Living Root Bridge, Riwai Village

The living root bridge offers a picturesque escape, constructed using the roots of numerous banyan trees, with a crystal-clear waterfall flowing beneath it. Positioned near Asia's cleanest village, Mawlynnong, it is surrounded by scenic beauty. The local inhabitants are known for their decency and politeness.

Visual retreat and unique place, where the roots of the trees formed a bridge over a river. The entry fee is 50Rs per head, we need to do small trekking around 15-20min in order to reach the bridge. The bridge is located just 2km away from the India's cleanest village Mawlynnong.

Rugged, stone steps take you to this bridge and you better not be wearing anything too warm during this hike or you'll sweat profusely and regret warm clothes. The bridge itself is worth the visit. Take a minute to take a dip in the river rather than taking pictures and leaving like most people do. If you have toddlers who can't scale steps, you may have to carry them and you better be fit to carry them. Check out the images.

The living root bridge is on the way to Shillong from Dawki. It is a marvel of nature's ingenuity. The intertwining roots form a living work of art, seamlessly blending with the lush surroundings. The bridge is a testament to the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. However, you need physical strength to visit this area.

Living root bridges are pedestrian bridges made from the roots of living trees, mainly rubber fig trees, in the rainforest of Meghalaya. They are used for crossing rivers, connecting remote places, and sourcing raw materials like wood and water.

Great to see this place but you will have to do some trekking but the view is amazing.

Lovely experience. This is the living root bridge which enthralled us all. People in our group had knee problems and faced difficulty but walking slowly they could also enjoy the view. It brings an awesome amazing feeling and evokes love for nature.

The journey of living root bridge which is made of living roots,was really amazing, we enjoyed a lot, go through down stairs, and then you will get living root bridge and waterfall.
Natural scenic beauty 😍✨❤

Remarkable, must see root bridge.
This is a popular spot and is frequented by tourists during the day, best time to visit would be 7-8 in the morning.

There's a small 10 min easy trek/walk from the parking lot to the ticket counter near the bridge.

Charming place. If you want to fall in love with nature so this is the perfect place place you. Root bridge is a one of the great creature of nature which created by almighty ALLAH.

One of a kind. Prepare for a long walk with stairs, The site would reward you with a breataking view of bridge which is constructed with live roots. Many shops are there on the way selling local goods including herbs, fruits, locally constructed wooden items. Must visit. Has tickets 40 per head. He did take it online.

This is such a wonderful creation by Nature.
Where you can see the bridge created by the Roots of Tree, the view is magnificent
Also below the bridge, water comes from the Waterfall which looks amazing and water’s sound is very soothing
Definitely must visit place

In the verdant hills of Meghalaya, a marvel of nature awaits—a living root bridge that spans the gap between tradition and innovation, history and modernity. Carved by the hands of time and nurtured by generations of indigenous communities, these extraordinary structures stand as testaments to the ingenuity, resilience, and harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.

A Masterpiece of Nature's Engineering:

Living root bridges are a unique phenomenon found in the remote valleys and forests of Meghalaya, India. These remarkable structures are formed by training the roots of the Ficus elastica tree, commonly known as the Indian rubber tree, to grow across waterways and gorges. Over time, the roots intertwine and strengthen, forming sturdy bridges capable of supporting the weight of humans and livestock.

What sets living root bridges apart from conventional bridges is their organic nature—their roots continue to grow and strengthen over time, making them increasingly durable and resilient to the elements. Some of the oldest living root bridges are believed to be over 500 years old, a testament to their remarkable longevity and sustainability.

Cultural Heritage and Indigenous Wisdom:

The history of living root bridges is deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage and traditions of the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities who inhabit the region. For centuries, these communities have relied on the natural resources of the forest for their survival, developing sustainable practices that are passed down from generation to generation.

Living root bridges are not merely functional structures—they are symbols of community cooperation, environmental stewardship, and cultural identity. The process of creating a living root bridge requires patience, skill, and collective effort, as villagers work together to nurture and shape the growing roots into a cohesive bridge structure.

Environmental Conservation and Sustainability:

In an age of rapid urbanization and environmental degradation, living root bridges serve as powerful examples of sustainable infrastructure and eco-friendly architecture. Unlike concrete and steel bridges, which require significant resources and energy to construct and maintain, living root bridges are grown organically from locally available materials, requiring minimal intervention from humans.

Furthermore, living root bridges have minimal ecological impact on their surrounding environment. By utilizing the natural growth patterns of trees, they seamlessly blend into the landscape, providing habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species. Their presence helps to preserve the delicate ecosystems of the forest, ensuring the continued health and biodiversity of the region.

Tourism and Cultural Exchange:

In recent years, living root bridges have gained international recognition as marvels of natural engineering and symbols of sustainable development. Tourists from around the world flock to Meghalaya to witness these extraordinary structures firsthand, immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region.

For the indigenous communities who call Meghalaya home, tourism presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, tourism provides economic opportunities for local residents, generating income through guided tours, homestays, and handicraft sales. On the other hand, increased foot traffic and development can put pressure on fragile ecosystems and traditional ways of life.

Preserving a Legacy for Future Generations:

As we look to the future, it is essential to recognize the importance of preserving living root bridges and the cultural heritage they represent. Through sustainable tourism practices, environmental conservation efforts, and community-led initiatives, we can ensure that these extraordinary structures continue to thrive for generations to come.

Marvelous place .. A natural wonder in a serene atmosphere which anyone touring Meghalaya cannot afford to miss .. the trek to the spot is manageable even to those in 60s..

It is a single decker living root bridge and is almost two hundred years of age. After parking car, one needs to track down a kilometer to reach the bridge. Climbing up and down stairs could be difficult for seniors. Small shops selling seasonal fruits and handicraft products are along side the road to bridge. There is an entry fee.

The living root bridge in Meghalaya, India, is a truly remarkable and unique natural wonder. This bridge is made by training the aerial roots of rubber fig trees to grow in a specific direction, allowing them to span rivers and streams. It is a testament to human ingenuity and the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

The trek is adventurous.
You have to take a local guide worth rs 1000 which is necessary to take.. and a bamboo stick costing 20rs.

First you will visit single bridge after completing almost 1500 steps then you will reach a waterfall after that you will reach double decker.

From double decker if you want to further trek then you can visit blue lagoon and rainbow falls...

Worth of visit places and adventurous too

*Miracle of meghalaya*

way down to the bridge is a staircase (300 to 350 ) paved with natural rocks.

It's slippery during monsoon season, so go with caution. Else go in the winter.

A great place to see the unique beauty of Meghalaya. The other bridges are more difficult to approach - the double root bridge requires trekking, for instance.

This has the easiest approach and it's about 30 minutes walking with dowan stairs so I would suggest this one for the young and elderly seniors citizen can visit

Entry fee 50 /- person

A must visit place here in Meghalaya. The living root bridge is beautiful. Nature at it's finest. Reasonable entrance fees to enter the site. The site's well-maintained trails allowed for easy exploration. Also be prepared to walk down and up the stairs (about 15 minutes) to reach the Living Root Bridge.

Amazing place....must visit.... natural beauty...full of nature

The root bridge is an amazing view point in Mawlynong. The water is very clean and the scenic beauty of the flowing water under the root bridge is just amazing. The overall greenery of the place just gives our eyes a sense of relaxation and composure. There is a 300-350 step descend for the root bridge from the village. The village too is super cute and clean. There are hens, cats, dogs playing around. There are small stalls too for refreshments with packaged food items and also fresh fruits.