Diljit DosanjhThe king of swag and all things cool, has been creating a stir with his travels recently, and this time, the Punjabi superstar decided to take his entourage to Shillong for his next concert pitstop. The highlight of their adventure? A journey through the amazing root bridges of Meghalaya! Here’s all you need to know about these living wonders that surprised even Diljit and we’re sure you won’t need any more reasons to book your tickets to this eastern wonder.

Original Bridges of Meghalaya

A perfect example of sustainable living, these root bridges are an example of tribal culture and their lives which are connected to nature. Ficus elastica, a species of Indian rubber tree with an incredibly strong root system, grows and flourishes in this area. The tree produces secondary roots from the top of its trunk; Roots that can sit comfortably on top of rocks on river banks.

The Khasi tribe – who have long been credited with recognizing the tree’s simple feature and using it as an opportunity to cross the region’s many rivers – chopped and hollowed out betel nuts to assemble a guiding system for the roots. Use the trunk. As the roots attach to the betel leaf’s stem, they reach the other side and are allowed to take root in the soil, creating the final spectacular structure: a strong, living root bridge.

While the state is home to over 100 root bridges, some of them are more popular than others.

Like Diljit, you should include the double-decker root bridge at Nongriat in your itinerary. The two tiers of interconnected roots make this natural structure amazing, especially during monsoon when everything around it becomes lush green. The path to this bridge starts from a narrow path which descends as you proceed further. About 3500 steps lead you to crystal clear streams that form a small pond at the base of the trees, whose roots hang above it like an earthly chandelier. Carrying a walking stick and sturdy shoes is highly recommended!

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