Mawlynnong is a picturesque village located in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, known as the cleanest village in Asia. It lies in the northeastern part of India, surrounded by lush greenery and natural beauty. Delhi, the national capital, is situated in the northern plains, making this route a popular choice for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway from the city hustle.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Mawlynnong. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. Whether you prefer trains, buses, self-drive, or flights, this article covers everything to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Delhi to Mawlynnong – Main Options

Train

Train travel from Delhi to the northeast is popular for its affordability and scenic routes. However, there is no direct train to Mawlynnong, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway station to Mawlynnong is Guwahati Railway Station in Assam, about 120 km away. Trains from Delhi to Guwahati take around 30 to 36 hours, with fares ranging from INR 800 to INR 2500 depending on class.

• Popular trains include the Rajdhani Express and North East Express, which offer comfortable sleeper and AC coaches. Booking through IRCTC is recommended to secure confirmed seats well in advance.

• From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Mawlynnong. The road journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours via NH6 and NH206, passing through Shillong and Dawki.

• Train travel is best suited for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace and want to enjoy the changing landscapes, but be prepared for long durations and possible delays during monsoon season.

Bus

Buses offer a budget-friendly way to reach Meghalaya from Delhi, but there is no direct bus to Mawlynnong. You will need to combine bus travel with local transport.

• First, take a bus from Delhi to Guwahati or Shillong. Private and government buses operate on this route, but most travelers prefer flying or trains for the long distance to Guwahati.

• From Guwahati or Shillong, Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) and private buses run regularly to Dawki or nearby towns. The bus journey from Shillong to Dawki takes around 3 hours, costing INR 100 to INR 200.

• From Dawki or Shillong, shared taxis or local buses can take you to Mawlynnong village, which is about 20 km from Dawki and 80 km from Shillong.

• Bus travel can be crowded during festivals and holidays, so booking tickets early and traveling during daytime is advisable for safety and comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Mawlynnong is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility in their schedule. The distance is approximately 2,500 km and takes around 45 to 50 hours of driving time.

• The route mainly follows NH44 from Delhi to Nagpur, then NH53 and NH6 towards Guwahati, and finally NH206 to Mawlynnong. Expect toll plazas and highway eateries along the way.

• Driving through multiple states means you should carry valid documents, check vehicle condition, and be prepared for varying road conditions, especially in hilly Meghalaya where roads can be narrow and winding.

• Plan overnight stops in cities like Nagpur, Kolkata, and Guwahati to rest and refuel. Popular rest stops include highway dhabas and budget hotels.

• Self-drive offers freedom to explore nearby attractions like Dawki River and Shillong, but avoid driving at night in Meghalaya due to fog and slippery roads during monsoon.

Flight

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the northeast from Delhi. While there is no airport in Mawlynnong, you can fly to nearby airports and continue by road.

• The nearest airport to Mawlynnong is Shillong Airport (Umroi Airport), about 90 km away, with limited flights. The better option is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Assam, around 120 km away.

• Daily direct flights operate from Delhi to Guwahati, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours. Airlines include IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, with fares ranging from INR 3000 to INR 7000 depending on booking time.

• From Guwahati airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Mawlynnong. The road journey takes 4 to 5 hours, passing through scenic routes and small towns.

• Booking flights early, especially during peak tourist seasons, helps secure better fares. Using Ola or Uber from Guwahati airport is convenient for last-mile travel.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling from Delhi to Mawlynnong for the first time, this step-by-step plan will guide you through the journey smoothly.

• Book your train or flight ticket from Delhi to Guwahati well in advance using IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• Upon arrival at Guwahati Railway Station or Airport, arrange a prepaid taxi or use app-based cabs like Ola or Uber for safety and fixed fares to Mawlynnong.

• Travel by road from Guwahati to Mawlynnong via Shillong and Dawki. Carry water and snacks as rest stops are limited on this hilly route.

• Inform your accommodation in Mawlynnong about your arrival time so they can assist with local transport or pick-up if available.

• Keep your phone charged and have offline maps downloaded, as network coverage may be weak in remote areas around Mawlynnong.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in Mawlynnong to prevent stomach issues, as local water treatment may vary.

• Book train and flight tickets early, especially during weekends and holidays, as demand spikes for northeast travel.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs at Guwahati airport and railway station to avoid overcharging and scams.

• Pack light but include rain gear and warm clothes, as Meghalaya’s weather can be cool and wet even in summer.

• Respect local customs and environment; Mawlynnong is famous for cleanliness, so avoid littering and use designated waste bins.

• Carry a small first-aid kit and any necessary medications, as pharmacies may be limited in the village.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Mawlynnong is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and roads are dry. Monsoon months (June to September) bring heavy rains, making travel difficult due to slippery roads and landslides.

Winter months can be chilly, especially at night, so pack accordingly. Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja or Diwali when transport can be crowded and expensive.

• Avoid peak holiday seasons like Christmas and New Year as accommodation and transport prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon rains cause frequent delays and roadblocks on the route from Guwahati to Mawlynnong, so plan extra travel time if visiting then.

• Early morning departures from Delhi and Guwahati help avoid city traffic and ensure smoother connections.

• Check weather forecasts before starting your journey to prepare for fog or rain, especially in Meghalaya’s hilly areas.

Arrival at Mawlynnong & What to Expect

When you arrive in Mawlynnong, you will find a peaceful village with clean streets and friendly locals. The main entry point is via a small road from Dawki or Shillong, where shared taxis and private vehicles drop visitors.

Local transport within Mawlynnong is mostly on foot or by bicycle, as the village is small and traffic is minimal. Accommodation options include homestays and guesthouses near the village center.

Prepaid taxis or app-based cabs are not available in Mawlynnong, so it is best to arrange return transport in advance. The village has basic eateries serving local Khasi cuisine, and small shops for essentials.

Conclusion

Traveling from Delhi to Mawlynnong is a rewarding journey that combines long-distance travel with scenic road trips. The most efficient option is to fly from Delhi to Guwahati and then continue by road, balancing speed and comfort. Train travel offers a budget-friendly alternative but requires more time and planning.

Plan your tickets early, especially for flights and trains, and prepare for the hilly road conditions in Meghalaya. With proper planning and practical tips, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable trip to Mawlynnong, experiencing one of India’s most beautiful and clean villages with confidence.