Deep in Meghalaya’s forests grow its most famous attractions: the living root bridge. Crafted by the local Khasi tribes, the bridges are made from the roots of rubber trees. Traditionally, the roots are carefully guided across spaces using the straight trunks of betel nut trees… … and are sometimes tied for increased support. There are root bridges scattered all throughout Meghalaya, the bridge in Mawlynnong being the most famous. So while on a holiday in Shillong, we went deep into a dense tropical forest of Meghalaya in Riwai, near Shillong and the place was masked in cloud and rain for much of the year. Cherrapunji Living Root Bridges. The living root bridges of Meghalaya. Getting there is a bit of a mission but the journey is well worth it. India's Meghalaya 'living root bridges' get stronger as the trees grow. Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort has brought the focus on these Living Root Bridges, which are exclusive to Meghalaya and are not found anywhere else in the world. There's no finished objects — it's an ongoing process and way of thinking." A living root bridge is a type of simple suspension bridge formed of living plant roots by tree shaping. In the early mornings, before the tourists flock in droves from Shillong, the hike from Mawlynnong to Riwai is worth doing and the garden of Mawlynnong is an amazing thing to see. There are 11 functional root bridges in this area, situated about two and a half hours drive from Shillong. Waterfalls, rivers, and villages will pack your travel calendar with even more adventure. Ummunoi Root Bridge. Some bridges get more visitors than others – there were perhaps 30 people at the bridge near Mawlynnong when I was there. These living root bridges can be found at Cherrapunji, Laitkynsew, and Nongriat, in the present-day Meghalaya state of northeast India. We chose to skip the crowds and visit the grandest of them all: Umshiang, the double decker bridge in the village of Nongriat, and one of India’s finest offbeat destinations. How Many Living Root Bridges Are There In Meghalaya? During monsoon season in India, which lasts from June to September, rivers in Meghalaya flood, leaving local communities stranded. Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya - Amazing cooperation between human and nature If there are 3-4 most amazing places on the planet, in terms of a result of human effort, like the pyramids of Giza, the living root bridges are among them.For me, they are the most impressive example of human and nature cooperation on Earth.. There are many living root bridges scattered around Meghalaya, but only 11 are functional. Umkar Living Root Bridge: Marvel of Meghalaya. The living root bridge of Riwai is included in the Mawlynnong tour section. Meghalaya is the wettest place on Earth, getting the average of 12000 mm rainfall annually. Both of which are reached from Shillong. The trek takes about 2 hours to complete. They are handmade from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees (Ficus elastica ) by the Khasi and Jaintia peoples of the mountainous terrain along the southern part of the Shillong Plateau. Double-decker bridges. They are handmade from the aerial roots of rubber fig trees (Ficus elastica ) by the Khasi and Jaintia peoples of the mountainous terrain along the southern part of the Shillong Plateau. Currently, the two easiest areas to see such living root bridges in Meghalaya are Mawlynnong and Cherrapunjee. While there are many single root bridges in the area, this is the only one with two levels. Though there are many astonishing living root bridges in Meghalaya and it is believed that some of them are over 500 years old, this double-decker one shows its distinct popularity. What a natural wonder it truly is ! Jingkieng Nongriat Living Root Bridge Image Credits: Rajiv Verma. But the above two are the most famous. It is another one of the most popular and oldest living root bridges in Meghalaya. The bridges have existed in Meghalaya since 1844. Two most typical trip loops around Meghalaya are: Mawlynnong, Riwai Root bridge and Dawki, and perhaps taking Elephant falls in if time permits. Most of the links are write-ups, travelogue and the likes, are about the living-root bridge of Nohriat village in the Sohra area. The living root bridge is still there and to ease pressure on it, a bamboo bridge has been created right next to it. How Do You Make A Living Root Bridge? Remember Pandora Moon, of Jim Cameron’s Avatar film? 4. Updated: February 24, 2020 7:27 PM IST The Umshiang Double Decker living root bridge in Nongriat village is the most popular one. Bridges made by the local tribes in Meghalaya by entwining the strong secondary roots of the Ficus elastica tree. Getting there, however, is no simple task. Spanning between 15 and 250 feet and built over centuries, the bridges, primarily a means to cross streams and rivers, have also become world-famous tourist attractions. You need to be prepared for an arduous hike to the living root bridge of Nongriat. Whenever and wherever the need arose, they simply grew their bridges. This 30 meter (100 foot) root bridge is the longest known living root bridge. Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge. Starting point: Tyrna village. Location: Umshiang river at Nongriat village . Duration: Three kilometers one way. Four to five hours return. Descent: 2,400 feet. It is the most sought after destination for travellers and trekkers alike, but there many more living root bridges in West Jaintia hills of Meghalaya.. We saw a living root bridge, we walked on it and enjoyed the beauty and serene atmosphere of this place. When standing on this root bridge, you can see the double decker root bridge on your right. While most of the known Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya are frequently visited by Tourists from across India and the World across the year due to the ease of accessibility, the Longest Living Root Bridge in the World at Pynursla is not known by many we bring forth to you first glimpse of this Root Bridge of Meghalaya. With the assistance of local volunteers — mostly young boys recruited from the nearby villages — the Foundation has created the framework for four new root bridges in the forests around Pynursla town alone, and are helping in maintaining dozens more across Meghalaya, many which had been ignored for generations. Most of the bridges grow on steep slopes of subtropical moist broadleaf forest between 50m and 1150m above sea level. Experience the many cuisines of Northeast India such as Naga, Assamese, Indian, Khasi and Mishing; Visit the hills of Meghalaya, considered as the planet's rainiest and wettest region; Walk to the living root bridge of Cherrapunjee; Discover Kaziranga National Park, a world heritage site While there are many Root bridges in and around Meghalaya, the most famous is the Double Decker Root bridge located in Cheerapunji (Sohra), followed by Mawlynnong Living Root Bridge (Rewai). These living root bridges have been crafted by hand over the centuries by the Khasi tribe residing on the East Khasi Hills. It is a single root bridge which is a three-kilometer one-way trek. If you took an organized tour, instead … We explored both, but, In this post, we will talk about Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge. Call it nature’s divine art, call it the art of tree shaping and nurturing or call it traditional wisdom to connect remote villages during heavy rains; this is an innovative solution … They are common in the southern part of the Northeast Indian state of Meghalaya. These bioengineering wonders are eloquent testimonies of man living in harmony with nature. Living root bridges are Meghalaya's most popular attractions. Double Decker Bridges. There are two key locations to see the bridges, one is Mawlynnong and the other, Nongriat. They are known for their dexterity of hand, in intertwining roots and constructing some humongous living root bridges. Living Root Bridge in Mawlynnong, Meghalaya, India. Living root bridges will be the highlight of your trip to Meghalaya, but there is much more to keep you busy. There are 3 other such bridges which are found near the villages of Padu and Nongbareh. There might be others as well in the hills which are less accessible to tourists. At Cherrapunjee I was lucky to get so long without other visitors when visiting the bridge described above. And then there is a smaller living root bridge near the village of Mawlynnong. This bridge is popular among tourists because it's easily accessible from the vehicular road. There are 11 living root bridges in Meghalaya. There is a tiny root bridge just before you enter the Nongriat village. From the village, you will be required to purchase an entry ticket to see the Living Root Bridges. Nongriat and the living root bridges of Meghalaya are a very unique place. Double decker root bridge panoramic view. The name Root Bridge is taken from the great living Root Bridges of Meghalaya. There are three other such bridges which are found near the villages of Padu and Nongbareh. The East Khasi Hills, site of the many living root bridges constructed by the Khasi tribe have one quite major claim to fame. Apart from the famous Double Decker Living Root bridge, there are other living bridges … Single and Double decker root bridge, Cheerapunji : The Umshiang Double Decker living root bridge in Nongriat village is the most popular one. There are specifically two living root bridges here that you must visit. Cherapunjee with a few waterfalls on the way, plus Mawsmai caves. These are the living root bridges, not built but grown. Also called Jingkieng Nongriat or the Umshiang Double Decker Bridge, this one is the most popular among all the Meghalaya Root Bridges. Forming bridges out of the aerial roots of the rubber fig tree is an old tradition of the Khasi people, the biggest indigenous group of