Kaziranga National Park welcomes you to the site of the Khasi Hills Sacred Groves at Mawphlang!
Mawphlang is a tinsel town located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. Mawphlang is located around 25 kilometers from Shillong city. The Monoliths at the sacred groves of Mawphlang are revered by the Khasi people of Meghalaya and they have been worshipping these monoliths from times immemorial. In fact Mawphlang derives its name from these monoliths where the word maw means “stone”, maw phlang means “grassy stone,” and is one of many settlements in the Khasi hills named after monoliths.
Mawphlang is famous for its sacred groves forests. There is also a Khasi Heritage Village here that plays host to the Monolith Festival of Meghalaya every year in March. The David Scott trail of Meghalaya also starts at Mawphlang.
Places of Tourist Interest at Mawphlang ~
1| The Khasi Hills Sacred Groves Mawphlang ~
The Sacred groves or forests are one of the most remarkable features of the Khasi Hills, which have been preserved by traditional religious sanction, since the ancient days. The Mawphlang Sacred Forest is one of the most famous sacred grove and it has an amazing life form of plants, flowering trees, orchids and butterflies. An ideal destination for nature lovers.
The sacred-groves which have been preserved since time immemorial, are in sharp contrast to their surrounding grasslands. These groves are generally rimmed by a dense growth of Castanopsis kurzii trees, forming a protective hedge which halts intrusion of Pinus kasia (Khasi pine) which dominates all areas outside the sacred groves. Inside the outer rim, the sacred groves are virtually Nature’s Own Museum. The trees in every sacred grove are heavily loaded with epiphytic growth of aroids, pipers, ferns, fern-allies and orchids.
2| Khasi Heritage Village Mawphlang ~
Mawphlang is home to the Khasi Heritage Village which was built by the Government of Meghalaya to showcase the rich culture and heritage of the tribes of Meghalaya. This Khasi Heritage village plays host to the Monolith Festival of Meghalaya which showcases the varied culture of Meghalaya under one roof. The Monolith Festival is celebrated every year in the month of March and the tinsel town of Mawphlang is flooded with visitors from across India and abroad! When at Mawphlang, the Khasi Heritage village is a must visit to get a glimpse of the life of the people of Meghalaya.
3| Ecotourism Homestay at Maple Pine Farm ~
The Maple Pine Farm Homestay is a beautiful farm house on the outskirts of Mawphlang. The family of James Perry, a Canadian who’s spent most of his life in Northeast India, lives in the same property and there are log cabins, which he’s built with his own hands, available for guests. The property is completely off-grid, with electricity harnessed through solar panels and windmills, and with limited or no phone and internet connectivity at most times. It lies encircled by a stream and you can sit outside for hours watching the grazing horses, fluttering butterflies and the locals go about their daily lives. If you enjoy walking, you’re in for a treat as the Sacred Grove, one of the most beautiful forests, lies a short hike away.
4| David Scott Trail Trek Mawphlang ~
Beginning at Mawphlang and continuing to the outskirts of Cherrapunji, the David Scott Trail Trek is one of the most popular and pristine trekking routes in Meghalaya. A British officer named David Scott discovered this route and hence the name David Scott Trek. The trek route is spread in over 100 km and takes around 5 days to get covered, on-foot. This trail route is separated into smaller trekking routes and the trail between Mawphlang and Lad Mawphlang is the most famous one.
Sample Itinerary details for your visit to Mawphlang in Meghalaya ~
Day 1 ~ The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary ~ Home to the Highest Population density of One Horned Indian Rhinoceros
Arrive at Guwahati Airport. On arrival you will be received by our representative at the airport offering a warm welcome in traditional Assamese style. From the Airport drive to the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary to spot the One Horned Rhinoceros of Assam, an endangered Rhino breed indigenous to Assam. The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has the highest population density of One Horned Rhinoceros anywhere in the World. Also, visit the Mayong Museum. Mayong is the famous land of black magic in India. Although black magic is no longer practiced, you will find relics in the museum showcasing these practices that were prevalent earlier.
Night Stay: Maibong Eco Resort at Pobitora or similar (1 Deluxe Cottage)
Meals Included: NA
Day 2 ~ Pobitora & Cherrapunji ~ Umiam Lake, Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Caves, Seven Sister Falls
Early morning go for a thrilling Jeep Safari/Elephant Safari into the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Spend your time near the Eco Resort and spot some rare Bird species at Pobitora. After Breakfast, depart to Cherrapunji. The roads are good, so enjoy the lovely drive through the lush green hills. Upon arrival at Meghalaya visit the Umiam Lake. The largest artificial water reservoir of North East India, the Umiam Lake is scenic because of its pristine clear and blue waters. Arrive at Cherrapunji and visit the Nohkalikai Falls ~ India’s Tallest Plunge Waterfall. If time and weather conditions permit, visit the Mawsmai Caves and the Seven Sister Falls ~ India’s Second Tallest Plunge Waterfall.
