Meghalaya

Waterfalls in Meghalaya You Shouldn’t Miss – Travel Guide

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Discover the 15 best waterfalls in Meghalaya with this 2026 travel guide. From Seven Sisters to hidden turquoise pools, get the exact location and timings now.
Seven Sisters Waterfall in Cherrapunji Meghalaya, also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, showing seven parallel streams plunging 315 meters from a limestone cliff.
The Waterfall Capital – Exploring 15 must-visit cascades across the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills.

Explore the "Abode of Clouds," where the sky constantly greets the earth with refreshing showers, creating a landscape that breathes through its water. At Breeziah, we believe no other destination in India commands the title of the "Waterfall Capital" quite like Meghalaya. This is a land where water doesn’t just fall; it narrates legends and carves canyons into shades of emerald and turquoise.

Why Meghalaya is the Waterfall Capital of India

Meghalaya is defined by its water. Situated on a high plateau, the state receives the highest rainfall on the planet. This massive influx of water creates a relentless force that pushes hundreds of rivers over steep limestone cliffs.

The resulting waterfalls in Meghalaya list exceeds 200 documented cascades. From the vertical 1,115-foot plunge of Nohkalikai to the multi-tiered turquoise steps of Wei Sawdong, the variety is staggering. Whether it’s a curtain fall or a stepped cascade, the state offers a masterclass in natural beauty. At Breeziah, we ensure that witnessing these wonders is the core of any Meghalaya tour package.

Waterfalls in Meghalaya You Shouldn’t Miss – Travel Guide

Explore the "Abode of Clouds," where the sky constantly greets the earth with refreshing showers, creating a landscape that breathes through its water. This is a land where water doesn’t just fall; it narrates legends and carves canyons into shades of emerald and turquoise. At Breeziah, we believe no other destination in India commands the title of the "Waterfall Capital" quite like Meghalaya.

Top 15 Waterfalls in Meghalaya You Shouldn’t Miss

1. Nohkalikai Falls

Nohkalikai Falls in Cherrapunji Meghalaya showing the tallest plunge waterfall and its emerald green pool.
Nohkalikai Falls – Witness India’s tallest plunge.

Nohkalikai is a legendary famous waterfall in Meghalaya, standing as the tallest plunge waterfall in India at 340 meters. The sheer drop creates a thunderous roar that echoes through the gorge, feeding a pool that changes from turquoise to deep emerald. It is renowned for its strikingly green pool and the tragic Khasi story of Ka Likai that haunts the cliffs.

  • Location: East Khasi Hills District; approximately 7.5 km from the main town of Sohra (Cherrapunji).
  • Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Best Time: June to September for the roar; October to December for clear views.
  • Things to Do: Viewpoint photography and trekking to the "Edge of the Falls."

2. Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang Falls)

Seven Sisters Falls also known as Nohsngithiang Falls in Mawsmai village Meghalaya during peak monsoon.
Seven Sisters Falls – A breathtaking seven-segmented cascade at the heart of Sohra.

Representing the seven sister states of the Northeast, this segmented waterfall is a breathtaking sight where seven distinct streams thunder down a limestone cliff. These falls are massive during the rains, appearing as white silk ribbons draped over the rugged brown cliffs. It is one of the best waterfalls in Meghalaya to witness during a heavy downpour when the mist finally clears.

  • Location: Mawsmai Village, East Khasi Hills; roughly 1 km south of the village on the Sohra-Shella road.
  • Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
  • Best Time: Peak Monsoon (July to August) is the only time to see all seven segments.
  • Things to Do: Viewpoint photography and visiting the nearby Mawsmai Caves.

3. Elephant Falls

Three-step Elephant Falls in Shillong Meghalaya with fern-covered rocks and walking trails.
Elephant Falls - The "three-step" marvel of Shillong.

Named by the British after a rock that resembled an elephant, this is the most popular waterfall in Meghalaya near Shillong. The water gracefully steps down three distinct levels, surrounded by ferns and thick vegetation that stay vibrant year-round. It consists of three successive levels accessible via well-paved stairs, making it perfect for families.

  • Location: Upper Shillong, East Khasi Hills; situated about 12 km from Shillong city center.
  • Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
  • Best Time: Throughout the year; looks most lush in the post-monsoon months.
  • Things to Do: Walking the stone trail to the third tier and trying local snacks.

4. Krang Suri Falls

A wide shot of Krang Suri Falls showing the turquoise water and the stone path
Krang Suri Falls – The most photogenic turquoise paradise in the Jaintia Hills.

Often cited as the most beautiful waterfall in Meghalaya, Krang Suri features a stunning curtain of water falling into a deep, crystal-clear turquoise pool. The limestone bed gives the water a magical blue hue that feels like a hidden oasis in the middle of a dense forest. We highly recommends this spot for travelers looking for a tropical paradise vibe in the Jaintia Hills.

  • Location: Umlārem, West Jaintia Hills; approximately 90 km from Shillong and 30 km from Jowai.
  • Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Best Time: October to February for the vibrant blue color.
  • Things to Do: Swimming with life jackets, boating in the pool, and camping.

5. Wei Sawdong Falls

Three-tiered circular Wei Sawdong waterfall in Cherrapunji hidden in deep tropical forest.
Wei Sawdong Falls - A mesmerizing three-tiered staircase of crystal-clear emerald pools.

Wei Sawdong is a mesmerizing three-tiered cascade that has recently become one of the most famous waterfalls in Meghalaya for its unique circular structure. The pools are a brilliant bluish-green, perfectly stacked like a natural staircase hidden deep within the jungle. The trek down involves steep bamboo ladders, but the view of the emerald pools is worth every step.

  • Location: Cherrapunji, East Khasi Hills; located about 60 km from Shillong and very close to Dainthlen Falls.
  • Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Best Time: September to November when the water is clear.
  • Things to Do: Trekking through the forest and enjoying the misty spray.

6. Dainthlen Falls

Wide horizontal Dainthlen Falls in Sohra Meghalaya showing the rocky riverbed and deep gorge.
Dainthlen Falls - A powerful cascade steeped in Khasi legends of a mythical giant serpent.

Located near Sohra, this waterfall is a massive horizontal stretch of water that plunges into a deep gorge. Unlike the vertical plunges, this fall offers a wide view of the riverbed where you can stand right at the edge of the drop. It is famous for rock carvings that locals believe represent the struggle between villagers and a mythical giant serpent.

  • Location: Near Sohra, East Khasi Hills; roughly 5 km away from the main Sohra town center.
  • Timings: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Best Time: June to September for the "roaring" experience.
  • Things to Do: Exploring the natural rock formations and enjoying a riverside picnic.

7. Kynrem Falls

Three-staged Kynrem Falls in Thangkharang Park Meghalaya being the 7th highest waterfall in India.
Kynrem Falls - A towering triple-tiered giant that drops 1,001 feet down the Khasi Hills.

Situated inside Thangkharang Park, Kynrem is the 7th highest waterfall in India and falls in three distinct stages. The scale of this fall is best appreciated from a distance, where you can see the white water cutting through the mountain face. It offers a unique perspective as the road passes through the base, which you can experience on our 6-day Cloudland Tour.

  • Location: Thangkharang Park, Sohra, East Khasi Hills; about 12 km from Cherrapunji.
  • Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Best Time: Monsoon (June to August) to see the full force.
  • Things to Do: Enjoying the panoramic view of the Bangladesh plains from the park.

8. Rainbow Falls (Nongriat)

Tucked away in the village of Nongriat, Rainbow Falls is a hidden treasure that requires a 3,500-step trek past the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. The water hits a massive boulder at the base, sending a fine mist into the air that catches the sunlight. On sunny days, a perfect rainbow often forms at its base.

  • Location: Nongriat Village, East Khasi Hills; roughly a 1.5-hour hike beyond the Double Decker Root Bridge.
  • Timings: Daylight hours (Start by 7:00 AM).
  • Best Time: October to March for rainbows.
  • Things to Do: Trekking through the rainforest and swimming in the deep blue pool.

9. Sweet Falls

Vertical 96-meter plunge of Sweet Falls in Happy Valley Shillong Meghalaya with pine forest.
Sweet Falls - Experience the raw, vertical power of one of Shillong’s most secluded plunges.

Located near Happy Valley in Shillong, Sweet Falls is a vertical 96-meter drop that is as beautiful as it is steep. It is a powerful, singular stream that drops without hitting any rocks, creating a dramatic white pillar against the dark cliffs. It is often called the "most dangerous" waterfall in the state and is best enjoyed safely from the designated viewpoint.

  • Location: Happy Valley, Shillong, East Khasi Hills; situated about 5 km from the main city.
  • Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Best Time: Post-monsoon (October to December).
  • Things to Do: Photography and birdwatching in the pine forests.

10. Bishop & Beadon Falls

These twin waterfalls are spotted together from a distance, plunging into the same forested gorge in the Suna Valley. Bishop Falls is a towering three-tiered drop, while Beadon is its narrower, equally graceful companion. They represent some of the most scenic waterfalls in Meghalaya near Shillong, easily accessible if you're staying near Police Bazaar.

  • Location: Mawlai, Shillong, East Khasi Hills; viewpoints are accessible via Mawprem or Mawlai.
  • Timings: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Best Time: June to September for maximum volume.
  • Things to Do: Visit the viewpoint near Mawlai and enjoy the lush Khasi Hills.

