The living bridges of Cherrapunji, India

In the Indian state of Meghalaya in the region of Cherrapunji, they grow their own bridges by training Ficus Elastica (rubber) tree roots, so that they stretch horizontally across, creating a solid latticework structure strong enough to carry dozens of people (and I supposed some cars too) at a time.

Some of them are over 30m long, and it can take from 10 to 15 years before they are fully functional.

The tradition of "building" bridges this way stretches back 500 years.

They use hollowed out trees to create root guidance systems. When the roots and vines reach the opposite bank they are allowed to take root.



This double decker living tree root bridge in the village of Nongriat in Meghalaya, India is reputedly the only one of its kind in the world.