Nongriat Rainbow Falls

Nongriat Trek: Double Decker Living Root Bridge & Rainbow Falls

The living root bridges of Meghalaya are probably the most unique feats of primitive bio-engineering in the world. Also, I think that the waterfalls of Meghalaya are the most beautiful in India, and I say this after visiting many others in the higher Himalayas. Nongriat is the place that has a combination of both of these primary attractions of Meghalaya. The double-decker living root bridge is the biggest of all root bridges, while the Rainbow Falls, I think is one of the most beautiful waterfall in the state. So, a trip to Nongriat was pending for a long time!
Meghalaya needs no introduction and nor do I intend to provide one. It is actually the most developed of all Northeastern states in terms of tourism infrastructure and it is a stone’s throw away from Guwahati, my estranged hometown. Yet, ironically so far I have done very limited explorations in this state. I visited Shillong and Cherrapunjee many years ago on family trips from Guwahati. I was not a travel writer back then and did not even have a camera. Also, family trip meant just a quick visit to touristy attractions and no genuine explorations and definitely no trekking. After starting the travel blog, I have made a couple of middling trips to Meghalaya, to Riwai-Mawlynnong and to Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival.
This is why, I had been planning for more Meghalaya trips of late. As I was planning the trip, I happened to had an interaction with Vaibhav of Greener Pastures, a new age tour agency focusing on the Northeastern parts of India. So, Greener Pastures offered to arrange my stays for a Meghalaya trip. The original plan was to cover a lot more places but due to some external factors, the trip was cut short. Nevertheless, I managed to complete the Trek to Nongriat and the Rainbow Falls beyond it.

Cherrapunjee to Tyrna

So, I reached  Cherrapunjee at around 7pm after some unexpected delays due to a traffic situation near Shillong. I settled down at Patent Homestay and decided to start as early as possible the next morning. Nevertheless, it was around 8.30 am by the time I reached the market and I could see no affordable transport. I was told that there are shared cars plying on that route but I saw none. There is apparently a bus too but that comes after an hour or so and I did not want to wait that long. I asked a few local drivers. One guy even quoted 500 and Mother 400. But finally I stumbled on one who quoted 250 but brought it down to 200 for a drop at Tyrna village, the starting point of the trek. It took around 40 minutes and the second half of the ride seemed to pass through a desolated area. However, Tyrna seemed like a pretty big village with a big church dominating the landscape. This area is also highly developed in terms of tourism. There were many resorts and lodges along the way and at Tyrna too.

Trek from Tyrna to Nongriat Double-Decker Living Root Bridge

The car dropped me at the starting point. There were few small shops selling basic food items, few young boys selling bamboo canes to be used as trekking poles, and a few other guys trying to offer their services as guides. I bought a pole for 20, ignored the rest and started the trek. Unlike most other treks, this trek starts in the reverse fashion, i.e. it is a significant descent right at the beginning and coming is when you do most of the upward hiking, thus making the return much more difficult.
Steep Stairs to Nongriat.
Steep Stairs to Nongriat.
I wanted to get done with the descent as soon as possible. So I started fast, negotiating those 3000 (or whatever… There are different numbers available online) stairs quickly. The first thing I noticed was that the stairs were quite steep, which made me even more worried about the return. The trail was simple and I was following two local girls ahead of me, so I thought there will be no confusion. However, after a while, they stopped, looked behind, and asked me for directions. That is when I realized that they were clueless Malaysian tourists and not locals!
Anyway, we the route was still fairly simple and after half an hour, we were effectively at the midpoint of the trail. There is a small village here too, along with a couple of small shops selling lemon juice, Maggi, biscuits, etc. This village has another living root bridge, which is a few metres walk from the stairs. However I was eager to reach Nongriat, so I quickly gave up on that one and continued moving.
After another five minutes, the river appeared along one of those famous suspension bridges. The bridge was shaky but the blue of the river was exactly like the ones I had seen in the pictures online (but thought them to be zealously edited). So, enjoy these colours. I can assure you that I have not enhanced the colours.
After another five minutes of that bridge, I reached another suspension bridge. This one was longer and but sturdier than the previous one. The other side of the bridge is practically Nongriat but you need to climb a few stairs to reach the main village. I quickly climbed them up and reached the  village, located amidst a thick grove of betel but (areca) trees. Soon, I also came across a living root bridge but this is not a famous one, this was a smaller one that you need to cross to enter the village. Apparently there are scores of root bridges in this region.
The first suspension bridge.
The first suspension bridge.
Surreal colour of the River.
Surreal colour of the River.

Second Suspension Bridge.
Second Suspension Bridge.

