The rainfall received by Meghalaya is much higher than in any other part of the planet. From June to September, the rainfall present here makes this state into a wonderful waterfall gallery. Cliff overflows with limestone, forest pathways flooded with fresh water, and around every turn on the road, there is a view awaiting you that did not exist two months ago.
In case you have been thinking of a trip to the northeast and continue to postpone it to winter, the monsoon season of Meghalaya could make you change your mind. It is at this time that the waterfalls here are loudest, highest, and most dramatic.
Here are the 10 best Meghalaya waterfalls to visit in the monsoon season, with truthful travel tips, how to reach these waterfalls, what to expect, and who each waterfall suits best.
1. Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunji
Location: 7 km south of Sohra (Cherrapunji) town
Height: About 340 metres (highest plunge waterfall in India)
Best in monsoon: June to September
The headliner is Nohokalikai. The waterfalls directly drop off from the edge of a cliff into a deep pool, which changes to either turquoise blue in winter or milky green when it rains. During the best of the monsoon, the whole face of the cliff is engulfed in cloud vapor, and the water falling on the bottom is heard by the plateau.
The name of this waterfall is derived from a tragic Khasi legend about a woman called Likai. The viewpoint is available via road, which makes it one of the most convenient big waterfalls to see here. There is no hiking required, only a short walk after the parking space.
Good for: All age groups, photographers, first-time visitors to Meghalaya
2. Nohsengithiang Falls (Seven Sisters Falls), Mawsmai
Location: Mawsmai Village, some 4 km south of Sohra
Height: Some 315 metres on a broad limestone cliff
Best in monsoon: July to September (seasonal; dries up in winter)
This is a purely monsoon waterfall. Seven different streams run down a broad face of the cliff, and all these streams can be viewed from a roadside position on the road leading to Mawsmai Cave. It is not unusual to see rainbows here on a sunny monsoon afternoon when the sun pierces the clouds.
The viewpoint has no entry fee and is both senior and family-friendly. But in November, however, from November to May, you will likely find a trickle or nothing at all.
Good for: Families, photography lovers, time-starved travellers.
3. Wei Sawdong Falls, Cherrapunji
Location: 13 km southeast of Sohra; involves a 15-minute hiking climb up the car park.
Height: Three tiers of cascade (depending on the tier)
Best time during monsoon: June to August
Wei Sawdong is a round-shaped waterfall with turquoise colored pools at every level, which is why it is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Meghalaya. The way to get there is through a short and sharp climb with bamboo ladders and rocky steps. The amount of water is multiplied during monsoon that makes the trail more difficult and the view much more rewarding.
When you are reasonably fit and have good grip shoes, this one is absolutely worth the effort.
Good for: Adventure travelers, young adults, trekkers.
4. Kynrem Falls, Thangkharang Park
Location: within Thangkharang Park, some 12 km south of Sohra
Height: some 305 metres (three-tiered and ranked among the highest waterfalls in India)
Best time during monsoon: June to September (also in post-monsoon)
Kynrem Falls is a broad three-level cascade waterfall that falls in a wooded ravine. The unique thing about it is the fact that you can see it through the Thangkharang Park, which also gives a look at the Indo-Bangladesh plains on clear days. The park features paved walk paths, thus being one of the more comfortable waterfall experiences in the area.
Entry to the park is nominal, and at the entrance, facilities like toilets and small stores are available.
Good for: Families with children, senior citizens, and nature walkers.
5. Dainthlen Falls, Cherrapunji
Location: The Cherrapunji bus is approximately 11 km away
Height: It is approximately 90 metres
Best season during monsoon: July to September
Dainthlen Falls was named after a Khasi myth of a mythical serpent known as Thlen, which was said to have been killed in this region. The local folklore alleges that the imprints on the rocks surrounding the area are believed to be the remains of the serpent.
It is also a favorite sunset place. The falls are surrounded by an open landscape that reflects the evening light in such a manner that the entire view makes it look bigger than it is.
Good for: Folklore enthusiasts, couples, and photographers.
