Verdant rolling hills as far as eye can see, quaint cottage surrounded by ponds, and abode of cottony clouds. Smiling faces, kind gestures reflecting humanity and heart warming welcome, little rocks spread naturally, little zephyr tingling senses, and roads the compel to set on a voyage till eternity. A trip through the gorgeous roads of Meghalaya to Mawphanlur with two crazy assortment of friend - Oh Boy! Did we just not have the time of life?
Photo of Mawphanlur - Drool in the Countryside Beauty 2/23 by upasana kakati
Heaven on Earth, place beautifully surrounded by lakes!!
About Mawphanlur
Mawphanlur is a picturesque hamlet in West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya located around 90 to 96 kms from state capital Shillong. The countryside wonderland is a pure assault to your senses that secretly captivates you. With lush green hillock to stay at surrounded by gorgeous ponds, there is nothing but miracle in the moment.
Photo of Mawphanlur - Drool in the Countryside Beauty 3/23 by upasana kakati
When the fog rolls in!!
How to reach Mawphanlur?
I am a religious follower of travelling on budget and look for the cheapest option possible. Trust me, the roads are so gorgeous, it will be a pleasure for anyone to breakdown the journey into parts before reaching the destination. Now, if you have a wallet loaded with money or have your own conveyance, there is no need to break down the journey. The road is beautiful and cuddles you into its smoothness. Hiring a taxi from Shillong to Mawphanlur would cost you anything around Rs 3000 to 4000 depending on the car and driver.
Photo of Mawphanlur - Drool in the Countryside Beauty 4/23 by upasana kakati
Kids of Markasa Village!!
Want to travel in budget? Follow this instead
Guwahati ---------- Shillong --------------- Markasa -------------- Mawphanlur
Guwahati to Shillong - There are many shared vehicles available from Guwahati to Shillong from Paltan Bazar and Khanapara. The private shared cabs ply at Rs 300 per person and yellow shared sumo ply at Rs 170 per person.
Shillong to Markasa - This is the second leg of the journey. The shared cabs are available from Poultry (Murgi as called by locals) Bazaar in Shillong to Nongstoin. Markasa is a small village on the way to Nongstoin and the place where you need to get down for Mawphanlur. The price per person till Markasa is Rs 160 for the shared cabs.
Markasa to Mawphanlur - This is the trickiest part of the journey because you usually do not get cabs from Markasa. Traveller’s Nest is the only accommodation available in Mawphanlur. Francis is the owner of the property and you need to him for your pick up from Markasa to Mawphanlur. He charges around Rs 400 for pick up because the roads are bumpy and bad. (Read on for his number)
Photo of Mawphanlur - Drool in the Countryside Beauty 5/23 by upasana kakati
Overlooking Travellers Nest!!
Where to stay in Mawphanlur?
I read few blogs stating that there are couple of home stays available in Mawphanlur. Boy! That’s a blatant lie because there aren’t any. The only place you can stay in Mawphanlur is Traveller’s Nest - Trust me! Staying there is not something you will regret for one single second, the drool worthy view with nip in the air is a beautiful assault to your senses. Although on week days the place is not hounded by travellers and tourists, Saturday is slightly doubtful. Make sure you call Francis for bookings before you start off because in and around there is no other accommodation. The price for the room per night is Rs 1500/-.
Call Francis at 8974318450 for booking at Travellers Nest.
Photo of Mawphanlur - Drool in the Countryside Beauty 6/23 by upasana kakati
Francis - Call him for Bookings, owner of Travellers Nest!!
Francis is an amazing person, most importantly someone who truly made me believe in the existence of humanity in today’s world. He is grounded, down to earth and someone whose genuineness will compel you to be better human being.
Photo of Mawphanlur - Drool in the Countryside Beauty 7/23 by upasana kakati
Oh! The surreal place!!
Planning the Itinerary
Day - 1
Next morning, we woke up to find the fog gone at around 9.00 am and stepping out of the room to the idyllic view - Boy! I must be in some fairy tale is what struck my mind. The green carpet of grass, beautiful ponds surrounding the cottage, the rolling hills right in front of us, the gorgeous road to the hill top and cool zephyr, it was all perfect to start the day. After grabbing some breakfast, we did move out exploring the place and one after another, the view left us more mesmerised.
Photo of Mawphanlur - Drool in the Countryside Beauty 8/23 by upasana kakati
Idyllic View one after Another!!
Make sure you explore the place as much as you can for it is beautiful. Walk up to the rolling hills, catch out the glimpse of rustic village life and find hidden pools amidst beautiful trees. The place is all about finding serenity, more you explore, the more you know about the place and find