Place Details:
Located at a distance of 78 km from Shillong, Mawlynnong has emerged as a popular destination in the past decade. Why, you ask? It’s because it has earned the reputation of the cleanest village in Asia. Thanks to a reporter who visited the village in 2003 and called it the cleanest village in Asia, the village has become a tourist attraction. Despite the popularity, not many people visit Mawlynnong on account of its obscure location. It’s a shame though as the road from Shillong to Mawlynnong is one of the most scenic routes in the state. Located in the East Khasi Hills district, the route to Mawlynnong takes you through some magnificent farmlands and lovely cloud-capped hillocks. (DO SEE Beautiful pictures of Mawlynnong that prove it is truly the cleanest village in Asia)
Once you reach Mawlynnong, you see what the fuss is all about. The cleanliness maintained in the village, and the entire region actually, is part of the culture in this part of India. From the moment they wake people, people in the village including little kids start cleaning their surroundings. There are little conical dust bins installed all across the village. The clean road that stretched through the village is flanked by beautiful homes, each one of which has a marvelous garden. There are several home stays available here. One of the first houses you come across also has a tree house which serves a view point offering splendid views of the Bangladesh border. Options to eat are limited but the ambiance of the village more than makes up for it. (ALSO SEE Mawlynnong: Is Asia’s cleanest village highly overrated?)
The only way to reach Mawlynnong is via Shillong. You can take a flight to Guwahati or directly to Shillong and then take a private vehicle to Mawlynnong. It is worth spending at least a couple of days here to soak in the lovely rural ambiance. the nearby living root bridges are worth a visit and so are excursions to Cherrapunji and Dawki.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SHILLONG
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Shillong is as given below. The best time to visit Shillong is also specified.