Mawphlang Sacred Forest, located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India, is a hidden gem that is barely exposed. This enchanting forest is a prime example of nature’s wonders, displaying an array of unique plants, trees, and historical witnesses.
For anyone embarking on a comprehensive Meghalaya itinerary or simply seeking to discover the wonders of the Shillong-Cherrapunji regions, I highly recommend including Mawphlang Sacred Forest in your plans. It is an absolute must-visit destination in Meghalaya, particularly if you have a passion for exploring the diverse natural beauty of the region. Since Shillong is located in close proximity to Mawphlang, it may be a good idea to spend the night there.
Notably, a significant number of tourists tend to overlook this stunning location and proceed directly to Cherrapunji from Shillong, primarily due to a lack of sufficient information. It is worth noting that local tour operators also tend to exclude this destination from their itineraries, possibly because they have to navigate an off-road route after departing from the Shillong-Cherrapunji high-road.
In any case, I am delighted to share my own personal experience of visiting Mawphlang. I sincerely hope that this will prove to be useful in your efforts to create a flawless itinerary for your upcoming trip.
Where is Mawphlang located?
A brief overview of Mawphlang’s demographics is quite crucial as it can assist you in determining the optimal time and method of visiting the area.
As stated above, Mawphlang is a small village, situated in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state, India.
The primary attraction in Mawphlang is situated approximately 27 kilometers away from Shillong en route to Cherrapunji. However, Cherrapunji is slightly more distant, approximately 47 km from Mawphlang. The sacred forest is located 11 kilometers away from the main Shillong-Cherrapunji road, which implies that you will need to traverse an 11-kilometer off-road route in order to reach Mawphlang.
Related Article: Top 9 Cherrapunji Tourist Places You Shouldn’t Skip
Brief history of the Mawphlang Sacred Forest?
Mawphlang is regarded as the epicenter of the ancient Khasi culture. The name “Mawphlang” is a combination of two distinct words, “Maw” and “Phlang,” which collectively signify “grassy stone.”
According to local folklore, several centuries ago, the indigenous tribes of the region used to offer prayers in front of a large rock located within the Mawphlang sacred forest, and sacrifice was a crucial aspect of their religious practices. This is likely the reason why the term “sacred forest” was appended to its name.
Exploring Mawphlang Valley
I have visited many mountains and trails, but I reveal the verdant hilly terrain of Meghalaya is distinct in its own right. The lush greenery surrounding you is truly breathtaking; as you make your way towards Mawphlang village, the true beauty of the area unveils itself after leaving the main road.
Upon arriving at the location, a vast valley extends a warm welcome to you. You are lucky if it is not a rainy day. However, even if it is, do not fret as rainfall in this part of Meghalaya is often sporadic rather than constant. Certain regions, such as Cherrapunji, Mawsinram, and Shilong, are exceedingly damp throughout the year. On the other hand, Mawphlang is relatively drier than other areas.
So, let us set aside any concerns regarding precipitation and instead focus on the scenery on a sunny day (which we were fortunate enough to experience).
The valley is a bit breezy and cool, even during summer, because it is open over a long long area. However, spending a little time sitting on the carpet-like green grass in the sunny and breezy environment is a fine experience. A pitch road passes through the valley. If you love to explore new species of plants, Mawphlang is definitely a great place for you. You can discover many unconventional natural plants, some of those are very tiny but pretty beautiful.
The valley remains refreshingly cool and breezy, even in summer, owing to its extensive expanse. While basking in the sunny and windy climate, sitting on the lush green grass carpet for a brief period is an enjoyable experience.
If you are a botanist or fond of discovering new plant species, Mawphlang is an excellent destination for you. You can spot many unique and stunning natural plants, some of which are petite but incredibly lovely.
On either side, you can see a gate that leads you to explore a statue and an ancient small stadium; these monuments have been modified by the government. The place is fully empty, so you can have some snaps there to cherish the memories.
Getting into Mawphlang Sacred Forest
After spending some leisurely time in the valley, and enjoying the cool breeze and sunny weather, it’s time to head towards the entrance of the sacred forest. As you make your way towards the forest, you’ll come across three decorated stones with a stone bench in front of the entrance, which is another ideal spot for having some snaps.
There are a few reasons why I would recommend booking a guide for your sacred forest trip:
- Despite the clear mud road inside, there is still a risk of getting lost in the forest without proper guidance.
- The guides may not allow you to go inside without their assistance; after all, it’s their business.
- The guides tell you ancient stories about the forest, and help you to learn about the plants.
- Also, they help you take group photos inside the forest.
The guides charge a reasonable fee for the jungle trip, with different rates for long and short hikes depending on your preference. The cost also varies based on the number of people in your group, with an average of INR 100 per person for a group of five.
After stepping into the forest, you’ll feel a sense of wonder inside. At first, it may not be very dense, but as you proceed, the density of big trees increases. You’ll discover several plant species that you may have never seen before. A botanist would be thrilled to visit Mawphlang Sacred Forest. Here are some photos of plants that I would love to share with you.
Also, I find a Yew tree there, in the Sacred forest. Are you familiar with the name Yew tree?
