Walk Across Living And Breathing Bridges

Meghalaya

This is the wettest place on Earth. The rains that pound Cherrapunjee not only earn it this watery superlative, they’ve also driven the creation of one of its greatest wonders. Part man-made, part nature’s gift, the living root bridges of Meghalaya came into being so that people could ford the streams that became fierce torrents during the rains. Some 200 years ago, the Khasis of the area who lived close to nature used their ingenuity to come up with a solution. They took the pliable roots of rubber trees, and guided them into the hollow canes of areca nut palms to meet halfway across streams. They tended the roots carefully until they reached the opposite bank, thus forming a bridge. Today, the region is known for its many living root bridges, and they are an amazing sight to behold.