The Living Root Bridges (Jingkieng Jri) are found across the dense jungles of the East Khasi Hills, with the most famous Double-Decker bridge located in Nongriat village near Cherrapunji at 25.2390°N, 91.7154°E. Instead of building bridges from dead wood or steel—which would rot or rust in Meghalaya's extreme monsoon rainfall—the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia tribes learned to *grow* bridges by weaving the aerial roots of the Indian Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica) across fast-flowing rivers.
Living Root Bridges
Jingmaham — The Bio-Engineering Miracle Grown by the Khasi People Over Centuries
How to Grow a Bridge
The Long Process
Growing a root bridge is an intergenerational project. The process begins by planting rubber trees on both sides of a river. Once the roots become long enough, the Khasi people use hollowed-out betel nut tree trunks as scaffolding. They thread the tender aerial roots through these trunks, directing them across the river. It takes 15 to 30 years for the roots to reach the other side, thicken, and weave together to form a sturdy walkway capable of supporting heavy loads.
Stronger With Age
Unlike modern steel or concrete bridges that deteriorate over time, living root bridges become stronger and more robust as they age. Because the tree remains alive, the roots continue to grow thicker and deeper, intertwining with stones and soil. Some of the most mature bridges in Meghalaya, like the Double-Decker at Nongriat, are estimated to be over 500 years old, having survived centuries of flash floods.
The Double-Decker at Nongriat
While there are dozens of root bridges scattered throughout Meghalaya, the "Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge" in Nongriat village is the most famous. It is unique because it features two levels of root bridges stacked one above the other. The villagers grew the second upper level when heavy monsoon floods began washing over the original lower level. Reaching it is an adventure in itself, requiring a strenuous descent of over 3,500 concrete steps from the village of Tyrna.
Did You Know?
The Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya are currently on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. They represent an unparalleled pinnacle of human-environment symbiosis. To stabilize the walking path, locals place flat stones between the roots. Over time, the roots grow over and completely encapsulate the stones, making the bridge solid and less slippery during the rains.
Travel Guide to the Root Bridges
How to Reach
Starting Point: The trek to the Nongriat Double-Decker begins at Tyrna village, approximately 12 km from Cherrapunji (Sohra) town. You can take a taxi from Sohra to Tyrna.
The Trek: The trek involves descending roughly 3,500 steep steps into the valley. Going down takes 1.5 - 2 hours, but climbing back up is exhausting and can take 2.5 - 4 hours. You will cross two terrifyingly high wire suspension bridges along the way.
Best Time to Visit
October to March: The steps are dry, the temperature is cool, and the pools beneath the bridges run crystal clear blue. This is the safest and most pleasant time to trek.
Avoid Heavy Monsoon: Trekking down to Nongriat in July or August is highly not recommended. The steps become lethally slippery, leeches are rampant, and the rivers can swell dangerously high.
Other Root Bridges
Single Root Bridge (Ritymmen): Found halfway down the trek to Nongriat.
Mawlynnong Root Bridge (Riwai): A very easily accessible single root bridge located near Mawlynnong village (Asia's Cleanest Village), requiring only a 15-minute flat walk.
Tips for Visitors
Assess Your Fitness: Be brutally honest about your knee health and cardiovascular fitness. The climb back up the 3,500 steps is brutal. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.
Stay Overnight at Nongriat: Instead of rushing a day trip, book a homestay in the tiny village of Nongriat. This allows you to explore the bridge early in the morning before crowds arrive, and gives your legs a day to recover.
Rainbow Falls: If you stay at Nongriat, do the additional 1.5-hour trek deeper into the jungle to Rainbow Falls. It is a stunning blue pool surrounded by cliffs, often featuring a rainbow in its mist.
Hire a Walking Stick: Locals rent sturdy bamboo walking sticks at the top of the stairs in Tyrna for a nominal fee (₹20-50). Rent one. Your knees will thank you on the descent.