Nongriat Double Decker Living Root Bridge, Cherrapunji - Timings, Accessibility, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 15 km from Cherrapunjee, the Double Decker Root Bridge is a living root bridge located at Nongriat village near Cherrapunji in Meghalaya. It is one of the prime tourist places in Meghalaya and among the most popular places to visit in Cherrapunji.

Crafted by the local Khasi tribes, the living root bridges of Nongriat village are one of the manmade wonders, dating back many centuries. This man made bridge is built by intertwining the aerial roots of Rubber Trees around a Betel Tree truck placed across a stream. The roots keep growing out and entwining the trunk and the bridge is elongated to the desired destination taking about 10-15 years to completion. The roots thicken over time and the bridge is further strengthened with stones, sticks, leaves, bamboos and other items serving the purpose for hundreds of years. This is the only means for the villagers to cross the streams to reach the other side.

There are two living root bridges in Nongriat, a single deck bridge, and a double decker bridge but the later one is famous. Also known as Umshiang Double Decker Bridge, it is built by stacking two bridges one over the other and is believed to be one of its kind in the entire world. This natural bridge is said to be over 200 years old and it can take up to 50 people at a time.

The Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat village is accessible only by trek from Tyrna village. One needs to reach Tyrna by bus or cab. It is a 3 km challenging hike which includes around 3500 odd concrete steps one way. The total trek takes around 5 to 6 hours to complete. The initial stretch is through small villages and pretty gentle descent until the point where the trail forks out towards the longest Single Decker Root Bridge. From here it is only 45 minutes walk to reach Nongriat village where the Double Decker Bridge located. Tourists can hire a guide at the starting point of the trek Tyrna.

The trek passes through beautiful green forest and on the way one has to cross two amazing long iron rope bridges. Below the bridge there is a natural waterfalls pool of the Umshiang River in which the trekkers can take a dip and can enjoy the nature. One can also trek up for an hour to Rainbow Falls which is very scenic and highly recommended by all trekkers and locals alike. Chances of spotting an actual rainbow over the waterfalls are very high.

One can also stay at Nongriat village as there are two homestays available the Serene Homestay and Nongriat Guest house. Tourists will be provided with the basic requirements and simple food.

Entry Fee: Rs. 20 for Person & Rs. 500 for Guide