Living Root Bridges

The Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya are one of nature's most extraordinary feats of bioengineering. Created by the Khasi tribe over hundreds of years, these bridges are made by training the roots of the Ficus elastica (rubber fig) tree across rivers and streams until they take hold and solidify.

The most famous of these is the Double Decker Root Bridge near Nongriat village — two bridges stacked one above the other, strong enough to hold over 50 people at a time. The trek to reach them takes you through dense rainforest, cascading streams, and terraced paddy fields.

These living bridges grow stronger over time, unlike conventional bridges that decay. Some are over 500 years old and still in daily use by villagers. The entire experience is a reminder of how indigenous communities have lived in harmony with their environment for centuries.