Cherrapunji is a famously beautiful destination located in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills region in the northwestern part of India. Locally known as Sohra, this town sits on a high sandstone plateau about 1,430 meters above sea level. It is situated roughly 54 kilometers southwest of Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya.
Cherrapunji is particularly well-known for its numerous spectacular sites, making every Cherrapunji waterfall a popular attraction. These include the Nohkalikai Falls. Standing at approximately 340 metres, Nohkalikai is recognised as India’s tallest plunge waterfall. It descends from a high rocky cliff into a deep pool surrounded by forest-covered slopes.
However, the area actually hosts multiple distinct cascades, including the famous Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang Falls), which features seven parallel streams located just a few Kilometers away. Heavy seasonal rain acts as the direct source for all these towering cascades that plunge straight into the deep green valleys below.
Famous Waterfalls in Cherrapunji You Should Visit
Cherrapunji has several waterfalls, each with a distinct character and setting. Some stand out for their height and multi-tiered flow, while others attract visitors with fascinating natural formations and local stories.
1. Nohkhalikai Falls: India’s Tallest Plunge Waterfall
One of the most amazing natural attractions in Cherrapunji is the Nohkalikai Falls. The waterfall is around 340 metres high, making it the highest plunge waterfall in India. The waterfall drops from a lush forested plateau to a deep pool below. The vibrant landscape is created by the red rock formations, greenery, and blue-green water.
A designated viewpoint near the waterfall allows every visitor to observe the entire drop from a particular distance. You can spend time watching the waterfalls flow down into the valley; depending on the weather, the landscape will look different.
Depending on the weather, the landscape will look different. In the heavy rain, the waterfalls will have a lot more water flowing down, creating an amazing show. On clearer days, you will be able to see more of the surrounding rock faces and forested hills.
There is also some interesting local folklore. A woman called jumped from the cliff to escape a tragedy with her daughter and husband. Nohkhali translates to the jump of Likai.
Things to Do at Nokhalikai Falls:
- Visit the viewing point.
- Take some photos of the waterfall and river faces
- Watch the pool change with the seasons
- Discover the local folklore
- Enjoy the valley view
2. Seven Sisters Falls: Admire Seven Water Streams Flowing Together:
Another spot you can add to the Cherrapunji itinerary is the Seven Sisters Falls. Also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, the waterfall contains seven individual streams of water. The streams flow from a large limestone cliff, making a long waterfall.
During the monsoon, the waterfall becomes quite impressive. The seven streams can be seen from the waterfall viewpoint in the Eco Park. The wide-open landscape also allows you to see the surrounding hills and on clear days also the plains of Bangladesh.
The area is perfect for taking photos and relaxing while sightseeing. You can spend some time watching each stream and taking photos of the landscape. Sometimes the waterfall will be covered in mist, so you may need to wait for the cloud to pass.
Interesting aspects of Seven Sisters Falls:
- Seven limestones cliff
- Great viewing from the Eco Park
- Most powerful during the monsoon.
- Great for landscape photography.
3. Dainthlen Falls: Explore the Waterfall and Its Local Legend
This beautiful waterfall has some interesting rock faces and local folklore attached to it. The waterfall is located near Cherrapunji and flows over a large rocky landscape. The open landscape means you can watch the waterfall flow over the rocks and enjoy the surrounding hills.
The waterfall has interesting local folklore. It is said that a giant snake called Thlen caused trouble for the local community. Eventually, they were able to defeat it. The rocks surrounding the waterfall are linked to this tale, and some locals say there are markings on the rocks that represent the remains of the snake.
Apart from the interesting folklore, the waterfall is very attractive. You can walk around the area and enjoy the rocky landscape. During the rainy season, the waterfall becomes more lively; however, you will need to be careful on the wet rocks. If you would like to include some natural sights and local folklore, then this waterfall would be a great addition.
Interesting aspects of Dainthlen Falls:
- Famous for the local legend of the giant snake, Thlen.
- Unique rock marking believed to be the remains of the defeated snake.
