The Gorgeous Waterfalls of Meghalaya

By sarikajain23 | May 3, 2021
Asia > India > Meghalaya

One of the Gorgeous Waterfall in Meghalaya.....

One of the Gorgeous Waterfall in Meghalaya.....

I was all set to explore the beautiful state usually known as the ‘abode of clouds. I had a certain list prepared generally with the usual places like the Living Root Bridges, the cleanest village of Asia, Mawlynnong, boating in Dawki river, and some waterfalls. But little did I know that on the pursuit of my journey to these destinations, I would encounter much more. And these encounters made my journey beautiful and memorable forever. Be it the unexpected rains, seeing 4 seasons in a day, the unexpected encounters with the clouds while driving along the highway, the countless vast green meadows, or the numerous gorgeous waterfalls of Meghalaya. When it's the rainy season, the monsoon showers, greets the states and you can see waterfalls in high volume everywhere in Meghalaya and that is its beauty. Add it to the clouds that were hovering all the time and it was cracking the clouds and passing through it which made me fall in love with this place more and more. I have seen Meghalaya when it was raining and I could see waterfalls everywhere like in the random places, it is nothing but waterfalls and that was amazing.

I have seen a couple of waterfalls in Meghalaya, and they all were beautiful. Though for few waterfalls, one needs to trek for a few it does not require. I have not trekked for all the waterfalls, sometimes I chose to trek to see such as Rainbow Falls and sometimes just from a far distance have enjoyed the beauty of waterfalls. So, let me introduce you to some of the mesmerizing waterfalls of Meghalaya that I visited.

Elephant Falls


Elephant Waterfalls in Shillong...

Elephant Waterfalls in Shillong...

Elephant Falls is situated just outside the city of Shillong and approximately 12 km from the city on the way to Cherrapunji. One of the most popular waterfalls in Meghalaya, it cascades from uphill in 3 steps, all the way down to a pool. Travelers can take the stairs to the bottom where the falls finally form a stream of water. I visited this waterfall on the first day of my trip and I expected the falls to have some resemblance to an elephant given its unique name, but the fall was not even having a bit of resemblance as locals say that mammoth rock was destroyed in an earthquake. And this fall is also referred to as ‘Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew; by locals which means three-step waterfalls.

Me,got clicked in front of Elephant Waterfalls...

Me,got clicked in front of Elephant Waterfalls...

Rainbow Falls


One of the most beautiful Falls of Meghalaya i.e. Rainbow Falls

One of the most beautiful Falls of Meghalaya i.e. Rainbow Falls

One of the most beautiful, picturesque, and mesmerizing waterfalls I have ever seen in my life. This fall requires a hefty trek of 4 hours i.e., from Tyrna to Rainbow Waterfalls via Nongriat. This fall has an enormous amount of water and the scenic beauty here is captivating. After the trek, one can sit, relax, and take bath in the falls. As after reaching the Double-decker bridge, you must trek 1 hour to reach this waterfall and most of the people just cancel the plan to visit here as because of a narrow passage and downward path has no stairs or rope so it is less crowded. Little did I know about this waterfall, the beautiful paths and different viewpoints had so much in store for me. It is a marvelous sight to behold.

I was stunned and was feeling exeptionally amazing after this waterfall

I was stunned and was feeling exeptionally amazing after this waterfall

Seven Sister Falls


This picture is taken from Internet as When I was there,was no water and posting the below picture to show I visisted there and really,there was no water at that time...

This picture is taken from Internet as When I was there,was no water and posting the below picture to show I visisted there and really,there was no water at that time...

Seven Sister Waterfall is also a very famous and must-see waterfall. One can catch a glimpse of this waterfall from Mawsmai Caves or the highway when visiting Cherrapunji. The waterfall has a cascade of 7 different tall streams falling from the steep mountains in front. Although when I was there in March, there was no water in the falls. This waterfall is surrounded by steep mountains dense clouds and all the way nothing but greenery or lush green forests. After noticing all the beautiful things around this water, I am sure this waterfall will be very beautiful when there is water. This tallest waterfall is also known as Nohsngithiang Falls or Mawsmai Falls. I heard to witness the voluminous flow of the brooks, need to visit this fall between July and September.

This waterfall is accounted among the beautiful and highest waterfalls, located at a distance of 7 km from Cherrapunji. And it is 1100 feet plus a high waterfall. I also heard,it is the highest plunge waterfall in India, but I could not see the water in the falls from a far distance or the viewing gallery at the top when I was there in March. Some also said there is a trek involved to enjoy the bird's eye view of Nohkalikai Falls and the stunning plunge pool.

