About Riwai Living-root Bridge
The Riwai Living Root Bridge crosses the Thyllong river in the forest below Riwai village, a few kilometres from Mawlynnong in East Khasi Hills. Like other living root bridges in Meghalaya, it was grown rather than built: Khasi villagers guided the aerial roots of India rubber trees (Ficus elastica) on opposite banks across the stream over decades until they meshed into a walkable span of about 30 metres. It is the most visited root bridge near Mawlynnong and one of the easiest to reach in the state, which makes it a sensible choice for families and anyone who cannot do the long descent to the double-decker bridge at Nongriat. Living root bridges of the Khasi and Jaintia hills are on India's tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status as 'Jingkieng Jri' cultural landscapes. The village charges a small entry fee that goes towards upkeep, and you can climb down beside the bridge to the riverbed for a view of the root structure from below.
What to expect at Riwai Living-root Bridge
Walk: A short forest path with stone steps leads down from Riwai village to the bridge; reports range from about 10–15 minutes each way. The bridge: About 30 m of interwoven roots with stone slabs; walk across and back. Riverbed: Paths on either side lead down to the stream for photos from below. Stalls: A few bamboo stalls sell tea, cold drinks, biscuits and noodles; there are no proper restaurants. Parking: Near the start of the path; a parking charge may apply.
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
October to May
October to May is the most comfortable period, with dry steps and clear water under the bridge. Post-monsoon (October–November) keeps the forest green with fewer crowds than winter holidays. Winter (December–February) is cool and busy on weekends. In the monsoon (June–September) the river runs high and loud and the roots look their greenest, but steps are slippery and the riverbed is off-limits. Morning visits beat the tour-group rush that arrives around midday.
Getting There
Riwai is about 78–82 km from Shillong, a drive of roughly 2.5 to 3 hours via the Shillong–Dawki road and the turn-off towards Pynursla and Mawlynnong.
Riwai is about 78–82 km from Shillong, a drive of roughly 2.5 to 3 hours via the Shillong–Dawki road and the turn-off towards Pynursla and Mawlynnong. The village lies about 2–9 km before Mawlynnong depending on where the bridge path is measured from, so most visitors pair it with Mawlynnong and Dawki in one day. From the end of the road, the last stretch is a short walk down forest steps to the river. A private cab from Shillong can be booked with Tour Meghalaya.
Entry & Duration
Entry Fee: Approximately Rs 30–50 per person (fees reported by visitors vary)
About 45 minutes to 1 hour covers the walk down, time on the bridge and the climb back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Riwai root bridge from Shillong?
About 78–82 km, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by road. It is close to Mawlynnong village.
How far is Riwai root bridge from Mawlynnong?
It is a short drive from Mawlynnong, a few kilometres away, and most visitors see both on the same trip.
Entry fee for Riwai living root bridge?
The village collects a small fee, reported at about Rs 30–50 per person. Parking may be charged separately.
How many steps to Riwai root bridge?
The descent is a short set of forest steps taking about 10–15 minutes each way, much easier than the Nongriat double-decker trek.
Best time to visit Riwai root bridge?
October to May for dry, safe steps. The monsoon is greener but slippery, with a high river.
