Meghalaya’s Double Decker Living Root Bridge has secured global recognition after being ranked the second most beautiful bridge in the world in a new international list released by British magazine Time Out.
Located in Nongriat village in the East Khasi Hills, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge earned the number two position in Time Out’s ranking of the world’s most visually striking and culturally significant bridges. The iconic structure stands just behind Bosnia and Herzegovina’s historic Stari Most, which claimed the top spot.
What the Time Out Ranking Says
Time Out’s list features 19 bridges worldwide selected by tourism and travel experts based on visual appeal, architectural uniqueness, integration with the surrounding environment, and international cultural significance.
The Double Decker Living Root Bridge was ranked immediately after Stari Most. The ranking highlights bridges that function not only as engineering achievements but also as major tourism landmarks with strong cultural relevance.
Why the Double Decker Living Root Bridge Stands Out
The Double Decker Living Root Bridge is a living, bio-engineered structure grown over decades from the roots of rubber fig (Ficus elastica) trees. Instead of using concrete or steel, the indigenous Khasi community carefully guides and trains the roots to create a durable crossing.
Its rare two-storey design evolved as a response to Meghalaya’s intense monsoon floods, which often submerged the original lower bridge. To overcome this challenge, villagers cultivated a second tier above the first, forming a resilient structure capable of withstanding extreme rainfall.
As a living structure, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge continues to strengthen and self-repair over time, making it a powerful symbol of climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure rooted in indigenous knowledge.
Trek Experience and Geography
Situated deep within the rainforests of the East Khasi Hills, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge is accessible via roughly 3,500 steep steps descending from Tyrna village.
The trail passes through dense subtropical forests, smaller single root bridges, steel suspension bridges, streams, and natural pools, turning the journey into a full-day trekking experience.
Nearby natural attractions such as the Blue Lagoon and Rainbow Falls, known for turquoise waters and occasional natural rainbows, further enhance the region’s appeal as a nature and adventure destination.
Global Context: Beating Famous Icons
The Double Decker Living Root Bridge ranks above globally recognised structures, including New York’s Brooklyn Bridge and several major urban design landmarks.
Other bridges featured in Time Out’s ranking include Vietnam’s Golden Bridge in Da Nang and Singapore’s Helix Bridge, demonstrating the list’s mix of natural formations and modern architectural designs.
Why This Is a Milestone for Meghalaya and the Northeast
The global recognition places Meghalaya and India’s Northeast firmly on the international tourism map while highlighting the ingenuity of indigenous Khasi engineering and traditional ecological practices.
Experts suggest the ranking could attract increased global attention and visitor interest, creating opportunities for community-led tourism and conservation efforts for living root bridges.
This milestone positions the Double Decker Living Root Bridge not only as a trekking attraction but also as a flagship example of indigenous, low-carbon infrastructure gaining worldwide recognition.
