Have you received nature calls? If yes, you should visit a waterfall. You might ask which waterfall you should explore if you haven’t done it before. To help you in this regard, we have come up with the top 10 must-visit waterfalls in India.
In this blog post on the best waterfalls in India, we have briefly explained the 10 waterfalls with their location, height, width, ideal time to visit, and allied information like how to reach them. Keep reading this post till the end if you are a nature lover, photographer, adventure seeker, or visitor looking for a refreshing escape amid lush greenery and valleys.
Top 10 Must-Visit Waterfalls in India
- Kunchikal Falls (Karnataka)
- Nohkalikai Falls (Meghalaya)
- Barehipani Falls (Odisha)
- Dudhsagar Falls (Goa)
- Jog Falls (Karnataka)
- Athirappilly Falls (Kerala)
- Hogenakkal Falls (Tamil Nadu)
- Chitrakote Falls (Chhattisgarh)
- Bhagsu Waterfall (Himachal Pradesh)
- Kempty Falls (Uttarakhand)
1. Kunchikal Falls (Karnataka)
Located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, Kunchikal Falls is the highest waterfall in India. Fed by the water of the Varahi River, it cascades from a height of 1,493 feet (455 metres). This tiered waterfall is hidden in the Western Ghats and flows at its full force during the monsoon season.
- Location – Nidagodu village in Shimoga district, Karnataka.
- Height – 455 meters (1,493 feet).
- Width – About 100 metres.
- Water Source – Varahi River.
- Timings – Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Restricted, but with a free pass from the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) check-post.
- Features – Horsetail-shaped waterfall.
- Distance from Nearby Major Cities – About 400 km from Bangalore, 138 km from Mangalore, and 127 km from Shimoga.
- Average Spent Time – Approximately 3 to 4 hours.
- Ideal Time to Visit – July to October.
- Nearby Key Attractions – Kundari Hill and Savehaklu Dam.
- Ideal for – Nature lovers, photographers, and quiet seekers.
- How to Reach – Fly to either Bangalore or Mangalore Airport. Otherwise, board a direct or connecting train to Udupi or Shimoga Railway Station. From the railway station or airport, take public transport or hire a private taxi like a car rental in Mangalore or Bangalore to access the waterfall easily and smoothly.
2. Nohkalikai Falls (Meghalaya)
The Nohkalikai Falls is one of the best waterfalls in India. It lies near Sohra (cherrapunji) in Meghalaya and cascades from a colossal height of 1, 115 feet. Dense rainforests surround it. The water of its pool changes its colour, deep green in summer and blue in winter. This waterfall is named after a tragic local legend.
- Location – East Khasi Hills district, Sohra (Cherrapunji), Meghalaya.
- Height – 340 metres (1,115 feet).
- Width – 23 metres (75 feet).
- Water Source – Rainwater collected on the summit of a comparatively small plateau.
- Altitude – 1,239 metres (4,065 feet) from sea level.
- Timings – Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Features – India’s tallest plunge waterfall, turns into a thundering cascade during the monsoon months, changing pool colour (blue in winter, and deep green in summer), viewing platforms, and local food and handicraft stalls.
- Distance from Nearby Major Cities – Approximately 8 km from Sohra (Cherrapunji), 54 km from Shillong, and 167 km from Guwahati.
- Average Spent Time – 1 to 2 hours.
- Ideal Time to Visit – Mid morning to late evening, July to September.
- Nearby Key Attractions – Mawsmai Cave, Thangkharang Park, Khoh Ramhah rock formation, and Seven Sisters Falls.
- Ideal for – Nature lovers, family sightseers, cultural folklore enthusiasts, and photographers.
- How to Reach – Take a direct or connecting flight to Guwahati Airport or Shillong Airport. If you love a rail journey, board a train to Guwahati Railway Station. From the airport, take a shared or private taxi to reach the Nohkalikai Falls.
3. Barehipani Falls (Odisha)
The Barehipani Falls is the 2nd highest waterfall in India. Located within the Similipal National Park, which is surrounded by highly thick, biodiverse forests. It features a thriving ecosystem and attractive two-tiered water plunge.
- Location – Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.
- Height – 399 metres (1,309 feet).
