Did You Know Asia’s Cleanest Village Does Not Allow Tourists On Sundays? Here’s Why

Mawlynnong, located in Meghalaya, India, is known as ‘Asia’s Cleanest Village’. The village is known for banning single-use plastics and following systematic waste segregation practices. But did you know that the village remains closed to tourists every Sunday? Keep reading to know the reason behind this rule.

Mawlynnong In Meghalaya Does Not Allow Tourists On Sundays

Mawlynnong is a village located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya in North East India. It was named Asia’s Cleanest Village by Discover India magazine. The place is known for its cleanliness and waste segregation system. Here, trash is collected and thrown into dustbins made of bamboo, and yes, all residents participate in cleaning the village. You would be surprised to know that smoking and the use of polythene are also banned in this village.

But did you know that the village remains closed to tourists every Sunday? According to The Indian Express, the village, which is known for its cleanliness, was seeing a large number of visitors who would wander through its flower-lined lanes and take selfies on its spotless streets. However, since January 2026, the local village council, or Dorbar, has decided to ban day-trippers on Sundays, turning away tourists and the income that comes with them. According to the villagers, the constant influx of tourists had started disrupting their daily lives.

Also Read: This Village In Maharashtra Has Public Solar Heater, RO Water ATM Card & Library For Kids

Sundays Are For Worship, Family Time And Rest

The majority of people in Mawlynnong follow Christianity, and Sundays hold particular significance for them. Instead of going to church, villagers were often busy managing crowds and running shops for tourists. According to The Indian Express, this one-day break from tourism helps locals get relief from the pressures of tourism.

Overnight guests staying in the village may still remain there, but the total number of visitors significantly reduces on Sundays. This gives locals a chance to go to church, spend time with their families or simply relax.

The move also addresses concerns around overtourism in the area. Fewer tourists, even for a day, help the community maintain the environment and cultural rhythm that made Mawlynnong famous among tourists. You should know that Mawlynnong is one of the most popular rural tourism destinations in Meghalaya. Visitors often come here to see its spotless lanes, flower-filled gardens and eco-friendly lifestyle.

Also Read: As Tourism Surges, Meghalaya Plans 3,000 New Homestays by 2028

So, if you ever plan to visit Mawlynnong, Asia’s Cleanest Village, make sure you do not visit on a Sunday, or you might be turned back.

Cover Image Courtesy: Mawlynnong, Wikipedia/ Madhumitaworld