Living root bridges are a unique form of bridge found in the Indian state of Meghalaya and parts of neighboring Assam. These bridges are made from the roots of the Ficus elastica tree, which is native to the region. The bridges are created by training the roots of the tree to grow in a specific direction across a river or stream, where they eventually merge together to form a strong, sturdy bridge.

The practice of creating living root bridges is believed to have originated with the Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya, who have been using them for hundreds of years to navigate the rugged terrain of the region. The process of creating a living root bridge can take up to 15 years, as the roots of the tree must be carefully guided and nurtured in order to ensure that they grow in the right direction.

Today, many living root bridges have become popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at their unique beauty and engineering. In addition to their practical use as bridges, they are also valued for their cultural and ecological significance, as they provide an important habitat for a variety of plant and animal species.