The world can learn a thing or two about these bridges which aren’t built, yet grown from materials found in nature for their construction. The bridges used the tangled roots of the Ficus elastica tree, a rubber tree that is found in the southern Khasi and Jaintia hills and produces secondary roots from higher up its trunk.
Two closely related tribes, the War-Khasis and the War-Jaintias learned how to make the trees grow their roots in the right direction so that they could use them to create these spectacular bridges and pathways over rivers and through the forest.
Hanging Bridge Of Ghasa, Nepal
Like many crossings in Nepal, the hanging bridge of Ghasa is used by both humans and animals alike. The bridge has been used for decades, despite its questionability under rainy and windy conditions.
On a daily basis, donkeys and cattle travel across the bridge hanging very high about the river valley. The river, fortunately, has high side rails which protect those who are brave enough to travel across.
U Bein Bridge, Burma
Stretching over the Taungthaman Lake, the U Bein Bridge was built in 1850. It is made from a tropical hardwood called teak and is believed to be the oldest bridge made out of that wood. The bridge is very dangerous as there are no side rails and nothing to hold on to as you walk (or crawl from fear) across its 1.2 km.
Not only do you have to worry about falling, but the bridge has also become a crime hotspot in recent years due to its tourist appeal. There are now policemen guarding the bridge as protection for tourists and passersby.
Taman Negara Canopy Walkway, Malaysia
Known as the longest canopy walkway, the Taman Negra Canopy Walkway stretches over 1,700 feet and sits 130 feet above the forest ground.
The bridge has become a top tourist attraction in Malaysia. It is advisable to cross only if you are super brave and avoid looking down.
Q’eswachaka Bridge, Peru
This bridge was constructed out of woven grass. There is no need to question its reliability as it has withstood the test of time over the last 500 years when it was first built by the Incas.
The bridge required a lot of work from a big team of people. Women first needed to braid small thin ropes which men then used to braid large support cables. The Keshwa Chaca Bridge is the last known structure from Incan engineering. We are impressed at how much it has held out throughout the years.