There are few places in India that are as graceful and endearing as Meghalaya. But being more than just a tourist destination, Meghalaya is remarkable in being a guidebook about conservation and restoration of nature. Nature seems to have blessed the land of Meghalaya with her own bountiful hands. For centuries now, Khasi customs and traditions have been woven into the land and forests of Meghalaya. Sacred groves, like the forest of Mawphlang, is a shining example of the unity between community and ecology.
Inauguration of tourist facilities
Encouraging the fundamental idea of sustainable tourism, Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, inaugurated tourism amenities named as “The Travellers Nest” at Kyiem village in Mawphlang. The ceremony was organized on the 16th of August, 2023, a day after the Indian Independence Day. The Travellers Nest has five beautiful cottages and a restaurant to serve tourists.
The inauguration marks a crucial milestone in the state government’s efforts to foster community participation to promote sustainable tourism. Highlighting the collective responsibility of the government, community, and public at large, the CM said, “Meghalaya’s progress cannot be achieved in isolation. Every stakeholder has a role to play, and identifying these roles while keeping the ultimate goal in mind is crucial”. The chief minister emphasized upon his optimism about the role of initiatives like "The Travellers Nest".
The CM informed the gathering of the significance of improved road infrastructure in the state. He said that the ongoing improvement and construction of the road from Mawphlang to Weiloi is a testimony of the government's commitment to prioritizing road connectivity.
The Mysterious Forest
For the Khasi people, the sacred groves are not just clusters of trees and plants – they are sanctuaries of spirits, their revered ancestors and Gods. Nothing is allowed to be removed from the forest as it may upset the deity. There are tales of people who have broken this taboo becoming sick and even dying. The sanctity has been maintained in the endeavor of the state Government.
The lush expanse of the ancient forest is known locally as “Law Kyntang” or “Rai Kyntang. They hold immense cultural and religious significance within the lives of the Khasi tribe. These forests are treated with profound respect and preserved through generations as essential parts of the Khasi culture. In a rapidly urbanizing world, these preserved habitats serve as natural reservoirs of biodiversity. It is fascinating to note that the people here are aware of the synergy between man and nature.
How to reach Mawphlang
Mawphlang is around 25km from the state capital, Shillong. The entrance fee to the sacred forest and Khasi Heritage Village is 10 rupees per person, plus 10 rupees for a camera and 50 rupees for a vehicle. Hiring a cab to get there will cost between Rs. 1500 to Rs. 1800.
If you have ever been to this place, share your experience with Tripoto and earn credits.
Follow me on Instagram and my Youtube Channel for such travel stories and more.
' fill='%23359391'%3e %3cpath d='M46.1538462%2c43.5714286 L41.5%2c50 L36.8461538%2c43.5714286 L36.8670256%2c43.5714286 C36.3173077%2c42.7142857 36%2c41.6851429 36%2c40.5714286 C36%2c37.4854286 38.4535641%2c35 41.5%2c35 C44.5464359%2c35 47%2c37.4854286 47%2c40.5714286 C47%2c41.6851429 46.6826923%2c42.7142857 46.1329744%2c43.5714286 L46.1538462%2c43.5714286 Z M41.4294872%2c39 C40.6150641%2c39 39.9487179%2c39.675 39.9487179%2c40.5 C39.9487179%2c41.325 40.6150641%2c42 41.4294872%2c42 C42.2439103%2c42 42.9102564%2c41.325 42.9102564%2c40.5 C42.9102564%2c39.675 42.2439103%2c39 41.4294872%2c39 L41.4294872%2c39 Z' id='Location-white'%3e%3c/path%3e %3c/g%3e %3c/svg%3e)
