India is blessed with abundant natural beauty and promises some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. The multitude of beautiful waterfalls across regions can spellbind anyone and everyone. Here is the list of the top 12 highest waterfalls in India.
You must visit at least one of these falls during monsoon season to see their magnificence at its peak.
- Kunchikal Falls
- Barehipani Falls
- Nohkalikai Falls
- Langshiang Falls
- Nohsngithiang Falls
- Dudhsagar Falls
- Kynrem Falls
- Meenmutty Falls
- Thalaiyar Falls
- Barkana Falls
- Jog Falls
- Khandadhar Falls
The 12 Highest Waterfalls in India
1. Kunchikal Falls
Located in Shimoga district of Karnataka, Kunchikal waterfall is the highest waterfall in India and the second-highest waterfall in Asia after Japan’s Hannoki waterfall.
Cascading down from a height of 455 m (1,493 ft), it originates from the Varahi river. The falls gushing over the rocky terrain from such a great altitude provides an impressive scenic picture to the visitors.
Shimoga is well connected to major cities like Bangalore and Mysore by road. The nearest railheads are Udupi and Shimoga. By air, you can reach Mangalore airport and hire a taxi from there.
2. Barehipani Falls
Plunging down from an impressive altitude of 399 m (1,309 ft), Barehipani Falls is the second-highest waterfall in India.
This two-tiered waterfall originates from the Budhabalanga river and makes its way through the rocky terrains of the mighty Meghasani mountain.
It is situated within the boundaries of Simplipal National Park in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. The gorgeousness of the Barehipani falls during monsoon is awe-inspiring with lush greenery all around the hills.
The closest railhead is in Baripada, approximately 70 km away from the falls. You can hire private taxis from the station or hop onto a local bus to reach there.
Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport at a distance of 283 km from the falls.
3. Nohkalikai Falls
Tucked away in the dense forests of Khasi Hills in Meghalaya, Nohkalikai falls features at the third position in this list of highest waterfalls in India.
It lies about 5 km away from Cherrapunji town. Tumbling down from a height of 340 m (1,115 ft), it creates a large blue-green plunge pool at the bottom.
The panoramic beauty of the site makes it one of the prime attractions for tourists visiting Meghalaya. There is a viewing gallery to relish the fascinating view of the falls and the lush green surroundings.
Check this post if you want to know more about the most beautiful places to visit in Meghalaya.
The nearest airport is in Guwahati, Assam about 166 km from the waterfall location. You can hire a taxi or board a bus to reach there from the airport.
Guwahati is the nearest railhead about 104 km from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya and from there Cherrapunji is around 54 km away.
4. Langshiang Falls
Situated at a distance of 105 km from Shillong, Langshiang waterfall is amongst one of the highest waterfalls in India.
The Kynshi river splits into two streams and falls down from a height of 337 m (1,106 ft) into a deep gorge, giving birth to the mighty Langshiang falls.
It is inundated with water throughout the year due to heavy rainfall in the region. The charming beauty of the rich green landscape can leave anyone in awe of this place.
The nearest domestic airport is Umroi Airport in Shillong at a distance of about 105 km. Alliance Air operates flights to and from Shillong on domestic routes. The nearest major airport is located 150 km away in Guwahati.
Shillong has no train connectivity. The nearest railhead is in Guwahati, which has direct trains from many major cities of the country. From there, hire a cab to reach Langshiang falls.
5. Nohsngithiang Falls
A gem of nature with seven streams, Nohsngithiang waterfall plunges over the limestone cliffs of the Khasi Hills and is also referred to as Seven Sisters Falls.
Flowing down from a height of 315 m (1,033 ft) the falls is situated in Mawsmai village of East Khasi Hills District in Meghalaya.
The seven segments of the falls exemplify the seven sister states of north-eastern states namely Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, Tripura.
Monsoon is the best time to witness the grandness of this waterfall when the plummeting cascades carry the maximum amount of water.
The waterfall is located at a distance of about 4 km from Cherrapunji main town and 57 km from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. Guwahati airport is the nearest international airport and the closest railhead is also in Guwahati.
6. Dudhsagar Falls
Cascading down from a height of 310 m (1,020 ft), Dudhsagar falls features in the list of highest waterfalls in India.
The falls have their source in the Mandovi River of Goa. This four-tiered waterfall creates an illusion of an overflowing sea of milk through the mountains.
It lies in the southern part of Goa at Mollem along the Western Ghats and forms the border between Goa and Karnataka states.
Also Read: 12 Best Places To Visit in Goa.
The awe-inspiring waterfall and immaculate beauty of the surroundings create a picture-perfect site for tourists.
It is located on the Madgaon-Belagaum rail route which provides a perfect vantage point to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the mighty Dudhsagar falls.
7. Kynrem Falls
Kynrem waterfall is situated inside the Thangkharang Park at a distance of about 12 km from Cherrapunji in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya.
Tumbling down from 305 m (1,001 ft), it is the seventh highest waterfall in India. The cascades flow down from the top of the hill into three levels.
The astonishing beauty of the falls can be best enjoyed during the rainy season when the streams are in their full swing. You can get a view of Bangladesh also from here.