6. Elephant Falls, Shillong
Location: The cascade is on the edge of Shillong city centre, close to the Shillong Peak
Height: Three-level cascade (between 42 and 42 feet)
Best season in monsoon: The cascade flows throughout the year, but is strongest during and after monsoon.
Elephant Falls is the nearest waterfall in Meghalaya. A staircase, which is well maintained with railings, leads down through three levels, each having a viewing platform of its own. The British gave it its name based on an elephant-shaped rock at the bottom (the rock is no longer there due to a previous earthquake).
The foamy water, which is white, is torrential during the monsoon. During drier seasons, it is less intense, and the layers are less difficult to capture. The entrance has localized stores and small restaurants.
Good for: Families, seniors, solo travellers, and any person who has come to Shillong, even for a day.
7. Krang Suri Falls, Jaintia Hills
Location: West Jaintia Hills district, about 90 km away from Shillong (about 3 hours by road).
Height: Approximately 40 metres.
Best time in monsoon: The falls are viewable in the monsoon, which is considered dramatic, but the trails are usually slippery. Post-monsoon (September to December) offers the best balance of water volume and safety.
Krang Suri is said to be the most beautiful waterfall in Meghalaya. The water falls to deep, crystal-clear pool of vivid blue-green color. During sunny days, the mist from the falls sometimes creates a rainbow.
It has a paved stone trail that descends at a 15-20 minute rate to the falls. It is open to swimming, and there are life jackets. One can even walk behind the water curtain to have a different view.
Good for: Groups, solo travellers, couples seeking a swim spot.
8. Rainbow Falls, Nongriat Village
Location: Approached through a trekking trip in Tyrna Village, Nongriat Village, in a valley in the middle of a valley.
Height: Mid-sized cascades set deep within a valley.
Best time in monsoon: Monsoon delivers the highest water volume, but the trek is safer from October to January
The Rainbow Falls is named due to the tiny rainbow that is created when the sunlight enters the spray of mist at the right angle.
The catch? You have to earn this one. It starts at Tyrna Village and goes down the village in about 3,000 steps to Nongriat, the home of the famous double-decker living root bridge. Another 1 to 2 hours of walking is then required to reach the falls.
In heavy rains (monsoons), the road is slippery, and the water levels may be hazardous for swimming. To have both adventure combined with the rainbow view, then early after the monsoon (October to November) is the optimal time.
Best for: For serious trekkers, adventure travellers, and backpackers.
9. Bishop and Beadon Falls, Shillong
Location: Bishop Falls is a three-level cascade located close to Upper Shillong, in the Eastern Air Command area of the Indian Air Force.
Height: Beadon Falls is a three-tier cascade flowing next to Bishop Falls.
Best time in monsoon: June to September (best viewed in late afternoon when mist clears)
These two waterfalls are located at the outskirts of Shillong and are enclosed by a forest. Bishop Falls plunge to three levels into a deep ravine, and Beadon Falls plunge over slippery precipices along it. The view of the two together is one of the most underestimated scenes in the Shillong region.
It is serene and calm and not congested with tourists like the Elephant Falls. The installation is easily accessible, and the perspective provides a panoramic view of the valleys around the area.
Good for: Travellers seeking offbeat experiences of Shillong, photography lovers.
10. Tyrshi Falls, Near Jowai
Location: The West Jaintia Hills, a few kilometres west of Jowai
Height: Not very high, but extremely broad.
Best season in monsoon: June to September.
Tyrshi Falls is as wide as a white curtain that covers the hillside in the rain. It goes down to the viewpoint by a scenic staircase, through rice fields, and gives a view of the Pynthor Nein territory. It is not a high waterfall, but it has the width and the setting around it that make it look different and appealing.
It is among the less noisy waterfalls in Meghalaya, and it is a half-day trip that can be made from Jowai.
Good for: Offbeat travellers, nature walkers, and those who come to Jowai.
Monsoon Travel Tips for Meghalaya Waterfalls
Going to Meghalaya, especially with waterfalls during the monsoon, is an exciting experience, yet it demands some feasible arrangements:
Footwear matters: Foot-tracks get greasy quickly. Waterproof shoes that have a good grip are not a bargain, particularly in the case of Wei Sawdong and Rainbow Falls.
