What Is Mawphanlur Famous For? History, Lakes, Biodiversity, Sustainability, And More
Mawphanlur, a hidden gem, is now emerging as one of the main tourism attractions of Meghalaya. Around mid-2025, especially after the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, many tourists opted for Northeast India, especially Meghalaya.
And the result was clear! CVD Diengdoh, the Commissioner & Secretary of the Tourism Department of Meghalaya, reported the arrival of 16 lakh visitors in Meghalaya in 2025 (Source: The Shillong Times Report on 15th May, 2025). It was even more than the recorded 12 lakh visitors in the pre-COVID era.
Along with more prominent locations such as Dawki and Shnongpdeng, Mawphanlur also was packed with tourists during that time.
The hamlet of Mawphanlur, in the West Khasi District of Meghalaya, is also known as the “Land of Seven Lakes.”
Furthermore, it offers opportunities for adventure activities such as kayaking and fishing. Also, a trek to the Mawthadraishan Peak is the ultimate attraction of visiting this quaint hamlet.
Do you want to know what’s more in Mawphanlur? I will talk about what I saw and experienced with some essential data.
Where Is Mawphanlur Located?
Mawphanlur is a place I stopped at when I was traveling from Shillong to Cherrapunji. I had no plans of visiting this hamlet, though, and I was content being at Laitlum Canyon.
Then, my guide suggested that I visit Mawphanlur, one of the hidden gems near Laitlum Canyon. Also, this hamlet in the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya is located around 75 km from Shillong.
The easiest route to reach Mawphanlur from Shillong is to travel via the Nongstoin Road. The shared taxi or private car will pass through Nongkhlaw and Markasa before reaching Mawphanlur.
How To Reach Mawphanlur?
Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) is the nearest airport to Mawphanlur. The distance is around 128 km, and the journey by road takes more than 3 hours.
Again, the Guwahati Railway Station is around 100 km away from this hamlet. So, people traveling from other parts of the country need to reach Guwahati first. Then, they can reach Shillong from Guwahati after a road journey of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
I would suggest a nightstay in Shillong for that day and you can start for Mawphanlur from Shillong the next morning.
Mawphanlur is easily accessible from Shillong and these are the modes of transportation and the route.
1. The Shillong To Mawphanlur Route
You have to travel via the Shillong Nongstoin Tura Highway to reach Markasa from Shillong. The distance here is around 69 km and the travel time is close to 2 hours.
This stretch of the route is well-maintained. The real struggle will begin from Markasa and it is a test for the city drivers. The next 11 km will be a twisty uphill journey.
2. Transportation Options from Shillong To Mawphanlur
You will not get any direct public transport from Shillong to Mawphanlur. You will get public buses or a shared jeep to Markasa (from the Poultry Bazaar or Murgi Bazaar area) and from there, you will have to take a jeep or any four-wheeler suitable for the uphill ride.
So, taking a private vehicle, suitable for the hilly road, from Shillong to Mawphanlur is the most convenient transportation option. You can get in touch with services such as Shillong Travel Taxi at +91 986 307 2266.
Here is a cost breakdown of the different modes of transportation from Shillong to Mawphanlur via Markasa.
| Shillong to Markasa (Shared Transport) | INR 150-300 Per Person |
| Shillong to Markasa (Public Transport) | INR 3500-5000 |
| Markasa to Mawphanlur Cab | INR 1000-1500 |
3. An Alternative Route To Mawphanlur
This is something no outside travel blogger can tell you or something that only locals will suggest you. Mawphanlur is one of the most unique places to visit near Cherrapunji or Sohra.
The distance is around 20 km. So, if you are staying in Shillong, you can take a Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation Limited (MTDC Ltd.) bus to Cherrapunji. The ticket price is INR 600 and from there get a cab for around INR 800-1000.
So, this is the most budget-friendly travel option from Shillong to Mawphanlur. You can call 8787526245/0364-2226220 for booking your tickets.
Geography And Demographics Of Mawphanlur
According to the 2011 census data, Mawphanlur had only 28 families. The number of people living was 189. 98 residents among them were female and 91 were male. The number is a proof of how they have been preserving the matrilineal societal traditions even today.
Most of the dwellers here belong to the Schedule Tribe (ST) category of population. Furthermore, the government census data of 2011 recorded a literacy rate of 72.46 % in the Mawphanlur village.
Located on the Khasi Hills plateau, Mawphanlur has an elevation of around 1840 meters and it is known for its pristine beauty with velvet-green meadows and beautiful lakes.
The Cultural Significance Of Mawphanlur
The origin of the word Mawphanlur was unclear to me as there are multiple versions behind it. Some suggest that the name comes from the seven lakes and some say it means green stone (Maw) in the Khasi language.
Here, you will find how rooted the local people are to their tradition and a strong bond between nature and human beings.
1. The Sacred Groves Of Mawphanlur
The conservation effort of the local Khasi community and their spiritual bonding with nature are visible in the local sacred groves of Mawphanlur.
These are also biodiverse regions in the Mawphanlur hamlet.
2. The Local Customs Of Mawphanlur
You can learn about the Khasi customs by having traditional Meghalaya food served here or by being a part of their customs. Mawphanlur does not have a major festival of its own and Smit is the cultural center of the community.
Still, you can observe how they celebrate nature and value family in their everyday lives to understand their way of living.
Natural Features & Ecology Of Mawphanlur
The Mawphanlur Lake, and the surrounding smaller ones, the seven lakes, are the most prominent geological features of Mawphanlur. Being a part of Meghalaya, it is home to a subtropical ecosystem.
