Imagine yourself standing on a precipice, the roar of a thousand rivers singing in your ears, and the mist kissing your face. Down below, a pool of green so deep it seems like a portal has been crashed into by a shimmering water curtain. Rainbows fly across the spray like timid dancers, greetings from Meghalaya, where waterfalls perform rather than merely cascade.
Nicknamed the “Abode of Clouds,” Meghalaya is a waterfall chaser’s fantasy land. With some of the world’s highest rainfall, ancient forests, and misty hills, this Northeastern jewel hides secret streams, roaring giants, and cascades straight out of fairy tales. But here, waterfalls aren’t just about beauty, they are woven into Khasi and Jaintia legends, breathing stories into every drop.
Let’s take a journey through Meghalaya’s most mesmerizing waterfalls, where each one is waiting to leave you spellbound.
1. Nohkalikai Falls
location: Cherrapunji (Sohra)
Height: 1,115 ft (Tallest plunge waterfall in India)
Standing before Nohkalikai is an experience you’ll never forget. You feel tiny in the best way. The story behind its name is just as moving: a woman named Likai, devastated by personal tragedy, leaped from this cliff, and the falls are said to echo her sorrow. Visit at sunrise when golden light pierces through the mist, making the entire fall look like liquid gold pouring into a jade valley. During the monsoons, the water thunders down with such force that the ground vibrates under your feet; that’s nature’s way of commanding your awe.
Travel Tip: The viewing gallery is an easy walk, but for a quieter experience, explore nearby trails that offer different perspectives of this majestic wonder.
2. Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang Falls)
Location: Mawsmai Village, Cherrapunji
Imagine seven streams of silver unraveling across a vast cliff face, each one chasing the other down into the abyss. That’s Seven Sisters Falls, a symbol of unity and beauty. These segmented waterfalls come alive during the monsoon when the rains feed them into full-blown torrents. Locals say it represents the seven states of Northeast India, a natural tribute to the region’s rich diversity.
Travel Tip: Go during sunset. The orange-pink skies reflecting on the water curtains create a surreal painting you won’t want to leave.
3. Elephant Falls
Location: 12 km from Shillong
Three beautiful tiers of water cascade down rocky steps, surrounded by thick greenery, a perfect blend of power and peace. Originally named after an elephant-shaped rock (sadly destroyed in an earthquake), Elephant Falls remains a favorite for both locals and travelers. It’s easily accessible and ideal for a relaxed half-day outing.
Travel Tip: Visit during the rainy season for the full, roaring beauty. The falls are just a short drive from Shillong, so combine them with a city tour for a perfect day out.
4. Wei Sawdong Falls
Location: Hidden near Cherrapunji
Wei Sawdong feels like a secret only the earth itself knows. After a moderately tough trek through slippery forest paths, you’ll find a three-step cascade pouring into pools of brilliant turquoise. The water is so clear that it feels like glass, and the silence around it is almost sacred.
Travel Tip: Go early morning to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes and pack light snacks and water. Sit by the pools, dip your toes in, and just be.
5. Kynrem Falls
Location: Thangkharang Park, Cherrapunji
Height: 1,000 ft
Tumbling down in three majestic tiers, Kynrem Falls feels almost theatrical. In the monsoon, the falls turn wild and thunderous, surrounded by the spicy scent of pine trees from nearby forests. The view from Thangkharang Park, a beautifully maintained garden that offers one of the most dramatic waterfall sights in the region.
Travel Tip: Visit after heavy rains for the most impressive flow, and don’t miss the gorgeous panoramic views of the Bangladesh plains from the park.
6. Rainbow Falls
Location: Near Nohkalikai
True to its name, Rainbow Falls offers a natural light show that feels like magic. Tiny droplets in the mist catch sunlight and scatter rainbows around the fall’s base is a sight straight from your wildest dreams. Getting here requires a bit of effort: a scenic 1.5-hour hike from Laitkynsew village through dense forests and cheerful brooks. But oh, it’s so worth it.
Travel Tip: Pack a light raincoat, sturdy shoes, and your best camera as you’ll want to capture every gleaming rainbow.
7. Mawlynnong Waterfall
Location: Mawlynnong (Asia’s cleanest village)
Small but breathtakingly beautiful, this waterfall is wrapped in nature’s silence. Clearwater gently flows over moss-covered rocks while bamboo viewing platforms let you sit and soak it all in. After the waterfall, stroll through Mawlynnong’s picture-perfect lanes lined with gardens and flowering trees. It’s impossible to leave without feeling a little lighter, a little more in love with the world.
Travel Tip: Don’t leave without trying jadoh (a delicious rice and meat dish) from a local kitchen.
8. Bishop & Beadon Falls
Location: Near Shillong
These two waterfalls tumble dramatically into a misty valley framed by lush forest. You can hear them before you see them as a low, constant roar that draws you closer. Accessible yet wild, Bishop & Beadon Falls are perfect if you want a quick dose of Meghalaya’s magic without venturing too far from Shillong City.
Travel Tip: Best visited post-monsoon (October–November) when the falls are strong, the weather crisp, and the mist creates dreamy photographs.
9. Dain-Thlen Falls
Location: Sohra, Cherrapunji
Height: 200 ft.
More than just a waterfall, Dain-Thlen is a storyteller. According to Khasi legend, a monstrous serpent named Thlen was defeated here, and the rocks still bear marks from that ancient battle. The waterfall’s wide, powerful spread feels both calming and commanding at once. Visit at dawn when birdsong fills the air, the crowds are thin, and the falls feel like they’re speaking just to you.
Travel Tip: Bring a picnic and spend a lazy morning listening to the sounds of nature while learning about the region’s deep-rooted folklore.
Why So Many Waterfalls in Meghalaya?
Meghalaya’s hilly terrain, deep gorges, and unrelenting monsoon rains make it the ideal place for waterfalls at every turn because Mother Nature is an artist here. Meghalaya is one of the world’s most abundant waterfall regions, with water tumbling from sheer heights, bursting over rocky edges, and seeping through limestone cliffs. These falls are framed in wild beauty by dense forests that are teeming with ferns and orchids, providing visitors with a full sensory experience rather than just a visual feast.
Conclusion
In Meghalaya, waterfalls aren’t just places, they are living poems written in mist and light. Whether it’s the heartbreaking legends of Nohkalikai, the secret trails to Wei Sawdong, or the fairytale rainbows at Rainbow Falls, every waterfall here leaves a fingerprint on your soul. You’ll leave with muddy shoes, a memory card bursting with beauty, and a heart washed clean by the purest magic there is, the magic of water dancing with earth and sky.
