We Indians love to travel. We got acquainted with that place while travelling and continue to enjoy its beauty of the place. It attracts us more when the place is rich in waterfalls. During the monsoon, the waterfalls become richer in water. So, we mostly prefer to visit the place to enjoy the real beauty of the waterfalls, lush greenery and a variety of flowers around it in the rainy season.
There are many waterfalls in various places in India. In this article, you are about to know the highest and biggest waterfalls in India. Here I am going to talk about the 10 best and tallest waterfalls in India along with various tips to help out visitors.
1. Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall, Maharashtra
- Height: 560m (1840 ft)
- Location: Satara district, Maharashtra
- How To Reach?
Satara is the nearest city to reach from Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall. From the Satara bus stand, one can reach the falls by using personal vehicles, hired cars or buses.
What Is Special About Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall?
Vajrai waterfall is the biggest waterfall in India in terms of height in three steps. It is situated in Satara District in Maharashtra and is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in western India. The place Vajrai is known as a devout place with a spiritual angle to some people.
The waterfall falls from a straight cliff having three steps. The 500 m-long trek path leading to the base of the waterfall is quite adventurous. The green forest and flowers make a peaceful ambience for nature lovers. The tranquillity of this deserted place can relax your mind. There are many small caves near Vajrai falls which you can see along with Vajrai waterfalls which is one of the biggest waterfalls in western India.
Tips For Visiting Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall
The area is occupied by a large number of leeches, especially during monsoon, so be prepared for it and take good precautions before visiting.
2. Kunchikal Falls, Karnataka
- Height: 455m (1493 ft)
- Location: Shimoga district, Karnataka
- How To Reach?
Kunchikal falls are very close to Mastikatte-Hulikal in the Shimoga district. It is the second-highest waterfall in India. If you want to travel by train, then you have to come to Shimoga station from Mangalore. From Udupi or Mangalore airport you can come here by taking a bus or private car.
What Is Special About Kunchikal Falls?
The waterfall is formed by the Varahi river and it is situated in an abundant rainforest. The path towards the falls gives a thrilling feel. The water flow to these falls is visible only during the rainy season (July- September). So visit The waterfall in the monsoon and enjoy the amazing beauty of the waterfall along with the surrounding place. This is one of the tallest waterfalls in India that everyone should visit.
Tips For Visiting Kunchikal Falls
It is located in a restricted area, so you need a gate pass to visit the waterfall and it is available at Hosangadi village which is about 15 km away from the waterfalls.
3. Barehipani Waterfall, Odisha
- Height: 399m (1309 ft)
- Location: Simlipal National park in Mayurbhanj district in Odisha.
- How To Reach?
Distance from Jashipur to Simlipal national park is nearly 10 km and Biju Patnaik international airport is 191 km away from Simlipal national park. From the airport, you can directly come to Simlipal national park by bus or taxi. If you come to reach here by train then you have come to Balasore railway station which is around 100 km away from Simlipal.
What Is Special About Barehipani Waterfall?
Budhabalanga river which flows over the mountain is the source of the waterfall. The two-tier waterfall is full of water throughout the year. The animals and birds living in the forest are dependent upon this waterfall as a source of water.
Being inaccessible, there is no way to get closer to the waterfall. You can only watch it from the opposite hill which is known as a popular tourist spot. Here you can get the full view of the waterfall with green ceremonies all around. The scenic beauty is amazing to cherish peaceful moments.
Tips For Visiting Barehipani Waterfall
To reach the location you have to get a pass from Baripada or Jashipur.
4. Nohkalikai falls, Meghalaya
- Height: 340m (1115 ft)
- Location: Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya
- How To Reach?
It is situated nearly 100 km distance from Shillong. cabs and buses are available to reach Cherrapunjee from Shillong.
What Is Special About Nohkalikai falls?
The mesmerizing beauty of the waterfall is complemented by the stunning forests and virid valleys all around. The water plunges from a height and it is eye-soothing to watch the slow-motion of the water as it reaches the ground and forms a small blue pond before trickling off further down.
One can enjoy every angle of the waterfall and the surrounding beauty by walking down with stairs alongside the fall to reach the lowest point.
Tips For Visiting Nohkalikai falls
In the rainy season, it is worth visiting Nohkalikai falls. At this time the waterfall is at its peak with lush greenery around it. The visibility also improves in the monsoon.
5. Seven Sister Waterfalls, Meghalaya
- Height: 315 m (1033 ft)
- Location: Mawsmai village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya
- How To Reach?
Few kilometres distance from Cherrapunjee. Just 2 km from the monument of David Scott at Sohra.
What Is Special About Seven Sister Waterfalls?
Nohsngithiang Falls is one of the spectacular waterfalls in Meghalaya. It is popularly known as ‘seven sister falls’ because it is divided into seven small waterfalls, running down limestone cliffs. On a bright sunny day, it reflects the sun’s rays and gives out vibrant colours in all directions which is a treat to the eye. This is one of the highest waterfalls in India that is worth visiting in Meghalaya.
