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Located in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, approximately 90 kilometres from Shillong, lies "God's Own Garden", Mawlynnong, which has been given the title of Asia's cleanest village. This place has received global attention for its exceptional cleanliness, environmental consciousness, and sustainable living practices.
More than this, the fruit orchards, rushing streams, evergreen surroundings, and the swaying palms are what make this place picture-perfect and a part of everyone's bucket list. The most famous icon of Meghalaya is found here – the Nohwet Living Root Bridge. "The bridge was created by weaving the roots of the Ficus Elastica tree around a framework and continuing this process for generations. These living root bridges are a staple of Khasi traditional architecture and were important for the villages in the steep valleys and mountains, helping the people connect and travel to the plains to trade," says the official website of Meghalaya Tourism.

For the unversed, Mawlynnong is predominantly inhabited by the Khasi tribe - which is known for its matrilineal society where lineage and inheritance pass through the female line. This unique social structure is rare in India and it empowers women and fosters a strong sense of community. As a result of this, the village boasts a 100% literacy rate, with English widely spoken among residents.
Tourism also plays a significant role in Mawlynnong's economy, attracting visitors with its natural beauty. Apart from the living root bridges, another highlight is the Sky View Tower, a bamboo structure offering stunning views of the surrounding forests and the plains of Bangladesh.
Mawlynnong's journey to becoming Asia's cleanest village is an empowering example of power of collective action. Its residents have proven that sustainable living and community participation can create a pristine environment - which can also run the economy. And with this, Mawlynnong continues to be a beautiful example worldwide.