Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya

Double Decker Root  Bridge , at Nongriat, Meghalaya

During November 2019,  I had visited Meghalaya, along with a group of trekkers from Mysore. It was a wonderful trek amidst lush green forest, crossing many rivulets on foot, walking through suspension bridges, listening to chirping of birds, looking at mesmerizing ravines…. wonderful.

There are many living root bridges in Meghalaya. The one in the picture is the Double Decker Root Bridge at Nogriat village. Living Root Bridges are created by guiding and manipulating the young roots of Indian Rubber tree (Ficas Elastica), across a rivulet as the opportunity guides itself. Over a period of 15 years the roots grow and get intertwined forming a stable bridge. Local Khasi tribe people had been designing such living root bridges since many years.

Do you enjoy spending a day in lush green forest, which is absolutely free from pollution? Here is the right place… This is a trekker’s paradise. Get ready with a pair of trekking shoes, a backpack with necessary food items and drinking water too. Though there are very few small shops here and there, it is better to carry packed lunch.

Direction  board displayed  at Tyrna Village 

Starting point at Tyrna Village 

Steps towards Double Decker Root bridge 

Suspension bridge, on the way to Nongriat village, Meghalaya  

Suspension bridge, on the way to Nongriat village, Meghalaya  

Standing proudly on the Double Decker root bridge at Nongriat, on 11 Nov 2019

Cap, sunglasses and raincoats are optional . Yes, it may rain at any time in this area, throughout the year, being closer to Chirapunji, the highest rainfall area in India. Walk slowly and carefully, there are appr. 3700 steps to descend. It is picturesque trekking trail.

Root map to visit Double Decker Root at Nogriat:

Reach ‘Shillong’ the capital of Meghalaya , which is well connected by other states. Book a taxi to Tyrna village, which is appr. 75 km from Shillong. Tyrna is a small picturesque village. We get home stay accommodation and food here . From here, Nongriat village is 3.5 Km away. To reach Nongriat, we need to walk a stretch, descend appr. 3700 steps and cross few suspension bridges. It is bit tiring, but worth the experience, for those who love nature.

Food and accommodation :
It is better to book accommodation in Shillong for a comfortable stay. However, if someone wants to have the experience of staying in a remote village, home stay facilities are available at Tyrna and Nogriat villages, providing basic facilities. Food is mainly non-vegetarian. Yet, vegetarians too could get rice, dal, roti etc

Other places of interest :
There are many spectacular waterfalls, view points and limestone caves that attract tourists in Meghalaya. 4-5 days of stay in Meghalaya is ideal for visiting covering all these places.  Also, those interested could visit Kamakhya temple , Balaji temple and Umananada Temple in Guwahati , enroute Meghalaya.

 

Hemamala.B
Mysore

31/12/2019