Meghalaya
sightseeing
Riwai Living Root Bridge is famous because it is alive. It is made from rubber fig tree roots that the Khasi people guided across a stream over many decades. The roots kept growing. Today, people walk on them. No concrete. No steel. Just roots. It is one of the easiest root bridges to reach in Meghalaya.
Riwai village is approx 3 hours away from Shillong. The drive takes two hours. A full-day trip, including travel, entry, and food, will cost around ₹2,500 to ₹3,000 per person. Most Megahalaya tour packages club this with Cherrapunji, so you can cover both in one day.
Riwai Living Root Bridge reflects the traditional Khasi method of creating natural bridges without cutting trees. Locals guide rubber tree roots across streams using bamboo support until the roots grow strong enough to hold weight.
The bridge represents sustainable construction methods that adapt to Meghalaya’s heavy rainfall and forest environment. Even today, local communities continue to maintain these structures naturally instead of replacing them with concrete bridges.
October to April is the best time. The trail stays dry, and the stream is calm. Monsoon makes the path slippery, and the water level rises. Not worth the risk. Visit between 7 AM and 10 AM for the best experience. The light is good, the air is cool, and the place is quiet before the crowd arrives.
Travel about 77 km from Shillong to Mawlynnong, which usually takes 2.5 to 3 hours by cab. The Riwai Living Root Bridge is located close to the village(2km). Cab charges for the full trip generally range between ₹2,500 and ₹4,000, depending on the route and stopovers.
Entry Fee: ₹20–₹50 per person
Timings:
Day Wise Timings
Maps & Location
Mawlynnong Road, Riwai, Nongthymmai, Meghalaya 793110
Essential Information
Point of Interest for Riwai Living Root Bridge
Balancing Rock of Mawlynnong
Naturally balanced rock formation located near the village roadside area
Mawlynnong Bamboo Cottage
Simple bamboo stay option with basic rooms and village surroundings
Sky View Point
Bamboo tower offering wide views of the Bangladesh plains and greenery
Mawlynnong Village Nearby
A clean village stop commonly paired with a bridge visit.
The Riwai Living Root Bridge trek is easy and suitable for most travellers. It involves a short forest walk with stone paths and light steps, unlike the longer Double Decker Root Bridge trek.
Yes, the Riwai Living Root Bridge is located near Mawlynnong village in Meghalaya. It is one of the easiest living root bridges to visit in the region.
The trek to Double Decker Living Root Bridge is often considered one of the toughest in Meghalaya because of its steep stairs, suspension bridges, and long return climb.
A living root bridge in Meghalaya can last for hundreds of years if maintained properly. Since the roots keep growing stronger over time, these bridges become more stable naturally.
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