Nohkalikai Falls Cherrapunji
India's tallest plunge waterfall, cascading 1,115 ft into a stunning turquoise pool, steeped in a poignant local legend.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Maximum water flow & vibrant green
Nohkalikai Falls Cherrapunji
Best Time
Maximum water flow & vibrant green
Highlights
Must-see attractions
India's tallest plunge waterfall, cascading 1,115 ft into a stunning turquoise pool, steeped in a poignant local legend.
"The view is mesmerizing. If you get a view of the waterfall your visit is successfully."
🎯 Monsoon Magic
Visit during monsoon for the most dramatic views, but be ready for mist!
☁️ Cloud Cover Caution
Sometimes clouds hide the falls. Patience is key; wait for the mist to clear for the best reveal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Nohkalikai Falls
Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
India's tallest plunge waterfall, cascading 1,115 feet into a stunning turquoise pool. A truly awe-inspiring natural wonder.
The Turquoise Plunge Pool
Base of the falls (view from above)
The vibrant green-blue pool at the base of the falls is a breathtaking sight, especially when the mist clears.
Rainbows in the Mist
Viewpoint
Witness nature's magic as rainbows form in the mist created by the powerful cascade. A truly unforgettable spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Falls
Embrace the Legend and the Landscape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Monsoon Magic
Visit during monsoon for the most dramatic views, but be ready for mist!
☁️ Cloud Cover Caution
Sometimes clouds hide the falls. Patience is key; wait for the mist to clear for the best reveal.
💰 Entry Fee
Expect an entry fee of around ₹50 per person.
👟 Trekking Trails
Challenging trekking routes are available for the adventurous.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Monsoon Magic
Visit during monsoon for the most dramatic views, but be ready for mist!
☁️ Cloud Cover Caution
Sometimes clouds hide the falls. Patience is key; wait for the mist to clear for the best reveal.
💰 Entry Fee
Expect an entry fee of around ₹50 per person.
👟 Trekking Trails
Challenging trekking routes are available for the adventurous.
🛍️ Local Crafts
Browse local handicraft shops near the viewpoint for souvenirs.
📸 Rainbow Views
The mist often creates beautiful rainbows, a photographer's delight.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nohkalikai Falls is widely praised for its breathtaking beauty and status as India's tallest plunge waterfall. Visitors are mesmerized by the powerful cascade and the vibrant turquoise plunge pool, especially during the monsoon. However, the experience can be unpredictable due to mist and clouds, sometimes obscuring the view, and the site carries a somber local legend.
"One of the best places in cherapunji. Entry fees 50 ra per head.. wonderful place this is ..but it has a pathetic story behind the name of the falls..A lady named "Likai " jumped from this falls that falls named 'Nohkalikai'."
SABYASACHI SAHA
"One of the largest waterfalls in India. The view is mesmerizing. Only problem is that it depends on your luck as the waterfall is sometimes covered with clouds and you can only hear the sound of water but cannot see the falls. The view is very beautiful from the top. There is a trekking route also but it is very strenuous. There are shops which sell local handicraft items, food etc. The entry ticket is Rs. 50 per head. If you get a view of the waterfall your visit is successfully."
deepak kothari
"This was a lovely experience where we were at the mercy of the falls. It was thick mist which made us wait and finish our lunch at the shops there. The sound of the falls was a big tease and finally when the reveal happened , especially of the turquoise blue plunge pool - it was an absolutely wow moment. The flow was lesser than usual given the underwhelming rains but it felt like a privilege witnessing this famous travel destination of our country."
Avinash Venkataraman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nohkalikai Falls is located about 5 kilometers from Cherrapunji town and is easily accessible by road. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus. Many Meghalaya tour packages include Nohkalikai Falls as part of their itinerary. 
The nearest major airport is in Guwahati, Assam. From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Shillong, and then another bus or taxi to Cherrapunji. The journey offers scenic views of the Meghalayan landscape.
While direct public transport to the falls might be limited, you can reach Cherrapunji by bus and then hire local transport like taxis or shared cabs to reach the falls.
The roads leading to Nohkalikai Falls are generally well-maintained, offering a pleasant drive with stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Yes, it's possible to visit Nohkalikai Falls as a day trip from Shillong, but it will be a long day. It's more common to stay overnight in Cherrapunji to fully explore the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for Nohkalikai Falls is approximately ₹50 per person.
Nohkalikai Falls is generally open throughout the day, but it's best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the views and for safety.
No, tickets are typically purchased at the entrance on the day of your visit. There's no need for advance booking.
While there are no major restrictions, it's advisable to follow safety guidelines, especially near the viewpoints, and respect the local legends and environment.
Currently, there is no separate fee mentioned for photography at Nohkalikai Falls. Standard entry fees apply.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main viewpoint offers a spectacular panoramic view of the falls and the plunge pool. There are also pathways leading to different vantage points.
You can view the falls from designated viewpoints. Direct access to the base of the falls is not permitted for safety reasons.
The falls are named after Likai, a woman who, in despair after her daughter was murdered and cooked by her step-father, jumped to her death from the cliff.
There is a short walk from the parking area to the main viewpoint. Some visitors mention strenuous trekking routes are also available.
There are local shops selling handicrafts and food, as well as restrooms available near the viewpoint.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon can offer beautiful lighting, but the mist and rainbows can appear at any time, especially during and after rain.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the falls and landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. A tripod can help in low light or misty conditions.
Yes, the surrounding lush green hills, dramatic cliffs, and the journey to the falls offer numerous scenic photo opportunities.
Including a person or a known object in the frame can help convey the immense scale of the waterfall.
The main challenges are mist, unpredictable weather, and potential cloud cover that can obscure the view. Protecting your gear from moisture is also important.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during clearer weather if possible, as dense mist can be less engaging for children. The surrounding natural beauty also provides opportunities for kids to appreciate nature. While strenuous treks are available, the main viewing area is the most family-friendly option. Pack comfortable shoes for any walking and be prepared for potential rain, even outside the peak monsoon season.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Backpackers
Engage with locals at the shops or fellow travelers at the viewpoint to share experiences. The legend of Nohkalikai adds a unique cultural layer to the visit, offering a deeper connection to the place. If you're up for a challenge, explore the trekking routes for a more immersive natural experience. Remember to carry a power bank for your phone, as you'll want to capture the stunning scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Tragic Legend of Nohkalikai
+3This legend adds a somber yet captivating dimension to the visit. While the roaring water and the sheer drop are awe-inspiring, the story serves as a reminder of the human emotions and historical narratives intertwined with the landscape. Many visitors find that understanding this tale enhances their appreciation for the place, transforming it from just a beautiful sight into a site with profound cultural and emotional significance.
It's important to approach this story with sensitivity. The legend is a significant part of the local heritage and is often shared by guides and locals. It's a tale that has been passed down through generations, becoming an integral part of the identity of Nohkalikai Falls and the surrounding region.
Experiencing Nohkalikai Falls: Beyond the Viewpoint
For the more adventurous, there are trekking routes available. While some are described as strenuous, they offer a chance to explore the natural beauty more intimately. Near the viewpoint, you'll find small local shops selling handicrafts and local snacks. These offer a glimpse into the local culture and a chance to pick up unique souvenirs.
It's also worth noting that the experience can be highly dependent on weather. During the monsoon, the falls are at their most powerful, but mist can be dense, sometimes obscuring the view. However, this mist can also create magical rainbows, a sight many find to be a highlight. In drier months, the water flow might be less, but the plunge pool's clean, turquoise color is still a stunning spectacle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit