Riwai living root bridge, Mawlynnong: History, highlights and visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Riwai living root bridge

Wikipedia says living root bridges are made from the aerial roots of Ficus elastica by the Khasi and Jaintia peoples, and that written documentation was sparse until the 2010s, with 75 bridges geo-located in 2017. It lists villages near Pynursla, including Mawlynnong, among those with several bridges.

Outlook adds that the Riwai bridge was made by Khasi villagers from rubber fig roots, takes 10 to 15 years to become fully functional and spans a stream. A construction date for this particular bridge is not stated here.

Useful facts

Riwai living root bridge facts at a glance

Location

Riwai hamlet near Mawlynnong, East Khasi Hills

Experience type

Short forest walk to a single-span bridge

Material

Aerial roots of Ficus elastica (rubber fig)

Capacity

Outlook: up to about 50 people at once

Time or schedule

Sunrise to sunset reported; confirm locally

Visitor note

Small fee reported; slippery in wet weather

Why it matters

Why Riwai living root bridge is worth your time

Living root bridges are a practice of the Khasi and Jaintia peoples. Wikipedia explains that villagers guide the aerial roots of the rubber fig (Ficus elastica) across streams and let them grow together, so that the bridge strengthens as the tree matures. The process can take up to about 15 years, and a well-kept bridge can last for centuries.

The Riwai bridge is a single-span bridge, not a double-decker, which is why it feels modest beside Nongriat. It is still a working piece of village engineering, made and maintained by the community. Wikipedia notes that researchers geo-located about 75 living bridges in 2017, and that the Mawlynnong area is among the places where they are concentrated.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   The bridge itself

   A single living span of interlaced roots over a stream. Notice how the roots have fused into one structure.

2. 02

   The stream

   Visitors can go down to the water. Check depth and current first, particularly after rain.

3. 03

   Quiet compared with Nongriat

   It involves far less walking than the double-decker near Sohra, so it works for mixed-age groups.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

Drive or walk from Mawlynnong to Riwai. Guides differ on distance: one says about a kilometre on foot, while Outlook says a few minutes by road. Ask your driver or homestay host. After the ticket counter you follow a path into the forest and descend to a stream, where the bridge runs from bank to bank.

Stand on the bridge in small groups and let people pass, since only so many should be on it at once. Outlook says a mature bridge can hold about 50 people, but queueing and care for the roots matter more than the number. Look at how the roots wrap and rejoin, and at the stream below, where visitors can go down to the water.

Bring a plastic bag for wet shoes, and dry clothes if you plan to paddle. Leeches can be present in wet weather, so wear socks and check your legs after the walk.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Riwai hamlet, a short drive or walk from Mawlynnong

Time needed

45 to 90 minutes

Best time

Mid-morning for light, and November to March for a clearer stream and drier steps

Walking level

Moderate

Senior comfort

Outlook describes a paved approach to the ticket counter, followed by steps and forest path down to the stream. There is no lift, steps can be slippery, and seating is limited. Reaching the bridge itself is manageable for many seniors with a stick and patience; the lower bank is harder.

Tickets and access

Outlook reported an entry fee of about 10 rupees and sunrise-to-sunset opening in 2017. Confirm current fees and hours locally. Parking is in a clearing near the entrance, and small eateries are close by.

Plan it with

FAQs