Mawlynnong is a little village located in the East Khasi Hills district of the north-eastern state Meghalaya. The beauty and pristine nature of Mawlynnong remained a secret in the media up until 2003 when a road was built to finally connect this once remote village to all other neighbouring towns and cities. This is also the year that Discover India named Mawlynnong as the cleanest village in Asia; a remarkable feature that stands as the most defining identity of Mawlynnong. The Khasi tribe is the native community of Mawlynnong, where every resident of the village contributes to maintaining its community-based eco-tourism initiative. Often visited as part of a package tour, Mawlynnong can be explored in a single day trip from cities like Shillong and Cherrapunji located nearby. However, staying over in one of the homestays where you can interact and dine with the locals will also prove to be a wonderful experience. Read to know more about Mawlynnong tourism with the help of this travel guide.

By Air:

The closest airport from Mawlynnong is located in the capital city of Shillong around 90 km away. The Shillong Airport, also known as Umroi Airport, is accessible via domestic flights from all across the country. Travellers can take buses or book a private car to reach Mawlynnong from the airport.

By Road:

Mawlynnong can be reached easily via road from either Shillong or Cherrapunji, which is located roughly 90 km and 92 km away respectively. Buses usually go only till the village of Dawki; from here, travellers need to catch another bus to cover the rest of the 17 km distance to Mawlynnong. A budget-friendly option is to take a cab to the Khasi Hills Sumo stand at the Bara Bazaar market and then take a shared sumo directly to Mawlynnong.

Summer (May – September):

Summer in Mawlynnong is warm and pleasant and one of the best times to visit the village. The average temperature during the days usually ranges between 24-32⁰C, which is quite enjoyable for sightseeing and exploring the attractions of Mawlynnong. Since the monsoons arrive sometime in June or July, travellers should be prepared for rainfall and even occasional thunderstorms at any time of the day.

Spring (March – April) & Autumn (September – October):

Spring and autumn seasons are great time to visit Mawlynnong. The average temperature is around 25⁰C during springtime and around 15⁰C during the autumn months. The weather remains pleasantly good for all kinds of outdoor activities and chances of rain ruining your plans also reduce considerably.

Winter (November – February):

Wintertime in Mawlynnong is associated with sunny and pleasant afternoons and nights that can be considerably cooler. The average temperature during the day is around 14⁰C and during the night is around 5⁰C. Travellers can very easily plan their Mawlynnong trip in the winters as well and enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities during the daytime. 

Walk Across Jingmaham Living Root Bridge:

The Khasi tribe has been directing the growth of large tree roots for generations to build this bridge that crosses over the river and is one of the most popular treks worth making in Mawlynnong. The water that flows underneath is calm and serene where you can spend a good couple of hours by the banks to enjoy the spectacular views around.

Boating on Dawki/Umngot River:

The River Dawki is famously known for its crystal clear water that flows through the forests and rocky landscapes along the India/Bangladesh border. The freshwater river has such clear water that boats appear to float in the air over it. During the spring season, the boat racing competition held on the river brings in even more tourists.

Enjoy the Views from Brun Khongmen Viewpoint:

The Brun Khongmen Viewpoint is situated atop a tall tree in the Riwai village, which rises 85 feet in height and offers amazing views of the rest of the village and the Bisnakandi area of neighbouring Bangladesh. The viewpoint can be reached after climbing a bamboo structure, also known the Sky Walk or Bamboo Watchtowers; there are several such watchtowers in Mawlynnong with the views from Brun Khongmen being the very best of them.

Since Mawlynnong is essentially a village, the best food here is found in the homes of the town residents. There are no commercial restaurants here, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find hearty meals to enjoy while on your stay. The guesthouses here are run by local families who provide home-cooked meals along with accommodation. There are also a number of tea shops in the village that are great for enjoying a hot cup of tea with some snacks while you’re on a day trip.