Mawlynnong is a village which is located in the East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. This village comes under the Pynursla community development block and Vidhan Sabha (legislative assembly) constituency. It is also known as "God"s Own Garden". This village was registered as the cleanest village in Asia in 2003. It had also earned the distinction of being the cleanest village in India in 2005. Both these distinctions were declared by the travel magazine, "Discover India".
Geography of Mawlynnong Village
Mawlynnong Village is situated about 90 km from Shillong, along the India-Bangladesh border.
Demography of Mawlynnong Village
According to the census report of 2011, there were about 82 households in Mawlynnong village, which increased to about 95 households in 2014. As of June 2015, this village had a population of about 500. The community is inhabited by a section of people called the Khasi. The literacy rate noted in this village is 100%. The local people earn their livelihood by engaging themselves in agricultural activities. The main crop grown by these people is betel nut.
Sanitation in Mawlynnong Village
Cleanliness is the most critical feature of Mawlynnong village. In fact, this village is saluted for its `spirit of cleanliness`. Every Mawlynnong villager is proud of this fact. The local residents of this village have taken immense efforts in cleaning the roads, picking up leaves and throwing garbage in the bin. Waste produced in this village has utility as manure. This waste is collected in the dustbins made of bamboo and then is directed to a pit. Also, Moasunep Kichu`s documentary refers this village as Asia`s Cleanest Village.
Tradition of Mawlynnong Village
Mawlynnong Village is famous for its tradition among the Khasi people, which relates to the transfer of property and wealth from the mother to the youngest of her daughters. She also inherits her mother`s surname.
Tourism in Mawlynnong Village
Mawlynnong is a small village, but has immense potential for tourism. In fact, this village is a community based eco-tourism initiative. The Sky Walk in this village successfully serves as a tourism product. Characteristically, this is a "machan" or observatory and is about 80 feet high. This place is also famous for Living Root Bridge and Natural Balancing Rock. Tourists can also indulge themselves in trekking, to admire the beauty of nature, preserved in this village. Monsoon is marked by lush greenery all around, with waterfalls paving the way to small streams. Abundance of flowering orchids dangling from the trees and hedges also has potential to allure the visitors.
Visiting Information
Nearest airport to Mawlynnong village is in Shillong. This village is accessible from Shillong and Cherrapunjee by road.
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