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Humans and nature live in harmony in this quaint gem of a village near Shillong.
Mawlynnong is a picturesque village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. Often referred to as "God's own garden" or "Asia's cleanest village", Mawlynnong has gained recognition for its pristine natural beauty and commitment to cleanliness and environmental sustainability. Dive into my account of exploring this immaculate and charming destination.
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Mawlynnong lies about 90 km south of Shillong. You can hire a daily cab or join a guided tour. When I first arrived in Mawlynnong, I was stumped by the riot of foliage. It was akin to stepping into a nature reserve so clean that one could eat off the stone slab pathway. The locals work together to keep the village spotless, a practice that is all too lost in urban areas.
Upon my arrival in the village, an unexpected welcoming committee appeared in the form of a proud rooster. Its crowing seemed to symbolise an invitation to embrace the village's unique way of life. As I ventured further, I discovered that bamboo was the cornerstone of Mawlynnong's construction. From houses to fences, bridges, and communal structures, bamboo was omnipresent. Witnessing its strength and versatility, I even attempted to construct a bamboo structure myself, quickly realising that the villagers' proficiency made the task appear deceptively easy. Exploring the village further, I couldn't help but notice flowers and plants everywhere. Turns out, the villagers love their plants and take good care of them. Planting trees is not a chore for them; it's a way of life. The paths in the village were lined with bamboo bins that are used to collect fallen leaves, which is later turned into manure. Plastic and smoking are completely banned.
But wait, there's more! A short distance away, I discovered something extraordinary—living root bridges. These are bridges made by guiding the roots of rubber trees across rivers until they grow together. The roots, still living, are nature's own construction project! The bioengineering marvel is an experience in itself and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the highlights of my trip was the Skywalk. Imagine walking on a bamboo structure high up in the sky! It was a bit scary, but the views were breathtaking. I felt like I was flying among the trees. The bamboo skywalk is free for all to enjoy. Although I had to concentrate hard to keep my balance, it was a thrilling experience! The village is very close to Bangladesh. You can see the neighbouring country from the structure's top, depending on where you're looking.
The village's cuisine is a true embodiment of sustainability, with organic vegetables sourced from local gardens and farm animals providing meat for their dishes. It's remarkable to witness this self-sufficiency firsthand. Whether you're a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, you'll find a variety of options to tantalise your taste buds. Some of the popular spots are Cafe Cherrapunjee, Mawlynnong Guest House, and Mawlynnong Bamboo Restaurant. I ordered the thali; there was Jadoh, a mix of meat and rice, and Tungrymbai, a blend of fermented soybeans, bamboo leaves, and local spices. The flavours were simple and homely, but bold. I say bold because the unassuming chillies in the dishes packed quite a punch.
Embracing the concept of community-based tourism, the villagers look forward to visitors. For tourists like me, it's a remarkable opportunity to intimately experience their culture and traditions. Although my attempt at a traditional dance showcased my lack of rhythm, the locals were incredibly supportive, reminding me that it's alright to find humor in our own mishaps. Overall, Mawlynnong stands as a shining example of how a community's collective efforts can create a clean and sustainable environment. It offers a serene refuge from the chaos of urban life and grants us a glimpse into a lifestyle harmoniously interwoven with the natural world. The residents stand as guardians, battling against litter with superhero-like determination. It's a lesson that resonates deeply—preserving our environment's cleanliness and greenery is everyone's responsibility. If you ever get a chance to visit Mawlynnong, seize the opportunity without any hesitation! Let yourself be inspired by the villagers' warmth, the purity of nature, and their unwavering hospitality.
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