- Width – 46 metres (150 feet) extends to 76 metres (250 feet) in the monsoon season.
- Water Source – Budhabalanga River.
- Altitude – 400 metres above sea level.
- Timings – 6:00 am to 12:00 pm, Compulsory exit before sunset (usually around 6:00 pm).
- Features – Two-tiered waterfall, reverberating sound, rich wildlife backdrop.
- Distance from Nearby Major Cities – About 125 km from Rourkela and 285 from Bhubaneswar.
- Average Spent Time – 2 to 4 hours.
- Ideal Time to Visit – October to June, Closed during monsoon months (July to September).
- Nearby Key Attractions – Joranda Waterfall and Barehipani Nature Camp.
- Ideal for – Wildlife photographers, nature lovers, ecotourists, family sightseers, and trekkers.
- How to Reach – Fly to Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar or board a train to Baripada Railway Station. After arriving at the airport or railway station, hire a taxi/car to reach the waterfall.
4. Dudhsagar Falls (Goa)
The Dudhsagar Falls come to the minds of many visitors when they talk about or search for the famous waterfalls in India. Located on the Goa-Karnataka border, it lies inside the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollam National Park. The term Dudhsagar means the Sea of Milk. Visiting it will make you comprehend why it is called Dudhsagar Falls. It is as it appears as a flow of milk from a height.
- Location – Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park in the Sanguem taluka, Goa.
- Height – 310 metres (1,017 feet).
- Width – About 30 metres (100 feet).
- Water Source – Mandovi River.
- Altitude – 310 metres (1,017 feet) from the sea level.
- Timings – 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Features – Four-tiered cascade, railway bridge view, and rich biodiversity.
- Distance from Nearby Major Cities – About 46 km from Madgaon (Margao), 80 km from Belagavi (Belgaum), and 70 km from Panaji (Panjim).
- Average Spent Time – 2 to 3 hours.
- Ideal Time to Visit – October to February. To experience its wildest/strong form, June to September.
- Nearby Key Attractions – Tambdi Surla Temple, Devil’s Canyon (Devcharacho Kond), and Mollem National Park Spice Plantations.
- Ideal for – Trekking enthusiasts, photographers, nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers.
- How to Reach – Fly to Dabolim Airport in central Goa or Manohar International Airport in North Goa. For a rail journey, board a direct or connecting train to the Madgaon Railway Station or the Kulem Railway Station.
5. Jog Falls (Karnataka)
The Jog Falls holds a good place among the top waterfalls in India. Fed by the Sharavathi River water, it plunges from a height of 253 metres and splits into four distinct beautiful cascades (Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket). To witness its strongest form, the monsoon season (July to September) is an ideal time to visit it.
- Location – Sagar taluk, Shivamogga/Uttara Kannada districts, Karnataka.
- Height – 253 metres (830 feet).
- Width – 472 metres (1,549 feet).
- Water Source – Sharavathi River.
- Altitude – 488 metres (1,601 feet).
- Timings – 7:30 am to 9:30 pm.
- Features – Four-tiered cascade {unbroken drop (Raja), violent current (Roarer), a series of jets (Rocket), and a foamy cascade (Rani)} and multiple vantage points like the Watkins Platform and British Bungalow.
- Distance from Nearby Major Cities – Approximately 100 km from Shivamogga (Shimoga), 130 km from Hubli, 210 from Mangalore (Mangaluru), and 400 km from Bangalore (Bengaluru).
- Average Spent Time – 2 to 4 hours.
- Ideal Time to Visit – July to September (monsoon).
- Nearby Key Attractions – Linganamakki Dam, Honnemaradu, and Keladi and Ikkeri temples.
- Ideal for – Photographers, family weekend getaways, and nature lovers.
- How to Reach – Take a direct or connecting flight to Hubli or Mangalore Airport. You can board a direct/indirect train to the Shimoga Railway Station if you love to travel by rail. Upon your arrival at the Hubli/Mangalore Airport or the Shimoga Railway Station, hire a private taxi like a car rental in Hubli and Mangalore for a smooth drive to the waterfall.
