Living root bridges and the double decker root bridge Travel Guide

Like the saying goes 'A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,' our long trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat village commenced from Tyrna village. The Double Decker Living Root Bridge which is 250 years old is in a remote village 'Nongriat' and is accessible only by trek. There is no doubt that it is a challenging trek involving a steep climb of over 3000 steps. However, let this not keep you away from this place. Despite being a little challenging trek, it is very much doable.

Located in the thick tropical forest of Meghalaya, cloaked with rain during most part of the year are the fantastic man-made cum natural wonders of the living root bridges. Created by the people of the Khasi tribe, these roots grow from the ancient rubber trees, seen only in the northeast region. These roots are trained by the Khasis to grow in such a manner as be in the form of bridges on the top of a river. These bridges are an amazing alternative to wooden bridges that dwindle with so much rain falling on them. The most popular tourist attraction of Cherrapunjee, these double decker living root bridges are 2 bridges that are stacked one on the other, made because of the entanglement of roots.

A new root bridge takes about 15 years to get strong enough so that it can bear the weight of people who would be crossing it. Over a span of next few years, the roots become even stronger. It is believed that some of the root bridges are over five hundred years old. The most popular one is Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge. Not built but grown, these living root bridges are like an astonishment and are absolutely unique.

Following are some of the popular root bridge of Cherrapunjee

• Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge- The most popular root bridge, a double-decker living-root bridge, it is 3 km long and begins from Village Tyrna Village. The bridge stands at a height of 2400 feet. Reaching the upper bridge, which is 20 meter long is a tough but a worth -it task. Please take note that one needs to be physically fit to reach the upper bridge.
• Ummunoi Root Bridges- A very popular attraction, this is known to be the oldest living bridge of the region. Place at a height of 1400 feet, this bridge is 74 m long.
• Ritymmen Root Bridge- Settled in Nongthymmai village, this bridge is 30 m long. If you start trekking from Village Tyrna, this bride would fall on your way to double-decker living root bridges.
• Umkar Root Bridge- Beginning from Village Siej, this is a short bridge. It takes just half an hour to walk to and fro on it. Local floods a few years ago had washed away a portion of bridge that is being re-built by the locals. During the monsoon season, a visit to this bridge is even more exciting as a waterfall gushes along the bridge at that time.
• Mawsaw Root Bridge- If you continue walking past Umshiang for around 20 - 30 minutes, you arrive at the Mawsaw Bridge. The natural swimming pool is the star attraction of this bridge.

As we approached the first iron bridge, we caught a glimpse of an abandoned Living Root Bridge at a distance on our left that runs parallel to the iron bridge. This bridge now defunct was once used by the villagers to cross over the river. Throughout the trek path there are several such amazing surprises and interesting sights that make the whole experience of travelling memorable. This is the beauty of trekking, you never know what wonders are in store for you. These paths takes you deep into less explored territory offering virgin natural beauty at its best. Such experiences make you want to forget everything else, live and enjoy the present moment. Of course, there are others who do not consider the journey worthwhile but are more focused on reaching the destination ruining the entire experience. In the end if they just sulk, whine and complain about how much more distance needs to be covered, its their loss!