Photo spot in Mawlynnong
Sky View Tower
Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
A tall bamboo-and-cane viewing tower in Mawlynnong that you climb for a canopy-level view over the village, the forests and, on a clear day, the plains of Bangladesh.
Best time
Morning on a clear day, when the haze over the Bangladesh plains is at its lightest and the canopy is lit from the side.
Best angle
Stand at the south rail of the top platform and take a wide photo over the treetops to the flat plains, keeping a strip of bamboo railing in the foreground.
Entry fee
Nominal
Opening hours
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Sky View Tower
Morning on a clear day, when the haze over the Bangladesh plains is at its lightest and the canopy is lit from the side. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Sky View Tower
Stand at the south rail of the top platform and take a wide photo over the treetops to the flat plains, keeping a strip of bamboo railing in the foreground. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
At the tower top
Overlooking the plains
Outfit guide
What to wear at Sky View Tower
For photos at Sky View Tower, cream, forest green and teal work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Mawlynnong.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Sky View Tower.
Eat nearby
Food near Sky View Tower
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for tungrymbai nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Go up in the morning, when the air over the plains is usually clearest.
Skip the climb on a cloudy monsoon day, as the view will likely be hidden.
Wear flat shoes with grip, since bamboo steps can be smooth and damp.
Keep your bag on your back and both hands free for the rails.
Wait at a lower level if the top platform is already full.
Hold your phone firmly with a strap, as anything dropped goes into the trees.
Remember the tower is closed to day visitors on Sundays, along with the village.
A tower of bamboo
The Sky View is a tall viewing tower built from bamboo and cane, tied together in the local way, reported to be about 85 feet high. It rises above the tree canopy at the edge of Mawlynnong. At the top a small platform looks south, over the forest and the slopes, to the flat green plains of Bangladesh.
The climb
You climb bamboo ladders and walkways, and the structure moves a little as people walk on it. It is sturdy, but it is not for anyone uneasy with heights. Hold the rails, take it one level at a time, and keep bags on your back so your hands are free. Only a few people fit on the top platform, so wait your turn if it is full. There is a small entry fee.
When the view works
The plains show best on clear days, which come most often from October to December and after a rain shower has washed the air. In late winter, haze can sit over the lowlands, and in the monsoon cloud often covers everything. Morning is usually clearer than afternoon.
Visiting
The tower keeps daytime hours; check at the counter for closing time, which tends to be late afternoon. Like the rest of the village, it is closed to day visitors on Sundays. Several private towers have gone up around Mawlynnong and Riwai, so ask in the village which one you are paying for. There is a café nearby for tea after the climb. Combine it with a walk through the village lanes.
Questions
Sky View Tower — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Sky View Tower?
Morning on a clear day, when the haze over the Bangladesh plains is at its lightest and the canopy is lit from the side. Stand at the south rail of the top platform and take a wide photo over the treetops to the flat plains, keeping a strip of bamboo railing in the foreground.
Is there an entry fee at Sky View Tower?
Entry to Sky View Tower is nominal.
What are the opening hours of Sky View Tower?
Sky View Tower is open 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
What should I wear at Sky View Tower?
Cream, forest green and teal photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Sky View Tower get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: morning on a clear day, when the haze over the Bangladesh plains is at its lightest and the canopy is lit from the side.
What food should I try near Sky View Tower?
Try tungrymbai, available at nearby restaurants.
How high is the Sky View tower?
It is reported to be about 85 feet high, built from bamboo and cane, and rises above the forest canopy.
Can you really see Bangladesh from the tower?
Yes, on a clear day. You see the flat plains of Bangladesh to the south, beyond the forested slopes. Haze and cloud often hide them, especially in late winter and the monsoon.
Is the Sky View climb safe?
It is sturdy and used every day, but it sways slightly and has steep bamboo steps. Take care, hold the rails, and skip it if you are nervous of heights.
Is there more than one sky view tower?
Yes. Several bamboo towers have been built around Mawlynnong and Riwai, each charging a small fee. Ask locally which one is closest.