10 Best Things To Do In Mawlynnong, India

1. Mawlynnong Village

An excellent village planned beautifully with systematically inhabited houses and shops and maintained very well by the localities. The whole place looks like a garden. You can walk around the village and roads; the village is spotlessly clean all around in spite of a number of tourists visiting every day.

Small houses with courtyards, lot of unique flowering plants, trees in each house and the peace and purity of nature is enchanting. For accommodation, homestays are available. It’s a good idea to opt for one as by staying overnight you could view the local culture and living style of the tribal Khasi people. Enjoy the local Khasi cuisine prepared by them and don’t miss the ‘Chicken Thali’ (plate) if you are a non-vegetarian. Treehouses, pitcher plants, the sky watch of Bangladesh, handicrafts shopping, and awesome chicken curry at the Square hotel all entertain travelers here.

Mawlynnong Village

Website: Mawlynnong Village

2. Jingmaham Living Root Bridge

The living root bridge is a marvel of nature and human effort. One can direct roots and trees to grow in a certain way over a period of time, which is quite amazing. The bridge exists as a conduit for people to cross a river. The waterfalls across the rocks and the overall beauty of the place make it quite enchanting. The water stream below the bridge is calm and you can spend a couple of hours enjoying the quietness and specular views of the place.

A must-see, it takes only 15 minutes to trek down to the bridge, but aged persons should think twice about going there as it is a bit troublesome to go up and down through little steep and uneven steps.

Jingmaham Living Root Bridge

Website: Jingmaham Living Root Bridge

3. Mawlynnong Waterfall

On your way to Dawki from Mawlyngnong village through the jungle, Mawlynnong Waterfall is an unexplored, untouched place and you will find yourself in the midst of nature. The sound of birds chirping and the wind gushing in through the thick foliage is mesmerizing. There are two bridges, the new one is used for vehicle movement and the old one is very close to the waterfall. The old bridge offers beautiful photography opportunities. The water flows to the nearby river dividing India and Bangladesh.

Mawlynnong Waterfall

Address: On the way to Dawki

Website: Mawlynnong Waterfall

4. Brun Khongmen View Point Mawlynnong

Brun Khongmen View Point is located on a tree at the Riwai Village near Living Root Bridge. The viewpoint gives you a clear view of the Bisnakandi area of Sylhet district in Bangladesh from the top of the tree. Climbing the bamboo path to see the panoramic view of Bangladesh from India is a delight. There is a fee for climbing the tree house, whose ethnic style is remarkable.

Brun Khongmen View Point Mawlynnong

Address: Riwai Village

5. Balancing Rock Mawlynnong

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

On the outskirts of the village, there is a natural balancing rock. The spot has two stones, a huge boulder resting on a smaller stone; a strange natural phenomenon of a boulder balancing on another rock. Enclosed within a wired fence, the structure has remained intact for ages, weathering all cyclone and storms. According to the locals, it was an ancient shrine of the Khasi tribes, which became redundant after the advent of Christianity in Mawlynnong and Riwai.

Balancing Rock Mawlynnong

Address: Surok Mawlynnong, Mawlynnong

Website: Balancing Rock Mawlynnong

6. Umngot River Dowki: Indian/Bangladesh boarder

The Dowki River or Umngkot River is known for its crystal clear and greenish water, flowing through the rocks and forest, separating India from Bangladesh on the border. Both sides of the river are surrounded by beautiful hills and are full of natural beauty. The river forms the natural boundary between Ri Pnar (of Jaintia Hills) with Hima Khyrim (of Khasi Hills) over which hangs a single span suspension bridge made by the British East India Company.

Umngot River Dowki: Indian/Bangladesh boarder

Address: Indian/Bangladesh border

Website: Umngot River Dowki

7. Tamabil village

Dowki, also known as Tamabil, is an important trade route and the border of India and Bangladesh. Located in the Jaintia Hills, the route is now used to ferry across both passengers and cargo. The border is patrolled by the Jawans of the Border Security Force (BSF) of India on one side and the Security forces of Bangladesh on the other.

The main attraction of the village is the Umngot River. The sight of the river surrounded by hills and greenery with fishermen’s boats dotting its surface right into the plains of Bangladesh is quite majestic. The Umngot is the site for a boat race that is held in March-April. Dowki is also famous for sporting activities like scuba diving, river rafting, cliff jumping, trekking, caving, rock climbing, canyoning, kayaking, and camping.

Tamabil village

Address: India-Bangladesh Border

Website: Tamabil village

8. Mawsmai Cave

Different from typical sightseeing spots, Mawsmai Cave is very narrow with many uneven stones in the path. With water galore and dropping from the top, the journey through uneven path is adventurous. The insides are amply lit and you can see formations of stalactite and stalagmites there.

Mawsmai Cave

Address: Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya 793108

Website: Mawsmai Cave

9. Nohsngithiang Falls

The Nohsngithiang Falls, also known as the Mawsmai Falls or Seven Sisters Falls, is located 1 km (0.6 mi) south of Mawsmai village. The seven segments of waterfall plunge down the limestone cliffs of Khasi Hills. There is a viewing point for the falls on the road to Cherrapunji. Against the backdrop of limestone cliffs, the rainwater-fed waterfall presents an enchanting view. The spectacle of slanting sunlight reflecting off the water is fascinating. The falls flow into a stream in the valley down below. The Polo Orchid Resort is located on the hills opposite to the falls, which offers a great view of the falls, and the plains of Bangladesh beyond.

Nohsngithiang Falls

Address: Cherrapunji

Website: Nohsngithiang Falls

10. Thangkharang Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

A popular picnic and weekend stop, Thangkharang Park is next to the Khoh Ramhah rock. Managed and well maintained by the State Forest Department, you will get to see a variety of trees and plants with their botanical names and a breathtaking view of the Bangladesh plains. This park has a lot of preserved trees and plants. Stalls for self-cooking and a canteen is available inside.

Thangkharang Park

Address: Sohra, Thangkharang Rd., Meghalaya 793108

Website: Thangkharang Park

God’s own Garden

The living root bridge, breathtaking view of Bangladesh plains, the sight of the natural balancing rock, picturesque natural beauty and more in Asia’s cleanest village Mawlynnong will enthrall you. It’s a must-visit place in the north-east region of India, that you will remember for a long time.