Meghalaya. Most of the bridges grow on steep slopes of subtropical moist broadleaf forest between 50m and 1150m above sea level. Double Decker root bridges are parallel bridges. It is 30 m long and 2400 m high. They are common in the southern part of the Northeast Indian state of Meghalaya. A Japanese T.V. Visiting Mawlynnong's (Asia's cleanest village) beautiful, living root bridge. Meghalaya's most famous root bridge, the "double-decker" root bridge, can be found in the vicinity of one of the wettest places on earth -- Cherrapunji (also known as Sohra). This bridge is an excellent example of how wonderful things could be if mankind and nature worked in collaboration, and is among the top Meghalaya tourist places. The living root bridge are known to exist in the north eastern Indian state of Meghalaya and Nagaland. Some of them have also been located in Sumatra and Java province of Indonesia. They are very less in number. And they must be preserved well for they are true wonders. In Meghalaya, there is a double decker Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunji. The Guinness book of records regularly sites the village of Cherrapunjee as being the rainiest place on earth, an honour which is hotly disputed by neighbouring Mawsynram, about 10 … In Meghalaya, there is a double decker Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunji. And then there is a smaller living root bridge near the village of Mawlynnong. There might be others as well in the hills which are less accessible to tourists. But the above two are the most famous. This is definitely the most famous Living Root Bridge in Meghalaya. As far as I know, there are close to 36 such living root bridges in this region of Meghalaya, each providing access to different Khasi villages. How do I get from Shillong to Mawlynnong? The locals of Meghalaya make living root bridges by guiding the roots of the rubber trees across rivers, often on a framework made of bamboo. Living Root Bridges are architectural wonders of the world, handmade by the Khasi and Jaintia peoples of the mountainous terrain along the southern part of the Shillong Plateau, using the aerial roots of trees. Reaching here is a little challenging but once you get there and see the roots and take a dip it all becomes worth it. living root bridges — aerial bridges built by weaving and manipulating the roots of the Indian rubber tree — have been serving as connectors for generations in Meghalaya. In Meghalaya, there is a double decker Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunji. The Meghalaya Tourism department organizes a bus for travellers during season which is the most affordable way to get to see the living root bridge. There are currently 11 living root bridges in Meghalaya, of which 5 are functional. They’re a 2.5 drive away from Shillong. Historically, the Khasi people built bridges out of bamboo to get around, according to the BBC. They maintain the roots grown from the ancient rubber trees in such a manner that form the shape of a bridge on the top of the Umshiang river. In addition to these 36 fully operational living root bridges, there are many more that are under construction. Right now, there are three fully functional living root bridges in Nongriat, Image Credits: Medium It is more than 50 meters long with 1.5 meter width. Contrast this with the rock-solid centuries-old root bridges found in Meghalaya—many as old as 250 years and still growing strong—built without modern tools or design. A living root bridge is a type of simple suspension bridge formed of living plant roots by tree shaping. Double-decker root bridges are parallel bridges. The origin of living root bridges in Meghalaya. A crowd of tourists walks across a 150-year-old living root bridge near Nohwet village, Meghalaya. The bridges are located in the East Khasi Hills area of Meghalaya state. Now here comes the best part – there isn’t just one bridge! The flow of the rivers holds such force that in the monsoon season, crossing them can be … Do explore this place if you are planning to visit Meghalaya. Mawsaw Root Bridge is located at a 20-30 mins walking distance beyond the Double Decker Root Bridge. The Umshiang Bridge is said to be almost 2 centuries old (180 years). The Khasi tribe created the living root bridge. Updated 21st November 2019. Meghalaya is one of the wettest places on Earth. From a conservation perspective, while new Living Root Bridges might be grown, I would view a 400 year old living root bridge in the same way I would view the Taj Mahal: Rather than being a mere tourist curiosity, an ancient living root bridge is an incredible piece of history, and a truly monumental cultural achievement. Although durable materials like steel and concrete are used in today’s structures, poor quality of construction and lack of maintenance are often blamed for such catastrophes. The total descent is roughly 2,400 feet.

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