Riwai Living Root Bridge

Riwai Living Root Bridge is a natural bio-engineered bridge located in Riwai village near Mawlynnong in East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya. Formed by guiding aerial roots of the Ficus elastica tree across a stream, it is maintained by the local Khasi community. The single-decker bridge is one of the most accessible living root bridges in the state and demonstrates traditional Khasi botanical engineering passed down over generations.

Visitors can expect a short walk down stone steps from Riwai village to a stream valley where a single-decker bridge formed from interwoven living roots of rubber fig trees spans the water. The setting is forested with dense greenery, flowing stream below, and root structure forming a sturdy walkway with railings. Visitors can walk across the bridge, view the stream, photograph the structure, and explore the surrounding village area and small local shops.

Living root bridges in Meghalaya represent a centuries-old tradition of the Khasi and Jaintia communities who guide the aerial roots of Ficus elastica trees across streams and rivers to form living bridges. The Riwai bridge is a single-decker example of this bio-engineering practice, developed over decades as roots grow and strengthen, and maintained continuously by villagers.

The bridge reflects the Khasi community's traditional knowledge of living architecture and harmonious use of natural resources. It is part of the cultural landscape of the East Khasi Hills and demonstrates intergenerational skill in training and caring for living root structures for community connectivity.