Located in one of the wettest places on earth, Cherrapunji, Living Root Bridge is one of the top attractions in Meghalaya. Two bridges entangled in one another make it one of the most captivating blends of man-made and nature. This not only fascinates Indians but international travelers as well.
Shillong to double-decker living root bridge is only a two-and-a-half drive away, taking you here for a wondrous experience. Created by the people of the Khasi tribe, these roots spread from ancient rubber trees and are trained by the Khasis to grow in a particular manner on the top of a river. Fascinating right?
No wonder they are the most popular attraction of Cherrapunji.
It is said that a new living root bridge takes about 15 years to grow and get strong enough to bear the weight of people crossing it. And to your surprise, some of the root bridges are over 500 years old! Among all the Root Bridges in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya state, Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge is the most famous.
In 1844, Double Decker Living Root Bridge was documented in the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. And later, the owner of the Cherrapunji Holiday Resort put it on the tourist map. So if you want more details on these living root bridges of Cherrapunji, keep reading. Also, you can explore this popular attraction of Cherrapunji with our tailor-made Meghalaya tour packages, which are customizable. Contact our travel expert for more information and book a tour with us!
Everything You Need to Know About double decker living root bridge Meghalaya
Popular Double Decker Living Root Bridge
- Ummunoi Root Bridge: This is the oldest known living root bridge in the region. This root bridge is a popular attraction, mainly because of its easy accessibility and scenic charm. The bridge is 74 meters long and is settled at the height of 1400 feet.
- Ritymmen Root Bridge: This can be visited while you are on your way to the popular double-decker living root bridges in Cherrapunji. Tyrna Village is the starting point of this bridge and the length of the bridge is 30 meters.
- Umkar Root Bridge: The bridge starts from Siej Village and is a short one; it hardly takes thirty minutes to go to and fro. A part of the Cherrapunji bridge was washed away by flood years ago and local villagers are rebuilding it, and it is interesting to see them at work. It looks even more beautiful during the monsoon season as a glistening waterfall pours just beside it.
- Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge: This, without doubt, is the famous living root bridge of Meghalaya and what’s interesting is that this is a double-decker living-root bridge. It starts from Tyrna Village and is 3 kilometers long, situated at the height of 2400 feet. To reach the upper bridge, which is 20-meter long, one needs determination, but it is all worth the effort. Also, note that reaching up to the upper bridge is not recommended for physically unfit people.
- Mawsaw Root Bridge: Walk past the Double Decker Bridge for 20 to 30 minutes and you will reach Mawsaw Bridge. The highlight of this bridge is the natural swimming pool.
Best time to visit Living Root Bridge
As Cherrapunji is known to be one of the wettest places on earth, the Living Root Bridges are encompassed by thick tropical forests and are cloaked with rain during most parts of the year. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid the monsoon season (April to October). Taking a walk on Living Root Bridge in January is recommended as it is the dry winter month with a temperature as low as 5°C. However, winter is also considered the best time to visit Cherrapunji’s other gems.
Tip: You will be tempted to wear a raincoat or winter clothing. But the trek is arduous and you will get hot very easily. Make sure to wear breathable clothes or clothes that dry quickly. Wear a comfortable pair of shoes that have a good grip.
How to reach Living Root Bridge
- From Shillong– From Shillong- Shillong to Living Root Bridges is approx. 78 km and takes about 2.5 hours by car or taxi.
- From Cherrapunji– Cherrapunji to Living Root Bridges is around 12 km and takes approx. 30 minutes by road. You can take a taxi to reach the destination.
Trek to Living Root Bridge
Trek for Double Decker Living Root Bridge begins from Tyrna Village, approx. 30 min past Cherrapunji. You can also plan a day trip from Shillong for the same. The path to the bridge is approx. 3 km long and has around 3,500 stairs, and descends 2,400 feet. Also, there are three parts to this trek.
First, one is the most challenging and takes about 45 minutes. The remaining two involve narrow steel suspension bridges over raging rivers. Finally, you will reach the Nongriat Village. A few steps from here, you will see the famous Double Decker Living Root Bridge covered in moss.
Tip: You have to be physically fit to complete the trek to the living root bridge in Meghalaya. Avoid this trek if you have joint pain or any other illness, including breathing difficulties.
