Highest Waterfall in India

When the water of a river or a water body falls from a rocky ledge or mountain or hill to a lower place then it is known as a waterfall or cascade. Waterfalls are liked by tourists all over the world. Their sound, coolness, and height make the perfect setting where one can spend hours watching the free flow of gushing water in the lap of the Mother Nature.

There are various famous waterfalls in India. Some of which are listed below:

1) Kunchikal Falls, Karnataka

It is located near Agumbe valley at Shimoga district in the state of Karnataka and is the highest waterfall in India. The height of Kunchikal waterfall is 455 metres or1493 ft. and it is formed by the Varahi River. This place receives the heavy rainfall and also houses the only permanent rain forest research station in India. The water falling with full force from a height offers an excellent backdrop for photography.

Besides this, a hydro-electric plant has been installed on the waterfalls to produce electricity. The best time to see this waterfall is monsoon when it experiences rainfall and the surrounding area fills with greenery and waterfall falls with full strength. Furthermore, there is no entry fee to visit this place.

2) Barehipani Falls, Odisha

Barehipani Falls is the second-highest waterfall in India. It is located at the middle of the Simlipal National Park in Mayurbhanj, Odisha. The height of Barehipani Falls is 399 meters or 1309 ft. Its origin lies in the Budhabalanga River that flows through the Eastern Ghats before falling into the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the main attractions of Odisha.

It is a two-tier waterfall that makes its way through the Meghasani Mountain and produces a crashing sound when it strikes the ground. Besides this, as it is located in a national park, this area is rich in flora and fauna that further enhances the natural beauty of this waterfall. There is no entry fee to visit this place.

3) Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya

It is the third-highest waterfall in India located in the thick forests of Khasi Hills near Cherrapunji, Meghalaya. Cherrapunji experiences highest rainfall in India and is also known for living bridges and oranges. The height of Nohkalikai Falls is 340 meters or 1115 ft. It falls into an untouched, unpolluted deep green plunge pool as shown in the below image.

You have to travel a short distance to reach this spot. Entry is free. It is one of the main attractions of Meghalaya that attracts tourists to this state. Monsson is the main season to visit this fall as it is the time when it falls with full vigour. In the dry season, the amount of water tends to reduce.

4) Langshiang Falls, Meghalaya

Langshiang Falls is situated near the Sangriang village in the West Khasi Hills District in the state of Meghalaya. It falls from a height of 337 meters or 1106 feet. It is also believed to be the third-highest waterfall in India. Tourists can also see it from the Mawpon village of Meghalaya.

This waterfall originates from the confluence of the two streams of Kynshi River near the village of Sangriang. The biggest river island namely Nongkhnum Island is located at a distance of 10 km from this waterfall. The flow of the water in Langshiang fall remains steady throughout the year and offers a perfect setting for trekking and adventure.

5) Nohsngithiang Falls, Meghalaya

Nohsngithiang Waterfall is located in the Mawsmai village of East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya. As it is located in the Mawsmai village, it is also known as Mawsmai fall. When it falls from height, it gets segmented into seven separate streams or falls, so it is also known as the Seven Sisters Falls.

It is the fourth-highest waterfall in India with a height of 315 metres or 1033 ft. and an average width of around 70 metres. It makes its way through the East Khasi Hills. The best time to see this waterfall is right after monsoon when it carries a large amount of water and you can also view a rainbow at this spot when the sun rays fall on it. There is no way to get close to this waterfall, however, you can view the fall from the viewpoint located at Mawsmai village and from the Eco Park on a plateau on the top of the waterfall.

6) Dudhsagar Falls, Goa

Dudhsagar waterfall is the fifth-highest waterfall of India with a height of 310 metre or 1020 ft and an average width of 33 metres or 100 ft. It is a four-tiered waterfall that is also known as the Sea of Milk as it looks like the milk overflowing through the mountains. It is also known as Tambdi Surla among the local people.

Dudhsagar waterfall is located on the Mandovi River at the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary in the border of Goa and Karnataka and is surrounded by deciduous forest and it falls with a huge force during the rainy season when it carries a large amount of water.

Tourists can reach here through trekking that starts from Kuveshi Village. The other options to reach this site include trek from Castle Rock railway station, the trek from Kulem and trek from Dudhsagar railway station.

7) Kynrem Falls, Meghalaya

It is located in the East Khasi Hills at a distance of 12 km from Cherrapunji, Meghalaya. It is a three-tiered waterfall which means it falls down in three stages from the top of the hill. The height of this waterfall is 305 metres or 1001 ft. that makes it the seventh-highest waterfall in the country.

Its origin is located in the Thangkharang Park that is a popular picnic spot and houses a botanical garden and a viewpoint to see the waterfall. From this viewpoint, tourists can also see Bangladesh. The best time to see the Kynrem falls is monsoon when it flows with full capacity and looks mesmerizing.

8) Meenmutty Waterfalls, Kerala

Meenmutty Waterfalls is located on the Ooty route in the Wayanad district of Kerala and falls from the height of 301 metre or 980 ft. As Meghalaya is famous for waterfalls in northern India, Kerala is famous for waterfalls in South India.

Meenmutty Waterfall is a three-tiered waterfall that falls in three levels. It is blessed with natural beauty and is surrounded by the mountain ranges of Western Ghats. It is located near the Neyyar reservoir area and can only be accessed after a hike of 2 km through the forest from the Wayanad-Ooty road.

