Meghalaya, meaning “the abode of clouds,” is one of India’s most scenic and rain-blessed states — and home to over 200 waterfalls, each with its own personality. Whether it’s a gentle cascade near a city or a wild drop deep in the forest, Meghalaya’s waterfalls turn every visit into a visual and emotional experience.
In this blog, we’ve picked the top 7 most magical waterfalls across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. These are perfect for families, trekkers, photographers, and anyone who wants to feel the fresh mist of nature.
Top 7 Waterfalls in Meghalaya:
- Nohkalikai Falls
- Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang Falls)
- Elephant Falls
- Sweet Falls
- Krang Suri Falls
- Dainthlen Falls
- Rainbow Falls
1. Nohkalikai Falls – Where Beauty Meets Tragedy
Location: Cherrapunji (Sohra) | Height: 340 m | Distance from Shillong: ~54 km
Nohkalikai is the tallest plunge waterfall in India, and its drop is as haunting as the legend behind it. The water falls in a single, fierce stream from a lush green cliff into a blue pool below—silent, powerful, and full of emotion.
The best time to visit is from March to May because the weather is clear, and the waterfall looks amazing after the early rains. During this time, you can enjoy great views from the safe viewing platform and take lots of pictures with family or friends.
The area around the falls can be slippery, especially during the rainy season from June to September. The rocks and paths get wet and muddy, so it can be dangerous to walk around. Also, during the monsoon, thick fog can cover the waterfall, making it hard to see. So, the rainy season is not the best time to visit.
In the winter months, from December to February, the waterfall has less water, so it doesn’t look as big and powerful. That’s why March to May is the perfect time for a visit.
Swimming near the waterfall is not allowed because it’s unsafe. But standing on the viewing platform, feeling the cool spray, and enjoying the stunning view is a wonderful experience for families and friends.
What Makes It Special:
- It’s a sheer vertical drop—no rocks, no steps, just pure air and water.
- A local tale speaks of a woman named Likai who jumped from this cliff in sorrow—giving the waterfall its name: “Jump of Likai”.
- The color of the water pool changes with the season—blue in winter, deep green during monsoon.
This is not just a waterfall. It’s a feeling. One of awe, silence, and reflection.
2. Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang) – A Seasonal Symphony
Location: Mawsmai, Cherrapunji | Height: 315 m | Distance from Shillong: ~58 km
Seven Sisters is not one waterfall but seven side-by-side streams pouring down from the clouds,visible only during the monsoon. The view is vast, open, and best seen during a dramatic sky.
Seven Sisters Falls is located in Mawsmai village near Cherrapunji. This waterfall is famous because it has seven separate streams of water flowing down the cliff, especially during the monsoon season from July to September. During these months, the waterfall looks like a beautiful curtain made of seven sparkling threads of water.
The best time to visit is during the monsoon when the falls are full and loud, creating a magical and dramatic scene. It’s a wonderful place to visit with friends or family who enjoy nature’s beauty and the sound of rushing water. The fresh air, green surroundings, and amazing views from the roadside viewpoint make the visit special.
In the winter months, the waterfall can be much smaller or even dry, so it’s not the best time to see it. But during the monsoon, the Seven Sisters Falls truly come alive and offer one of Meghalaya’s most impressive natural sights.
What Makes It Special:
- Only visible in full form during monsoon.
- Called “Seven Sisters” for the seven vertical streams.
- Set against the cliffs of Cherrapunji, the second wettest place on earth.
This is a waterfall you don’t hear. You feel it—in your skin, in the air, and in the movement of the sky.
3. Elephant Falls – Shillong’s Waterfall in Three Steps
Location: Near Shillong city | Height: 21 m (3 tiers) | Distance from Police Bazar: ~12 km
Elephant Falls is a crowd favorite because it’s close, charming, and easy to reach. It’s made up of three tiers: the first is hidden in rocks, the second is wide and soft, and the third is tall and strong.
Elephant Falls is located just a short drive from Shillong and is a favorite spot for families because it has beautiful three-level waterfalls. The best time to visit is from October to February, when the weather is cool and the water flows nicely.
The falls can be reached by walking down paved steps, which makes it safe and comfortable for elderly people and children. Families can enjoy a relaxing afternoon here, taking photos, exploring the nearby gardens, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
The waterfall gets its name from a rock near the falls that once looked like an elephant, which adds a fun story to the visit. Elephant Falls is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and beautiful nature outing close to the city.
What Makes It Special:
- Named by the British after a rock shaped like an elephant, now broken.
- Has a well-built path with stairs and viewpoints.
- Ideal for families, quick trips, and all fitness levels.
This is the waterfall you visit when you want nature—but also a cup of tea afterward.
4. Sweet Falls
Location: Near Happy Valley, Shillong | Height: 96 m (single-drop) | Distance from Police Bazar: ~10 km
Sweet Falls is one of the most beautiful yet mysterious waterfalls in Meghalaya. Located near Happy Valley in Shillong, it plunges straight down a steep cliff from a height of about 315 feet (96 meters). The water flows in a thin, narrow stream, giving the fall a sleek and elegant look as it disappears into a deep forested gorge below.
Despite its name, Sweet Falls is known for being both stunning and dangerous. The waterfall is surrounded by dense greenery and sharp cliffs, and the area has no proper barriers or railings. For safety reasons, visitors are not allowed to go too close to the edge or descend into the gorge.
The best time to visit is October to February, when the skies are clear and the view of the fall is not blocked by mist or heavy rain. During the monsoon (June to September), the waterfall becomes much stronger, but the paths can be slippery, and fog often limits visibility.