- Wide, open rocky landscape with great views of the surrounding hills
- Most lively and powerful during the rainy season.
4. Wah Kaba Falls: Deep Mountain Chasm
This waterfall is known for its steep drop. The waterfall flows down a high rocky hill and disappears into tye valley below. Unlike some waterfalls, this one allows you to see the waterfall flowing over the edge of an impressive mountainous landscape.
The landscape around the waterfall has some steep hills, lush greenery, and rocky areas. There is a viewing point that allows you to enjoy the waterfall without standing on any dangerous edges. During the rainy season, there will be more water flowing down.
The weather will change the appearance of this waterfall. On clear days, you will be able to enjoy a broader view of the valley. On misty days, the atmosphere will be different around the hills. Make sure ti have your camera ready, but stick to the viewing areas.
Interesting aspects of Wah Kaba Falls:
- Known for its steep drop disappearing into a deep valley
- Safe viewing point to enjoy the scenery without standing on dangerous edges.
- Surrounded by steep hills, lush greenery, and rocky areas.
- Dramatic change in views between clear and misty days.
5. Kynrem Falls: Three-tier Waterfall
Another beautiful waterfall to include when visiting Cherrapunji is the Kynrem Falls. The waterfall is located in Thangkharang Park and flows down in three tiers. This means the waterfall looks quite different to the Nokhalikai Falls with only one drop.
The park around the waterfall makes it a great place to visit. You can enjoy views of the surrounding hills and also enjoy the waterfall from the viewing points. The high position means you can enjoy the beautiful natural landscape around the Khasi Hills.
During the monsoon, there will be more water flowing down the waterfall due to the increased rainfall. This means you will be able to see the three tiers more easily. Outside of the rainy season, there may be less water flowing down; however, the surrounding landscape is still worth visiting.
Interesting aspects of Kynrem Falls:
- Unique three-tier waterfall design, unlike single-drop falls
- Located inside Thangkharang Park with dedicated viewing points
- High vantage point offering scenic views of the Khasi Hills
- The three tiers are easiest to see during the monsoon season.
Other Attractions to Include in Your Cherrapunji Sightseeing Plan
There are many other attractions to visit in Cherrapunji apart from the waterfalls. There are caves, unusual rock formations, viewing points, and natural attractions to visit.
Mawsmai Cave
This cave allows you to see some amazing limestone formations underneath the Khasi Hills. Inside, you will find amazing rock formations, narrow tunnels, and areas that have been created by water over a long period of time. There is a path inside the cave; however, some areas can feel quite narrow, so wear comfortable shoes and follow the local guidelines.
Thangkharang Park
This beautiful park is a great place to include in your sightseeing. There are landscaped areas, lots of greenery, and viewing points of the surrounding valleys. You will be able to enjoy views of the plains of Bangladesh. Kynrem Falls is also located in this area.
Kho Rmhah
This unusual rock formation looks like an upside-down basket/cone. It also has some interesting local folklore attached to it. The high position means you can enjoy views of the surrounding landscape.
Double Decker Living Root Bridge
One of the most unique attractions in Meghalaya is the double-decker living root bridge near Nongriat. Over generations, the local communities have guided the roots of rubber fig trees across the streams, creating natural bridges. The bridge has two levels, hence the name.
This is a challenging walk with lots of steps, so allow plenty of time to visit. Make sure to take some water. Before visiting, ensure that the paths are in good condition and plan your time around how physically comfortable you are.
Best Time to Visit Cherrapunji
The waterfalls in Cherrapunji will look different throughout the year as they are heavily affected by the rainfall. Depending on what you want to see, you should plan your visit around the season.
March May: Great for outdoor sightseeing
During the spring and early summer months, you will be able to enjoy visiting the attractions in Cherrapunji. You can visit the waterfalls, caves, and viewing points while enjoying the greenery. However, depending on how much rainfall there has been in the previous months, the water levels may vary.
