Mawlynnong won the status of being the cleanest village in Asia, in 2003.

I have lived my entire life in an urban jungle. The opportunity to get away to the mountains and stay at a village for a night was like a cherry on the cake. I couldn’t wait to get to the magical paradise of Mawlynnong, located 100 kms from Shillong. This little village has won the status of being the cleanest village (2003), not just in
India, but in Asia as well.

It was a time for many a firsts for me; my first trip to Meghalaya, my first stay in a village and the first time I saw the rare Living Root Bridges. After soaking in the beauty of Shillong for a couple of days I made my way to Mawlynnong, located in the East Khasi Hills, almost near Bangladesh.

Upon reaching there I was stumped. The village was not only spotlessly clean but, it was one of the prettiest ones I have seen in any country. I was greeted warmly and escorted to the guest house, my home for that night! It was a novel experience for me as I walked on cobbled streets that were bordered with thatched Khasi huts and gardens full of colourful flowers. Bamboo basket stationed outside every house, helped keep the village clean.

I reached the guest house which was entirely made of bamboo. It almost seemed like a tree house as it was raised on stilts, constituting two tiny bedrooms, a living room, a veranda with a machan connected to the veranda along bamboo poles and jute. It resembled a typical Khasi hut in it’s serene and calming environment, just sitting there amidst greenery with a gentle gurgling waterfall. Post lunch I just wanted to laze around with no agenda, no mobile with no internet. But, it was time to go see the magnificent Living Root Bridges.

After a 15-minute walk, I encountered one of the most spectacular natural bridges, made with the twisted roots of the gigantic rubber tree. The roots made a pathway across a stream, enabling villagers to commute. These bridges were  extremely unique and are only seen in Meghalaya.

Cherrapunjee has a number of such bridges, fashioned by Khasi villagers, who over decades have woven the roots of ficus trees to form a bridge across rivulets and streams. The hardy roots slowly grow to form a cantilevered and intertwined mesh that forms a bridge over waterways. Many of these bridges can only be reached by hiking through the forest for several hours.

The Sky View is another interesting construction of the villagers. It is an 85 feet high viewing tower that’s  made of just bamboo.  When I ascended to the top of the tower I saw a  stunning view of not just the village, but even  the  neighbouring country of Bangladesh on the other side. It was simply gorgeous!

A simple meal of dal, rice,  potato and red chillies for dinner was followed by bed time.

Next day I left the village, not before the village children beamed and waved happily, as I set off. That’s when I realised that it was the simplicity and warmth of the people that made Mawlynnong so special for me.

Getting there:

There are regular flights from all metro cities to Guwahati.

From here Mawlynnong is 190 kms away. You can break the journey at Shillong, 118km from the
airport. A&W

source: lonelyplanet

Image credits:  Pallavi Pasricha