The living root bridge in Dawki town’s Riwai village is a rare experience in Life! So, if you thought the umngot river is the only unique speciality of Meghalaya, think again! The 300 year old hand weaven bridge from tree roots will blow your mind!
On your way to Dawki from Shillong you will come across this ‘living root bridge’ near Mawlynnlong’s neighbouring village Riwai.
Bamboo & Wooden Craft Shops
The Riwai village on the way to Living root bridge offers a number of small shops where you can have some snacks or buy bamboo works.
Development works by Government
The achievement stone setup by the Government of India that says this village has been setup with a drainage system to save from flash floods.
Farming – Locals major occupation
The living root bridge in Dawki attracts several visitors every year. This also generates employment and revenues for the villagers.
With 81.69 % literacy rate , farming , is the major occupation of the locals in Riwai. This Village of Pynursla has a total 78 families residing with a population of around 438 individuals.
Trekking downstairs to living root bridge
You will need to walk down the steps and a follow a rocky path to the ‘living root’ bridge.
The path to the bridge is a 15 minutes walk , however , old people might have a tough time in this trek.
Root Bridge Weight Constraints
The visitors are not allowed to stay over the bridge for long to pose for the photograph as this may harm the bridge which is made up of roots of fig tree.
Ancient Example of Human Hardwork
The aerial roots of fig tree is used to create a new railing for the bridge.
It is believed to be more than 300 years old and have been meticulously built by the Khasi tribe over the generations.
November is the best season to visit
November is the best season to visit this attraction.
When the water recedes in the Thyllong river below you can go and have some images get clicked below this bridge as well.
Thyllong river flows beneath
The Thyllong river becomes a beautiful stream between November to February in Riwai.
There are some homestays in Riwai as well as in Mawlynnong village which is 2 kms from here.
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