Tucked away in the lush hills of Meghalaya, ๐ฎ๐ณ the village of Mawlynnong is more than just scenic โ it holds the proud title of โAsiaโs Cleanest Villageโ! ๐ This isnโt just a tourism slogan โ itโs a way of life, built on generations of community values, eco-consciousness, and discipline. ๐
Letโs explore how this tiny village of about 600 people became a global symbol of cleanliness and sustainability. ๐๐
๐งน 1. Community-Driven Cleanliness ๐ซ๐ช
In Mawlynnong, cleanliness is not enforced โ it’s voluntary and cultural. Every villager, young or old, takes part in daily cleaning duties.
๐ฎ Bamboo dustbins are placed at every corner.
๐ง Even school kids participate in village upkeep.
๐ค No outside force โ just community spirit and pride.
โCleanliness is next to godlinessโ isnโt just a saying here โ itโs a way of life. ๐


๐ชต 2. Use of Natural Materials ๐โป๏ธ
Forget plastic! ๐ Mawlynnong has long embraced eco-friendly, biodegradable alternatives:
๐ฝ๏ธ Plates made of leaves
๐งบ Dustbins made of bamboo
๐ Homes built using locally sourced stone and wood
Sustainability isnโt just a trend here โ itโs tradition. ๐ฑ
๐ซ 3. Ban on Plastic & Smoking โ๐ฌ
To maintain its pristine status, the village bans plastic bags and smoking. Locals and visitors alike are expected to follow this rule strictly.
๐๏ธ Tourists are requested to carry cloth or jute bags
๐ฏ No littering โ not even a candy wrapper is overlooked!


๐งโ๐ 4. Education & Awareness ๐ซ๐
The secret behind Mawlynnong’s long-lasting cleanliness? Awareness and education.
๐ฉโ๐ซ Schools teach cleanliness and eco-living early
๐ชง Signboards around the village gently remind visitors to keep the area clean
The idea is to pass on the mindset, not just the rules.
๐ธ 5. Gardening & Aesthetic Beauty ๐บ๐ผ
Apart from being clean, the village is visually beautiful.
๐ท Every home has a manicured garden
๐ชด Plants line walkways and windows
๐ณ Trees and flowers are a part of the village decor
Itโs not just clean โ itโs picture-perfect! ๐ธโจ


๐ผ 6. Clean Tourism = Responsible Tourism ๐๐ฐ
Tourism in Mawlynnong is carefully managed. There are rules for guests, homestays, and local guides to ensure the village stays protected:
๐ Homestays follow eco-friendly practices
๐งญ Local guides educate tourists on village rules
๐งWater waste is monitored & managed
Tourists leave inspired โ and often cleaner than they came! ๐
โจ Bonus: Sky View Tower ๐
Want a 360ยฐ view of this paradise? ๐ Climb the Sky View Tower, a bamboo structure offering a view of the Bangladesh plains and Meghalaya hills. ๐
Itโs a perfect metaphor for what Mawlynnong is โ grounded in roots, yet visionary. ๐ชต๐๏ธโ๐จ๏ธ

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
๐ Final Thoughts
Mawlynnong isnโt just Asiaโs cleanest village โ itโs a reminder that a small community with a strong will can lead by example. ๐ค๏ธ
Whether you’re a traveler, an eco-warrior, or someone looking for inspiration, Mawlynnong is a living lesson in how beauty, community, and sustainability can thrive together. ๐
๐งณ Plan your visit โ and remember:
Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but inspiration. ๐ฟ๐ฃ
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