Meghalaya's living root bridges: Why people around the world are fascinated by them
If you've ever wanted to walk across a bridge that's alive, Meghalaya's living root bridges are exactly that -- living, breathing, natural walkways shaped by the hands of time and tribal wisdom.The living root bridges of Meghalaya have gained widespread popularity due to their unique blend of natural wonder, ancient indigenous knowledge, and ecological harmony, making them a marvel of bioengineering and cultural heritage.advertisementLiving root bridges are natural bridges created by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya by training the aerial roots of the rubber fig tree (Ficus elastica) to grow across rivers and streams. These roots are carefully guided over years, often 10 to 30 years, using bamboo scaffolding or hollowed-out trunks until they intertwine and strengthen enough to form sturdy, functional bridges capable of supporting the weight of many people.WHAT ARE THEY SO POPULAR?
What makes them so popular? For starters, they're the only kind of bridges that get stronger as they age. Some are centuries old and still going strong, with the potential to last up to 500 years.They're also a great example of how humans can work with nature instead of against it. These root bridges don't just connect villages, they help hold soil together, prevent erosion, and even support local biodiversity by becoming mini ecosystems in themselves.advertisementBut that's not all, they're a symbol of indigenous creativity. The Khasi and Jaintia tribes have passed down this knowledge for generations, showing us a beautiful way to live in sync with nature.From single-span walkways to intricate double-decker structures like the one in Nongriat near Cherrapunji, each bridge is a unique masterpiece.Of course, they're also a tourist magnet. Getting to these bridges often means trekking through lush forests and misty trails, an adventure in itself. And with UNESCO now recognising them as tentative heritage sites, their global profile is only going up.Unlike conventional bridges made from wood, stone, or concrete, living root bridges are dynamic, living structures that grow stronger over time.The roots continue to thicken and intertwine, naturally reinforcing the bridge's strength. Some bridges are believed to be centuries old and can last for up to 500 years under ideal conditions.The bridges exemplify a sustainable and eco-friendly method of infrastructure that harmonises with nature rather than disrupting it. They help stabilise soil, prevent erosion, and support local biodiversity by providing habitats for various plants, insects, and animals. This ecological balance highlights the deep relationship between the indigenous people and their environment.WHERE ARE THEY LOCATED?The bridges are located in Meghalaya's lush, scenic forests, often requiring trekking through beautiful landscapes and local villages, which adds to their appeal.advertisementThe most famous living root bridges in Meghalaya are located in the village of Nongriat in the East Khasi Hills district. Nongriat is especially renowned for its iconic Double-Decker Root Bridge, known as Jingkieng Nongriat.Visitors are drawn to the challenge and beauty of these living structures, making them a unique and memorable experience. The living root bridges have been recognised as tentative UNESCO World Heritage sites, further boosting their global profile.So if you're ever in Meghalaya, don't just visit these bridges, walk on a tradition that's still alive and growing.
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Meghalaya's living root bridges: Why people around the world are fascinated by them
If you've ever wanted to walk across a bridge that's alive, Meghalaya's living root bridges are exactly that -- living, breathing, natural walkways shaped by the hands of time and tribal living root bridges of Meghalaya have gained widespread popularity due to their unique blend of natural wonder, ancient indigenous knowledge, and ecological harmony, making them a marvel of bioengineering and cultural root bridges are natural bridges created by the Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya by training the aerial roots of the rubber fig tree (Ficus elastica) to grow across rivers and streams. These roots are carefully guided over years, often 10 to 30 years, using bamboo scaffolding or hollowed-out trunks until they intertwine and strengthen enough to form sturdy, functional bridges capable of supporting the weight of many ARE THEY SO POPULAR? What makes them so popular? For starters, they're the only kind of bridges that get stronger as they age. Some are centuries old and still going strong, with the potential to last up to 500 also a great example of how humans can work with nature instead of against it. These root bridges don't just connect villages, they help hold soil together, prevent erosion, and even support local biodiversity by becoming mini ecosystems in that's not all, they're a symbol of indigenous creativity. The Khasi and Jaintia tribes have passed down this knowledge for generations, showing us a beautiful way to live in sync with single-span walkways to intricate double-decker structures like the one in Nongriat near Cherrapunji, each bridge is a unique course, they're also a tourist magnet. Getting to these bridges often means trekking through lush forests and misty trails, an adventure in itself. And with UNESCO now recognising them as tentative heritage sites, their global profile is only going conventional bridges made from wood, stone, or concrete, living root bridges are dynamic, living structures that grow stronger over roots continue to thicken and intertwine, naturally reinforcing the bridge's strength. Some bridges are believed to be centuries old and can last for up to 500 years under ideal bridges exemplify a sustainable and eco-friendly method of infrastructure that harmonises with nature rather than disrupting it. They help stabilise soil, prevent erosion, and support local biodiversity by providing habitats for various plants, insects, and animals. This ecological balance highlights the deep relationship between the indigenous people and their ARE THEY LOCATED?The bridges are located in Meghalaya's lush, scenic forests, often requiring trekking through beautiful landscapes and local villages, which adds to their most famous living root bridges in Meghalaya are located in the village of Nongriat in the East Khasi Hills district. Nongriat is especially renowned for its iconic Double-Decker Root Bridge, known as Jingkieng are drawn to the challenge and beauty of these living structures, making them a unique and memorable experience. The living root bridges have been recognised as tentative UNESCO World Heritage sites, further boosting their global if you're ever in Meghalaya, don't just visit these bridges, walk on a tradition that's still alive and growing.
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