Spread Eagle Falls
A secluded waterfall in Shillong, named for its eagle-like shape, offering a serene natural escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and great for photos
Spread Eagle Falls
Best Time
Peaceful and great for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded waterfall in Shillong, named for its eagle-like shape, offering a serene natural escape.
"It's a beautiful and tall waterfall, a place to go with your friends and family."
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven and slippery. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the area safely.
Check directions carefully :world_map:
Google Maps can be unreliable here. Ask locals for precise directions to avoid wasting time.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Eagle's Perch
Main waterfall viewing area
Witness the unique cascade resembling an eagle in flight, a truly majestic natural spectacle.
Pine Tree Trek
Uphill trails
Enjoy a scenic trek through pine trees, offering a pleasant natural escape and beautiful views.
Local Serenity
Surrounding natural setting
Experience the calm and soothing environment, a treat for the eyes amidst nature's embrace.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessibility & Maintenance Concerns
Best Time for Serene Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven and slippery. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the area safely.
Check directions carefully :world_map:
Google Maps can be unreliable here. Ask locals for precise directions to avoid wasting time.
Go early for solitude :sunrise:
To truly appreciate the natural beauty and avoid crowds, visiting early in the morning is recommended.
Photography focus needed :camera_with_flash:
Capturing the best shots requires specific photography skills due to the unhygienic conditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven and slippery. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the area safely.
Check directions carefully :world_map:
Google Maps can be unreliable here. Ask locals for precise directions to avoid wasting time.
Go early for solitude :sunrise:
To truly appreciate the natural beauty and avoid crowds, visiting early in the morning is recommended.
Photography focus needed :camera_with_flash:
Capturing the best shots requires specific photography skills due to the unhygienic conditions.
Respect the environment :recycle:
Be mindful of the natural setting and avoid contributing to any pollution.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Spread Eagle Falls offers a unique, natural cascade resembling an eagle, set amidst a serene pine forest. While praised for its raw beauty and peaceful environment, visitors frequently mention significant drawbacks including poor accessibility, lack of maintenance, and concerning levels of pollution in the stream, making it a challenging visit for some.
"This place not very accessible or well maintained. It is as natural as nature gets, but only if you are okay with the pollution in the stream. I couldn't reach the waterfall, neither attempted to because of the polluted end of the stream where I started.
But the catch here is that, if you follow the trek uphill like I did, you will enjoy a very pleasing view of the pine trees.Location: East Khasi Hills District, Shillong
Located within the Shillong Cantonment, on the outskirts of the city, lies a sparkling waterfall which looks like an eagle with wings spread. Hence the name Spread Eagle Falls. The falls is locally known as Umkaliar or the falls into which Ka Liar slipped. A soothing setting amidst the calmness of nature - a treat to the eyes.No any road is found for the wonderful place communicating is very bad for the place visitors waste time for searching the place no security and name place is availabe for the wonderful place for which visitors avoid this place8 KM distance from Shillong Town, opposite eastern air command HQ; best to visit in the month May,June,July,August,September,& October.It's pleasant environment best for family picnic.Local people here are very respectable and very welcome to all who visit here.It's also called the sweet falls.. its kinda not so famous like other places in Shillong but the view is worth it. Especially if u go early in the morning wid no one around.A must visit for any tourist travelling in the north eastern states of India. It's in Meghalaya, and what a better way to start/end your journey other than taking a picture with the beautiful waterfall in the background.A place where you can fell the majestic nature of North Eastern India. It is a beutiful and tall water fall, a place to go with your friends and family. But elder persons will face problem for going up and down by narrow stairs to see best part of the water fall. If my advice really helps you, please give it a thums up 👍🏻"
Niranjan Mandal
"If people have idea of photography, only then you'll get pictures as in shown here. The place is so unhygienic. I got a very disappointed feeling reaching there. And to the spot going is too dangerous."
Aman Ansari
"This place not very accessible or well maintained. It is as natural as nature gets, but only if you are okay with the pollution in the stream. I couldn't reach the waterfall, neither attempted to because of the polluted end of the stream where I started.
But the catch here is that, if you follow the trek uphill like I did, you will enjoy a very pleasing view of the pine trees."
