Top 10 Captivating Waterfalls India Boasts

India is home to some of the world's most stunning waterfalls, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and photographic opportunities. Here, we take a journey through some of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls that nature lovers and photographers should not miss.

Nohkalikai Falls (Meghalaya)

Standing tall at 340 meters (1,115 feet), Nohkalikai Falls is India's tallest plunge waterfall, nestled amidst lush greenery near Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth. The falls feature an emerald pool and offer panoramic views ideal for photography. The waterfall's name comes from a tragic local legend of a woman named Ka Likai, making it culturally significant [1][2][5].

Kunchikal Falls (Karnataka)

With a height of 455 meters, Kunchikal Falls is the tallest waterfall in India. Formed in multiple tiers by the Varahi River, it is situated in a scenic and lush area. However, it is less accessible due to a restricted hydroelectric project [1][2].

Jog Falls (Karnataka)

One of India's highest waterfalls, Jog Falls cascades amidst dense rainforests, creating a stunning natural spectacle. It is highly favoured by photographers and nature enthusiasts [4].

Barehipani Falls (Odisha)

With a height of 399 meters in two distinct tiers, Barehipani Falls is nestled deep in Simlipal National Park. Surrounded by dense forests, it offers dramatic scenery and is a top spot for eco-tourists and photographers [2].

Dudhsagar Falls (Goa)

A majestic waterfall cascading down steep cliffs amidst lush jungle, Dudhsagar Falls is especially striking during the monsoon. It is accessible and very popular among photographers and travelers alike [1].

Shivanasamudra Falls (Karnataka)

Known for its powerful twin cascades (Gaganachukki and Bharachukki) falling 98 meters, Shivanasamudra Falls also holds historic significance as the site of Asia’s first hydroelectric power plant [1].

Additional North India Waterfalls

Chadwick Falls (Shimla), Tiger Falls (Chakrata), Neer Garh Falls (Rishikesh), Bhagsu Falls (McLeodganj), and Corbett Falls (Nainital) are also highly recommended for their natural beauty and accessibility to photographers [3].

These waterfalls are celebrated not only for their height and volume but also for their scenic settings—lush forests, steep cliffs, and unique geological formations—providing ample opportunities for nature lovers and photographers to capture breathtaking landscapes [1][2][3][4][5]. The monsoon season often enhances the spectacle with greater water flow.

Other Notable Waterfalls

Vasudhara Falls (Uttarakhand): Located near Badrinath, Vasudhara Falls plunges dramatically into the rocky valley below, surrounded by towering peaks. It is nearly 400 feet high, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Uttarakhand [6].
Chitrakote Falls (Chhattisgarh): Known as the "Niagara Falls of India", Chitrakote Falls plunges over 90 feet but spreads wide across the Indravati River. Illuminated at night and surrounded by tribal culture, Chitrakote Falls offers a soulful waterfall experience [7]. Boating near the falls is available in the drier months, and nearby tribal markets offer unique handicrafts.
Hogenakkal Falls (Tamil Nadu): Carbonated water tumbles over rugged rocks at Hogenakkal Falls. The falls are compared to Niagara for their breadth and spectacle. Fish fry vendors are nearby, and the therapeutic properties of the water are locally famed [8]. Circular coracle boat rides are available during the drier months.
Athirappilly Falls (Kerala): Located in the Thrissur district, Athirappilly Falls is Kerala's largest waterfall. The pool at the base of Bhagsu Waterfall, located in the scenic town of McLeod Ganj near Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, is popular for a quick dip during summer [9]. A short trek from Bhagsunath Temple leads to Bhagsu Waterfall.
Thoseghar Waterfalls (Maharashtra): Thoseghar Waterfalls is a series of plunging waterfalls set in a tranquil valley. Dense forests, elephant herds, and lush greenery surround Barehipani Falls, located inside the Simlipal National Park in Odisha [10].

Each of these waterfalls offers a unique and unforgettable experience, showcasing the breathtaking natural beauty that India has to offer.

| Waterfall | Location | Height (meters) | Notable Features | |---------------------|------------------|-----------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Kunchikal Falls | Karnataka | 455 | Tallest in India, multi-tiered, remote | | Barehipani Falls | Odisha | 399 | Two tiers, in Simlipal National Park | | Nohkalikai Falls | Meghalaya | 340 | Tallest plunge waterfall, emerald pool, legend | | Jog Falls | Karnataka | ~253 | High volume, surrounded by rainforest | | Dudhsagar Falls | Goa | ~310 | Steep cliffs, impressive monsoon flow | | Shivanasamudra Falls| Karnataka | 98 | Twin cascades, historic hydroelectric plant | | Vasudhara Falls | Uttarakhand | ~120 | Dramatic plunge, towering peaks | | Chitrakote Falls | Chhattisgarh | ~27 | Spreads wide, illuminated at night, tribal culture | | Hogenakkal Falls | Tamil Nadu | ~65 | Carbonated water, compared to Niagara | | Athirappilly Falls | Kerala | ~80 | Largest in Kerala | | Thoseghar Waterfalls| Maharashtra | ~100 | Series of plunges, tranquil valley |

The stunning Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya, standing at 340 meters, boasts an enthralling emerald pool and towers amidst lush greenery, making it a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.
Kunchikal Falls in Karnataka, standing tall at 455 meters, is the tallest waterfall in India and, although less accessible, presents a majestic sight formed by the Varahi River.
India's high volume and a crowd-pleaser for nature enthusiasts, Jog Falls in Karnataka cascades dramatically amidst lush jungle, offering photographers a panoramic canvas replete with rainforests.
Eco-tourists and photographers flock to Barehipani Falls in Odisha, a breathtaking twin-tiered waterfall nestled within Simlipal National Park, surrounded by dense forests.
The majestic Dudhsagar Falls in Goa explodes across steep cliffs amidst lush jungle, creating a mesmerizing spectacle especially during the monsoon season for photographers and travelers alike.
Shivanasamudra Falls in Karnataka is a sought-after destination for both photographers and historians as it is home to Asia’s first hydroelectric power plant and features powerful twin cascades (Gaganachukki and Bharachukki).