Also known as God’s Own Garden, Mawlynnong Village is India’s cleanest village, and for all the right reasons. In 2003 Discover India awarded Mawlynnong the title of the cleanest village in Asia. In addition to cleanliness, the village has accomplished a lot-be it a literacy rate of 100 %, or a women empowerment scenario that the rest of the world can only dream of. But for you to plan a visit and explore this mystic heaven are these reasons enough? If not, here are the top reasons why I feel this small village deserves a lot more travelers.
1. Cleanliness
In Mawlynnong Village, cleanliness is a way of life! Since 2007, all houses here have usable toilets, there are bamboo dustbins all around, even the dry leaves dropped from the trees go straight into the dustbin, plastic bags are banned and smoking is prohibited. The laws are strictly adhered to and the defaulters need to pay a heavy fine. Mawlynnong gets its own manure; converted from the garbage dug into a pit. Not only do people clean their houses, they go out and sweep the sidewalks. Planting trees is also a part of their lifestyle.
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2. Local tribes
Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest town, is mostly inhabited by the Khasi tribe, the famous tribe that has left behind the society’s patriarchal rule. Out here, the family’s children get the surname of their mother, and the money is passed down from the mother to the family’s youngest daughter. Mawlynnong proves that equality of women and a literacy rate of 100 % are both achievable. It also happens that extending warm hospitality to its visitors is one of the most well-known virtues of Mawlynnong people.
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3. Living Root Bridges
Mawlynnong Living Root Bridges have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bridges are built hanging on a river by connecting the aerial roots of one large rubber tree with another.
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4. Places to See In Mawlynnong
Sky View is a landmark and a popular Mawlynnong Village attraction. This viewing tower is built of bamboo and is 85 feet high. You’ll be overcome with the stunning views once you hit the top. And because the village lies on the border with Indo-Bangladesh, you will also be able to see the Bangladesh landscape. The gushing sound of the Mawlynnong waterfall breaks the silence of the forest. It is a great place to unwind with your loved ones and have a lovely picnic. The Church of Epiphany, a major landmark of Mawlynnong Village, is a 100-year-old building that still retains charm from the old world. The premises looks calm, with plenty of greenery and patches of red and orange flowers around it.
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5. Local Food
The best thing about the food you eat at Mawlynnong is that it’s all made from organically grown vegetables. The meat itself comes from birds and animals raised in-house. There is a wide range to savor vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes; choose from pork tossed in bell peppers and vegetables, freshly-cut and smoked banana-flower, Jadoh – a dish based on meat and rice, and Tungrymbai – a sumptuous network of fermented soybeans, bamboo leaves, and local spices.
