Living Root Bridge , Meghalaya

Meghalaya – the abode of cloud, the title is fitting as it’s the wettest state in India . It was a destination that had me mesmerized for quite sometimes .Last year – I along with my friend Vivek Mittal finally made it to the magical Meghalaya. And what a journey it was – Pristine, natural and beauty – Meghalaya has so much to offer. A personal visit with the family is recommended. I will be sharing the entire journey slowly. To start with , let me share with you the wonders of Meghalaya – Deep in Meghalaya forest grow its most famous attraction “The Living Root Bridge”.

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What is great about living root bridge is that the root keep growing .They get stronger as times goes on and to get to the Double Decker root bridge one has to go through the Epic hike which will lead you to 3000 steps each ways!!!!

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Day before visiting Double decker bridge we were in Cherrapunji as we were exploring Cheerapunji , So next day early in the morning we wake up among the clouds and  around 6 a.m. we started our journey for Double Decker root bridge from Cherrapunji . There was Fog/Mist in the morning  and partly cloudy sky .

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Double Decker Living root bridge are located in a village of Nongriat in the East Khasi Hills.It was around 1 hr drive away from Cherrapunji to the starting point of trek.

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Tynra village is the starting point of the trek and you won’t be alone there . There are so many people around this area for the trek .There were few cafes at the beginning of trek so we enjoyed nice cup of tea/coffee and breakfast before we started our trek. There were many little stalls along the whole trek also .

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There is no doubt that it was a challenging trek involving a steep climbing of over 3000 steps both ways.However it does not keep you away from this place .Despite being a little challenging trek,it is very much doable.

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We started our trek around 8 am . The pathway to the root bridge was almost cemented. The trek took us through some excellent beautiful green forest and two amazing long iron rope bridges that run over crystal clear blue river.

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In beginning the steps were long , wide and neatly spaced out .After completing around 30 % of trek the steps were really small and descents was almost vertical . We were supposed to be carefully because a single mistake could make us tumble down.

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We took many short break during trek in the small shop set up by the villagers as hearty refreshment shop.The trek path had abundant trees and path was covered by dried leaves.we also found the villagers carrying massive loads trekking all the way. In spite of hardship these people face for their daily survival , we still saw them wearing smile on their face .

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As we approach the first iron bridge we caught the glimpse of an living root bridges running parallel to iron bridge. Those bridge were now defunct was once used by villager to cross the river .The iron bridge sways when one walk on it and in the beginning we had a butterflies in our tummy.

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It was scary initially and the natural pools formed below the iron bridge was breathtaking.The sight of the blue water was enough to bring smile on the face and brings charm and excitement in conquering the fear and reaching the others end of bridges .

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My favorite part of that trek apart from finding the double Decker root bridges was the wire Cable/Bridges we came across the way.Both of the them were beautiful and worth stopping it . Each time the bridge stands over the river. Looking down was beautiful blue water we had ever seen . It was so clear even stones and pebbles were visible.

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In the end of trek we just sulk, whine and complain about how much more distance need to be covered. Finally the village of Nongriat welcomed us with the amazing root bridge .From this little root bridge we were able to catch the glimpse of the majestic double decker root bridges.

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The calm waters running under the bridges are so Crystal clear and serene that it make a perfect place to kick off your walking shoes , put feet in the cold water ,having unending conversation with your loved ones with the root bridge and to add on enjoy free fish spa.

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Also we jumped in the natural created swimming pool aside double decker root bridge . Even we were able to see the bottom of the river bed.There was small cafe near double root bridge we had hot coffee and maggie over there.They charge us minimal price even in such a remote forest. That goes on to show how generous those folks were.

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After spending some time over there we started descending back to (starting point of trek )Tynra village. On the way we meet few villager and children had some photo-shoot with them in hanging bridges .The villager were very nice people .

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Last after completing our trek we had some snack at Tynra village . We set off for another destination of trip “The cleanest village of Asia -Mawlynnong”…