6 Dangerous Waterfalls In India You Should Know About

An image showing Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya, one of the dangerous waterfalls in India.

The dangerous waterfalls in India are known for their strong currents, cliffs, and unpredictable water flow. Many of these waterfalls have deep gorges, slippery rocks, and sudden floods during the monsoon season, making them risky for visitors. Dense forests surround some, while others have rough terrains that are hard to walk on. Despite these dangers, they remain among India’s most popular waterfalls, attracting adventurers and travellers. In this blog, we will look at six famous waterfalls in India that are known for their power and risk, making them both thrilling and dangerous.

Top 6 Dangerous Waterfalls In India

Discover the most dangerous waterfalls in India, known for their height, strong currents, and risky terrain.

1. Urakkuzhi Waterfalls

A waterfall cascading down mountains, representing dangerous waterfalls in India.

Photo: gabmarjan / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Urakkuzhi Waterfalls is one of the unique waterfalls in India, known for its deep gorges and strong water flow. The waterfall crashes down with great force, making it risky for visitors. The surrounding rocks are uneven and extremely slippery, especially after rain. Thick vegetation covers the area, and tall trees block sunlight, making some spots dark even during the day. The uneven rock formations create narrow water channels, increasing the speed of the water. During monsoons, the waterfall becomes dangerous due to sudden floods. It remains one of the most

popular waterfalls in India: attracting adventurers despite its risks.
Location: Palakkad, Kerala
Nearby Attractions: Malampuzha Dam, Silent Valley National Park

2. Kumbhe Waterfall

An image showing Kumbhe Waterfall View Point, highlighting dangerous waterfalls in India.

Photo: Kumbhe Waterfall / Wikimedia Commons

Kumbhe Waterfall is among the famous waterfalls in India, but its strong currents make it unsafe. The water crashes against large, jagged rocks, creating unpredictable waves. The surrounding rock formations are sharp, and even a slight misstep can lead to injury. The waterfall is surrounded by thick green vegetation, which adds to its beauty but also makes it hard to navigate. The mist from the waterfall makes the nearby rocks slippery. During heavy rainfall, the water level rises quickly, making the area dangerous.

Location: Satara, Maharashtra
Nearby Attractions: Thoseghar Waterfalls, Kas Plateau

3. Nohkalikai Falls

Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya, is recognised as among the most dangerous waterfalls in India.

Photo: Wann Majaw / Wikimedia Commons

Nohkalikai Falls is one of the unique waterfalls in India, known for its height and strong flow. It falls from a height of 340 metres, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in India. The water crashes into a deep pool, creating strong undercurrents that can pull in anything nearby. The surrounding cliffs are steep and covered with loose rocks, making it risky to walk around. The mist from the waterfall makes visibility low, and the strong winds add to the danger. The dense forest around the waterfall makes the area even more isolated.

Location: Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
Nearby Attractions: Mawsmai Cave, Seven Sisters Falls

4. Kunchikal Falls

An image showing a waterfall cascading down a cliff into a river, similar to Kunchikal Falls.

Photo: ReneGossner / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Kunchikal Falls is the highest waterfalls in India, with a drop of 455 metres. The waterfall flows over a series of rocky steps, creating a powerful current. The rocks in the area are slippery, making it dangerous for visitors. During monsoons, the water level rises suddenly, making it hard to predict the flow. The surrounding vegetation is dense, and the landscape is uneven, with steep slopes that are difficult to climb. Landslides are common in this region, adding to the risk.

Location: Shimoga, Karnataka
Nearby Attractions: Agumbe Rainforest, Kodachadri Hills

5. Naneghat Reverse Waterfall

A waterfall where a rainbow is created, similar to the Naneghat Reverse Waterfall.

Photo: heymatthew / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Naneghat Reverse Waterfall is one of the unique waterfalls in India, where the water flows upwards due to strong winds. The high cliffs and steep rock formations make this place risky. The strong winds that push the water back up can also make it hard to stand in some areas. The rocks are sharp, and the path leading to the waterfall is difficult to climb. The surrounding area has a thick green cover, but the terrain is rough, with loose stones that make walking dangerous.

Location: Junnar, Maharashtra
Nearby Attractions: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Shivneri Fort

6. Jog Falls

An image showing Jog Falls with water cascading down cliffs in multiple streams.

Photo: channakeshava koffee / Wikimedia Commons

Jog Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in India, but its powerful flow makes it dangerous. The waterfall has multiple cascades, and the water crashes down with great force, creating strong currents. The rocks near the falls are extremely slippery, and the mist reduces visibility. The surrounding landscape has steep cliffs, and the steps leading down are difficult to walk on, especially during monsoons. The dense vegetation around the area makes it hard to find safe spots.

Location: Shivamogga, Karnataka
Nearby Attractions: Linganamakki Dam, Dabbe Falls

Best Time To Visit

The segmented streams of Jog Falls plunging from a great height into a rocky basin.

Photo: Arkadeep Meta / Wikimedia Commons

The best time to visit these dangerous waterfalls in India depends on the location. Monsoons (June to September) bring the highest water levels, making them more dangerous but also more impressive. For a safer experience, winter (October to February) is ideal, as the water levels are lower.

Tips For Travellers

Follow local guidelines and avoid swimming while visiting the dangerous waterfalls in India.

Photo: ian dooley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

  • Avoid visiting during heavy rainfall to reduce risks.
  • Wear proper footwear to prevent slipping.
  • Stay within designated viewing areas for safety.
  • Carry drinking water and snacks, as facilities are limited.
  • Follow local guidelines and avoid swimming in restricted areas.

The dangerous waterfalls in India are not just natural wonders but also places where visitors need to be careful. Their strong water flow, steep drops, and rough landscapes make them unsafe for casual trips. Many of these unique waterfalls in India become even riskier during the rainy season. If you plan to visit, take proper precautions. To explore these famous waterfalls in India, plan a trip with TripXL today.

Cover Photo: Sujan Bandyopadhyay / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Kunchikal Falls is the highest waterfall in India, with a total height of 455 metres. Its multiple cascades and strong water flow make it one of the most dangerous waterfalls, especially during the monsoon season.
Many waterfalls in India are considered dangerous due to their strong currents, slippery rocks, steep cliffs, and unpredictable water flow. Some also have deep gorges or rough terrains, making them risky for visitors.
Swimming is generally not safe near these famous waterfalls in India due to strong undercurrents, sudden water level changes, and hidden rocks. Many areas around these waterfalls also have restricted access to prevent accidents.
Some popular waterfalls in India offer guided tours, especially those near tourist-friendly locations. However, not all have official guides, and visitors should check in advance for safety information.
The monsoon season makes most unique waterfalls in India more dangerous due to heavy rainfall, strong currents, and sudden floods. The increased water flow also makes the surrounding rocks more slippery and difficult to navigate.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month