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Are you one of those who love to get into a flowing stream or stand under that rigorous force of the water pouring down from a height? Do you admire their beauty, energy, sound and madness as an inspiration? Then here is a list of almost impossible to resist to go through these top 15 waterfalls to visit in India. I assure you that these waterfalls will leave you awestruck and will rejuvenate your soul for sure!!!
1. Shivanasamudra, Karnataka
It is situated on the banks of river Kaveri. Shivanasamudra is primarily a hydropower project location that has gotten massive attention for its stunning waterfalls. Literally translating to ‘Shiva’s Sea’, Shuvanasamudra has a rocky terrain and gushing waterfalls. Tourists enjoy the calm town amongst the roar of the cascading waters and the view from the vantage point. Shivanasamudra consists of two waterfalls- Gagana Chukki and Bhara Chukki. Though part of the same Kaveri River, the viewpoints to observe Gagana Chukki and Bhara Chukki are about 15 km apart. Apart from this, there are well-maintained viewing deck is available to witness Gagana Chukki and Bhara Chukki waterfalls. The Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is another important attraction here and is popular if you want to go fishing and trekking.
- How to reach: Roads are the only way to access Shivanasamudra. Many private taxis and buses regularly ferry tourists to and from this destination. The nearest airport is Bangalore International at 170 km away. The nearest railway station is the Mysore railway station at 77 km away.
- Best time to visit: It is best to visit during monsoons as it’d be in its more glorious state.
2. Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Goa
Dudhsagar waterfall is one of the tallest falls in India. The Konkani name for the falls, which literally translated means “sea of milk”, derives from clouds of milky foam that rises up at the bottom of the falls. The spectacular waterfall is located in the Sanguem taluk measuring a mighty 600m from head to foot. This waterfall lies on the Goa-Karnataka border and attracts a steady stream of visitors from the coast into the rugged Western Ghats. Like most places in Goa, the Dudhsagar waterfall too has a legend attached to its name. The Dudh Sagar (Sea of Milk) continues to flow to this day and attracts thousands of visitors to one of the most popular and famous tourist spots in the state of Goa.
- How to Reach: The Falls are at a distance of 71 km from Panaji (Kadamba Bus Stand). The Goa International Airport is situated at a distance of 69.6 km from the Waterfalls.
- Best time to visit: The monsoon period is by far the best season to plan your visit to the Dudhsagar Falls. The climate will also be pleasant and joyous to plan on a family outing at the base of the magnificent waterfalls.
3. Athirapally Waterfalls, Kerala
Athirappilly Falls is situated in Athirappilly Panchayat in Chalakudy Taluk of Thrissur District in Kerala. It originates from the upper reaches of the Western Ghats at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges. It is the largest waterfall in Kerala, which stands tall at 80 feet. Just a short drive from Athirappilly to the Vazhachal falls, which is close to dense green forests that are home to many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna.
- How to reach: Nearest Airport is Kochi International Airport 55 kilometres away. Chalakudi Railway Station is the closest railway station, just 30 kilometres away
- Best Time to Visit: June to October
4. Bhagsu Waterfalls, Himachal Pradesh
Bhagsu Waterfall is located in Bhagsunaag village, 2 km from McLeodganj. Moreover, it is also called the Bhagsunag waterfalls. It has a famous ancient Shiv temple. The main attraction for the tourists is not only the temple but also the Bhagsu waterfall and the public swimming pool.
There are a lot of eateries on the way, along with many shops selling beautiful handicraft items. The cafes and eateries have some unique settings with rocks piled upon each other to offer an eye-catching seating arrangement. The Temple is also famous for an arrangement where people can take a dip in the chilly water.
- How to reach: This waterfall is on the main roadway that links Mcleodganj and Dharamshala. It is 3 km away from Dharamshala, and 2 km away from Mcleodganj. The nearest airport is Gaggal, which is 15 kilometres from Dharamshala. The nearest narrow gauge railway station is in Kangra and Nagrota, which is 20 km from Dharamsala. There are a lot of buses and taxis that ply from these places to Bhagsu.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the waterfall is immediately after the monsoons when water cascades down 30 feet i.e. October or November.
5. Soochipara Falls, Wayanad
Also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls. Soochipara Falls is a three-tiered waterfall situated in Vellarimala, Wayanad. This waterfall is regarded as one of the best waterfalls as it is surrounded by deciduous, evergreen and montane forests. The drive from Meppadi to Sentinel Rock Waterfalls provides visitors with scenic views of some of the best tea estates in Wayanad. This enchanting waterfall is 200 meters high that also offer a cliff face, ideal for rock climbing.
- How to reach: You can reach the waterfalls by either hiring a cab which will drop you at the entry point of the waterfalls or take the public bus up to a point which lies near the waterfall. You can also drive all the way to the waterfall. This is why you need to walk or trek for about 2 kilometres from there to reach the destination. Trekking is easy and takes about 30 minutes one way.
