India is a naturally diverse country where you can find mountains, forests, deserts, beaches, and everything in between. To decide to explore this country is, therefore, not an easy endeavor. Anyone would feel confused about where to begin and how.
Well, if you’re a water baby, we assume you’d pick beaches first. But what if we told you the country holds many other scenic water treasuries besides beaches? Also, these treasuries have fresh water in place of salt water. Could you guess what we’re talking about yet? Waterfalls!
Waterfalls are Nature’s cascading marvels, a true sight to behold. This might come as a surprise to some of you, but there are countless waterfalls in India, mainly due to the country’s natural topography and the abundance of rainfall it receives. In some of the country’s hill stations, you’ll find one falling out of every second crevice.
Today, we’re going to talk about 10 of the most magnificent waterfalls in India that you must see at least once in your life. Let’s get started!
Bhagsunag Falls, Himachal Pradesh
Bhagsunag Falls are located in McLeod Ganj in Himachal Pradesh and are ideal for a natural getaway to the lap of the mountains. They fall from a height of thirty feet during the monsoons and are a marvel to look at when they’re at their peak.
There are also a few cute cafés beside the falls, where you can sit, enjoy a cup of coffee, and soak in the natural ambiance. There’s a short trek from the roads to the falls, but it’s totally worth it when you get there, so don’t give up!
While you’re in the region, Bhagsunath Temple is another one of the prime attractions here.
Dudhsagar Falls, Goa
Located inside the Mollem National Park in Goa, Dudhsagar Falls are India’s third tallest waterfall. They have a height of 1017 feet and an average width of 30 feet!
The name of the waterfalls translates to ‘Sea of Milk,’ and they really resemble tonnes of milk falling down a large hill. Dudhsagar Falls are divided into four tires on the river Mandovi.
Although they don’t look particularly spectacular during the dry season, the monsoons give these falls an entirely different look. It is often said to give the viewers an out-of-the-world, surrealistic feeling.
Panaji Airport is the closest airport to Dudhsagar Falls. If you plan to visit Goa, you should definitely add these falls to your list of sightseeing spots.
Shivanasamudra Falls, Karnataka
Shivanasamudra Falls are segmented waterfalls divided into two magnificent falls, the Bharachukki and Gaganachukki falls. Asia’s first-ever hydroelectric power station was set on these falls in 1902 and is still fully functional!
Also known as ‘The Guardian of Waterfalls,’ Shivanasamudra Falls is located on the banks of the Kaveri River, with a height of 322 feet and a width of 1000 feet! These falls are perennial, and the best time to visit them is between July to October.
Although it’s strictly prohibited for tourists to go down to the bottom of the falls or anywhere as close, there are several watchtowers at the vantage points.
You can sit and enjoy the gushing roar of the waterfalls for hours peacefully.
Nohsngithiang Falls, Shillong
Nohsngithiang Falls are one of India’s tallest waterfalls and a major tourist attraction. They’re also called Mawsmai Falls, as the falls are located in the Mawsmai village of the East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya.
Nohsngithiang Falls is segmented into seven sections, which is why it is also called the ‘Seven Sister Waterfalls.’ This beautiful waterfall looks spectacular at sunset, especially when the falls create a rainbow as the sun’s rays fall on it.
However, remember that these falls are only visible during the monsoon season. Unlike most other falls, they completely dry up in the non-monsoon season, with not a drop of water in sight.
Athirappilly Falls, Kerala
Athirappilly Falls are the largest waterfalls in Kerala, with a height of 80 feet, and is even nicknamed The Niagara of South India! They are situated in Chalakudy Taluk of Thrissur district in Kerala.
The falls are a sight to behold during the monsoon season (June-September), as seven million tourists visit these falls everywhere. Besides the view, the forests around the falls also contain some of India’s most exotic wildlife.
Going to the bottom of the falls isn’t allowed, but several vantage points around will give you the perfect view.
Hogenakkal Falls, Tamil Nadu
Hogenakkal Falls is located on the Kaveri River in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu and fall from 65 feet.
This waterfall creates an illusion of smoke when the waterfalls are on the rocks below. The carbonatite rocks by these waterfalls are the oldest of their kind in South Asia and one of the oldest in the world.
The water from the falls is even good for direct human consumption! Its water is believed to have medicinal properties, as several herbs grow in its path.
You can also enjoy boating on beautifully decorated, traditional boats. A visit to this waterfall would be a perfect family trip.
Chitrakote Falls, Chhattisgarh
Located in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, Chitrakote Falls are the widest waterfalls in India, with a width of about 980 feet during the peak monsoon season! Their height is 95 feet.
Unlike most other waterfalls, you can see these falls at their full glory almost all year round! They are especially well-known for the rainbows that form when sunlight falls on these falls, which give them a dazzling look.
Below the waterfall is a shrine of Lord Shiva, along with many small Shivalingas. There are several more religious structures and shrines near the falls, so a trip to this place would be best if you have some time on your hands.
Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya
The Nohkalikai Falls are the tallest plunge waterfall in India and the fourth-highest waterfall in the world, with a height of 1,115 feet. They’re located near Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, one of the wettest places on earth.
When the water falls, the plunge pool is colored with an unusual hue shade of green, which looks particularly mesmerizing at sunset. Forests and verdant valleys complement the beauty of the waterfalls.
From December to February, they dry up completely, so it’s best to avoid a trip during that time; they are at their most beautiful during monsoons.
While visiting the Nohkalikai Falls, you can also check out nearby places like Arwah Cave, Ka Khoh Ramah, and Mawsmai Cave.
Jog Falls, Karnataka
Jog Falls are India’s third-highest plunge waterfall, with a whopping 850 feet drop. It is created by the river Sharavati, which flows over a rocky bed before falling down a 930 feet deep chasm.
It divides into four distinct falls as it falls: Raja (king), Rani (queen), Rocket, and Roarer, which together form Jog Falls. Raja, Rani, and Rocket fall from the top, and Roarer joins Raja halfway through the fall.
The Tourism Department has built stairs for tourists from the main viewpoint to the bottom of the hills.
The viewpoint is directly across from the waterfall, and it takes about 1400 steps from the bottom of the hill to get there.
Kunchikal Falls, Karnataka
The Kunchikal Falls are the highest waterfalls in India, with a height of 600 feet; it ranks 116th worldwide. It is located in Shimoga district, Karnataka, and is formed by the river Varahi.
The construction of Mani Dam and another underground power generation station near the waterfall has greatly affected its water levels. The only time of the year when you can truly see the waterfall in its full glory is during July and September.
Kunchikal Falls is in the middle of the Western Ghats, amidst the dense forests and shrubbery. So, when you look for these beautiful falls, an exhilarating natural experience awaits you!
In the end
With this, we come to the end of our blog. Above, we’ve talked about 10 of the most breathtaking waterfalls in India. From the tallest to the widest waterfalls, we’ve covered them all. Which one of these is closest to home for you? You must plan your first trip there, and share your experience with us in the comments section below!