Nestled in the heart of Meghalaya, Cherrapunji opens its arms to surround you in the lap of nature. As you enter this beautiful destination, all you hear is the rustling of leaves and water gushing down. The cascading water strikes the huge rocks only to welcome you to witness the best waterfalls in Cherrapunji.
It is the roaring sound of crystal clear waters that makes you fall in love with the place. While Cherrapunji is known to be the wettest place on the earth, let’s explore the secret to it.
Cherrapunji basically receives high rainfall, and to avoid floods, people here often dig roads and let the water slide down the hill. This is one of the reasons why you can always find mini waterfalls throughout the journey. Apart from this, the breathtaking waterfalls in Cherrapunji can be best explored by booking hotels in Shillong and letting your soul immerse in trekking for the enchanting waters!
12 Mesmerizing Waterfalls in Cherrapunji are –
1. Nohkalikai Falls
Get ready to witness the thundering waterfall that takes you to heaven just with a glimpse. Nohkalikai is one of the popular waterfalls in Cherrapunji attracting tourists from all over the world. Being the tallest plunge waterfall in India, it makes you go gaga with its absolute beauty amidst the green rainforest.
Situated at a height of 340 meters, the viewpoint for Nohkalikai Waterfall is a surreal place to be. The authorities charge a nominal fee, and you can easily take multiple pictures. Also, it is one of the adventurous places as you stand right next to a deep cliff that knows no end. You are lucky if you get to visit the waterfall during the onset of monsoon, as it literally wraps you with white fog and the earthy scent.
2. Seven Sisters Waterfall
Locally known as Nohsngithiang, Seven Sisters Waterfall truly justifies the name. The dramatic valley view is the one that captivates your heart like no other place. Basically, 7 different waterfalls are lined together and flow in a way that they all look synced from the viewpoint. That’s how the waterfall gets its name!
Being one of the highest waterfalls in Cherrapunji, it offers a breathtaking view of the falls. Even when you stand far from the actual waterfall, you can hear the sound of gushing waters loud and clear! Imagine the thrill of being able to witness it during the monsoon. Moreover, the water flows from India and moves to the Bangladesh border, which is clearly visible from the viewpoint.
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3. Wah Kaba Falls
Wah-Kaba is one of the thrilling waterfalls in Cherrapunji where you can see the valley view too. It is best known for its accessibility, and you are certain to enjoy the gushing sound of the falls. Most waterfalls require trekking downwards, and so does Wah Kaba. You need to trek for approximately 15 to 20 minutes to reach the waterfall.
It is important to note that Cherrapunji is a natural wonder, and most treks shall have rocks instead of proper stairs. You can witness some of the heartwarming views during the trek along with the Bangladesh border. Monsoon is one of the best times to visit as the fall has a great amount of water as compared to other seasons.
4. Dainthlen Falls
If you are looking for a rejuvenating space with a smaller crowd, Dainthlen Falls has got you covered. It is one of the best waterfalls in Cherrapunji, where you can cross the bridge to be on either side of the falls. The water gushes down from 80 meters, and you can walk through the rocky formations or swim when the water level is low.
The waterfall is associated with a legend that Thlen was a troublesome serpent who was destroyed by the locals here. It is believed that huge rocks are proof of the destruction of evil. Apart from this, Dainthlen Falls offers a relaxing blend of serenity, open landscapes, lush greenery and hillocks amidst the wonderful setting of nature.
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5. Kynrem Falls
Isn’t it beautiful if you could just witness the mystical waterfalls in Cherrapunji with your elderly ones, too? Well, your wish just got approved. Being one of the highest waterfalls in India, Kynrem Waterfall is a super accessible spot located right on the roadways. Not just one or two, the water cascades down from 3 different tiers, and the view is jaw-dropping!
There are two viewpoints, upper and lower. You can definitely decide to take a short trek to view the waterfall from the closest place possible. Either way, you are certain to enjoy the force of water, and if clubbed with the flowing breeze, all you witness is water rushing to you like rainfall! Simply being able to watch the milky flow of waters amidst hundreds of rocks is worth a blessing.