Things to Do:
- Enjoy the view from a safe spot near the cliffside
- Take photographs of the falls surrounded by thick forest
- Visit nearby parks or viewpoints like the Shillong Peak or Lady Hydari Park
- Stop by local tea shops or roadside stalls on your way
Sweet Falls is best for travelers looking for quiet, offbeat spots close to Shillong. It offers a more raw and untouched experience compared to the well-maintained Elephant Falls, and its remote charm makes it perfect for those who enjoy peaceful nature views without the crowds.
5. Krang Suri Falls
Location: West Jaintia Hills | Height: Approx. 40 m | Distance from Shillong: ~85 km (~3 hours)
Krang Suri Falls is one of Meghalaya’s most stunning waterfalls, famous for its crystal-clear blue-green water and natural swimming pool. Located near Jowai in the West Jaintia Hills, this waterfall feels like a hidden paradise surrounded by forested cliffs and cool mountain air.
The best time to visit is from October to April, when the water is calm, safe, and perfect for swimming. There’s even boating available during this season, making it a favorite destination for families and groups looking to relax, play in the water, or simply enjoy nature.
The area around the falls is clean and well-maintained, with changing rooms, safety jackets for swimmers, and a viewing platform. Visitors often come here to swim, picnic, take photos, or just rest in the peaceful surroundings. You can also walk behind the waterfall, which offers a unique and refreshing experience
What Makes It Special:
- The bright turquoise-blue water is rare and stunning in natural settings
- One of the few waterfalls in Meghalaya where swimming is allowed
- You can walk behind the waterfall curtain, making for a magical photo moment
- Safe and clean environment with changing rooms, life jackets, and picnic spots
- Surrounded by dense forests, adding to its secluded and untouched charm
6. Dainthlen Falls
Location: Near Sohra (Cherrapunji), East Khasi Hills | Height: Around 90 meters | Distance from Shillong: About 58 km (~2 hours by road)
Dainthlen Falls is a wide and powerful waterfall located close to Sohra (Cherrapunji). It’s a great place to enjoy nature, have a picnic, and take beautiful photos. The area around the falls is open and peaceful, with flat rocks where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the cool breeze. Many people come here to spend quiet time with family or friends while listening to the sound of the water.
What makes this waterfall special is the famous local story connected to it. According to Khasi legend, a giant serpent called Thlen once lived near the falls. The villagers killed the serpent here, and the marks on the rocks are believed to be from that fight. That’s how the fall got its name — “Dain” means “to kill” and “Thlen” is the serpent. This makes the visit even more interesting, as it’s not just about nature, but also about learning local culture.
You can also visit other places nearby like Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, and Eco Park, which are only a short drive away. It’s a great spot to include in your Sohra day trip.
Best from October to February for cool, clear weather; avoid June to September due to slippery paths and heavy fog.
What Makes It Special:
- Connected to a well-known Khasi legend
- Wide waterfall with a strong flow, best seen after the rains
- Surrounded by flat rocks and open space — good for sitting and walking
- A quiet place with fewer tourists, ideal for peaceful visits
6. Rainbow Falls
Location: Near Nongriat Village, East Khasi Hills, Height: Approx. 100–120 meters, Distance from Shillong: ~68 km + 3 km trek from Double-Decker Root Bridge
Rainbow Falls is one of Meghalaya’s most enchanting and visually striking waterfalls. It’s not just the height or the crystal-clear water that sets it apart—it’s the way sunlight and spray create rainbows right in front of your eyes. On clear days, as the waterfall plunges powerfully into a deep blue-green pool, multiple rainbows appear in the mist, shifting and shimmering with every breeze. You can also visit February to April – clear skies, safe trails, and higher chances of rainbows. This natural phenomenon gives the fall its name, and its magic.
To reach this hidden beauty, one must first trek beyond the iconic Double-Decker Living Root Bridge in Nongriat village. The trail winds through lush forests, bamboo groves, and ancient stone paths. The journey takes effort, but it rewards you with complete silence, fresh mountain air, and the unforgettable first glimpse of the falls pouring down from forested cliffs.You can avoid June to September – heavy rain, fog, and slippery paths.
What Makes It Special:
- Rainbow mist effect when sunlight hits the falling water
- A stunning turquoise plunge pool, perfect for photos and relaxing by
- Surrounded by thick forest and butterflies, far from roads or noise
- Feels like a hidden world, only reachable through a scenic 3 km forest trek
Rainbow Falls isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. It reminds you what nature can create when left untouched: color, silence, movement, and beauty, all in one place. For those willing to go the extra mile, this waterfall leaves you with not just memories—but wonder.
Conclusion
So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler chasing dramatic drops or a quiet soul seeking hidden corners of nature, the waterfalls of Meghalaya have something for everyone. From the towering Nohkalikai to the dreamy mist of Rainbow Falls, each one tells its own story—through sound, shape, color, and even legend.
Also, these falls aren’t just beautiful backdrops; they are living landscapes, tied deeply to local culture, geography, and tradition. Some are easy to access like Elephant Falls, while others like Rainbow Falls require a trek—but both offer unforgettable experiences in their own way.
Then there’s the variety. Some Meghalaya waterfalls are best seen in the clear skies of winter and spring, while others come alive during the monsoon, roaring with full force. This diversity means you can visit again and again, in different seasons, and always discover something new.
So next time you plan a trip to the Northeast, don’t just stop at Shillong or Cherrapunji—go deeper, follow the mist, and listen to the water. Because in Meghalaya, the waterfalls don’t just fall—they speak, they shine, and they stay with you.
Meghalaya waterfalls are more than destinations. They are memories waiting to be made.