🌿 The Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya – Nature’s Living Architecture 🌉🌧️

Tucked away in the misty hills of Meghalaya, the Living Root Bridges are not just natural wonders – they are living examples of harmony between humans and nature. Found mostly in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, these bio-engineered marvels are grown, not built, and are among the most unique forms of bridges on Earth. 🌎✨

What Are Living Root Bridges?

Living Root Bridges are formed by guiding the aerial roots of the Ficus elastica tree (Indian Rubber Tree) across streams and rivers using bamboo or wooden scaffolds. Over time, these roots thicken, intertwine, and grow stronger — forming naturally living, walkable bridges that can last hundreds of years! 🌱🌳

Unlike man-made structures, these bridges:

• Strengthen with age 💪

• Are resistant to floods and heavy rains 🌧️

• Require no industrial material 🧱

1️⃣ Nongriat Village (Double Decker Root Bridge)

📍 Near Cherrapunji (Sohra), East Khasi Hills

• Highlight: The world-famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge – two root bridges grown one above the other, spanning a river.

• Trek: Requires a descent of 3,000+ stone steps from Tyrna village.

• Experience: Crystal-clear pools for swimming, dense jungle trails, and overnight stays in rustic homestays.

• 🧗 Best for adventurous trekkers and photographers.

2️⃣ Riwai Village (Single Root Bridge)

📍 Near Mawlynnong, East Khasi Hills

• Highlight: The most accessible living root bridge, just a short 5-10 minute walk from the main road.

• Experience: Ideal for families and those wanting a quick taste of root bridges without the long trek.

• 🌺 Nearby: Visit Mawlynnong – Asia’s Cleanest Village – and enjoy a combo of culture, nature, and simplicity.

3️⃣ Mawsynram Region

📍 Southwest of Shillong

• Known as the wettest place on Earth, this area receives high rainfall — perfect for the rapid growth of rubber trees used in these bridges.

• Villages like Khatarshnong and Khrang are reported to have lesser-known living root bridges, often known only to locals and dedicated trekkers.

• 🥾 Best for explorers looking for offbeat and untouched trails.

4️⃣ Laitkynsew Village

📍 Near Cherrapunji, East Khasi Hills

• Home to a few smaller and lesser-visited root bridges, offering peaceful alternatives to the more famous ones.

• A great base for travelers wanting to avoid the crowded Nongriat route while still experiencing the magic of root bridges.

5️⃣ Nongthymmai & Mynteng Villages

📍 Near Pynursla, East Khasi Hills

• These villages are part of a newly popularized Pynursla circuit, which is emerging as a hub for discovering hidden living root bridges that are still in use by locals.

• These areas offer bridges in untouched, pristine forests with waterfalls and caves along the way.

• 6️⃣ Shkentalang and Kudeng Rim (Jaintia Hills)

  📍 West Jaintia Hills District

  • These locations are starting to gain recognition for their multi-level living root bridges, much like Nongriat but with fewer visitors.

  • The Shkentalang Root Bridge, in particular, is built over a large stream with scenic surroundings.

  • 🧭 Great for cultural travelers looking to mix Khasi & Pnar (Jaintia) experiences.

🌿 Walk to the Living Root Bridge (Riwai)
Just a 10–15 minute walk from the village lies one of Meghalaya’s famous natural wonders. These bridges are made from the aerial roots of rubber trees and can last over 100 years — a testament to ancient eco-engineering.

🔭 Climb the Bamboo Sky View Tower
Built entirely from bamboo, this 85-foot structure offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding forests and even Bangladesh’s plains on a clear day. Perfect for sunrise or sunset photography!

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Village on Foot
Stroll through neat stone pathways, admire traditional Khasi stilt houses made of bamboo and wood, and chat with friendly locals who will happily share stories about village life.

🍛 Taste Authentic Khasi Cuisine
Don’t miss trying Jadoh (rice cooked with pork or chicken), doh-nei-iong (meat in black sesame sauce), bamboo shoot dishes, and fresh garden produce — all served with warm Khasi hospitality.

• 🌧️ Visit During Monsoon 
  The rains turn the village into a lush, green paradise. While it can be wet and slippery, the misty trails and blooming flora make for an enchanting experience — just pack good shoes and a raincoat!

• ✈️ By Air

  ➡️ The nearest airport to Meghalaya is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, Assam – approximately 120 km from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya.

  ✅ Direct Flights Available From:

  • 🏙️ Delhi
  • 🏙️ Mumbai
  • 🏙️ Kolkata
  • 🏙️ Bengaluru
  • 🏙️ Chennai

  🚖 From Guwahati Airport to Shillong:

  • Private Taxi: ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 (approx. 3–4 hours) 🚕
  • Shared Taxi: ₹500 – ₹700 per person 🚐
  • State Transport Bus: ₹150 – ₹300 per person 🚌

  👉 Tip: Prepaid taxis are available at the airport – safest and most comfortable option!

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  🚆 By Train

  ➡️ Meghalaya does not have a railway station. The nearest major railhead is Guwahati Railway Station (GHY), about 100 km from Shillong.

  ✅ Trains to Guwahati Available From:

  • 🏙️ Delhi (Rajdhani Express)
  • 🏙️ Kolkata (Saraighat Express)
  • 🏙️ Mumbai (LTT Guwahati Express)
  • 🏙️ Chennai (Dibrugarh Express)
  • 🏙️ Bengaluru (Guwahati Express)

  🚖 From Guwahati Station to Shillong:

  • Private Taxi: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 (approx. 3 hours) 🚖
  • Shared Taxi: ₹400 – ₹600 per person 🚐
  • State Bus: ₹150 – ₹300 🚌

  👉 Tip: Taxis and shared cabs are easily available outside the station.

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  🚌 By Road

  ➡️ Meghalaya is well-connected to Assam and neighboring northeastern states by road. The roads are scenic, with lush green hills and misty valleys. 🌿

  ✅ Road Routes to Meghalaya:

  • From Guwahati to Shillong: 100 km (3 hours) via NH6 🛣️
  • From Kaziranga to Shillong: 260 km (6 hours) via NH27 🌄
  • From Siliguri to Shillong: 560 km (12 hours) via NH27 🚗

  🚍 Options:

  • State Transport Buses: Affordable but slow
  • Private Buses (Volvo, AC): Comfortable and faster
  • Shared Cabs: Convenient for small groups

  👉 Tip: Take a window seat – the views along the road are breathtaking! 🌲

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  🚙 Self-Drive

  • ✅ Well-maintained roads – but expect sharp bends and hilly terrain
  • ✅ Fuel stations available along the route
  • ✅ Rent a car from Guwahati if you prefer driving yourself

  👉 Tip: Start early to avoid foggy weather, especially in the mornings. 🌫️

Meghalaya offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly lodges. Some popular options include:

The Living Root Bridges are not just a sightseeing stop — they’re a living legacy, a walk through nature’s patience, and a story of human ingenuity without harming the earth. 🌍🌿

So, lace up your boots and step onto a bridge that’s alive.
Because in Meghalaya, nature doesn’t just surround you — it carries you. 🌳💚

Plan Your Meghalaya Trip with Us! 📞🛶

For bookings and inquiries, contact us:
📲 Call/WhatsApp: +91 7044073097 / 9435733097
📧 Email: enquiry@holidayeyes.co.in
🌐 Website: www.holidayeyes.co.in

Let’s make your Meghalaya adventure unforgettable! 🌿🦏🚙