Mapping Memories

Enter the grove at

Mawphlang Sacred Grove

The forest the Khasi never cut.

Mossy forest grove, representative of Mawphlang
Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Meghalaya
Status
Sacred grove, protected by custom
From Shillong
About 25km
Rule
Remove nothing

The Mawphlang sacred grove is old-growth forest protected by Khasi religious law: nothing may be removed from it, not a leaf. Local guides walk you through moss-heavy trees, rare orchids and the monoliths at the grove’s edge that mark the ceremonial ground.

It is the most accessible introduction to Khasi indigenous conservation.

Quick answers

Mawphlang Sacred Grove at a glance

Can I take anything from the grove?

No: by Khasi custom nothing leaves the grove, and your guide will hold you to it.

Practicals

Permits & season

No entry permit for Indian nationals; foreign nationals register at checkposts.

October to May works; the monsoon is the point in Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, and the fiercest anywhere in India.

When to go

Plan around these months

Nearby

Close enough to combine

Things to do

What you're here for

Guided grove walk

Local guides explain the law of the forest.

Monoliths

Standing stones at the grove’s ceremonial edge.

Journal

Read before you go

Facts checked against the official Meghalaya tourism portal · Last verified 2026-09-26

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