Samim Jahin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Spread Eagle Falls is located about 8 KM from Shillong town, opposite the Eastern Air Command HQ. However, navigation can be tricky as Google Maps might not be accurate. It's best to ask locals for directions.
While it's on the outskirts of the city, the accessibility to the falls themselves can be challenging. Some visitors have reported difficulty reaching the main waterfall due to the condition of the paths.
Hiring a taxi or using a private vehicle is recommended for reaching the general vicinity. From there, you might need to walk or trek.
Reports suggest that clear signage can be lacking, making it difficult for visitors to find the exact location without local guidance.
While ride-sharing apps can get you close to the Shillong Cantonment area, the final approach to the falls might require local knowledge or further arrangements.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding entry fees is not consistently available, but it's generally considered a natural attraction. It's advisable to check locally upon arrival.
As a natural attraction, there are typically no strict opening or closing hours. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
No, advance booking is generally not required for Spread Eagle Falls as it's a natural site.
Visitors should be aware of the natural conditions, including potential pollution and difficult terrain. Safety precautions are advised.
The falls are located within the Shillong Cantonment area, which might have certain regulations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The best experience involves appreciating the natural cascade and the surrounding pine trees. However, be prepared for potential unhygienic conditions and difficult paths.
Due to the challenging terrain, narrow stairs, and potential safety concerns like pollution and dangerous river currents, it might not be ideal for families with very young children.
The falls offer unique photographic potential, especially if you can capture its eagle-like shape. However, the unhygienic environment might pose challenges for photographers.
Reports suggest that facilities are minimal or non-existent, emphasizing the natural and less-developed state of the attraction.
Visitors are strongly advised against going near the water or attempting to swim due to dangerous currents and reported pollution in the stream.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Try to capture the unique shape of the waterfall that resembles an eagle in flight. Early morning light can enhance the natural beauty.
Focus on the natural landscape and the waterfall itself, avoiding areas with visible pollution. Consider using a polarizing filter to manage reflections.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography.
There are no specific mentions of drone usage, but given its location within a cantonment area, it's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the entire waterfall and its surroundings. A tripod can help with low-light conditions or long exposures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do decide to visit, prioritize safety above all else. Keep a very close eye on children, and avoid letting them go near the water. The uphill trek might also be strenuous for younger kids. Consider it more for families with older children who can navigate uneven paths with supervision.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Trekkers
Be prepared for less-than-ideal maintenance and potential environmental issues. The real charm lies in its secluded, natural state, so embrace the ruggedness. Early mornings are best for a more serene experience.
📸 Photographers
However, be aware of the challenges: unhygienic conditions and difficult access might require careful planning and equipment. Early morning light is your best bet for capturing the beauty without the crowds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Name and Lore
The falls are situated within the Shillong Cantonment area, on the outskirts of the city. This location contributes to its somewhat secluded and natural feel, though it also presents challenges in terms of accessibility and maintenance. The surrounding environment, particularly the pine trees, offers a pleasant backdrop for those who venture here.
While the visual appeal of the waterfall is undeniable, it's important to note that some visitors have reported issues with pollution in the stream and the overall upkeep of the site. This duality of natural beauty and environmental concerns is a recurring theme in visitor feedback.
Navigating the Terrain and Accessibility
Once you get close, the path to the waterfall itself can be challenging. Visitors have described narrow stairs and difficult terrain, making it less suitable for those with mobility issues or young children. Some reviewers even mentioned being unable to reach the waterfall directly due to the condition of the stream's end.
For those who do manage the trek, the reward is a glimpse of nature in its raw form. However, the experience is often tempered by reports of unhygienic conditions and a general lack of maintenance. It's crucial for visitors to be prepared for these aspects and prioritize safety, especially near the water, which is described as dangerous.
Photography at Spread Eagle Falls
However, the unhygienic conditions and the potentially dangerous approach to the falls can pose challenges. Photographers might need to focus on the broader landscape or find creative ways to frame the waterfall while being mindful of the environment. Early morning visits are often recommended for better lighting and fewer distractions.
While the falls themselves are the main attraction, the surrounding pine trees and the natural setting can also provide excellent photographic opportunities. It's a place where the raw beauty of nature is present, but visitors should be prepared for the practical realities of its upkeep and accessibility.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit