Simple homestay in Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
4.3· 220 stays
Things to do nearby.
Mawlynnong village itself is the main attraction. Known as Asia's cleanest village, the best time to explore is early in the morning, before the tourist crowds arrive. A short walk away is the Riwai sky walk, a viewpoint made of bamboo, offering views over the plains of Bangladesh.
The living root bridges are a worth seeing. The famous double-decker bridge at Nongriat is a challenging but rewarding trek, involving a descent of about 3,500 steps. For caving, the Mawsmai and Krem Phyllut caves near Cherrapunji offer a glimpse into the region's limestone formations.
Further afield is Dawki, on the Bangladesh border. The Umngot river here is known for its crystal-clear water, especially from January to March, making it seem as if boats are floating on air. Nearby, Nohkalikai Falls is India's tallest plunge waterfall, a dramatic sight, particularly during the monsoon.
Getting there.
By Air: The nearest major airport is in Guwahati (GAU), about 100km from Shillong and a further drive to Mawlynnong. It's a 3-4 hour drive from the airport. Shillong’s Umroi Airport (SHL) is closer (around 95km from Mawlynnong) but has limited flights, mostly connecting through Kolkata.
By Rail: The nearest major railway station is Guwahati. There is no rail connectivity in Meghalaya. From the station, you can hire a taxi for the journey to Mawlynnong.
By Road: Shillong is the main hub for travel within Meghalaya. Mawlynnong is a 95km drive from Shillong. Taxis are readily available from Shillong and Guwahati.
Best time to visit.
The best time to visit the Khasi Hills is from October to April, when the weather is dry and pleasant. The monsoon, from June to September, brings over 10,000mm of rain. While this makes the landscape incredibly lush and green, it can also lead to closures of certain caves and waterfalls. Travel during this time requires flexibility.



