Live Root Bridges are n’t built, they are grown ….(With my Sis)
The most famous Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge — Two centuries old.
Meghalaya’s Double-Decker and Single-Decker Root Bridges are unique in the world . Khasi people have been trained to grow these bridges across the raised banks of streams to form a solid bridge, made from roots. The living bridges are made from Roots of the Rubber tree — Ficus Elastica tree, which produces a series of secondary roots that are perched atop huge boulders along the streams or the riverbanks to form bridges.
Normally it takes around 10 to15 years, which is the normal construction period. These bridges grow to approximately 50 to100 feet long and have strong and deep roots providing a stable foothold. They can carry up to 50 people at a time. The life of these bio-engineering wonders is estimated at 500 years, more than the life span of most of man made modern bridges.
Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge: Starting point: Tyrna village. Location: Umshiang river at Nongriat village. Duration: 7 kilometers . 4–5 hours return. Descent: 2,400 feet. The “holy grail” of root bridges, the unique 20 meter (65 foot) double decker root bridge requires determination to reach.
Mawsaw Root Bridge: Continue to walk around 20–30 minutes past the Double Decker root bridge.
Kalika Falls: In winter, falls is dry.
— at Cherrapunji, Sohra.
Meghalaya-’The Abode of Clouds’
