The country of India has a lot of dense woods. Many of these forests hide natural sights that will surprise everyone. A natural wonder like this is hidden in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, and it draws a lot of tourists. This is the Umsiang Double Decker Living Root Bridge, which is also called the “Living Root Bridge.” Let’s find out more about the Living Root Bridge…
The area is known for its root bridges made from rubber trees, but the Double Decker Bridge is the biggest and most well-known of them all. This bridge is about 50 meters long and 1.5 meters wide.
The Umshiang River runs under the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, which is a great example of how nature and engineering can work together. If you want to learn more about the double-decker living root bridge, you should read this piece. It has everything you need to know about this beautiful bridge.
History of the Living Root Bridge:
When people see the two-level living root bridge, they wonder how such a big bridge could have been built. Let us tell you that the Khasis tribe in the area is to thank you for helping to make this natural wonder. The people of this group gave it the right shape when they saw the strong roots of this Indian Rubber Tree growing near their village of Litkinesse.
Let us tell you that this kind of old rubber tree can only be found in the northeastern part of India. This is the main reason why the root bridge here is so well-known. People in this town cut the tree into the shape of a bridge.
When they pull and twist the tree roots, they show the right way to go. But please let us know that the tree is not used right away after the bridge is shaped. It is important to know that it takes at least 15 years for the tree’s roots to get strong enough to hold people up. People also say that the living root bridge with two floors is over 200 years old. Fifty people at a time are the most that can use this natural bridge.
What Does “Double Decker Bridge” Mean?
Its bridge has two levels, which is why it’s called the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. This means that the bridge has two decks, or layers, that were made when the roots got tangled up. If no one is in good shape, it might be hard to get over this bridge.
Where the Double Decker Living Root Bridge Begins:
The town of Tyrna is where this Living Route Bridge begins. It goes over the Umshiang River. Tourists have to go down 3500 to 3600 stairs from the hill to get to this bridge. This can take 3 to 4 hours. If you are hiking on this bridge, you will see a lot of other small, man-made bridges along the way. The metal wire is used to strengthen these small bridges because the tree roots that are used as bridges are not as strong as those of other trees.
Note for People Going to the Double Decker Living Bridge:
If you are going to this bridge, don’t bring too much stuff in your bags.
We already told you that there is a store along the way where you can buy water and snacks. Don’t worry about having these things with you.
New hikers may have a terrible time crossing the Double Decker Living Root Bridge because the trail can be scary for some people. But a tour of this bridge can be the most amazing experience of your life.
If you want to walk across this bridge, you have to go up and down this hill. Don’t forget to wear shoes and drink a lot of water while you walk.
Best Time to Visit the Double Decker Living Bridge in Meghalaya:
If you want to see the Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Meghalaya, you should know that it rains all year in the area around Cherrapunji, but it rains a lot from May to September. Since the area around the bridge is slippery, it is best not to go there between May and September. But if you’ve been traveling during this time of year before, the rainy season is a great time to go to Cherrapunji. When you go to this place, don’t forget to bring an umbrella and a raincoat.
Places to Stay Near Living Root Bridge:
There is also a guest house right next to the bridge where people can stay for a very low price. The only bad thing about this place is that the bathrooms aren’t very good. There is, however, a small store nearby that sells snacks like chips, cookies, and drinks to help you feel better after your long trip.
Ways to Get to Mawlynnong Living Root Bridge:
The Double Decker Living Root Bridge is not far from Cherrapunji. So, you can go to Cherrapunji to get here. It is closest to flying into Shillong Airport. You can also take a cab once you get to Shillong.
Gauhati station is the closest train stop if you want to take a train. From Guwahati to Shillong, you can take a helicopter, which is an exciting experience. There are good bus services that go from Shillong to Cherrapunji. Calling a cab is the best way to get anywhere in Cherrapunji.