Night Stay: Saimika Resort/Sohra Plaza at Cherrapunji (1 Deluxe Cottage)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3 ~ Cherrapunji ~ Double Decker Living Root Bridge (Trek Duration ~ 5 – 6 HRS)
Today after breakfast, we kick start the Double Decker Living Root Bridge Trek at Nongriat Village near Cherrapunji. Duration of trek is 5 – 6 hours. We will also spot the Single Decker Living Root Bridge at Cherrapunji.
Highlights of the Trek:
- These Living Root Bridges (Single and Double Decker) are one of the most unique bridges in the world. They are grown by the ancient tribes of the Khasi hills
- Pools with pristine blue water
- Cross Hanging Bridge
- Picturesque Views
After the trek we’ll have lunch at the Local Market at Cherrapunji and savor Ethnic Khasi Delicacies and Cuisine. Later visit the Dainthlen Falls and wrap up for the day.
Night Stay: Saimika Resort/Sohra Plaza at Cherrapunji (1 Deluxe Cottage)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4 ~ Pynursla ~ Longest Living Root Bridge (Trek Duration ~ 2 HRS)
Today after breakfast, we’ll drive to Pynursla. From there we kick start our trek to the Longest Living Root Bridge accessible in the East Khasi Hills at Pynursla (Organised by Jungleideas only).
Highlights of the Trek:
- Longest Living Root Bridge
- Virgin Wilderness
- Picturesque Views
- Jungle Hike
Arrive a Mawlynnong ~ the Cleanest Village in Asia. At Mawlynnong, visit the village and take a view of the Country of Bangladesh from a Watch Tower. Evening get a glimpse of a traditional Khasi Tribes way of life including their cooking traditions. Savor traditional Khasi cuisine with the Khasi Tribes of Mawlynnong.
Night Stay: Harud Wahduid (Brookside) Homestay at Mawlynnong
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5 ~ Mawlynnong & Dawki (Border of India and Bangladesh)
Today, our day starts in the beautiful village of Mawlynnong, settled in the wilderness of East Khasi Hills. Morning after breakfast we visit the Living Root Bridge of Mawlynnong. You spend the day simply enjoying the nature of the place. Get your camera out, make notes of the place, read a book or anything that unwinds you.
For Sightseeing, Options are:
- Asia’s cleanest village
- Balancing Rock
- Village Walks
We get back to our base for lunch. Take your time for yourself, making notes, checking the picture or getting some more sleep. Then we‘ll go out for Dawki site seeing.
Dawki Sight Seeing Options:
- Clear Water Boating on the Umngot River at Dawki
- Bangaldesh Border at Tamabil
Night Stay: Harud Wahduid (Brookside) Homestay at Mawlynnong
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6 ~ Mawphlang (Khasi Hills Sacred Groves) and Guwahati
Depart from Mawlynnong Village to the Khasi Hills Sacred Groves at Mawphlang. Breakfast on the way at Pynursla at a Restaurant overlooking the lush green Hills of Meghalaya overlooking the plains of Bangladesh. Arrive at Mawphlang. The word ‘maw’ means ‘stone’, ‘maw phlang’ means ‘grassy stone’, and is one of many settlements in the Khasi hills named after Monoliths. Mawphlang is the site of one of the Khasi Hills sacred groves. Khasi Heritage Village- located at the Mawphlang is considered to be the hub of Khasi culture and host to the Monolith Festival of Mawphlang every year in March.Visit the Sacred Groves at Mawphlang. Depart to Guwahati.
Night Stay: Hotel Bhargav Grand at Guwahati
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7 ~ Umananda Island, Treasured Wheels Museum and Chandubi Lake
After an early Breakfast we will visit the Umananda River Island in Guwahati. Umananda is the smallest inhabited River Island in the World famous for its population of the highly endangered primate species of the Golden Langur to be found anywhere in the World. Later we will visit the Treasured Wheels Museum at Sonapur near Guwahati. This museum has on display many Vintage Cars, Motorcycles and other artifacts from the Era of the World War II. After lunch we will depart to the Chandubi Lake near Guwahati. This Lake is a prime tourist attraction near Guwahati and was formed during the earthquake of 1897 in Assam. On your way spot the exotic Tea Gardens of Assam and the rural life of the villages in Assam. At Chandubi spend an evening with the Rabha Tribes of Assam learning their way of life and savoring traditional tribal cuisine.
Night Stay: Tents at the Chandubi Jungle Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8 ~ Chandubi Lake and Depart from Guwahati Airport
Morning take an adventurous Boat ride on the Chandubi Lake. Enjoy a tour of Bedazzled Birdwatching near the Chandubi Lake. A prime water reservoir for Migratory Birds during winter, don’t forget to capture images of exotic bird species here. We will take you on a tour of Tea Gardens near Chandubi and you will experience the art of Tea Plucking here. Later we will drop you at the Guwahati Airport for your onward destination. Tour Ends. Bid Adieu!
Meals Included: Breakfast
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