The root bridge is hundreds of years old, a rare natural masterpiece that is hard to find

Mar 30, 2022 14:30 GMT+7

When it comes to bridges over rivers, people often think of bridges made of sturdy iron, but in the state of Meghalya, India, there are bridges made of tree roots, which people can walk on.

The hundreds-year-old tree root bridge can accommodate dozens of people

The tree root bridge over the river in the state of Meghalaya, India attracts more and more tourists with its ancient, spectacular appearance.

According to culture minister Conrad K Sangma, these unique bridges have been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The giant trees grow and spread to form a walkable bridge, creating an ancient and beautiful scene on rivers and streams.

The living bridges are made from the roots of the Ficusastica, a red-budded banyan tree, whose secondary roots grow above the ground. The roots are growing and strengthening over time, there are hundreds of years old trees with long roots forming a strong bridge. Some bridges can accommodate up to 50 people at a time and last for more than 150 years.

Bridges appear a lot in the southern region of Meghalaya. The reason Meghalaya state has so many root bridges is because the area has a dense subtropical humid broadleaf ecoregion, which is also one of the wettest areas on the planet. These ecosystems have operated in extreme climatic conditions for centuries.

The exact origins of the tradition of creating tree root bridges are unknown, but the earliest record of their existence appeared in the journal of the Bengal Asian association in 1844.

One of the longest bridges is the one between Rangthylliang and Mawkyrnot villages, over 50 meters long.

Impressing visitors the most are a number of double-root bridges, of which the Nongriat double-decker bridge is the most famous. Located in East Khasi, the unique bridge is formed from tree roots divided into many levels.

Local people say there is an epic story about the birth of the two-story bridge Nongriat. Going from the highest point of the valley near the village of Tyrna, then climbing down about 3,000 steps, experiencing many beautiful natural scenery, tourists will come to the two-story tree root bridge.

According to UNESCO, indigenous communities, farmers, and hunters continue to use, nurture and protect this structure.

Hoang Dung (synopsis)