5 Largest waterfalls in India
In India, numerous magnificent waterfalls have developed into a perfect location to appreciate the beauty of these priceless gifts from Mother Earth while enjoying life in peace and quiet away from the bustle of daily life.
Here we are going to know about the 5 largest waterfalls in India.
- Kunchikal falls, Karnataka
- Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunji
- Barehipani falls, Odisha
- Mawsmai falls, Cherrapunji
- Dudhsagar falls , Goa
1.Kunchikal falls:
Located near the Masthikatte-Hulikal on the Shimoga -Udupi border in Karnataka, Kunchikal Falls is formed by the River Varahi. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls among the 5 largest waterfalls in India.
The waterfall from a height of 455 meters in cascading form on these rocky boulders gives an impressive sight.
The Kunchikal waterfalls rank 116th in height in the world and India’s highest waterfall. The River Varahi flows down from a greater altitude in a cascading manner over these rocky structures close to the Hulikal Ghati Temple.
Best Time to Visit Kunchikal Falls:
The best time to visit the Kunchikal Falls is during the rainy season i.e. from July to September.
The enormous flow of water that gush out of the waterfall is indeed a sight to watch for.
During the rainy season, the water flow and current are high. The cascading levels look elegant in these rainy seasons.
How to Reach Kunchikal Falls?
▪️By Road:
Kunchikal waterfall is in Shimoga which is well connected by roadways to major cities like Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore etc. Numerous private buses ply to Kunchikal waterfall from Bangalore. Once Hulikal is reached tourists can take up taxis or any other private vehicles to the waterfall.
▪️By Rail:
Located on the Udupi-Shimoga border, Udupi railway station from Agumbe is around 67 km and From Shimoga, it is around 97km. From Shimoga or Udupi, one can take up any taxis or even buses to the waterfall.
▪️By Air:
Mangalore Airport is around 142 km from Kunchikal waterfall. Mangalore Airport is well connected to major cities. From the airport, one can take up a taxi service, a bus or even train to reach the waterfall.
2.Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunji :
Standing at 1115 feet above ground, the Nohkalikai Falls are one of the highest waterfalls in India and also comes in the list of 5 largest waterfalls in India. The name is supposed to come from the story of an aggrieved mother, named Ka Likai, who jumped off the edge of the cliff and turned into this beautiful waterfall. The waterfalls are supposed to be at their absolute and beautiful best during the rainy season for obvious reasons. At the base of the waters is a pool of strangely green, unpolluted water.
It is one of the most photogenic places to visit in Meghalaya. It drops from a height of 1115 feet into a pool that changes color from blue to aqua to green. Nohkalikai means ‘Ka Likai’s Leap’ in the Khasi language. The water plunging from such a height is a beautiful sight to behold.
Best Time to Visit Nohkalikai Falls:
October to December and March to May is the best time to visit Nohkalikai Falls. The weather is pleasant during this time, and you can witness clear skies and fast-flowing waterfalls in full glory.
How to Reach Nohkalikai Falls?
Cherrapunji to Nohkalikai Falls is easily accessible by car or cab. You can even walk from Sohra to the falls. Nohkalikai Falls from Cherrapunji is approx. 7 km away, and Cherrapunji from Shillong is about 54 km and takes 2 hours to reach. The drive is scenic, with views of mist-covered hills.
The nearest airport and railway station is in Guwahati, Assam. You can take direct or connecting flights/trains from major cities. And after arrival, take a bus, car, or taxi to reach Nohkalikai Falls.
3.Barehipani falls , Orissa:
Barehipani is India’s 2nd highest and Orissa’s highest waterfall. The height of the waterfall is 1309 ft just 55 mt less than Kunchikal Falls which is the highest waterfall of India. It is the 2nd highest waterfall and is considered in the 5 largest waterfalls in India.
The source of the waterfall is Budhabalanga River that flows over the mountain. It is a 2 tier water fall , which means the water falls in two drops.
