Living Roots Bridge and Cleanest Village in Asia

Exploring the Living roots bridge and cleanest village in Asia was an enjoyable experience. The living roots bridge is located near the cleanest village in Asia- Mawlynnong. On our way to the village, the climate was foggy with heavy rains.  It was quite chilly. When we were about to reach, the weather got clear and we were able to see some small waterfalls.  

A  small waterfall

The living roots bridge is in Riwai village. The village is very nice and clean. The route to the bridge is cemented with plain road and some stairs, but after a certain point stairs were made up of stones. I was stunned to see the bridge made up of tree roots. It is unbelievable. 

Riwai Village

On our way to Living roots Bridge ( Riwai Village)

Living roots bridge

It is a ficus elastica tree also called rubber tree.  It is said that the local khasi people noticed the characteristics of the rubber tree, which is, that its trunk develops aerial and strengthening roots to fasten itself in the soil. So, they just adapted it and directed the roots in the desired direction with the help of betel nut tree trunks. When the roots reached the other side of the river, it was allowed to take root in the soil. Within some time a powerful, living bridge was formed. 

Living roots bridge- view from the river bank

A river was flowing down the bridge making roaring noise. After clicking lots of pictures of the bridge and river, we thought of touching the water flowing down the bridge.  The water was cold. It was thrilling experience and we enjoyed a lot.  

A river flowing down the bridge

River

On the way to Mawlynnong, we also saw a natural balancing rock. A big rock has naturally balanced itself on a small rock.  

Natural Balancing Rock

Mawlynnong – the cleanest village in ASIA is near to India- Bangladesh border. It is a village in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya. The people of this village are very friendly. It is really amazing to see dustbin made up of bamboo placed all along the village.  

Mawlynnong Village

Cleanest village in Asia- MAWLYNNONG

Mawlynnong Village

There is also a sky view point. It is made up of bamboo and is balanced in trees; we had to climb it to get the view of the village and the plains of Bangladesh. It was scary at first but then fun. The views were spectacular.  The sky was full of clouds with drizzle. 

Sky View Point

On the top (Sky view Point)

Plains of Bangladesh

On our way down from the sky view point

Way down from the sky view point

Before going back to Shillong, we took a round of the surrounding areas of the village and had a tea in local restaurant.  It was fun!