Best waterfalls to visit in Meghalaya

Meghalaya has waterfalls everywhere. Some are easy to reach, some need a proper hike, and a few are worth the muddy shoes and sore legs.

If you’re planning a trip, these are the waterfalls I’d put on the list.

1. Nohkalikai Falls

Near Cherrapunji, Nohkalikai Falls drops from a forested plateau into a blue-green pool far below. At around 340 metres, it’s the tallest plunge waterfall in India.

The main viewpoint is easy to reach, so you don’t need a long trek to see it. Go when the weather is reasonably clear because clouds can roll in and hide half the view.

Best for: first-time visitors, photography, quick sightseeing.

2. Seven Sisters Falls

Seven Sisters Falls, also called Nohsngithiang Falls, spills down the Khasi Hills in several long streams.

The waterfall is especially impressive during the monsoon when water pours over the cliff face. On a sunny day, the surrounding hills make the view even better.

It’s right along the Cherrapunji sightseeing circuit, so it’s an easy one to add to your day.

Best for: wide views, monsoon trips, sunset stops.

3. Wei Sawdong Falls

Wei Sawdong is the kind of waterfall that makes you stop scrolling through your itinerary and stare for a while.

The water drops through several rocky levels, creating deep turquoise pools surrounded by thick greenery. Reaching the falls involves a steep walk down, and the climb back up will remind you that Meghalaya doesn’t give away its best views for free.

Go early if you can. It gets busy.

Best for: swimming, photography, adventure.

4. Dainthlen Falls

Dainthlen Falls sits around 5 km from Cherrapunji and spreads across a broad rocky section before dropping into the valley.

There’s a Khasi legend behind the name involving a giant snake called Thlen. You can hear the story locally, but the waterfall itself is the reason to make the stop.

It’s also easier to visit than many of Meghalaya’s trekking waterfalls.

Best for: families, photography, short stops.

5. Krang Suri Falls

Krang Suri is in the Jaintia Hills near Jowai, and the water here is ridiculously clear when conditions are right.

There’s a proper access path to the waterfall, followed by steps down towards the pools. Swimming is popular, although you should check local conditions and restrictions before getting in.

I’d give Krang Suri a full chunk of your day rather than squeezing it between 2 rushed stops.

Best for: swimming, relaxing, clear water.

6. Kynrem Falls

Kynrem Falls is one of the taller waterfalls around Cherrapunji, with water dropping in 3 stages down the cliffs.

You can see it from Thangkharang Park, which makes the visit fairly simple. During the rainy season, the falls become much fuller and louder.

It’s a good pairing with other Cherrapunji sights because you don’t need to spend hours hiking to reach it.

Best for: viewpoints, monsoon scenery, easy sightseeing.

7. Bishop Falls and Beadon Falls

These 2 waterfalls are near Shillong and drop through a heavily forested valley.

You won’t get the same open cliff views as Nohkalikai, but the setting feels wilder. During heavy rain, both waterfalls can become powerful.

They’re useful if you’re staying in Shillong and want a waterfall stop without driving all the way to Cherrapunji.

Best for: a Shillong day trip, forest scenery.

8. Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls is probably the easiest waterfall to add to a Shillong itinerary.

A series of steps takes you down beside the falls, with several viewing points along the way. It’s touristy, yes, but it’s also convenient and pretty.

Give yourself around an hour if you’re simply sightseeing and taking photos.

Best for: families, short visits, Shillong itineraries.

9. Langshiang Falls

Langshiang Falls is for people who have more time.

It’s in the West Khasi Hills and is far less convenient than the popular Cherrapunji waterfalls. The journey takes longer, but the payoff is a huge waterfall surrounded by hills and forest.

If you’ve already seen the famous spots around Shillong and Cherrapunji, I’d look at Langshiang.

Best for: quieter trips, trekking, offbeat Meghalaya.

10. Mawlynnong Falls

Mawlynnong is better known for its village and surrounding scenery, but you can add nearby waterfalls to a day around the area.

The experience here is less about one giant drop and more about exploring the small roads, forests and streams around the village.

If you’re already visiting Mawlynnong, it’s worth checking what’s flowing nearby during your trip.

Best for: village trips, slow travel, combining several sights.

When is the best time to see Meghalaya’s waterfalls?

June to September is when Meghalaya gets its heavy monsoon rain, and that’s when the waterfalls are at their biggest.

But there’s a catch. Heavy rain can also mean slippery trails, poor visibility and occasional road problems.

For a first trip, September to October can be a nice compromise. You can still see plenty of water while getting a better chance of clear skies.

Which waterfalls should you pick?

If you have 2 days around Shillong and Cherrapunji, I’d pick:

• Nohkalikai Falls
• Seven Sisters Falls
• Wei Sawdong Falls
• Dainthlen Falls
• Kynrem Falls
• Elephant Falls

If you’ve got more time, add Krang Suri near Jowai.

And if you want something quieter, look towards Langshiang Falls and the lesser-known waterfalls around the Khasi and Jaintia Hills.

Meghalaya is one of those places where the waterfall isn’t always the destination. Sometimes the road to get there is half the fun.