Known as “God’s Own Garden,” the title of Asia’s Cleanest Village 2025 has officially gone to Mawlynnong. It is a small village in North East India, particularly in the East Khasi Hills district of the Meghalaya state.
Mawlynnong first gained international fame as Asia's cleanest village in 2003, declared by Discover India magazine. In 2025, the village once again upheld its reputation as a model of community-driven environmental management.
About Mawlynnong Village
Located in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, Mawlynnong village has a population of only about 900 people and 95 households.
The Khasi tribe predominantly inhabits this village. This tribe is well-known for leaving the patriarchal rule behind. In this tribe, the children get a surname from their mother. Moreover, the youngest daughter of the family is the one who inherits the wealth
Keys to Its Cleanliness
Mawlynnong stands out because of its strict waste management and sustainability practices. Here are some keys to Mawlynnong’s cleanliness:
- Bamboo dustbins are placed across the village for organized waste collection
- Composting pits for organic waste to reduce landfill impact
- Ban on plastic bags and smoking
- Daily cleaning routines carried out by residents, even sweeping the road and planting trees
- Each home has its own functional toilets
These practices are obediently followed by its people, making the village a remarkable model of community-driven sustainability.
Tourist Attractions
Mawlynnong is open to visitors and has become one of Meghalaya’s most popular eco-tourism destinations. There are some destinations that travelers can experience.
One of the most popular attractions in Mawlynnong Village is the Sky View Tower which is made of bamboo. Visitors can see the magnificent landscape of the Indo-Bangladesh border from 85 feet high.
Another must-visit place in Maylynnong is the Living Root Bridges, which also became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Living Root Bridges are a natural wonder of a bridge that is created by guiding and connecting the aerial roots of one large rubber tree to another.
Last but not least, the 100-year-old Church of Epiphany. This is a major landmark in Mawlynnong village, offering a gorgeous architecture of the church enriched by abundant greenery and splashes of red and orange flowers in bloom over the building.
Mawlynnong, as Asia's cleanest village 2025, offers a bunch of beautiful natural and cultural attractions, making it a perfect place for those who seek eco-tourism activities.
Award Criteria
There are some strict criteria from the judge to select Asia’s Cleanest Village 2025, which are:
- Waste management systems
- Community participation in cleanliness drives
- Ban on plastics and environmental awareness from each resident
- Infrastructure supporting hygiene (toilets in every household)
- Eco-tourism readiness without compromising sustainability
Context and Comparison
Mawlynnong has repeatedly held this reputation for years. In 2024, the same recognition also highlighted Mawlynnong as Asia’s model clean village, making 2025 another consecutive year of global acknowledgment for the village.
This enduring recognition proves Mawlynnong’s sustainable living that could become an inspiration for India and the entire continent.
The award Mawlynnong holds as Asia’s Cleanest Village 2025 underscores more than a tourist attraction. This honor continues to make Mawlynnong as a blueprint for a cleaner and sustainable future.
