Mawphanlur: A Little Known Paradise in Meghalaya

1. Mawphanlur Village

Stepping out of the car, we hurried toward a narrow paved road winding upward. The path led us past scattered huts and small lakes adorned with bamboo bridges. Reaching the hilltop, we were met with a view so breathtaking it felt otherworldly. It isn’t often that one finds paradise, but here it was: undulating hills, magnificent forests, and silent valleys stretching as far as the eye could see. Welcome to Mawphanlur—Meghalaya’s best-kept secret, also known as the land of seven lakes.

Meghalaya feels like a huge canvas painted by nature. It has so many beautiful places that every visit brings something new and unexpected, no matter how many times you have been there before. The popular tourist route covering Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Dawki offers many wonderful attractions for visitors, each with its own charm and unforgettable memories.

Meghalaya is famous for its big landmarks, but its real magic is tucked away in the quiet corners most travelers never see. There’s something so special about heading off the beaten path for a weekend; it’s like stepping into a world where nature hasn’t been touched yet.

Mawphanlur is one of those places that stays with you. When we visited, it was so quiet that we were the only people there until well into the afternoon. Looking back, I’m glad it was just us. Without the crowds, the village felt peaceful and still—exactly the way it’s meant to be. That silence is what made the whole trip feel so fresh and unforgettable. It felt like we’d stumbled upon a beautiful secret.

While we were in Mawphanlur, we spent our time wandering across endless rolling hills without any fixed destination, moving from one beautiful landscape to another. There were no tourists, no street vendors, no shops, and no cars around us. That day, the breathtaking beauty of nature — wide stretches of grasslands, gentle hills, deep valleys, and small lakes — felt as if it belonged only to us. It was the kind of peaceful journey we had only imagined in our dreams, yet in that small village, we were lucky enough to experience it for real.

Mawphanlur is a tiny village with only five or six families living there. For many years, it stayed hidden from tourists because of the poor road connecting it from Markasa. It was only recently, after the road was finally fixed, that Mawphanlur began to catch the eye of travelers looking for something different. Tourism facilities are still not fully developed in many parts of Northeast India, and in this small village, that untouched charm can still be strongly felt.

From a tourist’s point of view, there are no special activities to do in Mawphanlur except walking through its endless green surroundings. Life feels slow and peaceful there, as if time has stopped completely. It is the kind of place where one can simply sit quietly, relax, and admire the beauty of nature. If one hill starts feeling familiar, you can walk towards a nearby lake and spend some time by the water. And if that does not interest you, another hill and another beautiful valley are always waiting just ahead. In the end, simple walks and easy hikes are enough to make a day in Mawphanlur feel truly special and memorable.

Mawphanlur is all about forgetting the rush of life and getting lost in the beauty of nature. Walk slowly across the rolling hills, sit quietly beside the small lakes, wander through the lovely patches of trees, and simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It is the kind of place where every moment feels calm, refreshing, and unforgettable — a simple joy that stays in your heart for a long time.

2. Where is Mawphanlur Located?

Mawphanlur is located in the beautiful Khasi Hills region of Meghalaya, slightly away from the Shillong–Nongstoin–Tura Highway. It falls under the West Khasi Hills District. The nearest well-known village is Markasa, which is around 70 kilometres from Shillong. Markasa is located on the Shillong–Nongstoin–Tura Highway, and from there, Mawphanlur is about 5 kilometres inside from the highway junction.

Note: While checking the location of Mawphanlur on Google Maps, it is better to search for “Mawphanlur Natural Lake” or “Mawphanlur Guest House.” If you search only for Mawphanlur, the map may show a different location with the same name, which is around 11 kilometres away from Markasa.

3. How To Reach Mawphanlur?

Mawphanlur can be reached both by private vehicle and by public transport. There are two commonly preferred routes to reach this peaceful village:

3.1 Shillong to Mawphanlur

The Shillong–Nongstoin–Tura Highway is a wonderful road to drive on, with smooth stretches and beautiful scenery along the way. The highway is in very good condition, making the journey comfortable and enjoyable. After reaching Markasa, you can ask the locals for directions to Mawphanlur. A road on the right side from the Markasa market leads towards the village.

