6 Gorgeous Waterfalls in Meghalaya You Can't Miss

Known as the 'Abode of Clouds', the state of Meghalaya is an absolute delight with its misty clouds and lush green valleys, sparkling lakes and rivers, and majestic waterfalls at every corner of the state.

You will be short of words to describe the beauty of these notably gorgeous waterfalls gushing down the rolling hills.

Let's take a look to explore the scenic and offbeat falls covered with a blanket of clouds.

1. The iconic NohKaLikai Falls

It is one of India's most dramatic and tallest plunge waterfalls. This waterfall in Meghalaya is located 7.5km from Cherapunji (the wettest place in India). The water cascades from a height of 1115 ft and fall forcefully, forming a plunge pool. The water in the reservoir remains green during Monsoon and seems to turn blue in winter.

Story Of NohKaLikai Falls

The story of the falls is unbelievable. A woman named Likai jumped from the top of the cliff upon realizing she had unwittingly eaten her daughter, who was murdered and cooked by her stepfather. The lady's jump resulted in this waterfall. How fascinating the folk is?

How to reach?

A viewing gallery is at the top, which is reachable by car or Taxi. But if you want to witness the stunning plunge pool, you can trek down to the falls.

You may also like to read: waterfalls near bangalore, Keonjhar waterfalls

On the way to the mouth of the fall, 2hrs from the viewing gallery comes, Tlai falls, which is something you would not choose to miss out on. Around one hour from Tlai falls comes to the bottom of the plunge pool, but trekking here can be risky as it involves high rocks and slippery surfaces.

Best time to visit:

The place is generally off-limits during the monsoon season. So the best time to witness the best falls is during early winters (from October to January).

If you want to enjoy the beauty of the falls from the viewpoint, go in the late afternoon when the mist is cleared and maybe stay till evening to witness the majestic sunset over the falls.

If hiking the falls is on your mind, early morning is the best time to start, as the trek can take between 4 to 5 hours, depending on the weather conditions.

Click here to learn more about the details.

2. The Stunning Rainbow Waterfalls in Meghalaya

Secluded deep within the forest, this waterfall in Meghalaya falls got its name because one will see a small rainbow near the waterfall due to sun rays.

The trek to the Rainbow Falls starts from Nongriat Double Decker Bridge, and it will take 1 to 2 hours to complete the trek. The Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat village is accessible only by trekking from Tyrna village.

It is a 3 km challenging hike that includes around 3500 odd concrete steps one way. The total trek takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete. Guides are mandatory for this trek.

How to reach?

Sohra is a well-known place in Meghalaya, and one can get cabs from Sohra to Tyrina. You can hire guides from Tyrna. The trek is a climb down of around 3000 steps to Nongriat Village.

Entry Fee: Rs. 20 for Person & Rs. 200 for Guide

Best time to visit:

If you wish to see this waterfall in all its glory and don't care about the rainbow, then Monsoon is an excellent time to visit.

The trek is easier after Monsoon, from October to January. But the entry inside the pool will depend on the water levels.

The best time to visit Rainbow waterfalls if you are interested in watching the rainbow and swimming in the fall is the summer season, from February to April.

Timings: 6 am - 5 pm

Click here to read the details about the trek.

3. Seven Sisters Falls - Also known as Nohsngithiang Falls

This waterfall in Meghalaya, also famous as Nohsngithiang Falls, is one of the major tourist attractions for Meghalaya waterfalls.

At a distance of 4 km from Cherrapunjee Bus Stop, Nohsngithiang Falls is a picturesque waterfall located at Mawsmai village.

This waterfall in Meghalaya is a seven-segmented waterfall that cascades down from a height of 315 m (1,033 feet). The falls form a curtain of water falling steeply from the cliffs of Khasi Hills.

The waterfall gives a magnificent view from the view top, but tourists are not allowed to go to the pool of the falls. The waterfall is visible from the Ecopark constructed, where you can see it from the top of where the water starts to drop.

How to reach?

The viewpoint of Seven sisters waterfalls is 57kms, a 2.5hrs drive from Shillong and 3-5 km from Cherapunji.

