India is known for its iconic destinations – such as the Taj Mahal, the majestic forts of Rajasthan, and the stunning beaches of Goa – and for good reason. These locations are among the country’s most celebrated and breathtaking spots. But India’s beauty extends far beyond the well-trodden path.
Hidden in the North Eastern state of Meghalaya, near the Bangladesh border, lies a lesser-known Indian treasure: the Living Root Bridges. If you’re an adventurous traveler, you’ve probably come across the Living Root Bridges and wondered: Are they truly worth the journey?
This travel guide will give you an in-depth look at these awe-inspiring natural wonders, share essential tips, and provide insights we wish we’d known before visiting. By the end, you’ll be equipped to make your journey to Meghalaya’s famous landmarks as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
So, are the Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya worth visiting? Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
What Are the Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya?
Made famous by David Attenborough and located in the stunning hills of Meghalaya, these natural wonders have been created by local tribes over centuries and provide a rare and magical experience for visitors looking for a true hidden gem of India.
The Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya are a fascinating testament to the ingenious ways indigenous communities have interacted with nature. These Living Bridges are not built in the traditional sense but are natural bridges made by the indigenous Khasi people of Meghalaya.
These Indian world wonders are created by guiding and shaping the roots of fig trees over rivers or ravines. This process takes years, as the roots grow and strengthen into a durable bridge, ensuring the roots grow strong enough to support heavy loads, making them functional pathways over steep terrains and rivers.
Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges are more than just functional structures; they are living, evolving creations, constantly growing and adapting with the environment. The Khasi tribes have been using this unique method for centuries.
As visitors cross these bridges, they are not only walking across history but also witnessing a perfect blend of human creativity and nature’s power. Now that is a pretty incredible Indian attraction right there! What do you think, are the Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya worth visiting yet?!
Where Can You Find the Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya?
The Living Root Bridges are located in the Nongriat Village in the state of Meghalaya, North Eastern India. Cherrapunji (also referred to as Sohra) is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic landscapes and natural attractions.
Cherrapunji is famous for its heavy rainfall, known as one of the rainiest places on earth. Most importantly, tourists flock to this lesser-visited part of India to visit the unique Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya – the only place on earth where you will witness such masterpieces.
From Cherrapunji to Nongriat’s Living Root Bridges Trek starting point is only 13km and will take 30 minutes by scooter or taxi.
Find out how to get to Cherrapunj, where to stay, and other famous Cherrapunji attractions while visiting the Living Root Bridges in this 3-Day Cherrapunji itinerary.
The Best Time to Visit the Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya
The best time to visit the Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya is during the dry season, from October to April. Seeing as Cherrapunji is one of the wettest places on earth you can imagine why this is a good idea!
The weather is more comfortable for trekking, and you’ll be able to enjoy clear views of the stunning landscapes that surround the bridges. The monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, brings lush greenery and vibrant landscapes, but trekking to the Living Root Bridges can be more challenging due to the slippery terrain.
So, are the living root bridges in Meghalaya worth visiting? Yes, but remember to avoid the heavy rains and enjoy easier trekking conditions, the dry season is ideal.
Happy Irish Wanderers visited Nongriat’s Living Root Bridges in November and the weather was perfect. Clear blue skies, unbelievably blue waters, and not too hot.
While researching hidden gems in India and unique travel destinations, check out the famous Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. You already made it this far after all!
Trekking to the Living Root Bridges
To truly experience the magic of the Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya, you’ll need to go on a trek. We apologize for being the bearers of bad news!
Many of Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges require visitors to hike through the dense forests and steep hills of Meghalaya. If you want us to be extremely positive we can tell you that the journey itself is an adventure, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, waterfalls, and vibrant greenery – which is all true by the way!
We suggest starting your trek early to make the most of this special place. The trek to Nongriat’s Living Root Bridges involves a descent of 3000 steps (which means 3000 steps back up!) Visiting the Living Root Bridges and walking across them was on our Happy Irish Wanderers travel bucket list for many years so we skipped down those first set of steep steps taking us around 30 minutes, not so skippy and fast heading back up though!
The Longest Living Root Bridge
Once you come down the first stage of steps you will reach a village where you can visit the Longest Living Root Bridge – DO NOT SKIP THIS!! Although this is clearly sign-posted many tourists tend to skip this Meghalaya attraction and head straight to the more famous Double-Decker Living Root Bridge.
The Longest-Living Root Bridge was our favorite part of the Living Root Bridges Trek and if you are lucky you will get to enjoy this unique world attraction almost all to yourself, compared to the much busier Double-Decker Living Root Bridge. It is ONLY A 3 MINUTE DETOUR folks, so we highly advise you not to pass on this amazing natural feature. The entry fee is an incredible value at just 30 INR (that’s 30 cents people!!)
The Double Decker Living Root Bridge
We spent nearly an hour at the Longest Living Root Bridge before continuing our trek for another 30 minutes to reach Nongriat’s Double Decker Living Root Bridge.
The stretch from the Longest Living Root Bridge to the Double Decker Root Bridge is relatively easy, undoubtedly the most manageable section of the trek. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque villages, cross swing bridges over crystal-clear rivers, and admire beautiful waterfalls. The scenery is truly captivating, so we highly recommend taking your time to soak in the breathtaking views of the Meghalaya hills.
The Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat is a must-see, and as mentioned, has been on our travel bucket list for years. This extraordinary Living Root Bridge features two levels of root pathways that cross the same stream, making it a truly unique world wonder.
