Nestled in the northeastern region of India, Meghalaya is a state blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. Be it in the form of waterfalls or its bewitching scenery, Meghalaya is blessed with the best.

The state is mostly renowned for its misty weather which shrouds it in a dreamy ambience, popularising it as the “abode of clouds”. No wonder the state is a paradise for nature lovers!

Waterfalls in Meghalaya: A ‘Pull’ for Tourists

Meghalaya is known to be home to magnificent waterfalls. The state receives a generous amount of rainfall every year and is also home to the wettest place on Earth, Mawsynram.

The generous rainfall that blesses the state year after year has led to the formation of several beautiful and picturesque waterfalls. These waterfalls attract tourists from far and wide to visit the state.

Meghalaya is home to a range of waterfalls, each differing from the other in some way or another. While some waterfalls are widely popular, there are also others that are alluring but tucked away from popularity.

Several waterfalls in Meghalaya have also gained popularity by being some of the tallest waterfalls in India. The Nohkalikai Falls, known to be the tallest plunge waterfall in India, cascades from a wondrous height of 1115 feet and is situated in Meghalaya.

Popular Waterfalls in Meghalaya

Meghalaya is home to several waterfalls, most of which have gained wide renown for their beauty and scenic landscape. Here is a look at the famous waterfalls that Meghalaya has to offer:

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1. Nohkalikai Falls

The tallest plunge waterfall in India, Nohkalikai Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Meghalaya. In fact, the waters in the Nahkalikai Falls cascade magnificently from a height of 1,115 feet.

Nahkalikai Falls is known for its scenic beauty, which is at its fullest during the monsoon season. The waters of the Nahkalikai Falls plunge down in a misty spray, making it a popular backdrop for pictures.

The waterfall is associated with a tragic legend. The legend tells the story of a woman named Likai, who, in an attempt to appease her second husband, had to sacrifice her daughter from her first marriage.

Likai, who was overcome with grief, had jumped off the cliff next to the waterfall. Since then, the name “Nohkalikai” has been attached to the waterfall, as it translates to “the leap of Likai”.

How to reach there: Nohkalikai Falls is located just around 5 kilometres away from Cherapunjee. Cabs and buses are easily available from Cherapunjee to Nohkalikai Falls.

The waterfall is located amidst a dense forest and can be accessed by trekking down a steep path to reach it. The trek can be a little challenging but very rewarding in terms of the scenery.

2. Elephant Falls

Located in the East Khasi Hills, Elephanta Falls gets its name from a rock located nearby. The rock resembles an elephant and hence, the name Elephanta Falls got stuck!

Elephanta Falls is a three-tiered waterfall. The first tier is the most easily accessible and thus, one of the most popular tourist destinations. 

The second tier is a little tricky to access and thus, only seldom accessed by visitors. The third tier, however, can be spotted only during the monsoons and remains hidden otherwise.

Surrounded by rocky terrain and lush greenery, the waters of the Elephanta Falls cascade down from a brilliant height of 70 feet. Several viewing points at different levels offer visitors a majestic view of this beautiful waterfall.

How to reach there: Enlisted among the best waterfalls in Meghalaya, Elephanta Falls is located just 12 kilometres away from Shillong. The waterfall is located just on the outskirts of Shillong and can thus be easily accessed by road.

Taxis are easily available from Shillong to Elephanta Falls. There are also several buses that are to and fro between the city and the waterfall providing tourists with a more economical way to reach the waterfall.

Travellers seeking to use buses should, however, check the bus schedule ahead of time to avoid last-minute hullabaloo.

Tourists can access Elephanta Falls via a short trek down a flight of stairs. It is via this flight of stairs that travellers can access the various viewing points.

3. Seven Sisters Falls

Also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, the Seven Sisters Falls is located in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district. It is named after the seven streams that flow down its rocky terrain.

With water cascading down from a height of over 1000 feet, Seven Sisters Falls calls for an utterly breathtaking view. The stunning view of the cascading water is further enhanced by the multi-tiered terrain of the waterfall.

The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery on all sides. The waterfall, combined with the rugged hills and the forest that surrounds it, is a popular destination for adventure seekers. 

Legend has it that Seven Sisters Falls was once home to seven sisters. These sisters were known to bathe in the crystal-clear waterfall and thus, the name ‘Seven Sisters’ got attached to the waterfall.

How to reach there: Seven Sisters Falls is situated around 55 kilometres away from Meghalaya’s capital city of Shillong. Going by road is the easiest way to access this waterfall.