At Nongriat Village and root bridge

The first thing I noticed was the Serene Homestay, which is very famous among travellers. However, my stay was booked at The Village Resthouse (or Village Guesthouse), which was nowhere to be seen. I called up the guy and he asked me to cross the double-decker. After a few minutes of meandering in the village, I reached the double-decker root bridge, crossed it, and finally located my homestay, on the other edge of the village. It had very basic facilities but a ceiling fan attracted my attention. You rarely see fans in Shillong or Cherrapunjee but this area is hot and humid as it is a significant descent from the plateau where Cherrapunjee is located.
Nongriat 20
After keeping my stuff in the room, I came out to have a closer look at the bridge. It was not much different from the one I saw at Riwai-Mawlynnong but it simply had two layers. I am sure any self respecting traveller already know what slicing root bridge is so I am not going to Edwin it again. But I would just like to say that these ones are far more stable than the suspension bridges made of iron. At least they don’t shake when you pass through them. However, I am now somewhat worried about their future because they are receiving increasing number of tourists. Even when I reached, it was teeming with visitors. The stream over which the bridge is built is now a place for tourists to bath and pose for selfies. I wonder how much load it can take!
Double-decker living root bridge
Double-decker living root bridge
Nongriat Living Root Bridge 4
Small waterfall near the root bridge.
Nongriat Living Root Bridge 3
View from the Root Bridge.
Nongriat Living Root Bridge 2
The Root Bridge is getting a bit too popular for its own good.

Trek to Rainbow Falls

Nevertheless, after some rest and a bowl of instant noodles on a snack on the bank of that stream, I decided to take up the next part of the adventure, i.e. the trek to the Rainbow Falls. Normally people do it on the second morning but I had limited time and it was only 12 noon. I asked a local guy and he told me it will take 1.5 hrs to reach. So I backed myself to visit it and return to my homestay by the evening.
The route was the one that just passed by my homestay. There was no signage and I had no guide. But I decided to keep doing in pursuit of a valiant failure like I had in Dzukou once. The forest was dense and full of exotic trees and flowers. Among the familiar ones, I saw a lot of jackfruits growing in the wild. Also, as I have written on previous occasions, Meghalaya is one of the best places in India finally butterflies. I saw many of them although failed to capture decent photographs.
The first half an hour was an easy series of ascents and descents. I came across another suspension bridge, even shakier than the previous ones. It was immediately followed by another living root bridge and the trailer seemed to be disappearing into the woods after this point.
The Shakiest Bridge of the Trip.
The Shakiest Bridge of the Trip.
Another root bridge!
Another root bridge!
Actually the real trek starts after this point. The “stairs” give way to hilly trails and it is a continuous ascent after that which takes the maximum amount of time and effort. At this point I started hearing sounds, the kind of event Ind you hear when the waterfall is in the vicinity. Due to the jungle and the hills not was not visible but the echoes were watching my ears. I kept going till a point when I saw a hint of turquoise blue through a a small hole in the middle of thick green foliage. For a moment I thought this was my destination but it could not be so easy. I had trekked for less than an hour. At that time I saw a few guys returning from the other side and and they verified that the Rainbow Falls is still half an hour away. I did see a few small trails going towards the water but I think this was what some people call the blue lagoon of Nongriat, an ideal natural pool for swimming. However, I was more eager to visit the rainbow falls and so I moved on.
Nongriat 29
The portions after this were even more steep and slippery. Thankfully it was not raining although the day was gloomy. I think on a rainy day this stretch will be really hard to negotiate. Anyway, after 20 more minutes, I was beginning to get tired, but finally I saw a waterfall. It did not look like the one I was looking for. This was again a decoy but after another 10 mins I finally reached the point from where I could see the glimpse of the actual Rainbow Falls with all the colours intact from the photographs I’d seen before.
Nongriat Rainbow Falls
As good as I’d imagined.
Nongriat Rainbow Falls 3
Too powerful to get close.
The Rainbow Falls is called so because you can always see a rainbow over it when there is sunshine. However, as a regular target of Murphy, I was doing it now gloomy day. So, no real rainbows for me but the view was still worth it. I have seen photos of people swimming around the fall or doing other daredevil stunts. However, I think most of those photographer games during the winter months when the force of the fall is gentler. In the month of June, it seemed too strong for any such thing. In fact, droplets of water started hitting my face as I tried to move closer to the fall.
Nongriat Rainbow Falls 6
Droplets of water started hitting my face
Nongriat Rainbow Falls 7
You see rainbows here on a sunny day.
Nongriat Rainbow Falls 1
A frame worth framing.
I spent some time around the fall, enjoying the views and then started walking back. The weather was deteriorating and I wanted to avoid the instance of getting stuck in the jungle amidst heavy downpour. The return was comparatively easier and I thought of that blue lagoon again but by that time I was tired and the threat of rain made me walk faster and reach my homestay by 3.30 pm. However, this was not before I spotted an India Oakleaf in the jungle, displaying it’s brilliant camouflage. I think I should be proud of my eyes, or rather my specs for noticing it.
Nongriat 5
That night the muscles pained but the job was done and the mind was at peace. A lot of insects visited the room that night. This place is indeed a heaven for insects and needs a different trip only for studying them.
Nongriat 11