The entry fee to visit the Double Decker Root Bridge is 50 INR per person – pretty incredible value for one of India’s top attractions, right?! And no tourist prices – thank you India.
The Double Decker Living Root Bridge Trek offers much more than just one iconic bridge. Along the way, you’ll discover more living root bridges, a stunning blue lagoon, and the beautiful Rainbow Falls. Some of the best Cherrapunji tourist attractions, all on the same hike.
It’s not an easy hike, but are the Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya worth visiting for the experience? Definitely! Witnessing one of the world’s unique wonders makes this Living Root Bridges Trek worth every step.
Let’s take a look at some of the other famous attractions along the Living Root Bridge Trek/ Nongriat Trek .
If you would prefer the ease of sitting back and having someone else organize all these Meghalaya attractions, consider a Meghalaya Multi-Day Tour Group.
Trekking to Rainbow Falls
A further hour hike past the Double Decker Living Root Bridge is Meghalaya’s famous Rainbow Falls. Although a slightly more challenging trek, but you have come this far, what is one more hour?! Trust us the reward makes it, once again, worthwhile.
The Blue Lagoon
Take your time to enjoy some lunch and a refreshing dip at the mesmerizing Blue Lagoon at the halfway point from the Double Decker Living Root Bridge to the Rainbow Falls. You will be grateful for a rest stop at the Blue Lagoon, but this is also a must-see Meghalaya attraction in itself. We don’t think we have ever seen water so clear and blue as in the Blue Lagoon, it was absolutely stunning.
We indulged in some famous Indian momos and the renowned Meghalayan pineapple, taking a moment to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. If you decide to swim in the Blue Lagoon, be aware that wearing a life vest is mandatory, and one will be provided for you.
The Rainbow Falls
Now that you have rested and gained some much-needed energy let’s continue our trek to the Rainbow Falls – you are halfway there, another 30 minutes and you will catch your first glimpse of this magnificent waterfall.
Rainbow Falls is a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush green forests and often a rainbow forms across the Falls. We were lucky enough to witness this rainbow, and once again, we sat to soak in this breathtaking view – and maybe to avoid the reality of having to trek back up 3000 steps!
How to Book Accommodation Near the Living Root Bridges
We had previously booked accommodation in Cherrapunji, but in hindsight, we would have preferred to stay in one of the guesthouses along the Living Root Bridges Trek. This option would have given us more time to enjoy this unique part of the world and give our legs some rest.
There are only a few guesthouses listed on Booking.com, however, if these are unavailable you can enter the Double Decker Living Root Bridge into Google Maps and search for accommodation in the area. We passed lots of guesthouses along the Living Root Bridges trek, with many more being constructed. Most Guesthouses list a WhatsApp number, allowing you to easily contact them for details on availability, pricing, and photos.
We recommend packing a light backpack for an overnight stay, as we witnessed some people struggle with suitcases along the trek – not so smart. There are also porters available to assist you with any luggage if you would prefer.
There are plenty of options, so take your time, have a break and a cup of tea in the many tea stalls along the way when you get tired, and have a wonderful time visiting Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges.
How Long Did the Living Root Bridges Trek Take?
We finished the Living Root Bridges Trek at 4 pm, after starting at 10 am. In those six hours, we explored all the highlights – visiting the various Living Root Bridges, the Blue Lagoon, and trekking to Rainbow Falls. Along the way, we enjoyed a tea break, had lunch, and took plenty of photos.
Nongriat’s Double Decker Living Root Bridges Trek is now one of the most iconic treks in Meghalaya and one of our all-time favorite world natural attractions.
If you have the time, make sure to check out the Umkar Living Root Bridge, a lesser-known gem that’s just 20 minutes from the Double-Decker Bridge car park. Once your legs have stopped shaking, it’s only a short 10-minute trek to reach this beautiful bridge from the main road. You can easily find it by entering “Umkar Living Root Bridge” into Google Maps or simply telling your driver.
We have visited many unique places on our travels, from the world’s largest acid lake in Indonesia to 1000-year-old dead trees in Sossusvlei Namibia, and Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges are now up there with the best of them.
You can check out our full hike to Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges as well as the Rainbow Falls in the video below so you know exactly what to expect when visiting these Cherrapunji tourist attractions, regarding trek difficulty, signs to look out for, and what to pack:
Why Are the Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya Worth Visiting?
Visiting the living Root Bridges in Meghalaya is a one-of-a-kind experience that offers a mix of adventure, culture, and nature. From trekking through lush forests to being awe-struck at the craftsmanship of these living structures, a visit to these Living Root Bridges is unlike any other.
So, are the living root bridges in Meghalaya worth visiting? Without a doubt! These remarkable natural wonders offer an incredible glimpse into the resourcefulness of local tribes and the beauty of nature. Trekking to the awe-inspiring Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat will leave you inspired and speechless – and maybe a bit breathless!
This may be a bold statement but in our opinion, Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges is the best attraction in India.
Enjoy the Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya!
Nongriat’s Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya are truly a marvel of nature and human creativity.
If you’re still wondering “are the living root bridges in Meghalaya worth visiting?”, we are sure you have guessed our answer by now and it is a definite yes! Trust us you will not be disappointed in making the effort to witness these natural gems, even with the 3000 steps! We are certain you will fall in love with this special Meghalaya attraction, just as much as we did.
We hope this guide to visiting the Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya has helped prepare you for your visit, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your visit to this remarkable and lesser-visited gem of India.
If we have left anything out please let us know. We would love to hear from you and get your answer to “Are the Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya worth visiting?”
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