June- September: Monsoon
During the monsoon, there will be lots of rain in Cherrapunji. This will change the appearance of the natural landscape. Waterfalls such as Nohkhalikai, seven sisters, and Dainthlen will look more powerful as more water will be flowing down the streams from the hills.
However, there will be a lot of rain, meaning you may not be able to visit as much. The mist may make it hard to see, roads will be slippery, and there could be landslides due to the heavy rainfall. Before visiting, you should check the weather and make sure the roads are in good condition.
October - November: Great for waterfalls and photography
After the monsoon, the hills will generally retain much more greenery than before. This period can provide a suitable balance between natural scenery and outdoor activities.
You may get opportunities to photograph waterfalls, explore viewpoints, and visit nearby attractions with fewer interruptions from heavy rain. However, water flow gradually changes as the region moves toward the drier months.
December to February: Explore the hills in cooler weather
During the winter months, the temperature will be cooler and generally drier. You will be able to visit caves, parks, rock formations, and other attractions with less interruption from the rain. The waterfalls may not have as much water flowing down; however, the landscape around them is still beautiful. If you want to visit multiple attractions, then winter can be a convenient time.
How to Plan Your Waterfall Sightseeing
To visit multiple waterfalls, you will need to plan your visit. Each attraction will have different access points and viewing areas. By planning your visit, you can make the most of your time.
Start with the main waterfalls: Give Nohkhlikai Falls and seven sisters falls enough time, as both have distinctive viewpoints and surrounding landscapes. You can also include Dainthlen Falls and other nearby attractions according to your route.
Arrange ride transportation:Hiring a local taxi or private car will make your sightseeing easier. This will allow you to visit multiple viewing points.
Keep enough time for each location: Don't plan too many locations for a short period of time. Some spots may require more walking, and some may take longer due to weather; it is always better that you keep enough time in your itinerary to visit these places.
Check the conditions:The waterfalls may be affected by the rain, mist, and rapids. Confirm whether the viewpoint and attraction remain accessible before setting out.
Choose accommodation according to your itinerary:Staying around Shora or around Sohra can make it easier to explore the main attractions over one or more days. You can also plan your accommodation in Shillong if your Meghalaya itinerary includes the state capital.
Important Things to Carry for a Cherrapunji Trip
The weather in Cherrapunji can change during the day, so carrying a few practical items will help you prepare for outdoor sightseeing.
• Comfortable shoes with good grip
• Raincoat/ waterproof jacket
• Small rucksack
• Drinking water and light snacks
• Camera/ mobile phone
• Basic medication
• Waterproof cover for electronics
• Extra clothes
Well, it is advisable not to walk too close to the edges or enter restricted areas to take photographs. Follow the guidelines at each attraction and keep the natural surroundings free from litter.
Final Thought
Cherrapunji gives travellers a chance to visit some of Meghalaya’s most recognisable waterfalls while discovering the landscapes and traditions of the Khasi hills. Cherrapunji is home to several remarkable waterfalls, including Nohkalikai Falls, India’s tallest plunge waterfall, Seven Sisters Falls, and Dainthlen Falls.
Each has its own natural features, making the region an interesting destination for waterfall sightseeing. While the monsoon brings a stronger water flow, October and November can provide more comfortable conditions for sightseeing and photography.
Apart from visiting waterfalls, you can also visit Mawsmai Cave, Thangkharang Pak, and Kho Ramhah to add variety to your trip, with limestone formations, unusual rock structures, and views of the surrounding valleys.
It is also important to plan yourCherrapunji waterfall visits according to the season, as the flow of water and visibility can change with the weather. Keep enough time for sightseeing so that you can enjoy each place without rushing. If you are planning a Meghalaya holiday, Maahi Holiday can help arrange your Cherrapunji trip with transportation and sightseeing options based on your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Which waterfalls should you visit in Cherrapunji?
You can visit Nohkhalikai Falls, seven sisters falls, Dainthken Falls, Wah Kaba Falls, and Kynrem Falls. Each waterfall has different formations and viewing points, meaning you can enjoy multiple aspects of Meghalaya’s natural landscape.
