Nongriat: Descent into a hidden heaven.

The North-East

Nestled in the far eastern side across the chicken's neck , Northeastern​ region of India​ is a hidden gem. Abundant in Flora, Fauna and a culture which resembles closer to Myanmar, Cambodia​ and the neighbours; It is a marvellous place for any traveller to visit. The whole region consists of Seven states often called the seven sisters. Being blessed with a subtropical climate with the Himalayas​ to the north, the Meghalaya plateau to the south and the hills of Nagland, Mizoram and Manipur to the east; The climate enables the biodiversity of the region. Nature lovers would love the national parks which house asia's last Rhinos and Endemic birds not found else where. People miss out on this region while travelling to india;

So Dear Steemians, Let me narrate you about a trek to heaven

The way down to Nongriat

Nongriat is a village in the East Khasi Hills​ of Meghalaya; It is best known for its living root bridges. Me and a bunch of friends decided to check this mysterious marvel and push our travel boundaries deeper into the unexplored parts of India.

We reached shillong from Guwahati stayed in this very cute city before we went on to Cherapunji and Nongriat by road.

Few hours by car we reached the edge of the village from where our hike started.

The trial was filled with deep forests foilage and locals foraging food.



After about 5000 steps down we meet the first of many root bridges

The root bridge is made of the roots of banyan trees linked and let grow over several years.

The real reason we were there was to visit the double-decked​ root bridge; A few thousand steps down the valley

It took us down to river beds and across valleys with surreal views.

Perched upon the mountain slopes were tiny houses nestled in peace and nature: Aint this the life we wish!

This lovely kid guided us when we felt we were lost in the trial.

Crossing on a rope bridge; we glanced upon nature's delightful water and those colors made it impossible for me to skip without an image

Panting and exhausted we then arrived at Nongriat: House of The root bridge and The Hidden Heaven.

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The Root Bridge

Construction of these bridges is​ a community effort. They are constructed using the roots of trees such as banyan tree. The roots are intertwined and braided; This is followed by letting it grow on a support of logs. Over several years it forms a strong structure that can be used as a bridge to cross the valley or stream. They are a way to show Human's ingenious​ way to utilize nature's resources and nature adapting itself.

The place left me with a sense of profound satisfaction and gratitude. I have spoken​ about this place with my friends and colleagues several times over the years. It is hard not to speak of it; it has the magic, the adventure, the thrill and contentment that makes a trip worth the time and effort.

Here are some videos about the journey; Source:​ Youtube

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I would like to thank members of the #Culturevulturescommunity for their amazing support on my previous article.

The usual pops and shout-outs to @sweetsssj @timsaid @deanliu@slowwalker @velimir for their amazing posts from all around the world.

!steemitworldmap 25.238915 lat 91.679487 long

Thanks for your comments @shellyduncan @countrygirl @sweetpea @victorbz@victorgphoto. @carlgnash, @ablckbrd @alcy : Your comments on my previous article is much appreciated and kept me writing this one. And not to forget @curie for your generous curation on the post

I would like to call out steemians from #India especially​ @firepower @aishwarya keep up your good posts.

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