The 5-kilometre road between Markasa and Mawphanlur is a paved and motorable route in fairly good condition. However, since the road is narrow, winding, and has steep climbs through the hills, it is better for drivers who already have some experience driving in hilly areas. Despite the challenging turns, the scenic beauty along the way makes the drive memorable and enjoyable.

If you want to travel by public transport from Shillong, you can take any public bus or shared jeep heading towards Tura or Nongstoin. These vehicles will drop you at Markasa, and the fare is usually around ₹250 per person.

From Markasa, small cars like Maruti 800s and Altos are commonly available for hire. They can take you to Mawphanlur and bring you back. The usual fare is around ₹1000 for a round trip and about ₹700 for a one-way journey.

3.2 Guwahati to Mawphanlur

If you are starting your journey from Guwahati, it is still better to travel via Shillong. The Guwahati–Shillong Highway is in excellent condition and offers a smooth and enjoyable drive through beautiful hill landscapes. The only downside is that you have to pass through Shillong city, where heavy traffic is quite common. Because of this, you should be prepared to spend at least an extra hour in the slow-moving traffic inside the city.

There is another route to reach Mawphanlur from Guwahati while avoiding the traffic of both Guwahati and Shillong. A direct road connects Rani Gate, near the Guwahati Airport, to Mairang, an important town on the Shillong–Nongstoin–Tura Highway.

The road is mostly in good condition, except for a rough stretch of around 10 kilometres near Patharkhama. The entire journey from Rani Gate to Mairang, covering about 103 kilometres, passes through beautiful green hills and forests. The route is filled with winding bends, gentle climbs, and descents through the scenic hills of the Garbhanga Forest. Since the road is hilly and curvy in many places, some experience in hill driving is recommended. From Mairang, Markasa is around 27 kilometres away on the Shillong–Nongstoin Highway.

This route is especially useful for travellers living in the Azara, Airport, Mirza, or Maligaon areas of Guwahati. It helps avoid the heavy traffic usually found on the Guwahati–Shillong Highway between Jalukbari and Khanapara.

However, for people staying in the main city area of Guwahati, this route may not save much time. Public transport on this road is also very limited, so it is mainly suitable for those travelling by private or hired vehicles.

4. Entry Charges for Mawphanlur Village

Visitors to Mawphanlur may have to pay a small entry fee to visit the village and the nearby natural areas. The entry fee is usually around ₹50 per person, while children below 8 years are generally allowed free entry.

Parking charges are normally around ₹20 for cars and ₹10 for two-wheelers. There is also a picnic charge of ₹100. Additional fees may apply for activities like carrying professional video cameras or movie shooting. These charges are usually displayed on a notice board near the guest house or village entrance.

Since the fee structure may change from time to time, it is always better to confirm the latest charges before visiting.

There is no proper ticket counter or designated window to collect these charges in Mawphanlur. During our visit, we simply handed over the required amount to a girl working at the guest house, and no receipt was provided. While leaving the village, we noticed a barrier on the road, but nobody stopped us to check whether we had paid the entry fees. One of my friends opened the barrier so that our car could pass through.

Since the village functions through a community-based co-operative system, it feels better and more respectful to pay the entry charges directly at the guest house and support the local villagers who help maintain this peaceful place.

5. Activities at Mawphanlur

5.1 Hiking

The landscape around Mawphanlur is filled with endless green meadows stretching across rolling hills, one after another, as far as the eyes can see. The peaceful scenery continues until the edge of the last hill. It is the perfect place to spend the entire day simply walking, hiking, and enjoying the beauty of nature at your own pace.

5.2 Fishing

Since Mawphanlur is known as the land of seven lakes, fishing can be a very peaceful and enjoyable experience there. However, it is better to inform the guest house and take permission before going out for fishing on your own in the nearby lakes.

