Living Root Bridges Meghalaya — How to Reach Nongriat & What to Expect

The living root bridges of Meghalaya are among the most extraordinary natural engineering achievements on earth — bridges grown over 15-20 years by training the aerial roots of the Ficus elastica (rubber fig tree) across river gorges, creating living suspension bridges that strengthen over time rather than decay. The most famous is the double-decker living root bridge near Nongriat village — the only double-decker living root bridge in the world.

📍 Location & How to Reach

The double-decker root bridge is near Nongriat village, accessed from Tyrna village, which is 5 km from Cherrapunji (Sohra). From Guwahati the total distance is approximately 155 km (3.5-4 hrs drive). The trek itself starts at Tyrna.

• Drive: Guwahati → Shillong (98 km) → Cherrapunji (55 km) → Tyrna (5 km). Total: ~158 km, 4-4.5 hrs with stops.
• Best car: Hyundai Creta ₹2,999/day — handles Cherrapunji’s mountain roads comfortably.
• Park at Tyrna: Leave your car at the Tyrna parking area (free) and begin the trek down.

🥾 The Trek — What to Expect

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🌿 About the Living Root Bridges

The Khasi and Jaintia tribal communities of Meghalaya have practiced root bridge cultivation for at least 500 years. The process involves guiding the secondary roots of rubber fig trees — which grow above ground — across hollow betel nut trunks or bamboo guides, across a river gorge. Over 10-15 years the roots take hold on the far bank and intertwine, creating a self-strengthening bridge that can support 50+ people simultaneously. The older the bridge, the stronger it becomes — the opposite of man-made bridges.

The double-decker bridge at Nongriat is a remarkable engineering anomaly — two bridges grown vertically above each other, each about 15 metres long. It was designated one of the 50 UNESCO intangible cultural heritage sites for consideration in 2022.

✅ Practical Tips

• Entry fee: ₹20 (Tyrna village conservation fee)
• Accommodation at Nongriat: Basic guesthouses available (₹300-800/night) — ideal for an overnight to split the trek
• Swimming pool: A natural blue swimming pool near the double-decker bridge — bring swimwear
• Best season: November to February — clear, dry, cooler for the climb back
• Monsoon visit: July-September — incredibly atmospheric but slippery. Go with a guide.
• Combine with: Cherrapunji waterfalls, Mawsmai Cave, Seven Sisters Falls on the same day