Natural Marvel: Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya

Their origin dates back to two centuries ago. It was when the Khasi Clan of Meghalaya placed the roots of rubber trees into the hollow canes of Areca nut palms (in the middle portion). As the roots of the rubber plant were properly nourished, they grew from the middle portion of the Areca nut palms to the opposite side. With time, the roots grew more and started entangling with each other, making a perfect living tree bridge. This is how the Khasi Clan built bridges with living roots that could carry heavy loads!

A few fun facts here? It can take as long as 10 to 15 years for a living root bridge to form. But once they are formed, they can last up to 500 years! The thing is, even though some roots may decompose and break down, the bridge doesn’t get destroyed. Because new growing roots take the broken roots’ position, making the roots long-lasting.

The weather in Meghalaya remains quite pleasant throughout the year. And that means you can pack your bag anytime you want and get going. But the monsoon is better to avoid! The state receives heavy rainfall and hiking through the muddy, slippery roads and forests towards the root bridges is definitely not a good idea! Also, doesn’t matter which season you are planning your trip here, make sure to pack good trekking(/hiking) shoes and some warm clothes too!

Well, there are many living root bridges in the East Khasi Hills district and West Jaintia Hills district. And here are the ones that you must keep on your travel guide to Meghalaya!

As the name suggests, this living root bridge of Meghalaya has one deck (layer). And here’s how you can visit this bridge. A reminder here. The way to this bridge is going to be a long one. But imagine how stunning views you will have as you travel amid nature’s beauty! On that note, book a flight to Shillong. Once you land here, you will have to opt for a 3-hour drive from Shillong towards Mawlynnong. You can take a jeep or sumo (shared). But don’t go till Mawlynnong, get down a few kilometres before, at the Riwai village. From there, a 15-minute walk and you will be at the single-decker bridge.

Mawlynnong has been named one of the cleanest villages in all of Asia. You can actually see nature’s true charms here, untouched by any waste or pollution. The single-decker bridge here has the same vibes. While you are here visiting the Meghalaya root bridge, we suggest a visit to the famous natural balancing rock too. It is one of the famous places to visit in Meghalaya.

Yes, a natural root bridge with double decks, how fascinating is that? Very! A hanging bridge, made with tree roots, that has two decks, fascinating indeed! This root bridge residing in perfect harmony with lush greenery around and above tranquil water makes for the perfect view. The even more fascinating fact? This is one of the oldest living bridges of Meghalaya, almost 180 years old! Also, there are talks of adding another layer to this bridge. A triple-decker living root bridge, a big yes! But for now, let’s see how you can reach this double-decker living bridge in Meghalaya.

The first step is reaching Cherrapunji. If you are flying, remember to book a flight to the Guwahati Airport. Because Cherrapunji doesn’t have its own airport and Guwahati Airport is the closest one. Once you are in Cherrapunji, you can opt for a bus or a shared ride to the Tryna village (20 km). From the village, the double-decker bridge is a 3 km trek. Excited about the trekking opportunity? There’s more! The way leading to the double-decker bridge descends 2400 feet and there are 3500 stairs (steep) that you will have to cover! It will be a tough journey but the moment you see this hanging bridge Meghalaya in front of you will be so rewarding!

Meghalaya has so many marvellous natural root bridges that not mentioning a few more will not be fair. So, here you go! Ummunoi Root Bridge and Umkar Root Bridge located near the Siej village are visit-worthy. Also, on the way to the double-decker living root bridge are two more beautiful root bridges that you can pay a visit to. They are Mawsaw Root Bridge and Ritymmen Root Bridge.

So, here was everything you needed to know about the living root bridges of Meghalaya. Even if you are hearing about these natural wonders for the first time here, we are guessing, you already are convinced that visiting these bridges is one of the most exciting things to do in Meghalaya. What’s the delay then? Get your flight tickets, book the accommodation and let the journey to Meghalaya’s living root bridges begin!