Around the Mawphanlur Lake and other smaller lakes, you will find rare plants and flowers such as the Primrose Willow. Furthermore, you will find lichens, ferns, moss and orchids of various types growing on the trees of Mawphanlur.
Also, you may spot the endemic pitcher plants in Mawphanlur and the surrounding areas.
White-capped Redstar, Hill Mynas, and Grey Peacock Pheasants are some of the birds you will find here. So, birdwatching is one of the best things to do in Mawphanlur.
Also, you will meet cows, langurs and wild boars here. If you are lucky enough, you can even spot deer.
What Are The Places To Visit In Mawphanlur? What Are The Things To Do?
From the Mawphanlur Lakes to the limestone caves, Mawphanlur is all about experiencing the natural wonders. Also, it is a place where slow travel is a virtue and you cannot have a bucket list to tick.
1. Mawthadraishan Peak: Go For A Trek
With a height of 1,924.5 meters, the Mawthadraishan Peak is the highest point of the eastern part of the West Khasi Hills district.
From here, you can enjoy the view of the Garo Hills and the Khasi Hills. Also, on a clear day, you can see the Himalayas from the Mawthadraishan Peak.
2. Mawphanlur Lakes: Ideal For Boating And Fishing
The lakes here stand out with their crystal clear waters. These are ideal for activities such as kayaking, photography and fishing.
However, you can also just relax by them and have some moments of introspection.
3. Limestone Caves
The limestone caves here have dramatic formations. They also stand as testaments to the geological and ecological history of the region.
The local Khasi people also consider these caves sacred.
Local Community And Economy Of Mawphanlur
Tourism, especially ecotourism, is at the heart of the economy and community development of Mawphanlur. Mawphanlur Integrated Village Cooperative Society (MIVCS) formed in 1998, promotes ecotourism by running guesthouses and other visitor amenities.
These amenities ensure adequate income for the local people without impacting sustainability. Farming, fishery, pigging and small scale industries are also other important elements in the economic growth and sustenance of the local people of Mawphanlur.
Accommodation & Infrastructure Of Mawphanlur
There are some Meghalaya Tourism enlisted homestays to stay in Mawphanlur. Here are the details.
| Homestay Names | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Mawphanlur Travellers Nest | 8787812206 |
| Listriful Lyngkhoi | 9366235655 |
| Naba Homestay | 9366522241 |
Mawphanlur Travel Planning And Tips
- Call the homestay authorities and book your room in advance as the options and amenities are limited.
- Mawphanlur or Markasa does not have ATM facilities. So, ensure that you are withdrawing enough cash while traveling from Mawphanlur.
- You will need an SUV or equivalent car for your journey from Markasa to Mawphanlur. So, ensure that you driving the right vehicle. Otherwise, you will have to park your car at Markasa and from there have to board the right car for an uphill ride.
Sustainability And Responsible Tourism In Mawphanlur
Community-based tourism, eco-tourism projects, and regulation and capacity building are the major aspects of responsible tourism in Mawphanlur.
The community-based rural tourism here ensures the development of grassroots communities. On the other hand, entities such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), have protected natural resources here and helped build a sustainable livelihood.
It has signed a $50 billion project called “Climate-Adaptative Community-Based Water-Harvesting Project.” It will ensure water security, agricultural development and weather resilience across 12 districts of Meghalaya by building 532 small water storage facilities.
Moreover, it has provided an additional aid of $77 million to strengthen cooperatives, restore community forests and improve facilities. This project is called the Integrated Ecotourism and Sustainable Agri-Based Livelihood Development in Meghalaya Project.
“The project supports Meghalaya’s Vision 2032 to become a top ecotourism destination while improving farmers’ incomes through sustainable agriculture. By combining conservation with tourism and rural markets, it produces new livelihood opportunities and offers a model that can be replicated in other states to promote inclusive growth.”
– Mio Oka, ADB Country Director for ADB.
So, this unique travel destination is slated to emerge as a top tourist destination in the North East without losing its authentic Khasi cultural charm and environmental pristineness.
Mawphanlur Is Unique: Make The Most Of It
When you are in Mawphanlur, you must slow down and allow nature to take center stage. Visionaries such as Rina Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi and Drenly K. Bani created the lakes here in 1973, and that was the beginning of Mawphanlur’s transformation as a tourist spot.
It also caters to adventure lovers with trekking and boating opportunities. Also, the cultural experience you will have here is rich. So, pack your bag, and explore the lesser-known Meghalaya.
Mawphanlur: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Mawphanlur.
Mawphanlur is a year-round destination, barring the rain-disturbed months of June to September. However, October to March is the best time to visit Mawphanlur.
Clear weather conditions, calm waters and cool temperatures (10-20 degrees Celsius) make these months ideal for outdoor exploration in Mawphanlur. Also, on clearer days, you can see the Himalayas from here.
The entry fee for Indian citizens is INR 50 and for foreign citizens, the rate is higher. These fees ensure the preservation of the Mawphanlur sites and the tourism facilities here.
There is no specific timing for entering or leaving the village. However, considering it is a remote setup in the hills, your arrival or departure and moving around the hamlet must take place between sunrise and sunset.
Having said that, run by a matrilineal society, Mawphanlur is extremely safe for solo travelers and women. However, don’t be careless with your belongings.
The beautiful Markham Valley View Point in Markham village is around 62 km from Shillong. You will not get any public transport to travel. So, you have to hire a private car.
The travel time is around 2 to 2.5 hours and the price will be INR 2500 to 4000.