If you want to visit Seven Sisters Falls, you can easily hire a taxi or cab from Shillong. All you need to do is just instruct the driver to take you to Mawsmai, a village situated near the waterfall.

Once you reach Mawsmai, all it takes is a mere 20-30 minutes trek to reach Seven Sisters Falls. 

4. Krang Suri Falls

One of the most famous waterfalls in Meghalaya, Krang Suri Falls is located towards the West Jaintia Hills district. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Meghalaya.

The waterfall is surrounded by lushly dense forests and rocky cliffs. Cascading from a height of around 100 feet, Krang Suri Falls is a popular spot for diving and swimming.

Famous for its serene surroundings and crystal clear waters, Krang Suri Falls has a cool mist emanating from it. This misty panorama only adds to the beauty of the place.

A campsite beside the falls offers visitors just the right place to spend some time in the lap of mother nature, enjoying the exotic view. Tents and camping equipment are available to rent.

How to reach there: Krang Suri Falls is situated approximately 90 kilometres from Shillong. The town nearest to the falls is Amlarem, a town well-connected to Jowai and Shillong by road.

Travellers can easily hail buses and cabs from Shillong to take them to the waterfall. Local buses, too, run to and from Amlarem if visitors are seeking a more economical option.

It is also possible to trek towards Krang Suri Falls from the nearby villages of Umsyiem and Mawlongbna. The trek however can take up to 2-3 hours as it is 6 kilometres long.

One needs to undertake a 30-minute trek to reach the Krang Suri Falls once one reaches the parking spot near the falls. The trek isn’t very difficult but rewarding due to the picturesque visuals that the surroundings offer.

Best offbeat Waterfalls in Meghalaya

Meghalaya is a place known for its strikingly majestic waterfalls. Yet, there are several waterfalls in the state that are still away from the popular eye. 

These lesser-known waterfalls are a treat for sore eyes. So, if you are in Meghalaya, these lesser-known waterfalls are truly worth exploring:

1. Wei Sawdong Falls

A three-tiered waterfall, Wei Sawdong Falls is located near the Meghalayan village of Nongriait, in the east Khasi Hills district. Lush green forests surround the fall, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

The first tier of the Wei Sawdong Falls is around 90 metres high and the second tier makes up around 70 feet. The third tier, on the other hand, is more like a miniature waterfall.

The miniature waterfall that makes up the third tier flows into a tiny pool of water. This water further flows all the way down, adding further to the beauty of the Wei Sawdong Falls.

The lack of too much of a crowd perfects the beauty of the Wei Sawdong Falls. The natural beauty of the place, added to its serene surroundings, makes it a destination worth visiting.

How to reach there: Nongriat, the village nearest to the falls, is around 65 kilometres away from Shillong. Travellers can easily hail cabs, trains or buses from the city to the village.

Once in the village, visitors need to take up a trek of around 30 to 45 minutes through the forests. Although the trek offers a visual treat, it is a moderately difficult trail through rocky terrain and small streams.

2. Dainthlen Falls

Dainthlen Falls, though lessers known in comparison to other famous waterfalls in Meghalaya, is a rather popular tourist destination. It is located in the East Khasi Hills district of the state.

Known for its stunning beauty, Dainthen Falls has a legendary tale attached to it. The waterfall is named after a mythical serpent- Dainthlen- who was slain by U Kiang Nangbah, a local hero.

The serpent was known to terrorize the villagers until U Kiang Nangbah came along. The hero sacrificed his life while also defeating the serpent and ultimately saving the poor, innocent villagers.

The waterfall is around 70 metres high. The water gushing down through rocky cliffs in a swift motion is surely a sight to behold!

How to reach there: Dainthlen Falls is situated approximately 40 kilometres away from the capital city of Shillong. 

The journey to the falls can easily be covered via road in just 30-40 minutes. The scenic view accompanies the travellers all the way to Dainthlen Falls.

Once visitors reach the fall, a brief walk down a flight of stairs takes them to the viewpoint of the Dainthlen Falls. The walk down is not very steep, but the climb back up can be a little challenging.

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3. Phe Phe Falls

A stunning multi-tiered waterfall, Phe Phe Falls is situated in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills district. Though offbeat, Phe Phe Falls is a popular destination for avid travellers.

Phe Phe Falls is surrounded by scenic beauty. Lush green forests cover the gorgeous waterfall, adding to the breathtaking view that it offers of the valley below.

The water in Phe Phe falls cascades from a height of around 100 feet. The sound that the ripples of these cascadiung waters make is musing to the ears.

