10 Best Waterfalls In India To Visit On Your Next Vacation

The view of beautiful waterfall, lush greenery and blue sky - best waterfalls in India

The Indian subcontinent is truly a piece of art, sporting stunning natural beauties all around. From majestic waterfalls to tall peaks and mountains, every corner of the country boasts a unique experience waiting to be unravelled. If you are mesmerised by waterfalls in India, wanting to explore every one of them is an innate urge that you will not be able to subside. Be it the rugged terrains of the Western Ghats or the lush green hills in the Eastern Ghats, there are innumerable waterfalls, big and small, across the country.

10 Best Waterfalls In India

To make your exploration worthwhile, having a proper plan for exploring these waterfalls in India is somewhat crucial. Here are the top ten waterfalls in India

1. Jog Falls, Karnataka

Majestic Jog Falls in Karnataka, cascading down rugged cliffs amidst lush greenery.

Photo: Nomratasaha / Wikimedia Commons

Starting the list with one of the highest waterfalls in the country. Jog Falls in Karnataka takes a plunge from a height of 830 feet. One of the unique attributes of this waterfall is its unique division. It is divided into four distinct falls: Raja, Rani, Rover, and Rocket. Jog Falls comes to life during the monsoon season. The Sharavathi River comes to full capacity, fuelling the rush of water down the waterfall. Also, the surrounding area of the waterfall breathes life with its lush greenery.

Location: Jog Falls, Karnataka 577435
Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 onwards

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2. Dudhsagar Falls, Goa

Spectacular Dudhsagar Waterfall, cascading down rocky terrain surrounded by forest.

Photo: Shivam Agrawal / Wikimedia Commons

Pretty much every tourist that travels via train to Goa stops to witness the beauty of the Dudhsagar Falls. Translating to the Sea of Milk, the gushing water almost mimics the appearance of milk when it falls from a height of 1,017 feet. It is regarded as one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in India. During monsoon season, the powerful stream from the waterfall against the backdrop of the lush greenery in the surroundings offers an amazing contrast. Besides getting a glimpse of the waterfall from the train journey, there are jeep safaris and treks that can take you to the base of the waterfall as well.

Location: Sonauli, Goa 403410
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹400 onwards for jeep safari

3. Athirappilly Falls, Kerala

Flowing powerfully amidst lush greenery waterfall - one of the best waterfalls in India

Photo: Jan Joseph George / Wikimedia Commons

More commonly known as the Niagara of India, Athirappilly Falls in Kerala is another one of the famous waterfalls in India. It falls from a height of 25 metres and is located on the Chalakudy River and surrounded by the dense Vazhachal Forest. The area nearby is home to the endangered hornbill bird as well. While you visit the waterfalls, you might get to spot the rare birds too. The best thing about this waterfall is its accessibility. There are direct roads leading to the waterfall, making it an ideal location for families and children to visit.

Location: Athirapally, Chalakudy Taluk, Thrissur District, Kerala, India
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry fee: ₹10 onwards

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4. Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya

Breathtaking Nohkalikai Falls, plunging from a cliff into a turquoise pool below.

Photo: Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons

When talking about the largest waterfall in India with the tallest plunge, the Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya is the one. It falls from a height of 1115 feet (340 m) and is located near Cherrapunji, which is labelled one of the wettest places in the country. The name “Nohkalikai” translates to “Jump of Ka Likai,” derived from a local legend about a woman named Ka Likai. The waterfall, like most of the other ones in India, comes to life during monsoon season. There’s a separate viewing platform for the tourists to ensure that everyone gets a clear view of the waterfall and the area surrounding it.

Location: 7MGP+6JF, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 793108
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 onwards

5. Hogenakkal Falls, Karnataka

The view of impressive Hogenakkal Falls, with multiple streams falling over rocky terrain.

Photo: Mithun Kundu / Wikimedia Commons

Beyond the temples and historical ruins, Tamil Nadu also boasts the grandeur of the Hogenakkal Falls. Located in the Dharmapuri district, the waterfalls are located on the Kaveri River and are known for their medicinal healing properties and coracle boat rides. The waterfall features rugged rock formations around it, which creates a “smoke” effect, explaining where it derives its name from. Besides the majestic waterfall itself, the surrounding area is dotted with smaller streams and falls, which add to its beauty and allure further. You can also interact with the local fishing community that lives around the falls.

