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Living Root Bridge Riwai Village Overview

The living root bridge in Riwai is also known as the Nohwet (Riwai) Root Bridge or Jingmaham Living Root Bridge. It is located a small hike away from the famous Mawlynnong Village, in the East Khasi Hills. 

The trail that takes you to this attraction goes through very dense rainforests that are now well-defined due to increasing tourism and the efforts of the locals. The people residing in the jungles are dependent on these bridges for ages, some of which took around 50 years to form. Their interconnectedness with nature and environment makes these bridges a sheer work of art and creativity.

The sustainable structure of these bridges adds to their charm. These roots are tied to bamboo on both ends of the rivers or gorges, which keep on growing and strengthening over the years. It is important to note that in order to keep these bridges strong and alive, the trees also need to be taken care of.

Highlights

• Wonder at the centuries-old living root bridge in Riwai, Meghalaya, made out of the suspended roots of Ficus trees.
• Admire the sustainable engineering of this bridge crafted by the locals dwelling in the forest regions.
• Take a short hike of around 300 m through the dense forests of Riwai to reach this natural marvel.
• Witness this natural method of connecting different villages in the otherwise inaccessible parts of Meghalaya.
• Visit the nearby Mawlynnong Village, the cleanest village in Asia, and gain insights into the indigenous lifestyle of the people.

How To Reach

  • By Foot: You can walk 3 km downhill from Mawlynnong to reach this bridge. Alternatively, you can hike for 300 m to reach the bridge from Riwai Village.
  • By Car: Get to Riwai Village from Shillong, covering 71 km in around 2.5 hours. From there you can walk to the bridge.
  • By Bus: You can take an MTDC bus from Shillong to Mawlynnong, then take a taxi from there to Riwai or simply walk to the bridge.

Best Time To Visit

The living root bridges are accessible throughout the year, however, the monsoons can be a tricky time to hike through the rainforests.

  • Best Season- Summers and winters (October to June) are a great time to visit the Living Root Bridge in Riwai.
  • Best Day in the Week- Opt for weekdays to take this tour, as weekends can be overcrowded.
  • The Best Time of the Day- it is suggested to take the tour early in the morning as it can offer more time for exploration of the nearby areas.

Other Essential Information

Visitor Tips:

  • Wear comfortable and covered shoes as reaching the bridge requires a hike through dense rain forests.
  • Be mindful of the surroundings and the trails, watchout for insects first.
  • Start early in the morning so that you can cover the nearby attractions like the Mawlynnong Village too.
  • Do not litter in the forest, dispose of waste responsibly.
  • Be careful while walking on the bridge, do not harm any part of the roots or the trees.
  • Always hire a guide for the tour, and always stay on the designated path framed by the locals with the help of the tourism department.
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Point of Interest for Living Root Bridge Riwai Village
Explore Nearby Mawlynnong Village
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Explore Nearby Mawlynnong Village

Just a few kilometres from the Living Root Bridge, visit Mawlynnong, which is recognised as Asia's cleanest village. Wander through the clean streets, surrounded by exotic plants and the fragrance of blooming flowers. Engage with the friendly locals and learn about their daily life and sustainable practices. Make sure to visit the Sky Walk here, a platform offering breathtaking views of the Bangladesh plains. This visit provides insight into a community living in harmony with nature and highlights the importance of environmental conservation.

Trek Through the Lush Greenery
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Trek Through the Lush Greenery

Set out on a trek to the Living Root Bridge, starting from the nearby parking area. This 300-metre journey through dense rainforest is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Meghalaya's natural beauty. Listen to the symphony of bird calls, watch for butterflies, and enjoy the cool shade provided by towering trees. The trek, though short, offers a rewarding challenge with the promise of the stunning bridge as your destination. This is a perfect activity for those looking to combine physical activity with environmental exploration.

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