How to reach there: Phe Phe Falls is the most easily accessible through Jowai. The headquarters of the Jaintia Hills district, Jowai is just around 13 kilometres away from the falls.

The trek from Jowai requires one to cross several dense forests and streams to finally catch sight of this breathtaking waterfall. The trek is around an hour long.

4. Rainbow Falls

A must-visit destination for anyone visiting Meghalaya, Rainbow Falls offers a truly magical sight to behold. The waterfall is situated in the East Khasi Hills district of the state.

As the name implies, the Rainbow Falls is named after the rainbow that appears at the falls’ base. The rainbow appears as the sunlight hits the waters that rises from the falls.  

The beauty of the Rainbow Falls is enhanced by the presence of bountiful nature all around the falls. The crystal clear water of the falls is surely to entice you to want to take a dip in it!

How to reach there: Rainbow Falls is easily accessible once you reach Nongriat. Famous for its living root bridges, Nongriat is approximately 12 kilometres away from Cherrapunji.

A small village, Nongriat is the starting point for the trek to the Rainbow Falls. However, the village can be traversed only by foot.

The trek from Nongriat to Rainbow falls is just around 2.5 kilometres long. The trek can easily be completed in around an hour and a half or so.

Wondering When it is Best to Visit the Best Waterfalls in Meghalaya?

The falls in Meghalaya offer travel enthusiasts a heavenly sight. However, if you do not visit these waterfalls at the right time, you will be deprived of the beauty and serenity that they have to offer!

So, the question is, when is the best time to visit the waterfalls in Meghalaya? Well, that depends! 

On what, you ask? Well, on a lot of factors, like:

• Season
• Weather
• Flow of weather

Here’s how the different seasons will treat you in your journey to spot the picturesque landscapes of Meghalaya:

• Monsoon Season: Want to witness Meghalaya’s waterfalls in their full glory? Well, plan your visit during the monsoons then!

June to September is when Meghalaya receives the most rainfall. The rainfall replenishes and repletes the waterbodies, offering a more majestic view of the waterfalls.

• Winter Season: Are you someone who seeks to enjoy the clear skies and pleasant weather of Meghalaya? Then you should definitely visit Meghalaya during the winter season!

During the chilly months of November to February, Meghalaya experiences dry weather. This makes it easier to explore the falls and the surrounding areas.

• Summer Season: Looking to escape the heat? Visit the waterfalls of Meghalaya in the summer then, to behold the waterfalls in their full flow!

The plains experience scorching heat from March to May. Meghalaya, on the other hand, experiences pleasant weather during this time. 

The monsoons are hands-down the best time to visit the waterfalls in Meghalaya. However, the incessant rainfall makes the slopes and routes a little slippery, thus calling visitors to be careful as they walk through the slippery trails!

Safety Tips to Smoothly Get You Across the Treks

Meghalaya can be a traveller’s abode. However, visiting the waterfalls there is not completely devoid of risks!

Here are a few safety tips for you to stick by once you undertake your journey to the falls in Meghalaya: 

• Wear appropriate footwear. Go for shoes with a good grip to avoid falling or slipping on the terrain near the waterfalls.
• Make sure you are carrying enough water to stay hydrated during a trek. Take along snacks that will keep you energized for the journey.
• Do not get close to the edge of the waterfalls. You never know when the strong current could pull you along!
• Avoid venturing out alone or into unexplored terrain. One should also not cross streams unattended.
• Make it a point to follow the safety guidelines issued by the local authorities. Take designated paths and avoid venturing into unmarked shortcuts.
• Stay it during heavy rainfall. Watch out for warnings of floods or landslides.

Waterfalls in Meghalaya: A Look into Nature’s Raw Power

Want a look at the raw beauty of nature? What better then, to visit the waterfalls in Meghalaya?

Meghalaya’s waterfalls give us a glimpse of the beauty as well as the power of mother nature. The water flowing down through rocky terrains mesmerises us with its allure and charm.

Offering a breathtakingly majestic view, the waterfalls are a magnificent sight to behold. Meghalaya, thus, is surely a must-visit for every adventure-seeker or travel enthusiast out there!

If you haven’t visited Meghalaya yet? What are you doing? Missing out on all the beauty that nature has to offer!

However, it is never too late to plan that trip to Meghalaya! Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and spend some days in the lap of nature, enjoying visual treats along the way!

So, why wait? Plan your trip to the waterfalls in Meghalaya today and immerse yourself in an incredible experience!