Living Root Bridge
The Riwai Living Root Bridge is perhaps the most accessible and famous living root bridge in the entire Meghalaya region. Situated just a short, 15-minute walk from the main road in Riwai village, this bridge spans a beautiful mountain stream that marks the boundary of the village. It was created b y the Khasi tribesmen who guided the roots of the Ficus tree through bamboo structures to form a natural walkway. This particular bridge is a single-decker but is impressively wide and strong, capable of carrying several people at once. The path leading to the bridge is a delight in itself, lined with local vendors selling fresh pineapples, oranges, and handmade bamboo crafts. The bridge serves as a vital link for the villagers to reach their betel nut and black pepper plantations. During the monsoon, the stream below turns into a rushing torrent, but the bridge remains steadfast, its roots drinking in the moisture and growing even stronger against the elements.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Sub Place Category: Natural Wonder and HeritageEntry Fees:
Adult Entry Fee: A nominal fee of INR 40 is collected at the entrance gate by the Riwai Village Council for conservation efforts.
Parking Charges: If you park near the highway entrance, a small fee of INR 50 for cars or INR 20 for bikes i...Adult Entry Fee: A nominal fee of INR 40 is collected at the entrance gate by the Riwai Village Council for conservation efforts.
Parking Charges: If you park near the highway entrance, a small fee of INR 50 for cars or INR 20 for bikes is usually required.Timing:
Regular Timings: The bridge is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is strictly advised not to visit during heavy rain for safety reasons.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is around 9:00 AM when the sun filters through the leaves, cr...Regular Timings: The bridge is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is strictly advised not to visit during heavy rain for safety reasons.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is around 9:00 AM when the sun filters through the leaves, creating beautiful light patterns on the roots.Special Events:
Village Cleanliness Drive: Every Saturday, the village of Riwai joins Mawlynnong in a massive cleaning effort that includes the bridge area.
Traditional Markets: During local festivals, the path to the bridge becomes a bustling market for...Village Cleanliness Drive: Every Saturday, the village of Riwai joins Mawlynnong in a massive cleaning effort that includes the bridge area.
Traditional Markets: During local festivals, the path to the bridge becomes a bustling market for traditional Khasi spices and organic forest produce.Best Photo Spots:
The Entrance Arch: The point where the stone steps meet the start of the bridge offers a classic 'fairytale' look with roots framing the shot.
Mid-Bridge Portrait: A portrait taken while standing in the middle of the bridge, with the lush...The Entrance Arch: The point where the stone steps meet the start of the bridge offers a classic 'fairytale' look with roots framing the shot.
Mid-Bridge Portrait: A portrait taken while standing in the middle of the bridge, with the lush green jungle in the background, is a must-have.
Side View from Rocks: Capturing the bridge from the side at the river level shows the full span and the thickness of the roots against the water.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Crossing the Bridge: Walk across the ancient roots and feel the history and engineering marvel of the Khasi ancestors under your feet.
Riverbed Relaxation: Sit on the massive boulders in the riverbed below the bridge to enjoy the cool breeze and the sound of the flowing water.
Fruit Tasting: Buy freshly sliced pineapples or 'Sohiong' (local berries) from the Khasi women along the path to the bridge for an authentic taste.
Educational Tour: Hire a local guide to explain the exact biology of the Ficus elastica tree and the timeline of the bridge's construction.
Shopping for Crafts: Purchase handmade bamboo baskets and traditional Khasi hats from the small stalls located at the entrance of the Riwai trek.
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Information
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Why Famous:
Sub Place Architecture:
Most Photographed: It is famous as the 'face' of Meghalaya tourism due to its accessibility and the stunning symmetry of its root structure.
Sustainable Engineering: Renowned as a p...Sub Place Architecture:
Most Photographed: It is famous as the 'face' of Meghalaya tourism due to its accessibility and the stunning symmetry of its root structure.
Sustainable Engineering: Renowned as a prime example of how indigenous communities solved infrastructure problems using only biological resources. -
Architecture:
Robust Root Network: The bridge is characterized by its exceptionally thick main roots, some as large as human torsos, which form the primary structure.
Dimension: The bridge is approximately 50 feet long and 5 feet wide, standing about 1...Robust Root Network: The bridge is characterized by its exceptionally thick main roots, some as large as human torsos, which form the primary structure.
Dimension: The bridge is approximately 50 feet long and 5 feet wide, standing about 15 feet above the average river level.
Natural Railings: The roots have been guided to form high, sturdy railings on both sides, providing excellent safety for those crossing the stream. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Shillong or Guwahati. From Shillong, it is a 90 KM drive. The bridge is located right at the edge of Riwai village.
By Train: Reach Guwahati Railway Station. Hire a cab to Shillong (3 hours) and then a local taxi to Mawl... -
Near Tourist Places:
Sub Place Near Tourist Places: 1. Mawlynnong Village (2 KMS), 2. Balancing Rock (3 KMS), 3. Nohwet/Jingmaham Bridge (2 KMS), 4. Sky View Point (0. 5 KM), 5. Byrdaw Falls (8 KMS), 6. Dawki River (30 KMS), 7. Shnongpdeng (32 KMS), 8. Borhill Falls (20 KMS), 9. Pynursla (20 KMS), 10. Shillong (90 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Footwear: Wear sneakers or trekking shoes. The path is made of irregular stones which can be hard on the feet and slippery when wet.
Plastic Policy: Riwai follows a strict no-plastic policy. Do not carry plastic bottles or wrappers, or ...
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