Yes, They Do Exist: The Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya

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For a place that gets copious amounts of rain each year, bridges shouldn’t strike you as exotic or surreal fixtures. But when they’re fashioned from living, aerial roots of trees, braided together and banded for a century and a half, by generations of natives, bridges transcend from being just bridges and turn into wonders created by man in amalgamation with nature.

Living root bridges are a common occurrence in Meghalaya. The relief system of the region allows the growth of several marshland trees, which have tenacious roots. The one that stands out and is used to fashion most of these root bridges is the Ficus Elastica, or Banyan Fig Trees. The aerial roots of these trees are guided to attach themselves to the betel tree trunks, thus making these bridges one of the toughest structures that you’ll ever see! Each root bridge can comfortably hold 50 adults walking on them! A UNESCO World Heritage Site takes some build up, right?

The Cultural Connotation of the Root Bridges

With the amount of rainfall that Cherrapunjee receives, it would be impossible to sustain wooden bridges. To abet this, for centuries, Khasis and War Jaintias (local tribes) have trained the Ficus Elastica trees to merge with Betel Nut tree trunks. Each such root bridge takes about 15 years to grow strong. The tenacity of these structures is a natural wonder. What’s even more interesting is that the bridges continue to grow for all their lives. Building root bridges is a tradition passed through generations among Khasis!

Living Root Bridges – Everywhere in Meghalaya!

If you take a walk along the villages of Mawlynnong, Nongriat or Cherrapunjee, you’ll spot more than a hundred root bridges. Each of these has been fashioned by locals to combat the devastating monsoons that the rain-drenched state of Meghalaya receives. Root bridges take about 10-15 years to become functional, but are also alive. Which means that they grow stronger with the passage of time. These structures are built over small rivers and streams in Meghalaya, to aid passage during the menacing monsoons.

Double Decker Root Bridges of Nongriat Village: Umshiang Bridge

While these root bridges are a common occurrence in Meghalaya, especially around Shillong and Cherrapunjee, the most spectacular among them is the double decker bridge of Nongriat Village.

The famous double decker bridge over the Umshiang River was built in two parts. As Khasi tradition goes, the first level of the bridge was built much before the second one. One monsoon, it had to be fortified to the second level because apparently, water from the Umshiang River had reached the first level.

Trekking to the Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge

If you’re one to freak out about getting your trekking gear on, this one is going to be your great challenge. A descent of almost 2400 metres (Halfway through which it dawns to most people – “Do I have to get back up there!), among the constant envelope of clouds that Meghalaya is home to, the reward at the end of the double decker bridge trek feels straight out of a Nat Geo Magazine.

Note: Please ensure you’re physically fit to take on the challenging terrain of the region before you embark on this trek.

Starting Point of the Trek: Tyrna Village

Distance: 3 KM one way

Duration: 4-5 hours

Other Root Bridge Treks:

Meghalaya is famous for housing more than a hundred root bridges in all of the state, especially around the East Khasi hills. If you’re an adventure enthusiast, you can trek to one of these lesser known root bridges in addition to the most famous one. Wonder and inspiration is guaranteed for all of these!

1. Ummunoi Root Bridge Trek

After a descent of nearly 1400 Metres, you reach the bridge over the Ummunoi River, which is another one of the most famous and oldest bridges in Meghalaya.

Starting Point of the Trek: Laitkynsew Village

Where: Nongkroh Village

Distance: 2 KM one way

Duration: 4-5 hours

​​​2.Ritymmen Root Bridge Trek

Often said to be the longest living root bridge known, a trek to this one shall not disappoint! Once you’re confident about the rain washed terrain

Starting Point of the Trek: Tyrna Village

Where: The Nongthymmai Village

Duration: 1.5-2 hours

3.Mawsaw Root Bridge

If you can muster up some more breath in your lungs after the double decker trek, head over to the Mawsaw root bridge. It takes only about 30 mins of walking after the double decker bridges. There are natural swimming pools next to this root bridge for added incentive.

Living Root Bridges of Mawlynnong:

If you’re a reader of travel magazines that make you lust after experiences more than travel itself, you probably already have Mawlynnong on your travel map. Mawlynnong is touted to be Asia’s cleanest village, and is one of the most beautiful little hamlets that you’ll ever find yourself in. The nearest village from this root bridge is the Riwai village, from where it’ll take you 15 minutes to reach this root bridge. Win-win, I say!

The best time to visit Meghalaya is after the feisty monsoon of the region has receded. November to January is great to explore root bridges after the rains have washed away, and there are interesting local festivals to attend. Now, now. There are many myths about travelling the North Eastern states. Read this to let them not deter you. What are you waiting for? Book your flights and hotels now!