Tips For Visiting Seven Sister Waterfalls
Visit there only in the rainy season otherwise, you might not be able to find all seven falls.
6. Dudhsagar Falls, Goa
- Height: 310m (1017 ft)
- Location: Sonaulim, Goa. It is located on the Madgaon-Belagavi rail route which is about 46 km east of Malegaon and 80 km south of Belgaum.
- How To Reach?
By road, it is 60 km from Panaji for which hired cars are easily available.
What Is Special About Dudhsagar Falls?
The fall of water from the four-tiered waterfalls apparently looks like a sea of milk falling on the ground from clouds. This is why the name is “Dudhsagar”.
The surrounding area of the falls is in Mahavir wildlife sanctuary. This is a home of many animals and different types of birds. To reach the waterfall the most adventurous trek starts from the village of Kuveshi but it is not available in monsoon season as the trail crosses over the Mandovi river.
The other preferable treks start from Kulhem railway station which is 11 km long and from Castle rock station in Karnataka which spans about 14km of rough terrain. These treks offer a picturesque view of ghats and valleys which give a wonderful experience.
Tips For Visiting Dudhsagar Falls
There are no places around the falls where food or water is available. It is advisable to carry the necessary things.
7. Kynrem Falls, Meghalaya
- Height: 305m (1001 ft)
- Location: Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
- How To Reach?
The waterfall can be visited from Cherrapunjee which is well-connected to the capital of Meghalaya- Shillong.
What Is Special About Kynrem Falls?
During heavy rains, it looks amazing with a huge volume of water. You can go very close to the fall and if you want you can swim in the water pool right below the cascade. This place is very quiet and you can feel the sound of the fall.
Tips For Visiting Kynrem Falls
This waterfall is located in a very remote area and the road is not good, you have to rent a car to go there.
8. Meenmutty Falls, Kerala
- Height: 300m (984 ft)
- Location: Wayanad district, Kerala.
- How To Reach?
The place is 45 Km away from Thiruvananthapuram and 3 km away from the Banasura Sagar Dam.
What Is Special About Meenmutty Falls?
A short hike to the falls through the woods and bamboo forest with the chirping of the birds gives a good feeling. The waterfall offers a small trek route to reach the top through rocks. Ropes are provided to cover the steep path. From the top, the view is really good. The overall journey gives a thrilling experience.
Tips- Take permission from the Aralam wildlife warden to enter this place.
Tips For Visiting Meenmutty Falls
- Visit the place in daylight.
- Quite a risky trail. so be prepared if you come with kids
- Don’t wear slippers because you have to climb the slippery rocks.
9. Thalaiyar Falls, Tamilnadu
- Height: 297m (974 ft)
- Location: Devadanapatti of Theni district, Tamilnadu.
- How To Reach?
Kodaikanal is located at a distance of 40km from the waterfall.
What Is Special About Thalaiyar Falls?
On the way from Kodaikanal to Dindigul, there is a place called Dum Dum rock that provides a panoramic view of the Thalaiyaar falls. The lush green mountain and dark rocks around the falls make it more beautiful. If you want to go close to the fall then you can go through in two ways. You can start from the Manjalaar dam then you can reach the bottom of the waterfall while you start from Moolaiyaar you can reach the top.
Tips For Visiting Thalaiyar Falls
- In the dry season, there is no water in the falls. So visit here in monsoon.
- There is no proper road, so it is too risky to reach the base or top of the falls.
10. Barkana Falls, Karnataka
- Height: 259m (850 ft)
- Location: Agumbe in Shimoga district of Karnataka.
- How To Reach?
The place is well connected to the Thirthahali bus stand. You can also hire a car to reach the trekking point.
What Is Special About Barkana Falls?
This place is located in the middle of a dense forest. Trekking to the falls takes you through the lush green rainforest along with different types of birds and animals. One can enjoy the beauty of nature during the trek.
Tips For Visiting Barkana Falls
All precautions and local help must be taken before starting the trek and it needs to take permission from RFO, Agumbe. Visit there only in the rainy season, other times there is hardly any water.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest waterfall in India is Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall located in western India.
The height of the Vajrai waterfall is 560m or 1840 ft.
Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall is located in the state of Maharashtra, India.
The second tallest waterfall in India is Kunchikal Falls, Karnataka which is high as 399m or 1309 ft.
Conclusion
So these are the Top 10 highest waterfalls in India. All the waterfalls offer great scenic beauty. If you are a nature lover or trekking enthusiast, you should visit them at least once in a lifetime.
Though most of these tallest waterfalls are more pleasant during the rainy season, I recommend avoiding them during heavy rains.
This is to avoid tough weather and leeches.
Most of these waterfalls are plastic-free zones. Even if not, as a responsible traveller, don’t throw plastic bags, or bottles anywhere.
Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and rain cover because the rocks become very slippery during the monsoon.
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