Location: 4Q6F+FGJ, Madeshwara Betta – Hogenakkal Falls Rd, Gopinatham, Karnataka 571444
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹40 onwards

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Monsoon In India

6. Shivanasamudra Falls, Karnataka

Magnificent Shivanasamudra Falls, splitting into two cascading segments amid greenery

Photo: Haarey3 / Wikimedia Commons

Another unique waterfall experience in India is witnessing the Shivanasamudra Falls. It isn’t a single but a cluster of waterfalls located in Malavalli in Karnataka. The two main segments of this waterfall include Gaganachukki and Bharachukki. When they come together, it creates an alluring and mesmerising sight that’s too good to escape. Since the waterfall experiences a huge influx of tourists, there are viewing points available for clear views of the waterfall and the surrounding lush greenery.

Location: Malavalli taluk, Mandya district, Karnataka, India
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: None

7. Kempty Falls, Uttarakhand

Water cascading down rocky steps in a lush setting - one of the best waterfalls in India

Photo: Vaibhavraj241 / Wikimedia Commons

If you want to witness one of the biggest waterfalls in India make your way to Kempty Falls. It is located in Mussoorie, at a height of 4500 feet. It’s not one of the waterfalls plunging from great heights but it’s one of the most accessible waterfalls that lets you unwind, swim and get your feet wet. The view of the series of cascading waterfalls further adds to the beauty of it. Locals say that the falls were created by a British officer who wanted to host tea parties near the fall.

Location: Lakhwad, Kempty, Mussoorie, Ram Gaon, Uttarakhand
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry fee: None

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8. Kunchikal Falls, Karnataka

The breathtaking view of a waterfall cascading down rocky steps amid lush surroundings

Photo: Olivier Gelinas / Wikimedia Commons

Ever witnessed a waterfall that cascades down the middle of rocky boulders? If not, it’s time to plan your next vacation to the Kunchikal Falls in Karnataka. Holding the title of the highest waterfall in India, Kunchikal Falls cascades a staggering 1493 feet (455 metres) down the dense forests of the Western Ghats. While the allure of this waterfall is something words can’t define, reaching the base of this waterfall requires a moderately challenging trek.

Location: Nidagundi village, near Masthikatte, Shimoga district, Karnataka
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: None

9. Chitrakote Waterfalls, Chattisgarh

Stunning Chitrakote Waterfalls, with wide cascades - one of the best waterfalls in India

Photo: Shaswant Nimesh / Wikimedia Commons

This may come as a surprise in the list of best names of waterfalls in India, but Chitrakote Waterfalls deserved to be in the list of best waterfalls in the country. Also known as the Niagara Falls of India, Located in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, the waterfall gets its source from River Indravati and falls from a height of 90 feet. The water reaches its prime in the monsoon season and looks red when it falls while in the summer season, it creates a striking white colour under the moon at night.

Location: Tiratha, Chhattisgarh 494010
Timing: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free

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10. Soochipara Falls, Kerala

Scenic Soochipara Falls, cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by dense forest.

Photo: Yjenith / Wikimedia Commons

Last on the list of the best waterfalls in India is the Soochipara Falls in Kerala. It is located in Wayanad district and is locally named the Sentinel Rock Waterfalls. The waterfall plunges from a height of 200 feet, the water falls into a refreshing pool, which is accessible to the tourists. You can swim in the base of the waterfall, provided that the water levels are safe. Adventure seekers can opt for a zip-line ride across the cascading falls, offering a thrilling experience amidst the scenic beauty.

Location: Elavayal, Vellarimala, Kerala 673577
Timing: 8 AM – 4 PM
Entry fee: ₹80 onwards

There are innumerable waterfalls in India, big, tall and small. While you can start your waterfall expedition with these amazing ones, there’s always room for expansion in the future. Each waterfall you visit stands out with its unique features and mysticism. As you gear up to plan your exploration across the country’s most stunning waterfalls, leave all the planning and bookings on TripXL. Secure the best deals to make your next vacation an affordable experience.

Cover Photo: Nextvoyage / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The monsoon season breathes life into the waterfalls in India. If you wish to see how waterfalls formed, monsoons (June to September) are the perfect time to visit.
Some waterfalls, like Soochipara and Dudhsagar, have safe swimming areas, but it’s important to check local advisories and conditions before swimming.
In most cases, due to safety reasons, camping near the rapids and waterfalls in India isn’t allowed. However, you can ask the local authorities for details.
Among the major rivers and waterfalls in India, there are reportedly 108 waterfalls across the country.
Jog Falls is the third highest falls in India, falling from a height of 253 m or 830 feet.

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