🛣️ How to Get There

Location: Riwai Village is just a short walk from Mawlynnong, around 80 km from Shillong (a 2.5–3 hour drive). The route follows the scenic Shillong–Pynursla–Dawki Road, with misty hills, waterfalls, and vibrant villages along the way.You can drive directly to the parking area at Riwai, and from there, it’s a short 5–10 minute downhill walk on a stone-paved path to reach the bridge.

This makes it ideal for visitors who want to see a living root bridge without the physical challenge of a long trek.

🌉 What to Expect

The Riwai Living Root Bridge is a single-span root bridge crossing a small stream in a forested area. It’s strong enough to walk on and offers a fascinating look at how humans and nature can work together in harmony.

Expect:

• A shaded forest walk with thick greenery

• The bridge itself, made entirely from tangled tree roots, stretching across the water

• Crystal-clear stream below, often with fish and frogs

• Bamboo benches and viewpoints for photos and resting

It can get busy during tourist hours, especially in peak season. Early mornings or late afternoons are quieter and more peaceful.

🔍 For the Curious

The tradition of growing living root bridges is centuries old and is still practiced by the Khasi tribe. It can take 10–15 years for one to fully form, but once mature, they can last hundreds of years and become stronger with time. The Riwai bridge is one of the most accessible examples of this tradition. While it’s not as long or dramatic as the more famous double-decker version in Nongriat, it offers the same sense of wonder with much less effort.

ℹ️ Good to Know

• 📍 Distance from Shillong: ~80 km (2.5–3 hours by car)

• 🚶‍♀️ Trek: Easy, ~300 meters walk on paved path

• 🎫 Entry Fee: ₹10–₹20 per person

• 🕰️ Best Time to Visit: October to March for dry weather

• 🍛 Nearby Food: Local Khasi food available in Mawlynnong (walking distance)

• 📸 Photography: Allowed, but avoid damaging or climbing the roots

• 🧺 Local Shops: Souvenirs, snacks, and handmade items near the entrance

• 📶 Mobile Signal: Patchy—let someone know your location in advance