When someone asks “Which is the cleanest village in Shillong?”, the answer is proudly Mawlynnong. This small yet iconic village in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya is often referred to as “God’s Own Garden”, and it isn’t just a nickname—it’s a reflection of how pristine, eco-friendly, and picturesque the village is.
In 2003, Discover India declared it the cleanest village in Asia, a title that still draws travelers, photographers, and nature lovers from around the world.
Where is the Cleanest Village in Shillong Located?
Mawlynnong is located in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, close to the India-Bangladesh border. It is about 78 kilometers from Shillong, and roughly 90 kilometers from Dawki, the crystal-clear river destination.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Village Name | Mawlynnong |
| State | Meghalaya |
| District | East Khasi Hills |
| Distance from Shillong | ~78 km (2.5 to 3 hours by road) |
| Distance from Guwahati | ~170 km |
| Nearby attractions | Riwai Root Bridge, Dawki, Bangladesh border |
| Altitude | ~4,900 feet |
| Pin Code | 793110 |
Why Is Mawlynnong the Cleanest Village in Asia?
What makes Mawlynnong Asia’s cleanest village isn’t infrastructure or government schemes—it’s the villagers themselves. The community here believes that cleanliness is not an act but a culture.
👇 Community Practices That Make It the Cleanest:
-
Daily cleaning of homes and streets
-
Bamboo trash bins outside every house
-
No use of plastic; locals even make baskets from leaves
-
Every family contributes to organic composting
-
Children are taught to clean public areas as part of education
-
Strict ban on littering – even tourists are expected to follow rules
📌 Fun Fact: Mawlynnong has a 100% literacy rate. Education is one of the driving forces behind their eco-conscious practices.
World’s Cleanest Village in Meghalaya – Awards and Recognition
Mawlynnong has earned several national and international accolades over the years:
| Year | Recognition |
|---|---|
| 2003 | Cleanest Village in Asia – Discover India |
| 2005 | Cleanest Village in India – Ministry of Tourism |
| 2017 | Model Village under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan |
| 2020 | Nominated as Eco-Village of India |
It’s no surprise that people searching for the world’s cleanest village in Shillong, or even cleanest village in the world, land up here.
Mawlynnong vs Other Cleanest Villages in India
India has several villages known for cleanliness, but Mawlynnong stands apart due to consistent, self-driven efforts by locals.
| Village | State | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Mawlynnong | Meghalaya | Asia’s cleanest, community-driven |
| Punsari | Gujarat | Tech-integrated Smart Village |
| Hiware Bazar | Maharashtra | Water conservation, open defecation-free |
| Khonoma | Nagaland | First green village of India |
How to Reach Mawlynnong from Shillong
Mawlynnong is easily accessible by road from Shillong or Dawki. Whether you’re a solo backpacker or a family traveler, the journey is scenic and enjoyable.
Travel Options:
| Mode | Cost (Approx.) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Private Taxi | ₹2,500–₹3,500 round trip | 2.5–3 hrs |
| Shared Cab | ₹500–₹800 per person | 3–4 hrs |
| Self-drive Bike | ₹700–₹1000/day | 2.5 hrs |
| Tourist Package | ₹1000–₹1500 (with guide) | 1 Day Tour |
Route: Shillong → Mylliem → Pynursla → Mawlynnong
Travel Tip: Roads are curvy and hilly, so plan accordingly if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Best Things to Do in Mawlynnong – A Complete Travel Experience
Many people believe that visiting the cleanest village near Shillong means a short stopover. But Mawlynnong offers much more than cleanliness.
Top Attractions:
-
Living Root Bridge (Riwai Village) – Just 15 minutes away; a must-see natural wonder.
-
Sky View Bamboo Tower – A 85-foot bamboo watchtower offering views of Bangladesh plains.
-
Balancing Rock – A large boulder perfectly balanced on a small stone, still a mystery!
-
Local Village Walk – Observe Khasi culture, visit traditional homes, chat with locals.
-
Botanical Trails – The village is full of orchids, ferns, and medicinal plants.
Where to Stay – Homestays in Mawlynnong Village
Mawlynnong has no commercial hotels—only locally run homestays, which are clean, cozy, and affordable.
| Homestay Name | Facilities | Price (Per Night) |
|---|---|---|
| Areca Guest House | Attached bath, meal | ₹1000–₹1500 |
| Streamside Homestay | Balcony view, hot water | ₹800–₹1200 |
| Mawlynnong Traveller’s Hut | Local cuisine, simple rooms | ₹1000 |
Local Foods to Try:
-
Jadoh (rice + pork)
-
Bamboo shoot curry
-
Tungrymbai (fermented soybean)
-
Rice beer (for cultural experience)
Travel Tips & Do’s and Don’ts for Tourists
To ensure you blend into Mawlynnong’s clean and calm atmosphere, follow these tips:
✅ Do’s:
-
Bring reusable water bottles
-
Respect local traditions
-
Use the provided dustbins
-
Wear comfortable trekking shoes
❌ Don’ts:
-
Avoid plastic bags (strictly banned)
-
Do not photograph people without consent
-
Don’t litter, even accidentally
-
Refrain from playing loud music
Best Time to Visit Mawlynnong
Meghalaya’s weather is misty, romantic, and lush all year—but some months are better for travel.
| Season | Months | Weather Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | March–May | Pleasant, blooming flowers |
| Monsoon | June–September | Greenest, but heavy rainfall |
| Winter | Oct–February | Cool, crisp air and foggy landscapes |
- Ideal Time: October to April
- Village Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM (Entry ₹10–₹50)
Real Stories: Why It’s So Clean – The Human Angle
Unlike cities that depend on municipal staff, Mawlynnong runs on community discipline.
-
Students clean their classrooms every day.
-
Sunday is “Village Cleaning Day” where everyone joins.
-
Elders teach cleanliness as part of Khasi identity.
-
Composting is done using dried leaves and cow dung.
Local Elder’s Say:
“In our culture, keeping the home and land clean is just as important as prayer.”
Final Thoughts – Why Mawlynnong Should Be on Your Bucket List
In a world full of digital noise and urban chaos, Mawlynnong stands as a reminder of how simple living and high thinking can lead to beauty, peace, and sustainability. It’s not just the cleanest village of Shillong—it’s one of the cleanest villages in the world.
Visit it not just for Instagram pictures, but to experience harmony between people and nature.
FAQs For Cleanest Village in Shillong
Which is the cleanest village in Shillong?
Mawlynnong, in East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya.
Is it really the cleanest village in Asia?
Yes, declared by Discover India in 2003 and remains a top eco-tourism destination.
What is the distance from Shillong to Mawlynnong?
Approx. 78 km, takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by road.
Is it the cleanest village in India?
Yes, Mawlynnong has been awarded cleanest village in India and Asia multiple times.
Can foreigners visit the village?
Yes, it is easily accessible.