- Best time to visit: The best time to plan a trip to this nature’s wonder is during the monsoon season because the waterfall is dry during the summers and closed for tourists from March to June.
6. Elephant Falls, Shillong
Located 12 km away from the capital city of Shillong, it is one of the most visited falls in the beautiful state. Named after an Elephant like a stone at its foot, the Elephant Falls are amongst the most popular falls in the North-East, situated next to Shillong. It is a tourists’ paradise with three layers of the falls accessible to the layman from different vantage points. The Britishers named this fall so owing to the presence of an elephant-shaped rock on one side of the fall. However, the stone disintegrated and was washed away due to an earthquake in 1897. Elephant Waterfalls is a superb place for spending some time in the midst of nature while capturing the incredible moments for your keepsake.
- How to reach: The nearest airport is at Guwahati which has direct flights to all other major cities of the country. One can easily hire a cab or take public or private buses to Shillong. The nearest railhead is at Guwahati from where one can either hire a cab or catch public or private buses till Shillong. Public and private buses connect it to Guwahati and other cities. From Shillong, one can easily hire a cab or auto-rickshaw to Elephant Falls which are located just 12 km from Shillong.
- Best time to visit: The month right after the monsoon is the best as the water flows with full might and the scenery created is one to remember for a long time.
7. Jog Falls, Karnataka
Jog Falls is situated on the borders of Shimoga and North Kanara and is 100 Km from Shimoga city. The Western Ghats gives rise to the Sharavati River that plunges from a height of 829 feet in four magnificent cascades namely Raja, Rani, Rorer and Rocket. They’re named based on certain characteristics of the streams. Raja is an unbroken stream, Rorer is a strong and violent current that gushes down to meet the Raja stream, Rocket flows down in different jets and Rani is a quiet stream with falls in foam. Next time you visit, try identifying the streams!
- How to reach: You can also reach this falls National Highway 48 or 4. And a number of government & private buses ply between Shimoga and Jog Falls. The nearest Railway Station is Thalaguppa of Shimoga district. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Jog is in winter when the sky is clear of the mist. i.e from August – December.
8. Nuranang Falls, Arunachal Pradesh
Often reckoned as one of the most fascinating waterfalls in India, Nuranang Falls is one of the hidden gems of Tawang. Originating in Sela Pass, Nuranang Falls is a serene place where you can behold a stunning landscape. It is also known as Jung/Jang Falls or Bong Bong Falls. The Nuranang Falls drops down from an altitude of 100 meters. Located at a height of 6000 feet above sea level, Nuranang Falls takes you in the middle of untouched forests as you enjoy the wonder of nature. Encompassed by pristine hills, verdant greenery and a thick cover of mist, Nuranang Falls is one of the must-visit tourist places in Tawang if you are a nature lover looking to relax and unwind.
- How to reach: The nearest airport is at Guwahati which is 480 km from Tawang and it connects to all major cities of the country. Tourists can hire a car or alternately catch a bus till Tezpur for further journey till Tawang. The nearest railhead is at Tezpur.
- Best Time to Visit: To see the waterfalls in their full swing, the best time to plan a visit will be from November to April.
9. Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunji
Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Its height is 340 metres. The waterfall is located in the Indian state of Meghalaya, near Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth. Below the falls is a plunge pool with unusual green-coloured water. One of the most photogenic waterfalls in India, Nohkalikai in Meghalaya is the fifth highest waterfall in India. It is one of the most popular and significant places to see in the North-East. The name of the falls is attached with a sad story of a woman named Ka Likai who remarried a man, who believed that she loved his daughter more than him.
- How to reach: Nearest airport which 133 km from Cherrapunjee and 100 kilometres from Shillong. The nearest railhead is at Guwahati. Cherrapunjee is 53 km from Shillong and is well connected by road.
- Best time to visit: The best time to explore and marvel at the Nohkalikai falls is from October till December and March till May as these are pretty much the clearest months in Cherrapunjee.
10. Bhimlat Falls, Rajasthan
Bhimlat falls can easily be called an oasis in the land of desert. Located in Bundi which falls at a favourable distance of 206 km from Jaipur, It is a great weekend getaway. The water falling from a height of 60 meters and making its way into the sea-green lake on the foothills of fall. Amid the dry desert land of Rajasthan, everything along with the gushing water is delightful. You will have to drive your way to this splendid waterfall by crossing the longest tunnel of Rajasthan.
- How to reach: The nearest Airport is in Kota from there 35 km by road journey via Chittor Road.
- Best time to visit: June to October, when monsoon prevails.
11. Talakona Waterfalls, Andhra Pradesh
The Talakona waterfall is in Sri Venkateshwara National Park, Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh in India. With a 270 feet fall, Talakona is the highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh state. Moreover, the waters of Talakona are enriched with herbs and people believe that it has healing properties. There is a beautiful waterfall falling deep into the valley from a cliff on the upper reaches. There is a number of trek routes in different categories of difficulty, giving an option for the visitor to choose their route. In addition to this, there are also deep caves scattered over the mountains where it is believed that sages meditate eternally. A stream flows near the canopy walk area where a bathing ghat is under construction.