5.3 Kayaking

Kayaks are available for rent at the guest house in Mawphanlur. The two lakes located near the tourist cottages are perfect for a short kayaking experience, and spending 30 to 40 minutes on the calm water feels both relaxing and refreshing.

5.4 Boating

A few paddle boats are also available at the guest house in Mawphanlur for visitors who want to enjoy boating on the nearby lakes. Spending some quiet time on the calm water adds to the peaceful charm of the village.

5.5 Star-Gazing

The weather in Mawphanlur can change very quickly and often feels unpredictable. But on clear nights, when the sky remains cloudless, stargazing becomes a truly magical experience. Far away from city lights and noise, the night sky looks bright and endless, making it a peaceful and memorable part of staying in the village.

6. Where to Stay at Mawphanlur?

A popular Traveller’s Nest guest house run by the village co-operative is available in Mawphanlur. The property has only three cottages, so although the village usually remains uncrowded, it is still better to book your stay in advance.

The rent for a cottage is generally around ₹2500 per night without food, though the prices may change over time. Meals are available separately at the guest house on payment basis. In some cases, the rates can also be negotiated depending on the season and availability.

In recent years, a few new guest houses have also opened in Mawphanlur, giving travellers more options to stay near the beautiful lakes and hills. Visitors can also choose local homestays in nearby places like Markasa and Mairang, where simple and comfortable accommodation is available for those exploring the region.

At many locations in Meghalaya, you can pitch your own tents for the night stay. I am unaware if you can pitch your own tents at the village, but there are plenty of spaces available. The Traveller’s Nest owner, Mr. Francis (Mob: +91-8787812206/ 6009136055) may guide you to identify a suitable location for camping. If you choose to camp, the guest house can provide meals: breakfast is approximately ₹200 per person, and dinner is priced around ₹600.

If you are travelling by public transport, pick-up and drop facilities from Markasa can also be arranged through the guest house by calling Mr. Francis in advance. The usual charge for a one-way pick-up from Markasa is around ₹600 or slightly more, depending on the vehicle and season.

7. Mobile Networks at Mawphanlur

Mobile connectivity in Mawphanlur has improved over the years, but the network quality still depends a lot on weather and exact location in the hills. During our visit, both Vodafone and Reliance Jio had good calling connectivity in the village. However, Vodafone data services were weak and unreliable, while Jio internet worked much better.

Based on recent traveller experiences and telecom coverage improvements, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel now generally offer the best mobile data connectivity in most parts of rural Meghalaya, especially for 4G and 5G coverage. Vodafone Idea network can still be inconsistent in remote hill areas.

Still, internet speed may fluctuate because of the weather and the remote location of the village, so it is always better not to depend completely on mobile data while travelling there.

8. Verbal Communication at Mawphanlur

In most parts of Meghalaya, local people can usually understand and speak basic English quite comfortably. However, in remote villages like Mawphanlur, communication may sometimes become difficult, especially with older villagers who may not understand Hindi or English very well. In such situations, simple gestures, sign language, and a few common English words are often enough to communicate politely and effectively.

9. The Future Ahead

Many times, such hidden places become popular very quickly among travellers, and once large numbers of tourists start arriving, the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty slowly begin to suffer under the pressure of growing infrastructure and crowd.

A new motorable road is already being extended towards other villages beyond Mawphanlur, passing through the beautiful hills nearby. As connectivity improves, this quiet village may soon become more widely known to tourists. With its stunning landscapes and peaceful surroundings, Mawphanlur has every possibility of turning into a major tourist destination in the coming years.

In the coming years, Mawphanlur may slowly lose some of its untouched charm as tourism and development continue to grow. As travellers, the least we can do is help protect the peaceful environment of this beautiful village. Simple responsible practices like not littering, avoiding plastic use, respecting local traditions, and not disturbing the plants and wildlife can make a big difference.

For now, one can only hope that future development around Mawphanlur remains balanced and thoughtful, so that this small paradise continues to keep its natural beauty and quiet soul alive for many years to come.