They are live, gain strength each day, marvel of nature, bless the tribals, live in perfect harmony and pride of Meghalaya.
Yes, I am talking about the centuries old live root bridges which is a tribal art of carefully manipulating the roots of a tree into a live bridge, basically for the commuting purpose to cross rivers and streams.Â
Khasi people have been trained to grow these bridges across the raised banks of streams to form root bridges made from the roots of the Ficus elastica tree, which produces a series of secondary roots that are perched atop huge boulders along the streams or the riverbanks.
These root bridges are located in and around Cherrapunji/Sohra, Meghalaya, the wettest state of India. Some of these root bridges are more than 150 years old and strong enough to carry 50 people or more at a time. Take a look at one of the most beautiful and not so easily accessible root bridge…….
The life span of these bridges are around 500 to 600 years after they are well formed ( take ten to fifteen years to be fully functional) and are strong enough to take load of the daily functioning and commuting of locals out here. Some of which are over a hundred feet long, more long lasting than metal or wooden ones which gets destroyed due to massive rains this area receives.
30 Responses
They look so amazing. You dont see something like that very often now do you? Phew. Thanks for an interesting post. Good Luck on your travels 🙂
Thank you Andy. They are ony found in and around Sohra in India.
This is aweosme place and high on my wish list. Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure Himanshu. You must plan a trip to Meghalaya.
Its in my bucket list… would do a road trip hopefully next year. 🙂
Great interpretation
Thank you. I am glad you liked it.
Wow, how amazing!!! Great captures of the trees and the bridges.
Thanks Amy for the visit and I am glad to share it with you.
This is quite mind-boggling. The sort of solution one would imagine from fairy-folk. How many other useful things, I wonder, could not be made by people by encouraging life rather than causing death as with, in this case, chopping wood to make a bridge?
You are absolutely light. Tribals protect their environment by fulfilling their requirements from within their means without harming mother nature. This bridge is a perfect example of their approach towards life. Thank you for appreciating the effort.
I’ve never seen anything like that before! That’s some real ingenuity there…. though I’d probably still be a bit freaked out trying to cross one the first time!
They are very strong and tested by locals out there. Amazing trip it was. I have written a full fledged post on my experience of root bridges.
Fascinating very fascinating – very well captured… 🙂
Thank you Drake. These are point and shoot shots. I didn’t had my DSLR then.
Those are AMAZING. What an incredibly good idea … and what wonderful pictures. I don’t think it is possible in our climate, but I wish it were. The bridges are always falling apart here and there is never enough money to fix them. Living bridges is the ultimate renewable resource.
All said and done I am in love with your Blackstone valley dam and bridge…….so soothing in all seasons but best in fall 🙂
I remember when you first posted this and i am STILL staring in awe <3
I know, I found it just right for the theme of wpc. Thanks for going through it again.
My pleasure, Always 🙂
What a marvel of nature, and they look so strong too!
They are indeed. Seriously wonders of nature and creative minds. They look magnificiant from the distance and you are in awe when you see them for the first time.
I didn’t realize I wasn’t following you until now!
It happens when we have to like, read and comment so many posts. Better late than never. Thanks.
Reblogged this on SERENDIPITY and commented:
This is one of the most remarkable things I’ve seen. It’s a brilliant concept. Living bridges created by the twined roots of trees. I know it wouldn’t work here in New England, but what a great way to have footbridges that live and grow. Living in cooperation with nature. Brilliant. And great pictures, too.
Thank you so much. It is always an honour to be part of Serendipity. Really appreciated this encouraging note.
Wow they are breathtaking to look at. Must be such an experience to cross via one of these beauties. Happy Sunday.
I bet ! Very adventurous and exciting to go across through live root bridges. I kept on wandering how they must have thought about this unique creation. Thanks for the read and same to you.
I loved the danger and adventure in these woven nets bridges. Lovely trees, Soul.
That’s why I call it a true adventure. Those are tribes favorite and their pride too.