Meghalaya's Mawphlang Sacred Forest Travel Guide

Perched on the East Khasi Hills near Mawphlang village and surrounded by fields, Mawphlang Sacred Forest is one of themust-see places in Meghalaya在remote northeast India。There are many sacred forests in these hills and the state's Jaintia Hills.However, this one is the most well-known.It may appear to be unremarkable, and even somewhat disappointing, to the uninitiated.However, a local Khasi guide will unveil its mystery.

走进森林，揭示了一个令人惊讶的植物和树木网络，它们都相连。其中一些人被认为已有1000多年的历史，充满了古老的智慧。有许多药用植物，包括那些显然可以治愈癌症和结核病的植物，以及rudraksh树（宗教仪式中使用的种子）。兰花，食肉昆虫进食厂，蕨类植物和蘑菇也比比皆是。

Although the forest has some impressive biodiversity, this alone isn't what makes it so sacred. According to local tribal beliefs, a deity known aslabasainhabits the forest. It takes on the form of a tiger or leopard and protects the community. Animal sacrifices (such as goats and roosters) are performed for the deity at stone temples inside the forest in times of need, such as illness. Members of the Khasi tribe also burn the bones of their dead inside the forest.

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.

Khasi Heritage Village

A Khasi Heritage Village has been set up by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council opposite the Mawphlang Sacred Forest. It consists of various types of authentic, traditionally constructed mock tribal huts. Local food and toilets are available. The tribe's culture and heritage is also showcased during the two-dayMonolith Festival3月在那里举行。不幸的是，由于缺乏资金，该音乐节仅在近年来偶尔举行。这也影响了村庄的维护。

如何到那

Mawphlang is located 25 kilometers from Shillong. It takes about an hour to drive there. A taxi from Shillong will charge about 1,500 rupees for the return trip. A recommended driver is is Mr Mumtiaz. Phone: 9206128935.

什么时候走

Entrance to the sacred forest is open from 9 a.m. until 4.30 p.m.日常。

Entry Fees and Charges

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. This fee enables local youths to be employed as caretakers. An English-speaking Khasi guide charges 300 rupees for a half hour walk, and 500 rupees for an hour. It's compulsory to hire one. You can pay extra to be taken deeper into the forest.

住哪里

如果您有兴趣留在该地区并探索它，Maple Pine Farm bed and breakfast被推荐。They have four cozy eco-friendly cottages and are off-the-grid.They also organize a variety of trips around the area and further afield in northeast India.

Other Attractions

The road from Shillong to Mawphlang also heads towards Shillong Peak and Elephant Falls. These two attractions can easily be visited during the trip as well. The David-Scott Trail, one of Meghalaya's most popular trekking routes, is located behind the forest. It's a four to five hour trek.