys. ๐ฟ
โ Road Routes to Meghalaya:
- From Guwahati to Shillong: 100 km (3 hours) via NH6 ๐ฃ๏ธ
- From Kaziranga to Shillong: 260 km (6 hours) via NH27 ๐
- From Siliguri to Shillong: 560 km (12 hours) via NH27 ๐
๐ Options:
- State Transport Buses: Affordable but slow
- Private Buses (Volvo, AC): Comfortable and faster
- Shared Cabs: Convenient for small groups
๐ Tip: Take a window seat โ the views along the road are breathtaking! ๐ฒ
๐ Self-Drive
- โ Well-maintained roads โ but expect sharp bends and hilly terrain
- โ Fuel stations available along the route
- โ Rent a car from Guwahati if you prefer driving yourself
๐ Tip: Start early to avoid foggy weather, especially in the mornings. ๐ซ๏ธ
Where to Stay in Meghalaya
Meghalaya offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly lodges. Some popular options include:

Luxury
- Polo Orchid Resort
- Abode of Clouds Resort

Eco-luxury
- Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort

Mid-range
- Serene Homestay

Budget-friendly
- Odyssey Stays Nongriat
Final Thoughts
โจ Why Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges Are Special
The root bridges of Meghalaya are more than just natural structures โ they are symbols of sustainability and cultural heritage. Built over generations, these bridges reflect the deep-rooted connection between the Khasi and Jaintia tribes and their natural surroundings. In an age of concrete and steel, these bridges remind us that the strongest structures are often those created in harmony with nature.
“Bridges connect places. Meghalaya’s root bridges connect generations.” ๐ฟ
Plan Your Meghalaya Trip with Us! ๐๐ถ
For bookings and inquiries, contact us:
๐ฒ Call/WhatsApp: +91 7044073097 / 9435733097
๐ง Email: enquiry@holidayeyes.co.in
๐ Website: www.holidayeyes.co.in
Letโs make your Meghalaya adventure unforgettable! ๐ฟ๐ฆ๐