Asia’s cleanest village is located in India. Here’s all you need to know about it

India is home to the Taj Mahal, which is one of the seven wonders of the World. The country boasts several notable records, including the world’s longest railway platform located in Hubli, the largest cricket stadium in the world—Narendra Modi Stadium, the highest railway bridge—Chenab Bridge, and the wettest place on Earth—Mawsynram. But did you know that India is also home to Asia’s cleanest village?

Asia’s cleanest village is located in India. Here’s all you need to know about it

Around 90 km away from the capital city of Shillong in Meghalaya lies Mawlynnong. This small village, with around 100 households, has gained worldwide attention for its cleanliness, eco-friendly lifestyle, and community-driven efforts. Every household has a bamboo dustbin, and littering is strictly avoided. Most structures in the village are made of bamboo. The village also has 100 per cent literacy, and women empowerment is stressed upon significantly.

In Mawlynnong, everyone – young and old – plays a part in keeping the village clean. The rules are the same for all, and if someone breaks them, they are fined. Garbage is not just thrown away. It’s collected in handmade bamboo bins, taken to pits, and later turned into natural manure for plants.

Cleaning is part of daily life. Every Saturday, the village head gives extra work to the residents – like sweeping the school or cleaning up common areas. These tasks are done without any hesitation.

Smoking and plastic are completely banned in Mawlynnong. Instead, people use eco-friendly options. Rainwater harvesting is encouraged so that water is not wasted. These habits have been followed for years and are now part of the village’s identity.

Thanks to all these efforts, travel magazine Discover India has named Mawlynnong the cleanest village in Asia in 2003, and later, the cleanest village in India in 2005.

Apart from its cleanliness, Mawlynnong is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. There are living root bridges nearby – natural bridges formed by the roots of trees, which are a must-see. The village also offers a sky view tower made of bamboo, from where you can see panoramic views of Bangladesh on a clear day.

The best time to visit Mawlynnong is between October and April when the weather is pleasant and the greenery is at its best. While in Meghalaya, you can also explore Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, famous for their waterfalls and rainfall, and Shillong, the state’s charming capital, also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’.

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