11. Langshiang Falls

One of the largest waterfalls in Meghalaya, Langshiang is formed by the Kynshi River splitting around a river island. It is a massive, broad waterfall that remains largely uncrowded and offers a raw, wild beauty. The falls are often shrouded in mist, giving them an otherworldly appearance as they plunge into the deep valley below.

  • Location: Near Sangriang Village, West Khasi Hills; approximately 24 km from Nongstoin.
  • Timings: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
  • Best Time: March to November.
  • Things to Do: River exploration and visiting the nearby Nongkhnum Island.

12. Phe Phe Falls

Double-drop Phe Phe Falls in West Jaintia Hills Meghalaya with a deep blue swimming pool.
Phe Phe Falls - A two-tiered "paradise" featuring a serene, bluish-green lagoon in Jaintia.

"Phe Phe" translates to "Paradise" in the Jaintia language, and the name is well-deserved. This two-tiered waterfall falls into a massive turquoise pool and is accessible via a short boat ride across the river. The surrounding cliffs are covered in thick moss and ferns, making it feel like a private sanctuary away from the world.

  • Location: Near Jarain, West Jaintia Hills; on the road connecting Jowai to Dawki.
  • Timings: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
  • Best Time: October to April for the perfect blue water.
  • Things to Do: Kayaking, swimming with life jackets, and camping by the riverside.

13. Tyrshi Falls

Stepped Tyrshi Falls in Jowai Jaintia Hills overlooking emerald green paddy fields.
Tyrshi Falls - A peaceful, tiered cascade offering a unique mirror-view of the Jowai valleys.

Located near Jowai, Tyrshi Falls is often compared to Elephant Falls but is much quieter. It cascades down in a series of gentle steps and is surrounded by emerald-green paddy fields that look spectacular from the top. The walk down to the base is peaceful, taking you through local farmland and quiet forested paths.

  • Location: Near Jowai, West Jaintia Hills; situated right off the main highway towards Shillong.
  • Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Best Time: October to March.
  • Things to Do: Walking through the paddy fields and exploring the base bridge.

14. Prut Falls

Prut Falls is a wide, curtain-style waterfall that has recently gained popularity. It offers a unique "behind the falls" experience where you can stand under the rock ledge while the water thunders down in front of you. The pool at the bottom is shallow and clear, perfect for those who want to feel the water without a deep swim.

  • Location: Near Laitryngew, East Khasi Hills; located between Shillong and Sohra.
  • Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
  • Best Time: September to November.
  • Things to Do: Photography from behind the water curtain and exploring the river bed.

15. Bophill Falls

Thundering Bophill Falls near Dawki Meghalaya overlooking the India-Bangladesh border.
Bophill Falls – A powerful, cross-border beauty.

Located on the way to Dawki, Bophill Falls is a massive, powerful waterfall that provides a stunning backdrop to the plains of Bangladesh. The sheer force of the water during the rains is incredible, often spraying the nearby bridge with mist. It is a perfect detour while exploring the best things to do in Dawki.

  • Location: West Jaintia Hills; situated on the highway near the Indo-Bangladesh border at Dawki.
  • Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Best Time: June to September for the massive roar.
  • Things to Do: Quick stop for photography and admiring the cross-border views.

Best Time to Visit Waterfalls in Meghalaya

Timing is everything when you travel with us. Depending on your goals, the best time to visit Meghalaya changes:

  • Monsoon (June – August): Best for the "thunder." This is when Seven Sisters Falls and Nohkalikai are at their maximum volume.
  • Post-Monsoon (September – November): Best for photography. The greenery is lush, and the skies are clear.
  • Winter (December – February): Best for adventure. This is the only time the water turns a deep turquoise, making it ideal for swimming at Krang Suri.

Helpful Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

The best waterfalls for swimming are Krang Suri Falls and Phe Phe Falls, as they have calm, deep pools. Life jackets are usually mandatory.

Nohkalikai Falls holds the title of the most famous waterfall, being the tallest plunge fall in India with a legendary story and a deep green pool.

There are over 200 documented waterfalls across the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills, with hundreds of seasonal streams appearing during the peak rainy season.

Elephant Falls and Sweet Falls are the most accessible, located just a 20-30 minute drive from the main city center of Shillong.

Final Thoughts

Meghalaya is more than just a destination; it’s an immersive experience of nature’s power. From the thundering giants of the monsoon to the serene sanctuaries of winter, the best waterfalls in Meghalaya offer something for every traveler. At Breeziah, we are dedicated to making your journey as magical as the cascades themselves.

Note : All images used in this guide are for illustrative purposes only and belong to their respective owners. Credits to the original photographers

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