U is for Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge of Meghalaya #AtoZChallenge

"We build too many walls
and not enough bridges."
Isaac Newton

(Please note that there is some ambiguity about which Newton really said those words: 

Sir Isaac Newton or Joseph Fort Newton)

I was looking for a quote (I'm still feeling quite quotish. I blame Q!) when this one caught my eye.

We're back in Meghalaya today. Back in the home of the clouds and the wise Khasi people who almost 200 years ago devised an ingenious way to cross rivers swollen with monsoon rains by planting Indian rubber trees on the banks of their rivers and training the roots of these trees through hollowed out trunks of the Areca palm to form sturdy, long-lasting natural bridges.

For a succinct and extremely well written account of the history and ecology of this unique phenomenon, click on this BBC travel story , where Neelima Vallangi's professionally taken photos will make you go wow. The extract below is from the same link:

"There are many living root bridges scattered across the dense valleys of Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills region, but the most spectacular and arguably the most famous is the Umshiang double-decker bridge, which is more than 180 years old. It is found just outside Nongriat, a small village that’s reachable only by foot, about 10km south of the town of Cherrapunji. The bridge’s two levels span the Umshiang River, and local villagers are adding a third level, hoping it will further attract tourists. (Neelima Vallangi)"

And for a wander through these dense, humid, lush forests filled with insect noises, bold butterflies, spider webs and fallen leaves, come this way...

 We have to cross a few scary bridges first.

 Almost there

 Here we are

Wave and smile:) 

They're the  best group of girls to go gallivanting with in the greens of Khasi Hills.

The next hour was spent immersed in this cool pool of water. It's a welcome relief after climbing down 3,500 steps in the sticky sub-tropicalal heat.

The first time you step in, you squeal--the water is so cold, unexpectedly so.

You settle in and then you go 'ouch' -- little fish have started feasting on your feet even before you've made yourself comfortable on the mossy rocks.

Lots of hilarity, more squeals and squeaks follow.

I followed a pair of butterflies. 

Perched on top of a rock, sitting very, very still, I clicked lots of photos and a short video which I've shared on my N post.

It was time to start the climb back. 

Yes, 3,500 steps!

So glad I packed my folding fan.

You can always stay in the forest if you like. Arrangements can be made.

But, please, please take your rubbish with you. Or better still don't bring any plastic bottles or bags that you'll feel tempted to chuck anywhere you feel like.

These are people's homes and their villages. 

The Khasi people have looked after their trees and their rivers for generations.

As a visitor, you're morally bound to leave their heaven as you found it.

******

Have you built or crossed any bridges recently?