After an eventful arrival in Shillong, ‘Footlooseinme’ was recharged and ready to explore the enchanting landscapes of Meghalaya. A few hours of sleep the night before wasn’t enough, but I managed to pull myself together for the exciting day trip ahead. (Read my previous post to know how I reached Shillong.) My first day’s excursion included visiting the Living Root Bridge of Riwai, the picturesque village of Mawlynnong, and Dawki. I started from Shillong at 9 AM, navigating through the long stretches of hilly traffic en route to Mawlynnong.
While it took time to drive past the congested areas, I made good use of the journey to take a power nap and catch up on much-needed rest. My first stop was the single-layered Living Root Bridge at Riwai Village—a neat, small village with charming houses lining its narrow lanes. These lanes led me to a flight of about a hundred stairs, descending which brought me face-to-face with one of Meghalaya’s natural marvels: the Living Root Bridge of Riwai.
Living Root Bridges are an integral part of the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya. These unique bridges allow locals to cross overflowing rivers and streams during the monsoon season. Built over generations and lasting for centuries, the Living Root Bridges are a remarkable example of harmony between humans and nature. This sustainable architecture reflects the indigenous community’s deep knowledge of their environment. Today, over 100 such bridges are spread across Meghalaya.
The process of building a Living Root Bridge begins by planting two Ficus elastica trees on either side of a river or stream. These trees develop aerial roots over time—usually taking a decade or more. Using bamboo scaffolding, the roots are gradually guided and woven toward each other across the stream.
Every couple of years, the bamboo scaffolds are replaced due to damage caused by constant moisture and humidity. As the roots grow thicker and stronger, they are intertwined to create a solid, living structure. Over a period of 30 to 40 years, the bridge gains the strength needed to support regular foot traffic. Generations of locals maintain and care for these living structures, making the Living Root Bridges not just functional but deeply cultural landmarks.
After purchasing the entry ticket, I climbed down the uneven stairs to witness this incredible man-made, yet entirely natural, bridge. Standing before this awe-inspiring structure—the Living Root Bridge of Riwai—I felt a deep sense of respect for nature and human ingenuity. Crossing the Living Root Bridge for the first time, I found it sturdier than many conventional bridges.
The crystal-clear water of the stream below reflected sunlight, creating a serene and magical scene. Even the presence of many tourists couldn’t disturb the tranquillity that surrounded the Living Root Bridge of Riwai. After soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, I climbed back up the flight of stairs and continued towards my next stop.
Not far from Riwai is Asia’s cleanest village—yes, you heard that right—Mawlynnong. Often nicknamed “God’s Own Garden,” Mawlynnong left a lasting impression on me. Walking down its clean, paved lanes gave me a deep sense of satisfaction. The houses were tidy and well-maintained, each with its own garden—ranging from small flowering plants to tall, lush trees. Walking through the hilly roads of the village was an experience in itself. If you ask me what to see here, I’d say—just wander through the lanes of Mawlynnong and take it all in.
I spent a good amount of time in Mawlynnong. I strolled past the charming Church of Epiphany, a small Upper Primary School, and two large playgrounds. A strange, peaceful feeling settled over me. The cleanliness in every corner of the village was remarkable. There were no high-rises, no fast-food joints, and no flashy entertainment—yet the place felt happy and prosperous.
Mawlynnong is a living example of the phrase “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” It wasn’t just the cleanliness that moved me, but the entire ambience of the village—its location, its culture, and its people—all found a place in my heart. With joy and contentment, I bid farewell to Mawlynnong and continued to my next destination—Dawki.
I’ll share my Dawki story in the next post. Stay tuned!
It looks lovely!
Yes, it is. Thank you!