In front of Seven Sister Waterfalls....

In front of Seven Sister Waterfalls....

Krang Suri Waterfalls


Krang Suri Falls in Meghalaya....

Krang Suri Falls in Meghalaya....

Krang Suri waterfall has a voluminous amount of water, nestled in the serenity of West Jaintia Hills. This fall requires a walk of 20 mins from the starting point to reach the waterfalls. The adorn footpaths here, graveling stones, massive viewpoints, and the several thousand shades of green would be the perfect description for this place. Guides over there mentioned to me that the footpath made here has used stones in a variety of colors and they are placed symmetrically, and one can observe the shades as no cement has been used to keep them intact.

Glimpse of Karng Suri Falls....

Glimpse of Karng Suri Falls....

Wei Sawdong Waterfalls


Wei Sawdong Waterfalls in Meghalaya...

Wei Sawdong Waterfalls in Meghalaya...

Wei Sawdong falls, or a three-tiered waterfall where water falls from one to another is also a spectacular view in its way. It controls the flow of water, making it perfect, neither less nor turbulent just enough to maintain the balance. This fall requires a trek of 20 mins to reach the viewpoint and if you want to reach the bottom of the waterfalls then add another 20 mins to trek but yes, be careful while trekking when it rains. There is no proper built path, just roughly built stairs all along made of bamboo trees, damp earth, and it is like a forest walk, and obviously, the whole place is surrounded by tall trees.

On the way to Wei Sawdong Falls....

On the way to Wei Sawdong Falls....

Janailar Falls


While coming back from Whistling Village,came across this beautiful Janailar Falls

While coming back from Whistling Village,came across this beautiful Janailar Falls

While on the way back from whistling village, I came across this beautiful waterfall which is untouched by any traveler and most importantly, this waterfall is in open space, the entire place is surrounded by greenery and mountains, the peaceful roads, no hustle, and bustle of any crowd, overfall a peaceful waterfall where there is no footprint of human. The waterfall has scenic beauty and is captivating to the eyes and feels like God has blessed us today by its divinity. They say, Waterfalls are not only complex but also intriguingly beautiful and original in every work. This statement is cent percent true.

Dainthlen Falls


Dainthlen Falls,a glimpse take from the road only....

Dainthlen Falls,a glimpse take from the road only....

Dainthlen Falls comes before the Wei Sawdong Falls and it is one of the powerful sights, a gushing waterfall that cuts through the hard rocks and the high plateau of Sohra before it cascades down into the lush forest. The thundering sound of Dainthlen Falls, the open landscape, the surrounding hillocks, and the beautiful wind that constantly blows here is definitely not to be missed. The viewpoint is on either side of the falls and I was able to experience the same from the road only when I was coming back from the Wei Sawdong Falls.

Random Waterfalls of Meghalaya


In Rainy Season,You can see waterfall everywhere in Meghalaya

In Rainy Season,You can see waterfall everywhere in Meghalaya

Seeing a waterfall in Meghalaya in the rainy season is a common thing but for any traveler, it is not. I was mesmerized and stunned in happiness by seeing waterfall everywhere in the rainy season and thinking how God has created places, what he might be thinking that time when he was in the creation phase. Isn't it amazing?

If you prefer to visit Meghalaya with a guided tour, there are many options from half-day trip to multi-day tour.

I have encountered several waterfalls in Meghalaya, in fact, luckily it was raining one day and the magic I saw is waterfall everywhere, you do not have to go any particular location to see any waterfall, you can see it on the road. Some of them were so gorgeous that I could not help stopping by them. I guess I would have located at least 10 waterfalls in those 2 days when it was raining in Meghalaya apart from the proper Waterfalls which I saw. Some I stopped by, took photos, spent some time and some I just adored and kept in my heart forever. I miss Meghalaya. Here I am, wishing to go back.

Meghalaya Nature Things to do Waterfalls Asia India

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Written by sarikajain23
A female solo traveler. Based out of Bangalore, India. I started traveling solo as it was in one of my to-do buckets lists. In the beginning, it was difficult for me to travel due to the money crunch and my money management problem but slowly I realized that I do not need materialistic stuff because it is not going to give me that feel and peace which my soul needs it. And then, I started cutting off all the unnecessary expenses, and then I was able to save some money to travel. And that is how I started traveling. I travel light and I prefer to stay in budget accommodation but that should be safe for a solo traveler. I take time to know the ... Read more

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