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit the Seven sister waterfall in Meghalaya is during the monsoon season between June and October for a great view.

Timings - 6am to 6pm.

Entry - Free

4. The 3-tier Elephant Waterfalls in Meghalaya

Located on the outskirts of Shillong, around 12kms from the Shillong bus stand, it is a 3-tier spectacular waterfall in Meghalaya where the water of these three steps falls comes down in flows from different levels over the fern-covered rocks and falls into the canyon down below.

This Waterfall in Meghalaya is located in the Upper Shillong area within the Eastern Air Command of the Indian Air Force.

This waterfall in Meghalaya is much away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets and thus very peaceful and refreshing too. There are a few small shops selling cheap souvenirs and eating joints near the parking lot.

A trip to Meghalaya is incomplete without witnessing the beauty of this Elephant Falls.

How to reach?

To reach the falls, you have to climb 150 steps which would be a little slippery. You will find a few benches along the way for you to sit and relax. The stairs might be slippery. So, make sure to wear comfortable footwear with a good grip.

The first waterfall will have a dense forest, the second waterfall will have thin strands of water and the third waterfall with the clear waters flowing in. Once you reach the top, you will realize how mesmerizing it is and get to admire its beauty completely.

Best time to visit:

The monsoons are the time when you find the Elephant Falls in its full vigor with snow white, foamy water gushing down the falls. But due to the slippery surface, the waterfall is best visited during winters. The best time to visit this place would be from December to April. Also, try visiting this place when the sun settles as golden rays on the waterfall will be well worthy of a watch.

Timings - 9am to 5pm.

5. Dianthlen Falls

At 11 km from the Cherapunji Bus stand, this magnanimous waterfall in Meghalaya cuts through the rugged rocks and the high plateau of Sohra before it cascades into lush forests. Cascading down from a height of about 90 m, Dainthlen Falls is among the famous waterfalls in Cherrapunji. The site is mesmerizing during the rainy season.

The thundering sound of the Dainthlen Falls, the open landscape, the surrounding hillocks, and the erratic winds that constantly blow here provide an apt setting for such a grand legend

Story of the Huge Thlen Falls in Meghalaya

The waterfall derives its name from a Thlen. Thlen was a giant serpent, an embodiment of evil, who was defeated by the residents of an ancient village now in Sohra. People decided to rid themselves of sin, captured the Thlen, and killed it at the wide flat rock overlooking the waterfall. Adjacent to the spot where the Thlen was slaughtered lies the Dain-thlen Waterfalls. Natural rock carvings of the episode draw visitors to the image of the Thlen, the symbol of greed, corruption, and evil.

How to reach?

A few minutes of careful walking is required to reach the iron fence from where one can witness the gushing waterfall. There s no proper road to get to the viewpoint.

For the best view of Dainthlen, one should cross the stream to the other side. There is also an old bridge over the stream, which is a perfect background for pictures.

Best time to visit:

The waterfall can be best witnessed in Monsoon or after monsoon. It is also called the most dangerous waterfalls of Meghalaya.

You can visit the falls from around 6 am to 6 pm. There are no entry fees charged.

6. Wei Sawdong Falls - 3 tiered cascade

This fall is on the outskirts of Cherrapunjee near the famous DainThlen falls.

With the charm that every waterfall in Meghalaya brings, this waterfall has three cascades and a small trek to reach the top, but the beauty of the falls is beyond expression.

How to reach?

You will need to trek 200 meters stretch of almost a 75 to 90-degree angle. The path is made of Bamboo trees, so wear shoes with a good grip.

You can divide the trek to the falls into two parts. The first is the more accessible, steep, makeshift stairs with mountains on both sides of the trail.

The second part of the trek leads you to the makeshift unstable bamboo ladders against a mountain rock. The path will be greasy; if monsoon, make sure you don't miss out on steps.

One should cover Dianthlen falls and Wei Sawdong at one go as there's only 5km of distance between the falls.

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit is from the September to March.

You can visit the falls from 8 am to 5pm. Try to visit as early as possible in order to avoid the rush of the tourists.