Layer your rain gear: An umbrella will not help in windy edges of cliffs; a lightweight poncho or rain jacket will prove to be more helpful.
Start early: It is more visible in the morning before the fog sets in. By midafternoon, most of the viewpoints are totally overcast.
Carry extra clothes: When you intend to go swimming at Krang Suri or hiking to Rainbow Falls, you will not have to take a cold ride back with a wet set of clothes.
Check road conditions: Landslides and road blockages happen during the peak monsoon. Check the routes with your driver or travel operator and then go out.
Keep phones in waterproof pouches: The mist in itself takes the full day to damage electronics.
Yes Tourism, with its ground presence throughout the northeast (including offices in Guwahati and Gangtok), will develop Meghalaya waterfall itineraries that factor in monsoon weather, road closures, and town weather patterns. Such local expertise is really a difference when the clouds choose to alter your plans.
How to Plan a Meghalaya Waterfall Trip
The majority of the waterfalls here fall into two areas: Cherrapunji (Sohra) and Shillong. The direction of the Jaintia Hills includes Krang Suri and Tyrshi Falls, and they need a separate day trip.
All 10 waterfalls can easily be seen on a scheduled 5 to 7 days trip, provided you settle in Shillong and Cherrapunji for a few nights each. In case of less time, Nokkalikai, Elephant Falls, and Krang Suri are the most diverse in the range of experiences to be offered.
Yes Tourism comes up with tailor-made Meghalaya waterfall tour packages that consider the driving distances, the level of the trek, and the road conditions during the monsoon period, thus you are not taken by surprise when you are on the road.
FAQs: Meghalaya Waterfalls During Monsoon
Q1. What is the best time to visit waterfalls in Meghalaya?
Most of the waterfalls in Meghalaya are at their peak water volume during the monsoon season between June and September. The months of post-monsoon (October and November) are the best for those who want a balance between full waterfalls and clear skies, hence photography and trekking are good during these months.
Q2. What is the tallest waterfall in Meghalaya?
The tallest plunge waterfall in India is the Nohkalikai Falls, which is situated near Cherrapunji, with a height of about 340 metres. It is most dramatic when it is in the monsoon months, when the water falls in its entirety over the plateau edge.
Q3. Are Meghalaya waterfalls safe to visit with kids and elderly family members?
Yes, there are a few waterfalls that are family - friendly. Shillong Elephant Falls has a staircase that is paved and has railings. The Thangkharang Park has the Kynrem Falls that are easily walkable. The Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang) can be seen directly off the road. But for young children or senior citizens, it is recommended not to take the treks to Rainbow Falls or Wei Sawdong.
Q4. Can you swim at any waterfalls in Meghalaya during the monsoon?
The Krang Suri Falls allow swimming, and life jackets are provided. Nonetheless, water levels might be erratic at most falls, especially when there are heavy monsoon flows. The post-monsoon period (October to December) is usually considered safer when swimming because the water flows are stabilised, but the pools remain full.
Q5. How many days do I need to visit the best waterfalls in Meghalaya?
An organized 5 to 7 day tour can be sufficient to visit the best waterfalls in Meghalaya within the Cherrapunji, Shillong, and Jaintia Hills areas. A quick 3 to 4 day tour around Nohkalikai, Elephant Falls, Seven Sisters, and one or two more is a practical option.
Q6. Do I need a guide for waterfall treks in Meghalaya?
In case of accessible waterfalls such as the Elephant Falls or the Nohkalikai, there is no need of guide. In case of Rainbow Falls and Wei Sawdong, however, it is highly advised that a local guide should be hired. The tracks are also tricky, particularly during low visibility during the monsoon.
Q7. What should I pack for a monsoon waterfall trip in Meghalaya?
Bring waterproof shoes with strong grips, a light rain jacket or poncho, a waterproof phone pouch, quick-dry items, a second change of clothes, and a small first aid kit. In case you want to go swimming, bring a towel and swimwear.