6. Athirappilly Falls (Kerala)
Athirappilly Falls is the largest waterfall in Kerala and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in India. Often referred to as the Niagara of South India, it lies in the lush Sholayar forest ranges and gets water from the clear Chalakudy River. This waterfall is famous for its dense, biodiverse surroundings and cinematic backdrops.
- Location – Athirappilly Panchayat, Chalakudy Taluk, Thrissur District, Kerala.
- Height – Approximately 25 metres (80 to 82 feet).
- Width – Average 100 metres (330 feet).
- Water Source – Chalakudy River.
- Altitude – 1,000 feet.
- Timings – Open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Features – A sprawling, semi-circular cascade, a prime shooting location for notable Indian films like Baahubali and Dil Se.
- Distance from Nearby Major Cities – About 70 km from Cochin (Kochi) and 60 km from Thrissur.
- Average Spent Time – 2 to 3 hours.
- Ideal Time to Visit – September to January for lush greenery, a strong water flow, and pleasant weather. The monsoon season (July to September) is ideal to witness its strongest form.
- Nearby Key Attractions – Vazhachal Waterfalls, Charpa Falls, and Thumboormuzhi Dam & Garden.
- Ideal for – Bird-watchers, road-trip adventurers, nature lovers, and photographers.
- How to Reach – Fly to the Cochin International Airport and book a taxi like the car rental in Cochin to reach the waterfall site smoothly. If you love a train journey, board a direct or connecting train to the Chalakudy Railway Station. From nearby cities/towns, you can use a public/private bus, auto, or taxi.
7. Hogenakkal Falls (Tamil Nadu)
Located right on the border with Karnataka, the Hogenakkal Falls is a spectacular waterfall and is one of the must-visit waterfalls in India. Fed by the water of the Kavery River, it is known for its healing therapeutic baths, thrilling coracle boat rides, and surroundings with ancient carbonite rock formations.
- Location – Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu.
- Height – 15 to 66 feet based on its specific water stream.
- Width – About 1.5 km with its split into multiple channels.
- Water Source – Kaveri River (Cauvery River).
- Altitude – 750 feet.
- Timings – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and 8:30 am to 5:30 pm for boating.
- Features – Multi-channel water streams, smoky rock effect, fresh local fish fries, ancient carbonatite rock formations, and healing/medicinal baths.
- Distance from Nearby Major Cities – Approximately 130 km from Bangalore and 340 km from Chennai.
- Average Spent Time – 1 to 2 hours.
- Ideal Time to Visit – July to September to witness its strongest form.
- Nearby Key Attractions – Mettur Dam, Melagiri Hills, Crocodile Rehabilitation Centre, Children’s Park, and Hanging Bridge.
- Ideal for – Adventure seekers, photographers, weekend travellers, and nature lovers.
- How to Reach – Fly to the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru (Bangalore) or board a direct or connecting train to the Dharmapuri Railway Station. After arriving at the airport or railway station, book a private taxi like the car rental in Bangalore to make your journey to the waterfall smoother and more comfortable.
8. Chitrakote Falls (Chhattisgarh)
Chitrakote Falls is a stunning natural horseshoe-shaped waterfall. It is located on the Indravati River in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, India. Highly acknowledged as the Niagara Falls of India, it is the broadest or largest waterfall in India. It spans over 300 metres during the monsoon months (July to September).
- Location – Indravati River, Bastar district, Chhattisgarh.
- Height – 29 metres (95 feet).
- Width – Up to 300 metres (985 feet) during the monsoon season.
- Water Source – Indravati River, a significant tributary of the Godavari River.
- Altitude – 546 metres (1,791 feet).
- Timings – Open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Specific timings may differ.
- Features – Horseshoe Shape, colour variation (reddish/brown hue in monsoon to a clear, sparkling white in winter and summer), and boat rides.
- Distance from Nearby Major Cities – About 40 km from Jagdalpur and 275 km from Raipur.
- Average Spent Time – 2 to 3 hours.
- Ideal Time to Visit – July to October.
- Nearby Key Attractions – Tirathgarh Waterfalls, Kutumsar Caves, Danteshwari Temple, and Anthropological Museum.
- Ideal for – Nature lovers, photographers, cultural explorers, and adventure seekers.