Return Hike from Nongriat

The next morning I left as early as possible. But the ascent turend out to be much tougher. It took slightly more than two hours. Especially the last stretch, which was the steepest, looked like a flight of endless stairs disappearing into the heaven.
Nongriat 28
Anyway, I reached Tyrna in good time and thankfully also got a lift on a car carrying some foreign tourists. Otherwise transport between Tyrna to Cherrapunjee, although a short stretch, can be problematic.

Nongriat Travel Guide

How to Reach Nongriat Double-Decker Root Bridge and Rainbow Falls?

In order to reach Nongriat, first you need to reach Cherrapunjee, which is around 50 odd KMs from Shillong, and then find a local transport to Tyrna Village, which is around 20 KMs away from Cherrapunjee. Nongriat is around 3.5 Kms from there, through a series of steep and descending stairs. You will cross a couple of suspension bridges too. The living root bridge is located in the Nongriat village itself while the Rainbow Falls is a further 3-4 KMs hike from Nongriat.

Public Transport from Shillong to Cherrapunjee to Tyrna for Nongriat Trek

Cherrapunjee is a major tourist center in Meghalaya and you will get enough buses and shared cars from Shillong that will take you there in two hours. From Cherrapunjee, you may find some shared cars going to Tyrna (INR 70-80) or I have also heard of a bus but that probably goes only once in a day. In case you don’t find any of it, you will have to hire a car for yourself from the taxi stand in the Cherrapunjee market. Some of them may quote exorbitant rates like INR 500 for a drop at Tyrna but ideally you can manage it for INR 200-250 after some bargaining like I did. During my return though I got a lift on  tourist vehicle for free.

Google map shows the distance between Cherrapunjee and Tyrna to be only 12 KMs but I highly doubt it. It took around 45 minutes for me to reach Tyrna so I think it is more like 18-20 KMs.

How long is the Nongriat and Ranbow Falls trek? How much time did it take?

Time taken depends on your speed and stamina. Here is what it was like for me.
Tyrna to first root bridge = 2 KMs, 30 mins (Steep descent). This is approximately the mid-point, there is village, couple of shops selling lime juice and maggi, and another small root bridge that you can visit.
First root bridge to Nongriat Village double-decker root bridge = 1.5 KMs, 45 Mins (some descent followed by some ascent).
Nongriat Village to Rainbow Falls = 3 KMs (1 Hr 20 Mins) (Mostly upwards ascent)
Rainbow Falls to Nongriat Village (return) = 1 Hr
Nongriat Village to Tyrna (Next day Return) = 2 Hrs 10 Mins (steep ascent)

Can you connect me to any agency to plan and organize the Nongriat Trek?

If need help, you can contact Greener Pastures who can help you with Nongriat trip or for that matter, many other trips in the North East.

Is there any entry fees at Nongriat?

Yes, you need to pay a fee of INR 20 per head just before crossing the double-decker root bridge. They have camera fees too and I was glad to see that they are charging more for GoPro as I never had one. LOL

Nongriat 19

Are there any other routes to Nongriat?

Yes, there is a longer route from the famous Nohkalikai Falls of Cherrapunjee but it is much longer and not frequented by too many people. You should keep an extra day if you want to try it. In any case, Nohkalikai  is also viisble from Tyrna.

Homestays in Nongriat

I saw 4-5 homestays in Nongriat, the most famous ones being the Serene Homestay (in the middle of the village) and Village Rest House (after crossing the double decker bridge). They are generally very affordable, with rates between INR 200-400.

 

Nongriat Village Rest House

Food in Nongriat

At Village Rest House the guy charged only INR 50 for basic meal which was cooked pretty well. You can order additional stuff. Apart from that you will find many shops and shacks along the entire route selling small items like maggi, biscuits, tea, pineapple, etc.

Local guides for Nongriat Trek

Local guides wait at the start of the trek at Tyrna. That is where you can get one although I did not opt for one. It is actually a pretty straightforward trek where coming back is the more challenging part. But you should by the babmoo sticks at the starting point for INR 20. They should be useful during the ascent.

Phone and data connectivity in Nongriat

Data connectivity is unlikely at Nongriat. Howevere, you should be able to make and receive calls.

