Incredible Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department Compilation and Report
 
The living root bridges located in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya in northeastern India are bridges constructed using the secondary roots of the Indian rubber tree. With an annual rainfall of fifteen meters, it is the wettest place on Earth. As a result, the area has developed a unique water-rich terrain. In the past, the indigenous people of Meghalaya discovered that the roots of the Indian rubber tree were strong enough to be used to build “living bridges” over numerous rivers. Locals ingeniously utilized the sprawling nature of tree roots—truly a prime example of taking from nature and giving back to it.

The traditional method used by locals to construct these bridges is unique in the world. First, they split betel nut tree trunks lengthwise into two halves and use the “half-betel trunk” to span the river, while guiding the secondary roots of the Indian rubber tree to grow across to the other side and take root. After some time, once the secondary roots are strong enough, they are then woven and intertwined to form the bridge’s platform and railings. Building a set takes anywhere from ten to fifteen years. Some of the oldest living root bridges here are over 500 years old.