CHAPTER 25: GOD’S VILLAGE

It’s said that centuries before the advent of British rule in the Khasi Hills, the founders of Nongblai village fled … Continue reading CHAPTER 25: GOD’S VILLAGE

CHAPTER 24: THE WRONG RIVER

Once again, I found myself descending into a steep gorge. Once again, the sound of a stony river below rose … Continue reading CHAPTER 24: THE WRONG RIVER

The village of Wahkhen may be separated from Kongthong by a mere 3.5 kms in a straight line, but the … Continue reading CHAPTER 23: BEYOND THE ROAD’S END

I chose correctly. Arriving in Kshaid a few hours before sunset, I made contact with the village headman and was … Continue reading CHAPTER 21: THE HYBRID

Long ago, the two daughters of the God of Shillong Peak, Ka Ngot and Ka Iam, decided to have a … Continue reading CHAPTER 15: TREE ROOT VILLAGE

The previous day had ended well. Following a bit of confused wandering around Ranikor after dark, I managed to snag … Continue reading CHAPTER 4: MEGHALAYA MASALA

In early 2019, I walked across the Khasi Hills of Northeast India. It wasn’t easy. But where are the Khasi … Continue reading CHAPTER 1: THE KHASI HILLS

The most extraordinary places in Meghalaya are all hidden. The darker vales of Riwar abound in secret waterfalls and deep … Continue reading CHAPTER 7: THE ROOT BRIDGES OF RANGTHYLLIANG

There’s a good reason why Northeast India’s incredible root bridges have captured the world’s attention. While living architecture has been … Continue reading SUSPENSION BRIDGES OF MEGHALAYA: PART 1

Or, perhaps a better title might be: “The smallest root bridge I’ve ever clapped eyes on, though there could be … Continue reading THE SMALLEST ROOT BRIDGE

Today I thought I’d share a few photos of a small root bridge in the Khasi Hills that I was … Continue reading A QUICK LOOK AT HOW A ROOT BRIDGE DEVELOPED OVER TIME

Nelson Nongbri had helpfully made me a rough map of the network of trails west of Nongriat. It looked basic, … Continue reading CHAPTER 3: ON BEYOND NONGRIAT

It was over a decade ago, during the monsoon season of 2011, that I first ventured to the spectacular Khasi … Continue reading THE ROOT BRIDGES OF NONGRIAT OVER THE YEARS

India, as a political entity, geographical concept, or civilization, is often described as a world unto itself. If that’s the … Continue reading CHAPTER 1: THE RAGGED EDGE OF INDIA

HOW ARE LIVING ROOT BRIDGES MADE?* The Khasi people of Northeast India create living root bridges using the pliable aerial … Continue reading How are Living Root Bridges Made?

The following is a short excerpt from my upcoming book Through the Canyons of Living Bridges What are living root … Continue reading What are Living Root Bridges?