Meghalaya, the rainiest state of India literally means. Abode above the clouds ( मेघ = बादल, आलय= घर) is one of the most beautiful and picture perfect states of India. A part of the seven eastern sisters, it is very much less explored as a tourist destination perhaps due to lack of infrastructure ( previously ), lack of knowledge and information, nascent tourist industry. However, those travelers looking for offbeat, unexplored and unique experiences can add Mawphanlur to their itinerary.
Place - Mawphanlur village
Location - West Khasi Hills
State - Meghalaya
Nearest town - Nongstoin at a distance of 25 kms
How to reach Shillong -
Via Airways - Umroi airport is at a distance of 40 kms from Shillong. Guwahati, Kolkata, Aaizwal, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore airports have regular flights to Umroi.
Via Railways - The nearest railway station is Guwahati at a distance of 105 kms
Via Roadways - Assam State Transport Corporation ( ASTC ) and Meghalaya Transport Corporation ( MTC ) have many buses running between Guwahati and Shillong
How to reach Mawphanlur -
Via Roadways - From Shillong which is at a distance of 71 kms
On the Shillong - Nongstoin highway, turn from Markasa village which is at a distance of 5 kms
Fare from Markasa to Mawphanlur -
₹ 500 to ₹ 700 via cabs
Pick up by the guest house - ₹ 400
Where to stay - Travellers Nest Guest house
Contact Person - Francis
Contact Number - +91 9819236749
Tariff - ₹ 3000 / cottage. 4 persons / cottage. Meals are not included
What to do - Hiking, Trekking, Boating, Kayakaying, Star gazing, Camping, Fishing, Photography, Sightseeing
Referred to as the village of 7 lakes, Mawphanlur lies in the lap of bountiful natural beauty, with rolling green hills, ponds, lakes, huge rock boulders and a quaint basic guest house that provides one with the bare minimum of facilities. The Traveller's Nest is the only stay option and needs to be 100 % pre-booked as it has only 3 cottages and despite it being an off beat place, it does tend to get like minded travelers. The place, though basic, is clean and comfortable. The food provided is a simple yet tasty fare.
Reaching Mawphanlur, one can most probably be greeted by dense fog / cloud cover as the state receives rainfall all the year round. Once the fog clears enough, the picturesque beauty will surely make one feel that the place is totally unreal and a part of paradise. Innumerable green hills, rock boulders to sit on, ponds, lakes and walking trails that entice for a walk to soak in the immense beauty of the place. Things to do would include spending time in solitude or with loved ones in a timeless place that relaxes both the body and mind. Those looking for activities may go in for paddle boating, kayakaying, trekking, hiking and even visit nearby attractions like Nongkhum island and Mawthadraishan peak.
For more information on tourism in Meghalaya, Contact :-
Directorate of Tourism
3rd Secretariat Nokrek Building,
Lower Lachumiere, Shillong 793001,
Meghalaya, India
Tel Fax : +91-364-2502580
Phone No: +91 7640003050
E-mail: info@meghalayatourism.in
Pictures source - www.meghalayatourism.com
