God's Own Garden (Part II) : Mawlynnong, Shillong

Immersed in the beauty of Shillong, I made my way to Mawlynnong, cleanest village in Asia located in east khasi hill district of meghayala (North East, India). It was awarded the title of the cleanest village in Asia in 2003 and the cleanest in India in 2005 by Discover India magazine.

It is a beautiful village, absolutely picturesque location and interestingly high in literacy rate as well. Cleanliness is the way of life here. you can find bamboo basket outside every house and all over the village used as bins. No plastic bags, solar system in most of the houses, neat and clean pathways, bamboo huts surrounded by colorful flowers, lush green vegetation and fresh air will definitely make your day. I have not found even a single dry leaf on the streets. People not only clean their houses but they step out to sweep the roads as well.

This village of approximately 600 people has really created a milestone in cleanliness. " Clean India Mission " is really seems successful here.

Well, I have started exploring Mawlynnong and the first thing explored was food. The best part about the food was that , it was prepared using organically grown vegetables. Big no to pesticide, its a organic state. There is a wide variety to vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes to savor; i choose both. No wonder i am big time foodie. The food served was simple and delicious. Vegetarian food include simple daal-rice and bamboo pickle and no-veg food include meat and rice locally called as Jadoh. Proper arrangements has been made for washing hands. The premises look pure and soothing with bamboo huts, smell of blossoming flowers, chanting birds and gentle wind.

Bamboo restaurant premises

Extending warm hospitality to their guests is one of the most well-known qualities of the natives of Mawlynnong.

Post lunch and 20 min walk on a link road and i encounter my second destination "The Living Root Bridge". It is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This bridge has been made by connecting the aerial roots of gigantic rubber tree. looks like roots are woven/twisted to make this bridge, mesh of roots you can say. Silence of the place was broken by the gushing sound of flowing water. Only 1-2 person are allowed to cross the bridge at a time. Hanging on a river fold multiple adventure to it. It is the most beautiful and natural bridge i have ever seen. I sent almost two hours in this location. Clicked 500 pictures from different angle. This is the single route bridge but don't miss the chance to see here are double dacekar route bridge in cherrapunjee. Entry to place will cost you around INR 10 per person.

Living root bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

I can't stop myself posing here

The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but i have promises to keep, and miles to go before i sleep, and miles to go before i sleep. -Robert frost

Local shop for handicraft

On return to Umiam, i have purchased a shawl as a token of the place. I have a huge collection of stuff collected from different places. May be someday i will write on those as well.

I wish i could stay here for long.

Next day i had a early morning flight to Delhi from Guwahati, so skipped Sky View, an 85 feet high viewing tower that’s made of bamboo.

It's a Perfect place to relax in the lap of mother nature with your loved ones.

I have reached Umiam at 7:30 pm and attended the cultural eve at Agriculture Research complex ICAR, Barapani.

lets have a gimps altogether of the cultural heritage.