Nongriat, Meghalaya: The Living‑Root Bridge Adventure
Why Nongriat Is a Must‑Visit
Living root bridges Witness the bridge grow—nature’s hand “built” a passage.
4 G Airtel coverage Snap, upload, or map in real time, even deep in the forest.
Eco‑tourism model Every ticket fuels conservation; you support the Living Bridge Foundation (LBF).
Cultural heritage Bridge‑weaving stays alive in local families, preserving ancestral knowledge.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Living root bridges Witness the bridge grow—nature’s hand “built” a passage. | 4 G Airtel coverage Snap, upload, or map in real time, even deep in the forest. |
| Eco‑tourism model Every ticket fuels conservation; you support the Living Bridge Foundation (LBF). | Cultural heritage Bridge‑weaving stays alive in local families, preserving ancestral knowledge. |
“I was sore from the trek down from Nohkalikai Falls… glad of a 20 ₹ bridge ticket…” – a candid review that hits home: every visit starts with a modest fee.
How to Get There
| Mode | Route | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| From Guwahati By road: ~510 km, 14 hrs. | Start early; pack earbud‑high‑speed internet and plenty of portable chargers. | |
| From Shillong By road: ~400 km, 11 hrs. | Small fleet of shared jeeps/TPVs leave from the *Dawki* bus station. | |
| From Tura By road: ~145 km, 4 hrs (via Jowai). | Only ~5 jeeps daily; book in advance or share a vehicle. |
Travel Tips
- Book an overnight stay in Jowai or Tura the night before you leave the city—road conditions can be wet and traffic unpredictable.
- Skip the monsoon months (May–September) to avoid water‑logged trails and fragile bridges.
- Reserve your homestay 2–3 weeks before peak trekking days (usually end‑of‑year holidays).
Accommodations & Camping in Nongriat
| Homestay | Capacity | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Serene Homestay | 4 rooms | Bamboo décor, local meals, guide services. |
| Nongriat Guesthouse | 6 rooms | Modern amenities, Wi‑Fi, community‑run. |
| Mini‑homestays (e.g., *Brahmaputra Homestead*, *Green Roof Villa*) | 1–2 beds | Near village entrance, close to the first root bridge. |
Heads‑up – camping is technically banned, but many still “back‑pack” near the bridge. Check local updates before packing.
| Category | Must‑haves |
|---|---|
| Hydration | Refillable bottle, water filter. |
| Sun & Bug Shield | Natural sunscreen, insect repellent. |
| Footwear | Waterproof boots, extra socks. |
| Trash bags | “Carry & dispose” rule: take all rubbish home. |
| Portable charger | Keep 4 G data flowing. |
Pro tip: LBF volunteers often carry banana‑leaf bags for litter picking on the trail.
The Root‑Bridge Trek to Rainbow Falls
The path is a 2.5–3 hr round‑trip. Start early (6–7 am) to beat the heat and catch sunrise shots.
1. The Route
- Village to Bridge Walk past fruit trees and shaded lanes. First sight is the Double‑Decker Root Bridge – the iconic, 30‑m long span.
- Bridge Crossing Pay the ₹20 (per adult) ticket at a local kiosk (proceeds go to LBF). Possibly add a ₹20 camera ticket if you plan to photograph off the bridge.
- Mini‑Bridge & Handrail A secondary upslope bridge with a handrail eases the uphill walk.
- Downhill Trail to the Falls A 60‑m descent (barefoot suggested) leads to the legendary Rainbow Falls—a 15‑m plunge that remains safe outside monsoon.
2. Sample Itinerary
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:30 am | Meet at village gate; safety briefing by LBF volunteer |
| 7:00 am | Cross Double‑Decker Bridge (ticket & camera) |
| 7:30 am | Walk up mini‑bridge & handrail |
| 8:00 am | Arrive at Falls; swim & snap pictures |
| 9:30 am | Begin descent back to village |
| 10:15 am | Return to homestay or drop‑off point |
Hikers’ Etiquette & Environmental Code
| Rule | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Silence | Protects wildlife and preserves the serenity. |
| Carry & dispose trash | Keeps the forest pristine. |
| Permission for photography | Some photos from the bridge cannot be removed; local traditions guide this. |
| Avoid stepping on roots | Roots are alive; pruning can damage the bridge. |
| Stick to the path | Prevents trampling of the forest floor. |
A quick reminder: carry a small bin or at least wash a bag at the next checkpoint.
