Living Root Bridge - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 3 km from Mawlynnong Bus Stop, Riwai Living Root Bridge is a natural root bridge situated at Riwai village near Mawlynnong in Meghalaya. It is one of the natural wonders of Meghalaya and among the best places to visit in Mawlynnong.

Also known as Jingmaham Living Root Bridge, this single decker bridge in Riwai is a 300 years old manmade bridge built across a stream by intertwining the aerial roots of Rubber trees around a Betel tree trunk. The roots keep growing out and entwining the trunk and the bridge is elongated to the desired destination taking about 10-15 years to completion. The roots thicken over time and the bridge is further strengthened with stones, sticks, leaves, bamboos and other items serving the purpose for hundreds of years. This is the only means for the villagers to cross the streams to reach the other side.

To reach the bridge, one has to trek around 300 meters from the parking area. However the visual rewards will be so great that visitors will forget about all the discomfort that faced during the trek. The villagers of Riwai collect a nominal fee from the tourists for the improvement of the area. The best way to reach this place is to hire a taxi or jeep from Shillong.

Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 30 for Person