“For all they said, I could not see the waterfall
Until I came and saw the water falling –
Its lace legs and womanly arms sheeting down,
While something howled like thunder by the rocks,
All day and all night – unspooling…”
Anonymous
The hustle and bustle of the megalopolis landscape seem to be creeping into your existence. All you need is a break! Well – there’s nothing better than letting nature heal you, and the topography of the Indian subcontinent seems to be customized as one of the best paradigms of nature’s art. As you hover over this post – outlining the highest waterfall in India – you will find some of the best water gushes surrealistically crashing into a range of jagged rocks beneath. If this is the luxury you require from the lap of nature – this digital document is just for your eyes!!
As you navigate this document – you will get an idea of the highest waterfalls that girdle the subcontinent, an idea of the places that you may wish to visit around that area, and a comprehensive travel plan.
Let’s wait for no more@reader!
Listing the highest waterfall in India
#1. Kunchikal Falls – Karnataka
The highest waterfall in India, standing tall at 455 meters, is this single-tiered mesmerizing cascade right amidst the Shimoga district, jumping into the Varahi river. Touted to be ranked 116 in terms of the global rank in waterfalls, this fall circled by a dense woody forest, makes for a perfect rainy trip.
How to reach the falls? Reach Karnataka – and take a train to Udupi to reach the falls.
What to do there? The waterfall is one of the ideal areas for trekking and birdwatching. Also – for the unaware, this is the only place in India to have a permanent rainforest research station that is open to tourists.
Places to visit near the falls – July to September is the best time to visit the falls. The other areas that you can quickly check out are – Mani Dam, Hulikhal Ghati Temple, and Varahi Underground Power House are the sites that you cannot miss visiting.
#Tips – Hiking shoes and snacks are a must as you prepare to visit the highest waterfall in India. Also, get your cameras and leave behind the alcohol as you make a trip to the fall. Swimming is restricted in the river area surrounding the fall.
#2. Barehipani Falls – Odisha
With a height of 399 meters and double-tier to boast of – the Barehipani Falls of Odisha in the Mayurbhanj district amidst the Simlipal National Park is another sight to behold. One of the highest waterfall in India – this flows over the Meghaseni mountains and is placed over the river Budhabalanga.
It is not every day that you get to see the scheduled tribes of India making an appearance at a waterfall area. However – the Gond, Bhumija, Kols, Hos, and Santals do make an appearance at the falls at intervals!
How to reach the falls? Once you reach Bhubaneshwar – either via air or rail – you can hail a cab and reach the Simplipal National Park and the falls!
What to do there? Check out the waterfall, hike through the trail leading to the waterfall and click pictures!
Places to visit near the falls – this one is best to visit Once you are done with the falls – the Simlipal National Park and the tribal deity within the park premises, followed by the Joranda falls, are the areas that you cannot miss out on.
#Tips – Since it is located right in the middle of the Simlipal National Park, it is advised that you take a trip right in the morning so that you can be done by the afternoon.
#3. Nohkalikai Falls – Meghalaya
The northeast is the hub of waterfalls, and what would you want if you had the view of the tallest plunge waterfall in India at your behest? The Nohkalikai falls is one of the highest waterfall in India, situated amidst the East Khasi hills at a stone’s throw distance from one of the wettest places on Earth – Cherrapunji. Standing tall at 340 meters – the view of the falls is as breathtaking as the popular fable of LiKai behind it!
As you will look down – you will see the falls plunge into a natural pool shaded in turquoise while the jutted rocks at the backdrop present the perfect view.
How to reach the falls? If you have reached Shillong, you must hail a cab and reach the waterfalls near Cherrapunji. Also – the Guwahati Airport and Railway station are nearby, and you can always take a cab from these locations to reach the falls!
What to do there? Touted to be one of the highest waterfall in India – taking into context the view of the same standing at the adjoining arena is the best thing that can be done.
Places to visit near the falls – Once you are done visiting the falls – you can take a short trip to the nearby Mawsmai cave, which is famous for its stalagmites and stalactite combination. Done hiking in the caves? Proceed to Mawnsynram and visit the ‘cleanest village of Asia’.
#Tips – Alcohol is a strict no-no. However – you can continue with your picnic and your photo sessions just by the falls.
#4. Nohsngithiang Falls – Meghalaya
Credit has to be given to Meghalaya for presenting a range of waterfalls in terms of variety compared to the other states of the subcontinent. One of the highest waterfall in India – the Nohsngithiang Falls, alternatively known as the Seven Sisters or the Mawsmai Falls – this drop rush of water comes from an elevation of 315 meters.
This fall’s unique aspect is its segments and its courting of lush green forests, all rushing against the limestone rocks of Khasi hills!
How to reach the falls? If you have reached Guwahati – either by rail or air, then Paltan Bazar is the locality you take the cab from to reach the falls. However, if you are standing in Shillong – the Police Bazaar is the locale to hail the cab.
What to do there? Sightseeing, getting together, and clicking with nature are the primary things you can do there.
Places to visit near the falls – If you are an adventurous soul, you can surely trek into the surrounding forests or take a casual stroll around the falls.
#Tips – Carry your trekking shoes, food, and water since there are few facilities available.
#5. Kynrem Falls – Meghalaya
Gushing down from 305 meters in triple-tiers – the Kynrem Falls is one of the highest waterfall in India, which specifically flaunts its beauty in the monsoons and winters. Cascading down, circled by the lush greenery of the scrubby forests – the Shiva Rock (referred to as the Khoh Ramah) is one of the most attractive sites of this waterfall.
How to reach the falls? From Cherrapunji – there are taxi and bus services that would take to you directly to the spot.
What to do there? Trek down into the surrounding village area, watch out for the seasonal avian creatures and have a nice outing by the falls.
Places to visit near the falls – July to September, extending further to December, is the time to visit this outpour. The Mothorp or the Shiva Rock is a domain that you must check out – since it offers the perfect view of the Meghalayan plains.
#Tips – Carry comfortable clothes, hiking shoes, food, and water bottles.
#6. Langshiang Falls – Meghalaya
The last of the gems from the domain of Meghalaya secretly lapped in the western Khasi hills – this one where the river Kynshi rolls into the falls is not just one of the highest waterfall in India but also one of the most understated and ‘hidden gems of Meghalaya’ – not much revealed to the eyes of the passers-by.
Locally referred to as the ‘Kshaid – Ur- Nair’ – this is one of the gigantic waterfalls that Meghalaya, albeit India – can boast of!
How to reach the falls? Once you reach Shillong – the only way out is to take a cab to reach the falls – located at the Nongkhnum.
What to do there? Trekking, Birdwatching, and clicking pictures are some key activities you can continue while tripping into the falls.
Places to visit near the falls – October to May is the precise time period to visit the falls. Once you are done viewing the falls – you can always trek up to Nongkhnum river island. If you are a little more inquisitive – you can always trip down to the Mawpon village – from where you can check out the gush of water.
#Tips – Since camping and other activities are not quite allowed here, wear hiking or trekking shoes and comfortable clothes and set up a ‘fall’ date.
#7. Dudhsagar Falls – Goa
When in Goa – people only seem to think of the beaches and the bars – but surprisingly, the little once-upon-a-time Portuguese town hosts another highest waterfall in India – the Dudhsagar falls. The mesmerizing 4-tiered waterfall landing on the Mandovi river lapped in the Western Ghats and circled by Mollem National Park, and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary is a sight to behold!
With water gushing from an elevation of 310 meters, trekking up the ‘Sea of Milk’ falling down is nothing short of a paradisical experience.
How to reach the falls? Once you reach Goa – hit the road – National Highway (NH – 4A) or take the rail route to Collem. Once you reach the Mollem National Park – you have options to hike to the falls or seek the government-funded jeep safari.
What to do there? If you can manage to move your sight from the falls – you can always check out the avian creatures (the falls famously houses more than 200 species), such as – Paradise Fly Catcher, Indian Black Woodpecker, and Malabar Pied Hornbill, to name a few!
Places to visit near the falls – The must-visit spots are the Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park. Apart from that – peek into the Tambdi Surla temple, the farm stay and spice plantation, and finally, seek solace for your adventurous soul in the Devil’s Canyon.
#Tips – Wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes (you can choose others, but these are the most comfortable). Drink beer on the beach – not amidst the falls. Also – if you are camping either near the falls or at the park – you will need official permission and carry mosquito repellants. Additionally – swimming is prohibited in the Devil’s Canyon.
#8. Meenmutty Falls – Kerala
When it’s God’s own country – there’s nothing that falls short in regard to beauty. Say the beauty of the backwaters or the gushes from the Meenmutty of Wayanad – touted to be one of the highest waterfall in India – this is a domain where the calender would fall short of exploration!
Lapped up cascadingly in three – tiers amidst the lush plantations of tea – this rush of water is not just for tranquil lovers – but a sight to behold for campers! With the Kallar river flowing down the path – this natural wonder is named after the Malayalam – meen (fish) and mutty (blocked) and is elevated at over 300 meters.
It has recently received the title of being an Ecotourist spot.
How to reach the falls? The Karipur International Airport and the Kozhikode Railway Station are the nearest sites to stop by. You can hail a cab or bus from there, get to the Ponmudi bus stop, and walk the rest of the paved way to this waterfall!
What to do there? Visit the sites, check out the birds, and have a nice day out.
Places to visit near the falls – This is one of the rare highest waterfall in India that offers the best view to its visitors around the year! Though officially, the heat months of May to October are touted to be the best – yet, go visiting Wayanad in December, and you will find the waterfall ready to embrace you in its gushes.
There’s no lack of places to visit when you are in Wayanad. So, once you are done visiting the Menmutty – you can extend your foot to the nearby Banasura Nagar Dam, Chembra Peak, Soochipara, and Kanthapara waterfalls, and conclude the same with Sunrise valley. A little further? Well – the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuaries are some amazing wildlife havens to check out!
#Tips – This is the site to explore your persona’s adventurous mode, so carry trekking and hiking shoes, track pants, or any other comfortable clothes, and definitely your camera. Alcohol is strictly restricted, and so is drinking water from the surrounding water spots.