The river Budhabalanga falls from the stiff heights of the Simlipal ranges to create these majestic falls 1200 foot high.
Situated close to the Barehipani waterfalls is the Joranda falls. Though not as massive as the Barehipani, this fall is known for its beauty.
Both of these waterfalls are full of water throughout the year. Located within the contours of the Simlipal national park, that hosts the majestic Bengal tiger as well as the rare white tiger species in Orissa, the water gushing down from the falls that run in small streams in the entire forest, serve as the lifeblood of the animals living in the forest. The waterfall Barehipani is a major tourist attraction and a large number of tourists come to visit this matchless beauty every year. A visit to Simlipal is incomplete without having a glimpse of the majestic Barehipani falls.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit this waterfall is between the months of October to February.
How to reach?
Nearest Bus Stop: Baripada, Jashipur
Nearest Railway Station: Baripada(46km), Keonjhar(97km)
Travel Options: Taxi, Bus, Train
Nearest town: Jasipur(30km), Baripada (46km)
Distance from Bhubaneswar: 300 km
4.Mawsmai waterfalls, Cherrapunji :
The Mawsmai Falls of Meghalaya is simply a splendid and magnificent waterfall located 1 km to the south of Mawsmai village in the East Khasi Hills district on the way to Cherrapunji. It is a beauty within itself and is considered one of the 5 largest waterfalls in India.
When it comes to picturesque landscapes and breathtaking natural wonders, Meghalaya is simply magical. Its pleasant climes and rugged plateaus coupled with thunderous wailing gorges and streams leave an indelible impression on many thrill seekers and tourists alike who have come to this place.
Regarded as the 4th highest falls in India, the Mawsmai Falls of Meghalaya which is locally known as the Nohsngithiang Falls is one of the many magnificent natural wonders that abound in Meghalaya.
It is also known as the Seven Sisters’ Falls which is aptly derived from the way the falls run down from the top of treacherous limestone cliffs of the Khasi Hills.
These limestone cliffs separate the flows of the water into seven segments that plunge down to a height of 315 meters into a deep valley.
The Mawsmai Falls get illuminated by the sun from dawn to sunset and the vibrant colors of the setting sun make it a spectacularly beautiful and amazing sight to behold.
Best time to visit?
The magnificent glory of Nohsngithiang Falls, Cherrapunjee deserves to be seen after monsoons. The falls will be in their full might. Form the splendid sights to the roaring noise, the fun will be at its peak.
How to reach?
Mawsmai falls, Cherrapunjee is located very close to Mawsmai Village. Connected easily with Cherrapunjee and the capital Shillong, railway network and flight routes are accessible. The nearest airport is at Guwahati and so is the train station.
5.Dudhsagar falls , Goa:
The four-tiered Dudhsagar Falls situated on the Mandovi River in Goa is one of the highest in our country. It is in the list of 5 largest waterfalls in India.
It plunges from a height of 1017 feet and looks incredible during the rainy season. The spot is surrounded by deciduous forest and the water rushes with a huge force. The best way to reach the waterfall is through trekking that starts from Kuveshi Village. However, this trail remains closed in the monsoon months. Castle Rock Station trek route is very popular among tourists that pass through rough and rocky terrain. It is advisable to carry adequate food and water as there are no stalls nearby.
Height : 1017 feet
Timings : 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Entry Fees : INR 400 per person
Address : Sonaulim, Goa – 403410, India
Best time to visit:
The waterfall is at its peak flow during the monsoon season lasting from June to September. November to December is also one of the best times to visit Dudhsagar Falls
How to reach?
The nearest railway station to reach Dudhsagar Falls is Castle Rock station. You can also reach the destination with the help of Taxi services available at Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. The Waterfalls are also accessible from Kulem, which is situated in the vicinity of the National Highway (NH-4A).
Also Read – most dangerous mountain of the world
Conclusion:
Above we listed all the 5 largest waterfalls in India that you should know about.
