Mawlynnong; a village often referred to as ‘God’s own Garden’, is located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya and is best known for being the cleanest village in Asia. The town is decorated with the beauty of abundant greens and flowers, along with neat rows of almost a hundred huts that house a wonderful community of the Khasi tribe. Visitors to the village can trek through its forests and explore its beautiful little corners while also enjoying wonderful views of neighbouring Bangladesh. The residents of Mawlynnong work relentlessly towards maintaining the impeccable status of their village, which is truly an initiative that should be emulated by all regions of the country. Visitors to Mawlynnong are always greeted warmly by the local community and there is often much to learn from them about adopting parts of their lifestyle, which can prove beneficial to our surroundings as well. To know more about some of the best things to do when you visit Mawlynnong, here are all our recommendations.

Mawlynnong is a brilliantly planned village with systematically arranged shops and houses, which are perfectly inhabited and maintained by the locals who reside here. The entire village could easily pass off as a large lovely garden. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the spotlessly clean roads and explore the unique plants, trees and flowers that bloom in the courtyards and outside each house. There are homestays available for those looking for accommodation, which is a great idea if you would prefer to stay over and learn the local culture of the Khasi tribe. Don’t forget to try the regional food of the Khasi people, along with some retail therapy with handicraft shopping from the village as well.

Humans have been manipulating the growth of trees and their roots for a long period of time, and the living root bridge of Mawlynnong is a fine example that combines nature and human efforts. The Khasi tribe has been directing the growth of these tree roots for generations to build this bridge that crosses over the river and is used like any other normal bridge. 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. Reaching the bridge takes some amount of difficult trekking though, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

One of the most fascinating spots for photographers who visit Mawlynnong, the Mawlynnong Waterfalls are encountered by travellers on their way from Dawki to Mawlynnong village while passing through the forests. The waterfalls are largely unexplored and remain untouched by human interferences, with immense natural beauty that surrounds the entire region. The sound of the birds and the wind gushing through the thick foliage creates a mesmerizing ambience that complements the beauty of the waterfall. There are two bridges here that offer even more camera-worthy moments. The water from the falls flows to the river that divides India from Bangladesh.

The Brun Khongmen Viewpoint is situated atop a tall tree in the Riwai village, a little distance away from the Living Root Bridge. The viewpoint can be reached after climbing a bamboo structure, also known the Sky Walk or Bamboo Watchtowers, which rises 85 feet in height and offers amazing views of the rest of the village and the Bisnakandi area of neighbouring Bangladesh. There are a number of bamboo watchtowers situated within the village; the Brun Khongmen requires a fee for climbing the treehouse and offers some of the most remarkable views in the region.

The River Dawki is famously known for its crystal clear water that flows through the forests and rocky landscapes along the India/Bangladesh border. Dawki is a border town located nearby that receives plenty of tourists each year for its scenic beauty, surrounded by majestic hills and natural wonders. The Dawki river serves as a natural boundary between the Khasi Hills and the Jaintia Hills with a single span suspension bridge that hangs over the river. 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. Travellers can also try out other activities here like canyoning, kayaking, and river rafting along with cliff jumping, rock climbing and trekking.

A strange yet natural phenomenon, the Balancing Rock is one of the top tourist attractions of Mawlynnong and is located along the outskirts of the village. Consisting of a large boulder balanced on another smaller rock, the location makes for great pictures even though it has been enclosed within a wired fence for security measures. The structure has stood in the same position for centuries, withstanding all kinds of weather changes. The locals believe the rock formation to be an ancient shrine of the Khasi tribes; after the advent of Christianity in Mawlynnong, the religious significance of the balancing rock became redundant but it still remains a sight to behold.