Welcome to the second installment of the Mesmerizing Meghalaya series! If you’ve stumbled upon this travelogue directly, I kindly suggest you start by reading the previous part. It’s a truly captivating experience that will leave you enthralled.

BRISK HIKE TO TYRNA:

After an incredible time exploring the Living Root bridges and witnessing the breathtaking waterfalls, we said goodbye to the picturesque Nongriat village. Meeting and engaging with the people at the homestay, including the welcoming family and fellow travelers, was truly a delightful experience. Learning about the lifestyle of the villagers was absolutely fascinating. Following a delicious meal, we started our ascent back to Tyrna, which consisted of a staggering 3,500 steps. To my surprise, my partner kept up with the pace effortlessly. It took us approximately 2 hours to reach the top.

Our destination for the day held so much promise. It was a day filled with long drives through charming villages and scenic viewpoints that took our breath away. We traveled over 100 kilometers to reach a village that perfectly showcased the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Mawlynnong, known as Asia’s cleanest village, is a picturesque gem nestled in the East Khasi district of Meghalaya. Its pristine cleanliness and sustainable community practices have earned it a well-deserved reputation.

ENDLESS ROADS AND SCENIC VISTAS:

But before we could reach this enchanting village, we had to endure a long and tiring journey through winding terrains. Along the way, we made a pitstop at another remarkable restaurant. Ka Briwar is famous for its authentic Khasi cuisine and warm hospitality. They serve a variety of traditional dishes made from local ingredients, giving us a taste of the region’s culinary heritage. As vegetarians, this was our last chance to find quality vegetarian food before continuing our journey. Vegetarian options were scarce for the rest of our trip, so we were grateful for this opportunity.

I have to admit, Ka Briwar was more than just a place to eat. It was an incredible experience to sit at our table and be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of our surroundings. And the food? It was absolutely delicious, leaving us wanting more. After our satisfying meal, we finally arrived at the stunning village of Mawlynnong.

ARRIVAL AT ASIA’S CLEANEST VILLAGE:

First impressions are always important, and Mawlynnong did not disappoint. Its natural beauty was simply awe-inspiring, with vibrant flowers adorning every house. But what truly fascinated me was the sense of community. Mawlynnong is tightly knit, and they follow a matrilineal system where lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother’s side of the family. It was a unique and wonderful aspect of this village that added to its charm.

Upon our arrival and settling into our room, we were immediately faced with a challenge. This particular challenge had been anticipated, as it tends to arise during trips like this. My partner started to develop a sense of fear, which is quite common after being away from familiar surroundings for over 4 to 5 days. This fear is known as an anxiety disorder that causes individuals to avoid places or situations where they feel trapped or unable to easily escape.

Fortunately, having encountered similar conditions before, I was well-prepared to help my partner overcome this discomfort. In her case, she began to feel a sense of loneliness being far away from her homeland, surrounded by unfamiliar languages and unfamiliar faces. These fears are often irrational, but it took some time to ease her worries. How long did it take, you ask? Well, it wasn’t until the next morning, just as the sun was rising! That’s a staggering 14 hours. Remember the sun sets in around 4:30 PM in this part of the world.

Usually, these worries disappear as soon as the sun rises. And that’s exactly what happened with my partner. From an outsider’s perspective, everything seemed perfect to her. We would then leisurely stroll through the village, appreciating the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings. Climbing the numerous bamboo structures, known as skywalk, was an exhilarating adventure. It provided us with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the vast plains of Bangladesh.

Overall, Mawlynnong truly stands out as a remarkable model of sustainable living and a testament to the power of community. Exploring this village goes beyond mere sightseeing; it offers a profound insight into a lifestyle that embraces nature and cherishes its deep-rooted traditions.

Before you navigate to the next part of this mesmerizing series, I’m looking forward to hearing what you think about this one. Please share your thoughts in the comments. You’re also welcome to share this with your loved ones.

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