In India there is a small village with such pristine views that you could think it was out of a movie; it even takes a Sunday break.
This little village in Meghalaya, called Mawlynnong, is building its reputation as the cleanest village in the whole of Asia; this is done without any type of marketing, no use of filters, no PR agency or advertising—just genuine living habits that have been handed down over generations.
What’s even more interesting about Mawlynnong is that starting in January 2026 no tourists will be allowed to visit on Sundays. Mawlynnong will be completely shut down for operation one day every week.
The reason that midday on Sunday there is nobody available to welcome/serve tourists is that most of the people living in Mawlynnong are Christians who use Sunday to attend church and spend time with family—and therefore there will nothing available for tourists—so the village council decided to set down rules to establish a boundary to provide clarity for tourists. If tourists visit Mawlynnong on Sunday, they risk having a poor experience and are unable to obtain access to services; establishing boundaries provides a comfort to tourists while protecting the integrity of the village.
There are some exceptions, however. If you are already staying in a homestay or guesthouse during the week before the festival, or if you check into one Sunday night, you can still remain in the village. The accommodation providers will also provide basic services.
In 2003, Mawlynnong received the title of “Cleanest Village in Asia” from Discover India survey, and it has since received international recognition. The village is home to approximately 600 residents and has developed a culture where cleanliness is not just a matter of duty; it is a way of life.
Walking through Mawlynnong feels like something out of a dream. Garbage cans are strategically placed, the streets appear to be spotless, and the amount of litter in Mawlynnong is almost non-existent.
So what is the secret? Community discipline, early childhood education, and a sense of shared ownership. There is no enforcement of cleanliness; it is simply understood as part of everyday living.
The stereotypes many people have about some countries being dirty are proven all wrong by Mawlynnong. The way many people live here exemplifies how governing with strong values creates better outcomes than spending money on huge construction projects.
If you want to visit Mawlynnong, please plan your visit between Monday and Saturday. If your travel to Mawlynnong is on Sunday, then consider staying overnight.
What most visitors see when they come to Mawlynnong is more than a clean village. They will see that real change can begin small, continue to happen, and still inspire the rest of the world.