By air, Guwahati airport is the nearest international airport and Shillong airport at Umroi is the nearest domestic airport. The closest railway station is at Guwahati about 161 km from the falls.
8. Meenmutty Falls
A pristine collection of nature, Meenmutty falls is a three-tiered waterfall in Wayanad district of Kerala. Set at a height of 300 m (980 ft), it features in the list of the top 10 highest waterfalls in India.
The silvery water cascading down from such a great height gives an enchanting panoramic view to visitors.
The main entrance of the falls is accessible by road. From there it takes almost 2 km of trekking through the dense forests to reach there. You can enjoy astounding views of Banasura Sagar dam from the top of the falls.
Kozhikode is the nearest railhead about 97 km from the falls and Calicut International Airport is the closest one at a distance of 107 km.
9. Thalaiyar Falls
Nestled in the Palani hills in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, Thalaiyar Falls is also known as Rat Tail Falls.
It is the highest waterfall in Tamilnadu flowing down from a height of 297 m (975 ft). On a bright sunny day, Thalaiyar Falls is also visible from the Dum Dum Rock viewpoint on the Batalugundu-Kodaikanal Ghat Road.
The top of the Rat Tail Falls is accessible only through an arduous trekking route as there is no road connecting to the falls.
Madurai Junction is the nearest railway station, roughly 110 km away from the falls. The nearest airport is also located in Madurai.
Thalaiyar Falls lies at an approximate distance of 40 km from Kodaikanal. If you are planning to visit Kodaikanal, check this post – tourist places in Kodaikanal.
10. Barkana Falls
Encompassed by superabundant greenery, Barkana Falls is situated in the Balehalli forest area at a distance of 10 km from Agumbe village in Shimoga district of Karnataka.
Originating from the Seetha river and gushing down from a height of 259 m (850 ft), it is amongst the ten highest waterfalls in India.
Barkana derives its name from Barka, a mouse deer found in this region. The grandiosity of the falls is truly mesmerizing during the rainy season when it is deluged with rainwater.
You can witness the falls in its full might during the monsoon. Barkana Falls is also used for hydroelectricity generation in Karnataka.
Mangalore International Airport is the closest airport at a distance of about 135 km from Agumbe. You can book a taxi or hire a private vehicle to reach Agumbe from the airport.
Agumbe doesn’t have rail connectivity. Udupi is the nearest railhead about 60 km away from Agumbe.
Shimoga is the second nearest railway station located at a distance of 90 km. You can go trekking or use motorbikes to reach Barkana falls from Agumbe.
11. Jog Falls
Also known as Gerosoppa Falls, Joga Falls and Jogada Gundi, it is located in Shimoga district of Karnataka. Joga is a Kannada word meaning falls.
Located on the Sharavathi river, the waterfall descends from a height of 253 m (830 ft) to form four different water streams named Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket.
It is counted amongst one of the highest waterfalls in India and the second-highest plunge waterfall after Nohkalikai falls. Jog falls relies on the water released by the Linganmakki dam built across the Sharavathi river.
You can see the falls in its full grandeur during the rainy season. The water from the falls further flows through Gerusoppa village and meets the Arabian Sea at Honnavar.
The nearest railhead is at Shimoga 104 km away from Jog Falls and is well connected to cities like Bengaluru and Mangalore.
Hubli Airport (130 km) is the nearest domestic airport and Mangalore International Airport (200 km) is the nearest international airport. You can rent a cab or take a bus from Bengaluru or Mangalore to reach here.
12. Khandadhar Falls
Originating from perennial rivulet Korapani Nala Khandadhar Falls gushes down from a height of 244 m (801 ft).
This falls ranks 12th in the list of highest waterfalls in India. It is the second-highest waterfall in Odisha after Barehipani Falls.
The waterfall gets its name for Khanda (Sword) and Dhara (stream) as it looks like a sword when plunging from such a height in a single drop.
Nestled in a dense forest at Nandapani village, Bonaigarh in Sundergarh district, the dazzling flow of water during monsoon can leave you awestruck.
The nearest railhead Rourkela is 104 km away from the falls. It is accessible by road up to Bonaigarh and from there you can cover the last 2 km distance through trekking.
The nearest airport is Birsa Munda airport in Ranchi at a distance of about 248 km and the second nearest airport is Biju Patnaik airport in Bhubaneswar around 265 km away from the falls.
Further Reading
For more travel inspiration and waterfall destinations, check out these posts.
6 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Cherrapunji.
Krang Suri Falls – One of Meghalaya’s Most Gorgeous Waterfalls.
91 Most Beautiful And Inspirational Waterfall Quotes.
Over To You Now…
Are you thrilled to know that India has such amazingly beautiful waterfalls! Pack your bags and embark on the journey to explore some of the highest waterfalls in India.
Which all waterfalls have you already visited and where are you headed next? Tell us in the comment section below.
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The pictures of the waterfalls and their descriptions are really amazing. Thank you for such a beautiful post.
You’re welcome! I am glad you liked this post.
Wow. India has such amazing waterfalls. Nice post on falls.
I am highly impressed with natural beauty of Meghalaya. Looking forward to visiting all major waterfalls situated there.
Yes Keshav, Meghalaya is indeed very beautiful and such amazing falls add to its glory.