'India's cleanest village' clings on to its serenity

Despite its popularity, some say visitor numbers must be cut

In the tiny hamlet of Mawlynnong in India's far northeast, plastic is banned and spotless paths are lined with flowers - but its reputation as Asia's cleanest village has proved a mixed blessing.

Until 2003 no tourists visited the remote community of 500 inhabitants high in the mountains of Meghalaya state, which had no roads and was accessible only by foot.