Iconic Tourism Destination at Mawkhanu
Mawkhanu, New Shillong Knowledge City, Meghalaya, India
Set within the majestic hillscapes of Meghalaya, the Iconic Tourism Destination at Mawkhanu is envisioned as a one-of-a-kind experiential tourism hub that unites the immersive charm of nature with the symbolic power of monumental architecture. Designed as a vibrant gateway to New Shillong, the project aims to decongest existing tourist circuits while offering a compelling cultural, ecological, and recreational experience—one that resonates with the rhythm and identity of Meghalaya.
Builtup Area : 213.8 Acres
Services : Feasibility Study,
Programming, Master Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Engineering, Detailed Project Report (DPR), Transportation, Infrastructure Planning, Wayfinding & Signages, Landscape Design, Sustainability, Lighting Design, Art
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A landscape of events, exchange, and elevation
Located between the Shillong Bypass and Knowledge City, the destination is planned as a self-sustaining tourism node within a larger 874-acre masterplan. The site weaves together culture and celebration, nature and performance, adventure and reflection—offering visitors a dynamic, multifaceted experience. Spanning across public parks, hotels, amphitheatres, a convention centre, and themed recreational zones, the layout enables both high-energy festivals and serene retreats within the same ecological frame.
Architecture that ascends from place, rooted in spirit
At the core of the site lies a 48.6-acre tourism zone anchored by the Meghalayan Theme Park, an expansive Event Ground, and the cluster of five Iconic Towers. Together, these elements compose a monumental ensemble that celebrates both land and legacy. The public realm is animated by cherry blossom avenues, stepped promenades, bamboo pavilions, sculpture parks, and cultural trails that meander through curated meadows and groves—turning every corner into an interactive moment.
The design of the Iconic Towers takes inspiration from
Meghalaya’s traditional monoliths—towering stone markers that serve as collective memorials and sacred artefacts of the Khasi and Jaintia tribes. These towers rise as five slender, faceted forms, each varying in height (from 93m to 120m), and collectively connected through a panoramic sky bridge. The bridge not only offers sweeping views of the surrounding valleys but also forms an elevated cultural circuit—housing galleries, lounges, and curated experiences.
Built with a central concrete core and clad with Corton steel panels, the towers merge technological robustness with tactile materiality. The facades shimmer with texture and light, designed to weather naturally while echoing the palette of the Khasi hills. High-capacity lifts and emergency stairwells, within each tower can handle over 4,000 visitors daily across a 10-hour operational window. Passive design elements—such as skylights, natural ventilation, and sun-shading skins—ensure both efficiency and environmental sensitivity.
The lower levels house immersive museum galleries, an AV zone, VIP lounges, souvenir shops, and dining spaces that celebrate local cuisine and crafts. The upper-level bridge is more than a viewpoint—it is an experiential loop that transforms observation into interpretation. Whether through cultural exhibits, performances, or quiet reflection zones, the visitor journey is curated to blend excitement with introspection.
An Iconic Destination Forged from Story, Soil, and Ancient Memory
This tourism destination is not just about entertainment or spectacle. It is an articulation of Meghalaya’s aspirations—modern yet anchored, iconic yet intimate. By linking contemporary tourism infrastructure with tribal wisdom, landscape sensitivity, and cultural symbolism, the masterplan positions Mawkhanu as an epicentre for meaningful travel. It is a celebration of identity, an engine for
local economy, and a place where people from all walks of life can come to live, celebrate, and experience Meghalaya.
"A cultural beacon in the clouds—where monoliths rise as icons, nature frames every step, and Meghalaya welcomes the world with pride, story, and soul."
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