6. Rainbow Falls
Reaching Rainbow Falls is no joke, as it is only for adventure enthusiasts or fitness freak individuals. If you are planning a trip with friends, opt for Rainbow Falls, as it is a long trek towards the destination. Rainbow Falls is located below the Double Decker living root bridge, which is one of the toughest treks in India.
You literally need to take more than 3000 steps downwards and reach the root bridge. Rainbow Falls is a 15 to 20-minute hike. The view is surreal, and due to its location, you might get lucky enough to spot a rainbow, too. The path is filled with suspension bridges, root bridges, small ponds, and greenery to elevate your journey.
7. Laitmawsiang Falls
Popularly known as Laitmawsiang Falls, it is more than just the name. Laitmawsiang or Garden of Caves is a huge cave area that is home to some of the best secrets of Meghalaya. These caves offer a spectacular getaway into mesmerising waterfalls only to give you euphoria for life!
The cave is home to Arsdad Falls and Sum Syiem Falls. Making their way through rocky formations and lush greenery, these two waterfalls uplift the beauty of Laitmawsiang. The place is a wonderland during monsoon season. You need to trek a few steps down to reach both the Falls.
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8. Wei Sawdong Falls
The splendour of witnessing patches of flowing blue waters amidst all green is indeed surreal! Wei Sawdong is one of the heartwarming waterfalls in Cherrapunji, offering a jaw-dropping view from the top. It is best known for the three tiers as water flows from one to the other, creating a small pool in every layer.
When in Cherrapunji, you cannot miss visiting this waterfall as it stands as an epitome of natural beauty and grandeur. Make sure to take an entire day out, as the downward trek to the falls is a tricky one. You are certain to find stairs made with bamboo or even muddy stones in the pathway. However, the visit to the waterfall is worth all the effort!
9. Lyngksiar Falls
Imagine stepping into a place that looks exactly like a pretty wallpaper on your phone. Lyngksiar is one of the top-rated waterfalls in Cherrapunji purely for its scenic beauty. It is more like a replica of Wei Sawdong however, the rocky formations make it unique. You do not have to trek for long hours, and that’s why it is a famous tourist destination.
A huge pool is created by the cascading waters, which offers a perfect opportunity to swim. Moreover, this place is commercialised, so you can rent life jackets or even swim without them. You can also find small food stalls nearby. Winter is the best time to find clear waters with hues of blue and green.
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10. Janailar Falls
Janailar Falls goes deeper into the forests and offers a thrilling experience to you. Being one of the unexplored waterfalls in Cherrapunji, Janailar Falls is the perfect place to unwind in the natural setting. It is located a few kilometres down the road from Mawsawdong Falls. Janailar Falls is characterised by the rocky formations, making it a place of intrigue.
Guess what? You can actually be under the waterfall or even swim in the pool. It splashes water on you during the monsoon season, making it a worthy experience. Since the place has small cliffs, cliff jumping is also one of the adventure activities here. The water is super clear during winter and, at night, experiences a heavy flow during the onset of monsoon, so plan your trip accordingly.
11. Mawsawa Falls
Mawsawa Falls is one of the unique destinations in Cherrapunji, which is not highly explored. The waterfall is best known for its ethereal beauty and the force of the gushing waters. You can easily get here as it is located on the way to Wei Sawdong Falls. Moreover, if you are an adventure enthusiast, you are certain to love swimming here.
It is quite an accessible place and one of the picturesque waterfalls in India. Spread across a wide angle, unlike other tall waterfalls, you are sure to feel extraordinary here. The place is entirely covered by greenery, making it a heavenly getaway. Make sure to carry extra clothes to swim in the crystal clear waters.
12. Mawsawdong Falls
The list of hidden waterfalls of Cherrapunji is endless and one of them is Mawsawdong Falls. You simply cannot miss the natural charm created by the three tiers. The place turns into a paradise during the monsoon where water cascades down layer by layer. It is one of the best waterfalls in Cherrapunji for children too.
Looking for adventure? Swim in the freshwater and the pool created by the waterfall is not very deep. You definitely need to trek down to reach the waterfall however, it is manageable. It is best to rejuvenate in nature, witness the time go by and heal with the sound of splashing waters.
Waterfalls in Cherrapunji are a symphony of sound and sight making their way into your hearts. It is indeed witnessing a natural masterpiece with contrasting hues, cascading waters and an earthy aroma!