The Science Behind Root Bridges
- Seedling Selection Young aerial roots (1–2 years old) from *Ficus elastica* or *Ficus microcarpa* are chosen for their flexibility.
- Training Phase Roots are twisted around support posts from June to September—the rainy season when they bend easily.
- Growth Time 30–40 years from first crossing to a fully weight‑bearing bridge.
- Maintenance Elders and volunteers trim and watch annually to control over‑growth.
- Current Count Around 130 bridges documented (single‑, double‑, triple‑decker). Longest: 53 m long, 30 m above water—testament to the community’s skill.
Did you know? The Double‑Decked bridge in Nongriat is still filling in; it sits continuous beneath the layering roots.
Living Bridge Foundation (LBF) – Pulse of Conservation
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2018 | LBF launched by Morningstar Khongthaw |
| 2019 | First Avatar Tree acquisition secured (€300 million registration). |
| 2020 | Established ≥ 30 heritage committees across villages. |
| 2021 | Built and restored 12 new root bridges (30‑year plan). |
| 2022 | Rolled out a digital booking app; commissions go straight into conservation. |
LBF’s Work
- Honors elder constructors with public ceremonies and scholarships.
- Offers workshops for youngsters in village schools on root weaving.
- Engages landowners and government to shield bridge bases from legal disputes.
- Oversees >30 bridges under community oversight boards.
Heart‑felt note: “Morningstar negotiated a gift for the Avatar Tree, guarding a key ecosystem node.” The tree becomes a sentinel for forest protection.
Practical Travel Checklist (Pre‑Trip)
| Item | Where to get | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Passport/ID | N/A | Standard travel ID. |
| Guide Registration | LBF portal | Book your guide and secure 4 G connectivity. |
| Bridge Ticket | In‑person | ₹20 per adult (₹20 extra for a camera). |
| Health & Insurance | Local pharmacy | Covered for remote area. |
| Reusable Bottle | Local shops | Zero‑plastic promise. |
| Cash | Local banks | ATMs scarce; many shops take only cash. |
Sample 3‑Day Itinerary (From Shillong)
| Day | Destination | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shillong → Jowai → Nongriat | Overnight in Jowai, check 4 G coverage. |
| 2 | Guided trek to Rainbow Falls | Double‑Decker Bridge, camera ticket. |
| 3 | Return; optional trek to Nohkalikai Falls | Perfect for the adventurous. |
Pro tip: Bring an extra sleeping bag if you plan a night “camp” near the village—respect local laws and LBF guidelines.
How Your Trip Helps
- Bridge Ticket → 100 % of the revenue fuels LBF.
- Recycle: Clean trails and support future bridge projects.
- Respect: Every chat with a villager keeps tribal knowledge alive.
- Sustain Transport: Shared jeeps keep the environment unspoiled.
Conclusion
Nongriat’s living‑root bridges are living monuments—wood, water, and hands forging an ecosystem that evolves with time. They’re more than tourist spots; they’re artifacts of holistic engineering and cultural identity sharpened over centuries.
Prepare well, stay mindful of local etiquette, support the Living Bridge Foundation, and keep your ecological footprint low—then you’ll join a living story, perhaps becoming part of the next bridge themselves.
Ready to explore Meghalaya’s living bridges? Book your homestay, grab a 4 G plan, and step into a living gallery. Let the roots guide you.
Further Reading & Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Living Bridge Foundation | https://livingbridge.org |
| Meghalaya Tourism Board | https://maharaja.meghalaya.gov.in |
| BBC Coverage of Nongriat | https://bbc.com/news/india/ |
| National Geographic: The Living Roots | https://nationalgeographic.com/ |
| Travel Tip Aggregator: Tripadvisor Forums | https://tripadvisor.com |
Bookmark these for in‑depth data, community updates, and unfiltered traveler reviews. Happy trekking!