During the monsoon, the waterfall falls with full strength with a crashing sound. However, during heavy rainfall, the tourists are advised to stay away from this fall due to the high flow of water.

9) Thalaiyar Falls, Tamil Nadu

Thalaiyar waterfall, which is also known as the rat tail falls, is located in the Palani Hill ranges of Dindigul district of Tamilnadu. The base of the waterfall looks like a rat's tail. Its height is 297 metres or 974 ft. and is one the main attractions in Tamil Nadu as it also houses dark caves and risky places.

You can get a mesmerizing view of the falls and the Manjalar Dam from the Dum Dum Rock viewpoint. From this viewpoint, it looks like a thin and long white thread hanging from cliff against a black backdrop.

The waterfall is fed by the water that comes from Perumal Malai Village. The water is not clean, so tourists are advised not to drink its water. Thalaiyar waterfall is not easily accessible. However, in the dry season, you can hike from the Manjalar Dam through thick forest to reach this site. On your way, you may see mango orchards and potato cultivation fields near the Manjalar Reservoir.

10) Barkana Falls, Karnataka

It is located in the Shimoga district in the Karnataka state of India. It is a tiered waterfall that falls from a height of 259 metres or 850 ft. and has got its name 'Barka' which is a mouse deer found in this region.

The waterfall originates from the Seetha River and is surrounded by thick flora such as bamboos and herbs. You have to trek through the thick rainforests of the Western Ghats to reach here. However, there is also a motorable path to reach this spot on a motorbike.

There is also a viewpoint called Barkana viewpoint from where you can get a beautiful view of the fall, hill slopes and the Western Ghats. One more attraction nearby this fall is Guruji Plant. It is believed that this plant flourishes every seven years and indicates the onset of drought.

11) Jog Waterfalls, Karnataka

Jog Falls is also known as Joga Falls or Gerosoppa Falls. It is bordered by thick green forest and is located in Sagara taluk in the state of Karnataka. It originates from the Sharavathi River and falls down from a height of 253 metres or 830 ft.

It does not flow down in a tiered manner as it is an un-tiered waterfall that flows down the slope with touching the rocks. However, it is segmented into four segments namely Raja, Roarer, Rocket and Rani based on their features. For example, Raja is a continuous or unbroken water flow; Roarer is a violent water current that falls down to meet the Raja stream; Rocket flows down in different planes and Rani is a gentle flow that falls as a spray. You can see these parts when it is flowing slowly.

If you want to swim, you can hike down to the base and dive into its water. It is one of the main attractions for the tourists in Karnataka. The fall also contributes to the generation of hydroelectricity. The best time to see the fall is monsoon.

12) Khandadhar Falls, Odisha

It is located at the Sundergarh district of the state of Odisha at a distance of 104 km from Rourkela. It is described as a horse tail type of waterfall that falls from a height of 244 m or 801 ft. in a single stream. It is formed by a perennial rivulet called Korapani Nala that is surrounded by dense forest.

This site is a popular picnic spot and is mostly visited after monsoon when the waterfall has a large amount of flowing water and tourists can spend time amidst untouched natural beauty. The water falls on the uneven stone floor with a roaring sound. Hiking and trekking are allowed for tourists to view the fall from the top of a hill.

13) Vantawng Falls, Aizwal

Vantawng fall is one of the prime attractions in Mizoram located at a distance of 30 km from Serchhip and 137 km from Aizwal. It falls from a height of 229 metres or 750 ft. and is fed by the Vanva River near the Aizawl and is enclosed by bamboo groves. It is a two-tiered waterfall with a cave behind the fall. Among the local people, it is also known as Vantawng Khawhthal.

It is not easily accessible so the tourism department has set up a viewpoint for the visitors to enjoy the view. It is believed that it got its name from an excellent swimmer named Vantawng who was died when he was swimming in the base of the waterfall and hit by a drifting log. Vantawng waterfall is believed to be the highest waterfall in Mizoram.

14) Kune waterfalls, Maharashtra

Kune waterfall is located between the valleys of Lonavala and Khandala near Kune village in Pune district of Maharashtra on the old Mumbai-Pune highway. It is 2 km far from Khandala railway station and at a distance of 3.5 km from Lonavala railway station. It is a three-tiered waterfall falling down the hilly terrains of Sahyadris from a height of 200 metres or 656 ft. This fall is divided into two sections each of which is around 100 metres high.

Besides natural beauty, this site also houses the Kune Church that is a popular landmark to reach the waterfall. This site also has the facility of Rappelling, an adventure sport. During the dry season, swimming and bathing is allowed in the pool created by the fall. So, people often come here for a picnic with their family or friends.

15) Soochipara Falls, Wayanad, Kerala

Soochipara Falls is also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfall. It is located in Wayanad surrounded by evergreen and montane forest. This waterfall falls down from a height of 200 meters or 656 ft. and forms a large pool at the base where tourists can bath or swim. It got its name from a needle-shaped rock located here.

After flowing through rocky terrain and clinging trees the water mergers into Chulika River or Chaliyar River. You have to trek downward to reach the fall. It is an ideal spot for swimming, rock climbing, etc. If you don't want to go down, there is also tree-top hut to enjoy the panoramic view of the fall. Besides this, if you want to see this waterfall at its fullest, come here during the monsoon.

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