Wednesday, July 24, 2013

The Living Bridge in Cherrapunji

Quite a different experience from other camping tours and trips is camping under the living bridge in Cherrapunji. Right across torrential streams of Meghalaya, you would find the living bridge. These living bridges are made from the roots of the Ficus elastica tree. This tree produces a series of secondary roots from higher up its trunk and can comfortably perch atop huge boulders along the riverbanks, or even in the middle of the rivers themselves. Famous name given to this living paradise is Jingkieng Nongriat, also known as the Double Decker. The area is filled with terrains, rugged and challenging, and very deep gorges and valleys, making trekking here ideal and exciting.

The Living Bridge in Cherrapunji a beautiful bridge which is worth the time and effort that it takes getting there. From Sohra (Cherrapunjee), you just have to take a cab (which cost us 40rs each) to another village from where you begin a hike downwards into the valley. This hike will take a 2 or 3 hours but we took our time appreciating the other bridges on the way and the river and all the nature. It's an amazing hike as well and some of the other root bridges along the way are also fabulous.

I am giving you few tips in case you are planning for this trip:

1. Carry a raincoat. The light one will be more useful.
2. Sunday is closed. You might not find any shop opened in Shillong or Cherrapunji. Its a dry day every Sunday.
3.Carry mosquito repellent cream with you. Do not avoid this advice trust me.
4. There is a place near the living bridge where you get Cold drinks and Maggie but that will be the last point and no shops in the middle of track.
5.Carry water or at least bottles but small ones avoid carrying 2 liters or 1 liters. There are drinking water taps on the track.
6. You might feel dead when you are coming back but you will feel a sense of achievement.

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