- How to reach: There are buses from other parts of the state as well as the neighbouring states, which take you to Chittoor.
- Best Time to Visit: September to January
12. Hogenakkal Waterfalls, Tamil Nadu
Hogenakkal Falls is a waterfall in South India on the Kaveri River on the border between the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu and the Chamrajnagar district of Karnataka. It is located 127 km from Bangalore. In fact, the Carbonatite rocks in this site are considered to be the oldest of their kind in South Asia and one of the oldest in the world. The Carbonatite rocks found near the waterfall are one of the oldest in the world. Besides, the two Kannada words ‘Hoge’ means ‘Smoke’ and ‘Kal’ means ‘Rocks’ give meaning to the word Hogenakkal as “Smoky Rocks”.
- How to reach: The nearest airport is Bangalore International Airport about 216 km from Hogenakal Falls. Dharmapuri is the nearest railway station, which is about 47 km from Hogenakal. Dharmapuri is the nearest major bus station to Hogenakkal.
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Hogenakkal Falls is from July to October while the peak season is from August to October. Usually, it takes one half-day to visit Hogenakkal Falls. However, many tourists also prefer to visit the place during the off-season.
13. Dhuandhar Falls, Madhya Pradesh
The Dhuandhar Falls are located on the Narmada River in Bhedaghat and are 30 meters high. The Narmada River makes its way through the world-famous Marble Rocks, narrows down and then plunges in a waterfall known as Dhuandhar. The beautiful falls are rough yet calm, soft yet loud and undoubtedly breathtaking. Dhuandhar Falls or the smoke cascade is a beautiful waterfall in Bhedaghat. The plunge of Dhuandhar Falls is sudden and hence has a greater effect. Once in Dhuandhar don’t forget to have a pleasure boat ride in the valley of white marble which appears yellow during sunsets.
- How to reach: The falls are about 30.5 km to the west of Jabalpur city. You can conveniently hire a cab or any other locally available transportation to reach here.
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Dhuandhar falls is during Sharad Purnima when Narmada Mahotsava gets celebrated.
14. Khandadhar Waterfall, Odisha
The Khandadhar Falls is located at Nandapani, Bonaigarh in Sundargarh district in the Indian state of Odisha. In fact, it is the 12th highest waterfall in India and the 2nd highest waterfall in Odisha. It looks like a sword that’s why it named as khanda (sword) Dhara waterfall. The Korapani Nala, a small stream, plunges from a height of 244 metres in a single drop. The name coined because of the style of water pouring from the top of the hill straight down like Khanda Dhara (Edge of the sword).
- How to reach: From the foothill, the mountain top is around 1.6 KM which can only be approachable by foot. There is no direct public transportation to the waterfall from Rourkela. But one can visit this spot from Bonaigarh easily with hired Taxi or Auto rickshaw.
- Best time to visit: Best Time to Visit Khandadhar Falls The months from October to February are ideal for a trip to the Khandhar Falls, but you can visit it throughout the year.
15. Nohsngithiang Falls, Meghalaya
Located in the wettest place on Earth, Cherrapunjee, Nohsngithiang Falls is a pure force of water making its way down the East Khasi hills to the plains of Bangladesh. The 4th highest waterfall in India is located in Meghalaya, Land of Clouds. Indeed, the 1035 feet high waterfall is a natural wonder. Also known as the Seven Sister waterfall, seven streams combine to create this enormous force. The beauty magnifies in the monsoon when the magnificent force of waterfalls down the limestone hills. The falls plunge over the top of limestone cliffs of the Khasi Hills only during the rainy season.
- How to Reach: Nohsngithiang Falls, Cherrapunjee is located very close to Mawsmai Village. Connected easily with Cherrapunjee and the capital Shillong, railway network and flight routes are accessible. The nearest airport is at Guwahati and so is the train station.
- Best time to Visit: The magnificent glory of the falls are best after monsoons. The falls will be in their full might.
Travellers’ Tips
- Firstly, do not take a bath in the upper pools of the waterfall. Secondly, keep a heavy winter coat.
- Moreover, stay alert at all times and be very cautious if staying out after 9 pm. Also note, that do not accept rides from strangers.
- If travelling with kids, then it would be advisable to keep away from the slippery area.
- Wear comfortable footwear, since, you will have to walk a lot around the area to reach both the temple and the waterfalls.
- The rocky area is quite slippery and thus, one needs to walk carefully to avoid any injuries. Avoid visiting during heavy monsoons.
- Follow the rules and guidelines set by the guides there.
- Also, keep all your electronic devices safe, in a waterproof bag.
- Do not carry any kind of non-environmental friendly items.
- Last but not least maintain the hygiene of surroundings.
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