#9. Thalaiyar Falls – Tamil Nadu
Gushing down from the lush Palani hills – this is one of the highest waterfall in India and a natural asset that enhances the pristine scenery of Kodaikanal to another extent! Elevated at the height of 297 meters – this is alternatively known as Rat Tail falls and is of the horsetail type. That’s not all – this piercing gush at the backdrop of the black cliff is transitioned manually into the Manjalar Dam for further consumption.
Kodaikanal is the hub of waterfalls, all located amidst the greenery! So, once done with Thalaiyar – take a trip to the nearby Pambar, Kumbakarai, Liril, and Bear Shola waterfalls!
How to reach the falls? – If you are taking a flight – the Madurai airport is the nearest while the Kodai Railway Station is the nearest to the falls! Take a cab from there; it will take around 3-4 hours to reach the rat tail falls.
What to do there? – If you are a nature lover, this is one of the highest waterfall in India and the perfect arena to explore the marvels of Kodaikanal. As a couple – have a little lunch party, as a family, or a holiday get-together; a small picnic will lead the way. If you are on an adventure trip – the track along the falls, starting from the Manjalar Dam to surrounding the Manjalar Reservoir, up to the shrine of Goddess Kamakshi – your trail to the pristine is a much-revered one.
If you are still short on adventure, this is not just the highest but also one of the wildest waterfalls, and the Batlakundu to Kodaikanal Ghat Road offers the jarred trekking path for mystery lovers!
Places to visit near the falls – July to September is the month range where the water gush is at its best view. Stand along the Dum Dum viewpoint and soak in the ‘rat tails’ beauty. For the first-timers – this fall presents a watering hole for the animals – a means of sustenance for many of the meandering 4-footers. However, this recommendation is not for you!
When you are done visiting this highest waterfall in India – steer your direction to check out the nearby wildlife safari area of Bison Wells and bring out the spiritual side of your persona by paying homage to Dhandayuthapani – the incarnation of Lord Murugan residing in the Palani Hill Temple.
A little further, if you can manage – the panchayat town of Ayakudi could assist you in understanding the varieties of guava that are found around the subcontinent.
Still, wish to explore more? Hang on! The boating experience at Kodaikanal Lake is not to be missed, and neither the picturesque views of ‘Devil’s Kitchen’ Guna Caves or the casual strolling at Pillar Rocks (all at a nearby distance).
#Tips – Do not carry alcohol to the waterfall area. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes; please do not litter in and around the area. The nearby Perumal Malai village brings its river water to the Falls – a spectacular sight – however it is not the right place to quench your thirst! If you plan to have a picnic on the spot, carry water and some light snacks. Benches along the waterfall will offer you a perfect place to party.
#10. Vajrai Falls – Maharashtra
Listed in the final space at the rate of ten – this is touted to be one of the highest waterfall in India. Officially referred to as the – Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall – it is nestled amidst the western side of Maharashtra on the banks of the Urmodi river. At an elevation of 260m – this is triple-tiered, with a plunge noted as the second-highest format!
How to reach the falls? – The Pune Airport is the nearest, while the Satara Railway Station is the closest that you can get to the waterfalls. Hail a cab after that to reach the destination.
What to do there? – Albeit – there are aplenty activities to pursue! If you want to spend some alone time with your BAE – this outpour on the Urmodi river is a great scenic arena. Do not forget to click some solos!
If you are planning something else – a good trek and a small gathering with some lunchboxes are great options. You could also go in for a family outing, and if you are a birdwatcher, bring your binoculars along to this highest waterfall in India. This is a sight for the magpie robin of the Coppersmith Barbet Oriental type and the Shikra Accipitus Badius type!
Places to visit near the falls – September to November is the best time to visit the falls.
The nearby areas you can visit are – Kaas Lake (an integral part of Kaas Plateau, a 2012 UNESCO World Heritage Site) which is bejeweled with butterflies and wildflowers. If that is done – do not forget to check out the offerings of Maharashtra’s Valley of Flowers – the Bhambawali Flower Plateau that presents – orchids, balsams, Karvi, and Sonki as the choicest blooms!
#Tips – Alcohol is strictly restricted in the area, and do not carry plastics. Wear proper footwear and clothes, and beware of the reptiles in the area.
#Did you know?
- India is the storehouse of multiple types of waterfalls – from the tiered, and the cataract stated to be the most common to the horsetail, segmented, plunge, block, and multi-step ones! A myriad diversity of the highest waterfall in India – not to be much found anywhere else!
- By the way – the waterfalls, as per the ecosystem’s orders, purify the rivers that they flow into. They determine the distribution of lotic organisms and work towards the water ecosystem, and some of those aquatic insects even specialize in waterfalls.
When are you traveling?
That was the listicle presenting the highest waterfall in India. How was the read? Any sudden clicks? No worries!! You have all the time in the world. Take it and choose well. Let nature accommodate you into its embracing arms. If you pick up one of the spots from this listicle – do share your experiences of the same below. Have a naturally joyous trip!
