Living Root Bridges
On the upper tier of the double decker bridge.
About the Living Root Bridges
Living root Bridges are built in the deep valleys of East Khasi hills in central Meghalaya, Northeast India. The people of these villages (Nongriat, Laitkynshew and others) are isolated from rest of the world as these are located in a deep valleys which can only be reached by an arduous trek. Now though the situation is better as there are steps built to visit the valley. You have to descend and climb more than 2100 steps at a time. Since these valleys were inaccessible for a long time people came with this ingenious solution to cross rivers which were very full due to tremendous rainfalll in the monsoon.
They plant the strangler fig trees on both sides and once they grow they use guides such as bamboo poles or string for the roots to grow around them. Then in 10-15 years (mostly more), a bridge is grown. This is multi-generational effort. these bridges are extremely durable an last 5 to 6 centuries.
Living Root Bridges
On the upper tier of the double decker bridge.
About the Living Root Bridges
Living root Bridges are built in the deep valleys of East Khasi hills in central Meghalaya, Northeast India. The people of these villages (Nongriat, Laitkynshew and others) are isolated from rest of the world as these are located in a deep valleys which can only be reached by an arduous trek. Now though the situation is better as there are steps built to visit the valley. You have to descend and climb more than 2100 steps at a time. Since these valleys were inaccessible for a long time people came with this ingenious solution to cross rivers which were very full due to tremendous rainfalll in the monsoon.
They plant the strangler fig trees on both sides and once they grow they use guides such as bamboo poles or string for the roots to grow around them. Then in 10-15 years (mostly more), a bridge is grown. This is multi-generational effort. these bridges are extremely durable an last 5 to 6 centuries.