- How to Reach – Take a direct or connecting flight to Raipur. Otherwise, board a direct or connecting train to the Jagdalpur Railway Station. Ride a shared bus or hire a private taxi before or after your arrival at the nearest airport or railway station.
9. Bhagsu Waterfall (Himachal Pradesh)
Counted among the top waterfalls in India, it is a 20-metre scenic waterfall in Himachal Pradesh. It originates from the Dhauladhar range and is a short trek from McLeod Ganj. Due to the presence amid lush valleys and cosy cafes, it attracts trekkers, nature lovers, and visitors seeking a refreshing Himalayan escape.
- Location – Bhagsu Village, close to McLeod Ganj, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.
- Height – 20 metres (66 feet).
- Width – No official measurement, but 20 to 30 metres during the monsoon season.
- Water Source – Natural and snowmelt freshwater springs from the Dhauladhar mountain range.
- Altitude – About 2,000 metres (6,560 feet).
- Timings – Safe from the sunrise to sunset everyday.
- Features – A natural freshwater pool, a 5,000-year-old temple complex at the starting point, and the pathway featured with local cafes and eateries.
- Distance from Nearby Major Cities – About 3 km from McLeod Ganj, 11 km from Dharamshala, 90 km from the Pathankot Railway Station, and 242 km from Shimla.
- Average Spent Time – 1 to 2 hours.
- Ideal Time to Visit – September to November or March to June.
- Nearby Key Attractions – Bhagsunag Temple, the Shiva Café, the Dalai Lama Temple, and Triund Trek Base.
- Ideal for – Backpackers, beginner trekkers, pilgrims, and nature lovers.
- How to Reach – Fly to the Kangra Gaggal Airport or board a direct/connecting train to the Pathankot Railway Station from major cities like Delhi and Amritsar. From the airport or railway station, use public transport or hire a private taxi to reach the site.
10. Kempty Falls (Uttarakhand)
Kempty Falls is a celebrated, terraced waterfall in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. Developed in 1835 by British officer John Mekinan, the name originated from camp-tea due to the British tea parties historically hosted there. It is one of the most famous tourist and picnic spots in the region.
- Location – Ram Gaon, the Yamunotri Road (NH 707A), Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.
- Height – About 40 to 50 feet.
- Width – No official or documented measurement. 10 to 15 feet during the monsoon season.
- Water Source – Glacial streams.
- Altitude – 1,364 metres (4,500 feet).
- Timings – 8:00 am to 5:00 pm everyday.
- Features – Five tired cascades, a natural swimming pool at the base, boating ponds, a cable car, and numerous food stalls.
- Distance from Nearby Major Cities – About 15 km from Mussoorie, 45 km from Dehradun, 85 km from Rishikesh, and 250 to 290 km from Delhi.
- Average Spent Time – 2 to 3 hours.
- Ideal Time to Visit – March to June for swimming and boating. July to September for witnessing its wildest and strongest form.
- Nearby Key Attractions – Gun Hill, Mussoorie Mall Road, George Everest’s House, Lake Mist, and Camel’s Back Road.
- Ideal for – Nature lovers, photographers, families, and groups looking for a picnic spot.
- How to Reach – Take a direct or connecting flight to Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun. Otherwise, you can board a train to the Dehradun Railway Station. From the airport or railway station in Dehradun, ride a private taxi. With a car rental in Delhi, you can visit this waterfall on a weekend tour from Delhi.
FAQs
Q1. What are the most famous waterfalls in India?
The most famous waterfalls in India are Dudhsagar Falls, Jog Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, Shivanasamudra Falls, and Athirappilly Falls.
Q2. Which is the highest waterfall in India?
Kunchikal Falls is India’s highest waterfall. It falls from a height of 455 metres (1,493 feet).
Q3. Which is the widest waterfall in India?
The Chitrakote Falls (also spelled Chitrakoot) is the widest waterfalls in India. Its average width is 29 metres (95 feet), which extends to 300 metres (980 feet) during the monsoon season.
Q4. What are the top waterfalls in India?
The top waterfalls in India are Nohkalikai Falls, Dudhsagar Falls, Jog Falls, and Athirappilly Falls. They are known for their surroundings and water streams.