Jitaditya Narzary

26 thoughts on “Nongriat Trek: Double Decker Living Root Bridge & Rainbow Falls”

    1. Sushant kumar

      Hey m planning a honeymoon in Meghalaya. Just wanted to ask if rainbow falls can be visited staying in cherapunji. I mean starting from cherrapunjee, trekking round trip and returning back to cherapunji. Or do I need to book a room in cherapunji, put my luggage there then trek to rainbow falls and stay there itself. Please siggest

  1. I have been seeing pictures of the root bridges and thought they were super cool. Now, I am wanting to do the entire trek and not just the selfie at the end. It looks like a real journey filled with all the tropes of adventure: bridges, waterfalls, and jungle trails. Really cool stuff.

  2. Uh wow, I never knew these root bridges existed. It looks just like the adventure of a life time. I hope I will be able to go there sometime myself. Thank you for sharing!

  3. I saw a documentary on India recently and they went to the root bridges, it was the first time I’d heard of anything like that! It was fascinating the way they trained the roots of the trees over hundreds of years to cross the river and create the bridge. It sounds like a worthwhile hike, especially when you finally reached the waterfalls. Shame about all those steps to get back though!

  4. Interesting. I have never heard of this place. I loved the photos. The water is really beautiful and the root bridges are so intricate. I think after all of the hiking, I’d want to just right in that water and hope for the best. Is it hot and humid there all year long or does it cool off during some months?

  5. Fascinating double decker root bridge. And yes, Rainbow Falls must be lovely. Wish I could see the photos. They would not load. I must have a slow connection.

  6. I will be too afraid of walking on those suspension bridges! although I must admit that the view is worthwhile, at least judging from your beautiful photos!

  7. Reading about Nongriat for the first time. Ha ha following Malaysian tourists…   sorry about that though. Scores of root bridges, what a wonderful photo opportunity. I am surprised there are plenty of tourists there. Excellent captures of the falls and the sights around.

  8. What an interesting read. The root bridges are fascinating. I had no idea that they existed. It sounds like an epic adventure. Great captures of the trek.

  9. I haven’t heard about too many hikes in India and Nongriat looks like a lovely one. The scenery and bridges remind me quite a lot of the multi-day Ghorepani trek I did last year in Nepal.

  10. Those root bridges are absolutely beautiful. The view is amazing and I love your shots of the waterfalls. It also looks very biodiverse.

  11. very good information. Pics are awesome!!… I am planning to go in Aug-18. Can you guide in booking the homestatys..Serene home stay or Village guest house?

  12. Hi Jitaditya, great info there. Thanks for sharing. Just a quick query – is it advisable to do this in June?

  13. One silly question…Was the Bamboo stick useful ? Is it necessary ? Did you use it much ?
    Planning a trip next week, hence the question…thnks

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  15. Just read while traveling back to my home town by train.

    Very good writing. Quite informative as well as authentic.?

    I explored both, the Double Decker Living Root Bridge (UNESCO’s world heritage site) and the Rainbow Waterfall just yesterday. Timings were as follows.

    Onward :
    Started from Tyrna Vehicle parking area : 8.35 am
    Reached Double Decker Living Root Bridge : 9.35 am
    Started from Double Decker Living Root Bridge : 10.05 am
    Reached Rainbow Waterfall : 11.10 am
    Return :
    Started from Rainbow Waterfall : 11.50 am
    Reached Double Decker Living Root Bridge : 12.50 pm
    Started from Double Decker Living Root Bridge : 12.55 pm
    Reached Tyrna Vehicle parking area : 3.00 pm

    Completely got sweated. Faced miled hamstring strain at the last portion of the steep upward climbing on the stairs while returning. Not an easy trek, still accomplished and enjoyed fully. I am 56 years old now ?

    In addition to the things mentioned by you in your description, I noticed and met many enthusiastic travellers and trekkers coming from various states of India.

    Thanks for your write-up.
    Stay fit and keep going.

  16. Tanishque J Ahmed

    I have done that trail on 2nd of June 2022. It was amazing and unforgettable. We started trekking from tyrna at 8:45AM to double decker living root bridge. When we climb down to double decker it’s seem easy enough. So we done that in almost 1 hour (But it all depends upon you). After that we spend 17 min on double decker bridge. My first impression of the double decker root bridge was like, “wow nature, thank you for giving us that vibe to feel you. You are incomparable”. I took a lot of photos videos, soaking lots of memories. Because I don’t know when i get another chance to visit again. In that time i talked with my brother(ADISH) and i ask him whether he want to continue that trek to Rainbow Fall. And in a single breath he said why not…!

    So we continued our trek to Rainbow falls at 10:02AM. After a hardcore trek into to the deep rainforest we witnessed the magnificent “Rainbow falls”. It was 11:11AM, the Rainbow falls really took my breath away. The view from the Rainbow falls was speechless. The waterfall was covered by big mountains with blue sky and white clouds. In a single frame you can find sky, clouds, mountains, waterfall, river and most importantly water droplets from the Rainbow falls was mesmerising.

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