Living Root Bridge
All of us are aware of and have been to many different bridges in and across the country. Some connecting national highways and forming an important part of it while others spanning a river, dam or a big drain. Some are made up of woods while others with cement, bricks with the help of advanced technology involved. But these bridges can merely become a tourist spot. Now can we imagine of a bridge which is made up of tree roots shaping and that also handmade, no latest technology involved? Yes its true.
Dawki a small town in the India’s North Eastern state of Meghalaya there is actually a place where there is a bridge made up of living roots which is a favorite tourist spot. These root bridges are handmade by local people out there just with the help of rubber fig trees and aerial roots of trees. One of the point to be noted is that these kind of tree forming is common in the North East India’s southern part in the state of Meghalaya.
Now you might be in a dilemma as to what methods are involved in constructing these bridges. So, to give you a clear concept constructing these root bridges involves a simple method: living root bridge in Dawki is shaped by guiding the flexible roots of the rubber tree across a river or stream, and then letting the roots to grow, mature and strengthen over point in time until they can bear the weight of a adult human being. The younger roots are now and then twisted or tied together. One best feature of the rubber tree helps this process. The feature being the adaptability of this tree to sharp slopes and gravel surfaces, this feature of rubber tree makes it easy to support its roots to grab the reverse sides of river banks; this feature of the rubber tree makes it easy to support its roots to grab the reverse sides of river banks. The lifespan of these living roots bridge is variable as they are made up of living organisms. However, local people claim that this bridge can withstand weight up to 100 years. One interesting fact is that this bridge can naturally renew and self-strengthen itself as long as the tree from which it is growing is healthy and alive.
You might be amazed to know the fact that it takes around 15-16 years for a fresh root bridge to grow enough strong to bear the weight of an adult human being crossing it. Furthermore, even when it is strong enough to take the weight it does not stop growing; it will carry on growing and strengthening yet further over point in time. The twisted and tangled webs of these roots bridges are almost creepy in scenery and viewers will feel like they have landed in some fantasy or fairy world.
Apart from winning the distinction of being one of the most want-to visit places for tourists in Shillong. These roots bridges earn a great respect from the local villagers. These bridges connects the forests with the nearby village as there are streams passing by between the dividing and separating the village and the forests into either sides or banks of it. When villagers require some resources from the forests such as firewood, vegetation and fruits or they want to hunt some animals they can easily cross this bridge and reach the forests and return back to their village along with their requirement by crossing this same bridge. One more important thing to be noted is that local villagers of Dawki feels that these root bridges are much more efficient and convenient then the regular wooden bridges which wore out due to heavy rainfall in Monsoon season.
Now, next important thing everybody has a query about is when the best time to visit Dawki and these root bridges is. So, the answer is you can plan your trip to Dawki for viewing these living root bridges anytime throughout the year there is no issue but spring and summer are the best, and if you are in a dilemma as to Monsoon season might not be the best time as rain can ruin the entire plan and scenario then it might be noted that Dawki is crowded with tourists coming from every corner of India and other foreign countries in all season and there might be rainfall sometime here and there but it’s not going to ruin any plan of yours. In fact a trip to “Meghalaya” as the name suggests “Abode of clouds” is not complete without any or no rainfall. A little rainfall makes some of the picturesque tourist’s destination of Meghalaya even more nice and delighting.
So, quickly pack your bags and book your tickets and plan a trip to North Eastern region of India. Come and explore the Mystic land of India which will really change your life and give peace to your mind and soul. Spend your time in the nature which will rejuvenate you and drive to the hidden beauty of Meghalaya.
VISITING HOURS
Morning 9:30 am – Evening 6:30 pm
How To reach the Living Root Bridge in Mawlynnong , Dawki?
- If you are driving our own car then it’s easy from Shillong. You just need to drive some 81 Kms away from Shillong main city to Dawki Main town and then From Dawki main city again you have to drive for 1 hr or may be less than that till Mawlynnong village where you can visit these root bridges.
- If you are someone who do not want to drive then again there is an option of hiring share taxis from Shillong. There is availability of plenty of Maxi Shared cab from Shillong-Dawki from Barabazaar Shillong.
*Note:- Shared maxi cabs generally remains crowded and some people may not find it convenient and comfortable.
- If you are looking for the most convenient option then you can contact us by logging in into our website Travenjo.com or call us at +91-6909053355. We are an online travel technology platform for Shillong Taxi service and other places making it available for travel service providers and travelers to meet and get the best service out of it. We are always here to plan your travel as you choose and avail you with different types of fleet. For booking a Dawki-Mawlynnong trip with us you can
VISIT: Shillong to Dawki Cabs