Taxol, which is the most efficient medicine for the treatment of cancer (ovarian, prostate, breast, lung, cervical, and pancreatic cancer), was isolated from the bark of the Yew tree. Actually, I didn’t expect a yew tree in this climate. But I saw, it’s surviving here pretty well!
The ancient stone-god and the sacrifice points still exist in the forest! It’s really thrilling to listen the stories of the ancient age!
After a 45-minute trip through the forest and numerous photo opportunities, we returned from the forest. The guides were very amicable and could converse fluently in English. They provided us with detailed explanations about the forest, including scientific details.
“Don’t take anything“
The local people or guides advise against taking anything from the sacred forest, as it could cause harm to one’s health. Although you may not believe in such stories, it is advisable not to pick anything from the forest for scientific reasons. Many unknown species of plants and organisms reside in such a rainforest, and one can never know which one could be harmful to their health.
Related Article: Garden of Caves — Explore the Gem of Meghalaya near Cherrapunji
Foods in Mawphlang
If you feel hungry, there are small food stalls located next to the road where you can bring your tiffin or have lunch. The list of food option is limited:
- Rice with chicken or egg
- Noodles
- Dry snacks (Potato chips, nuts, etc)
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the food available there may not be of good taste. The local Khasi people who run the stalls may not cook food that matches your preferences. Therefore, it’s advisable to only have food at Mawphlang if you are traveling without any food or are feeling particularly hungry.
How to reach Mawphlang
A convenient way to reach Mawphlang is by booking a car from Shillong since it is located 27 km away. The road is in excellent condition, and the drive takes a little over an hour without stopping.
I’d say it is better to cover Mawphlang sacred forest on your way to Cherrapunji from Shillong, as it could be considered a sightseeing spot on the way.
Adequate time to relax and unwind at Mawphlang on a sunny day is around 2-3 hours. Hence, it is advisable to plan your itinerary accordingly.
Related Article: 19 Best Places to Visit in Shillong
The right time to visit Mawphlang
Meghalaya’s rainy climate makes it difficult to pinpoint the best time to visit Mawphlang. Rain can disrupt your travel plans at any time, although many people visit Meghalaya to enjoy the lush greenery during the monsoon season. However, it’s best to avoid heavy monsoon season from June to early September.
The winter months are generally drier, but rain can still occur. Autumn and Spring are the ideal seasons to visit Mawphlang. Based on the usual weather patterns in Meghalaya, late September to mid-May is the best time to visit, with November to April being the most favorable season.
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Where to stay for a trip to Mawphlang Sacred Forest?
To easily visit Mawphlang Sacred Forest, I would suggest staying overnight in Shillong, as it is the closest place. You can check out the following link to choose from the best hotels, resorts, or homestays in Shillong.
Alternatively, if you prefer to stay in a place other than Shillong, Cherrapunji could be your second option, although it’s a bit further away. In that case, you can plan your Mawphlang trip on your return journey from Cherrapunji to Shillong.
Conclusive Remarks
In conclusion, I’ll summarize a little few words:
Mawphlang Sacred Forest is an enchanting place in Meghalaya that offers a unique experience to visitors. It is a perfect spot for nature lovers, researchers, and people who want to explore the culture and heritage of the ancient Khasi tribe. The dense forest, rich flora and fauna, and the mystical ambiance of the place make it a must-visit destination in Meghalaya.
Are you still having some queries? Just leave your question in the comment box below. I’ll get back soon and help you out.
Have a nice trip.
Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.
Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.
He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!
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Oh, wow, this looks like just the place for me! I have never been to India, in fact, not even to Asia. And I am not quite sure what idea of India I had in my mind, but certainly never thought of such a beautiful forest.
I just take a look up Mawphlang on Google Maps and it seems quite close to high mountains? What is the altitude? I was born in the Netherlands and am a real lowlander, above 2,500 meters I get ill.
Thanks for your enthusiastic review of this place. Who knows, I might visit it one day. 🙂
Hi, thanks for sharing your beautiful insight!
Mawphlang is not situated near very high mountains; the heights of evergreen hills around Mawphlang don’t cross 3000 meters. Additionally, the presence of plenty of trees everywhere produced lots of oxygen in Mawphland as well as the whole of Meghalaya; till date there is no news of breathing problems at Meghalaya because of height.
So, you can fairly plan to visit Meghalaya to experience the unlimited natural beauty all around. However, on my last Meghalaya trip I personally met a friendly couple from the Netherlands, they were on an India trip for 3 months, and certainly were exploring the beauty of Cherrapunji (close to Mawphlang).
Hello there!
Your picture of the trail in Mawsphlang Sacred Forestis very soothing, calming and with such a rich heritage. Itbegs a visit. That area is so beautiful.
I really love your art of storytelling which makes the entire journey come alive for readers. I chuckled when you mentioned that the local Khasi people do not know how to cook tasty meals. Ha!Ha!
Thanks for this enlightenment which opens up several oportunities for travel that ne may not have thought about.
The Mawphlang Sacred Forest is beautiful and lush! I’m not one who traveled much out of the states, and I certainly haven’t traveled to India. However, Meghalaya is such an exciting place, recently grabbed my attention. Thanks for sharing this in-depth information.