Majestic Waterfalls In Uttarakhand Offering Natural Beauty, Refreshing Views, And Peaceful Travel Experiences

Corbett Falls, surrounded by lush forest, is a serene spot among waterfalls in Uttarakhand.

Snow peaks and winding rivers usually define Uttarakhand, but the monsoon and melting streams bring out another treasure: waterfalls in Uttarakhand. Tiger Falls near Chakrata thunders into a deep pool, while Neer Garh by Rishikesh offers quiet corners to sit by the water. Some cascades call for a steep walk through oak and rhododendron, while others appear suddenly along the road, surprising travellers as they pass. Whether towering sheets of water like Vasudhara near Badrinath or family picnic spots like Corbett Falls, they show the state’s landscapes at their most alive, blending Himalayan power with tranquil corners of unexpected beauty.

10 Waterfalls In Uttarakhand You Must Visit

Waterfalls in Uttarakhand shine during monsoon, with powerful Tiger Falls and gentle streams near Rishikesh showcasing nature’s wild energy and calm beauty.

1. Kempty Falls, Mussoorie

Kempty Falls cascading through rocky cliffs, a popular attraction among waterfalls in Uttarakhand.

Photo: Bappa Pabitra / Shutterstock

Kempty Falls is one of the oldest and most visited waterfalls in Uttarakhand, about 13 kilometres from Mussoorie on the road toward Yamunotri. The water drops nearly 40 feet in a series of steps, forming pools where visitors gather to cool off. First set up as a picnic spot in the British era, it is still a favourite for families and tourists coming to the hill station. Hills surround the site, and in the monsoon, the sound of the fall carries across the valley when the flow is at its strongest. The area around the waterfall has grown busy with food stalls and small shops, but the sight of the cascade remains what draws most people.

Location: 13 km from Mussoorie, Dehradun district
Top Highlights: Popular waterfall with tiered drops, pool for bathing, and picnic-friendly surroundings

Suggested Read: Beautiful Places To Visit In Mussoorie Near Kempty Falls For A Peaceful Retreat

2. Tiger Falls, Chakrata

Tiger Falls in Chakrata, a tall waterfall surrounded by dense forest and rocky cliffs.

Photo: Samuel Ferrara / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Tiger Falls, about 20 kilometres from Chakrata in Dehradun district, is one of the tallest direct waterfalls in India, plunging nearly 312 feet. Dense forests of oak and rhododendron surround the fall, and the trek to reach it is considered half the experience. Visitors usually walk 4 to 5 kilometres along shaded forest trails, crossing small streams before the waterfall suddenly comes into sight. Its great height and the heavy sound of water striking the pool below create an atmosphere that feels both wild and peaceful. During the monsoon, the flow of water increases sharply, and the sight becomes even more powerful.

Location: 20 km from Chakrata, Dehradun district
Top Highlights: Tallest direct waterfall in India, scenic forest trek, peaceful natural pool

3. Vasudhara Falls, Badrinath

Vasudhara Falls in Uttarakhand plunges as a thin white stream between towering rocky cliffs, one of the best waterfalls in Uttarakhand.

Photo: Deejays / Shutterstock

Vasudhara Falls is a striking high-altitude waterfall near Badrinath, dropping from a cliff of about 145 meters. The fall begins close to Mana, the last village on the Indian side of the Indo-Tibetan border, and is reached after a demanding 6-kilometre trek. The route climbs through rocky terrain with snow peaks such as Chaukhamba and Nilkantha rising in the background. On clear days, Vasudhara appears as a white stream visible from far away, dropping in one sheet before turning to mist at the valley floor. Local belief says the water touches only those who are pure of heart, which adds a spiritual side to the visit.

Location: Near Mana village, 6 km trek from Badrinath
Top Highlights: High-altitude fall with spiritual charm and views of Chaukhamba peaks

Suggested Read: Unmissable Things To Do In Badrinath For A Perfect Hill Station Getaway

4. Corbett Falls, Nainital–Ramnagar

Corbett Waterfall cascading from a rocky cliff surrounded by lush green forest and a pool.

Photo: Pranav Vyas / Wikimedia Commons

Corbett Falls is about 25 kilometres from Ramnagar on the road to Nainital, and it remains one of the quieter natural spots near Jim Corbett National Park. The water drops around 20 meters into a small pool, surrounded by teak forest, where bird calls and the sound of leaves in the wind make the place feel calm. A short walk along forest tracks takes visitors to the base, which makes it easy enough for families to reach. The pool at the bottom is shallow and clear, with flat rocks nearby that people often use for picnics. The waterfall is not large, but the setting in the middle of the forest and the sense of seclusion give it its appeal.

Location: 25 km from Ramnagar, near Jim Corbett
Top Highlights: Quiet forest setting, shallow pool, great for picnics and birdwatching

5. Bhatta Falls, Mussoorie

Bhatta Falls is a serene waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and forests, one of the waterfalls in Uttarakhand.

Photo: Danny Piper / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Bhatta Falls is only 7 kilometres from Mussoorie, near the little village of Bhatta. The water falls around 30 feet into a pool, with oak and deodar trees all around. It is less commercial than Kempty Falls, which makes it popular among visitors looking for a quieter atmosphere. A short trek from the road leads down to the base, where families and youngsters often use the pool for bathing and swimming. The water stays clear and cold, especially refreshing in the summer months. Around the area, local stalls serve tea and snacks, adding to the rustic feel of the site.

Location: 7 km from Mussoorie, near Bhatta village
Top Highlights: Less-crowded spot with clear water pool, short trek, and natural vibe

Suggested Read: Offbeat Places Near Mussoorie

6. Neer Garh Waterfall, Rishikesh

A tall waterfall cascading down a steep rocky mountain, surrounded by trees and misty clouds.

Photo: SND Nature / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Neer Garh, also known as Neer Gaddu Waterfall, is one of the most visited natural spots near Rishikesh. Only a few kilometres from Laxman Jhula, the site is made up of a series of cascades that fall into turquoise pools surrounded by forest. The walk to the falls is short, about 1 to 2 kilometres, but it is scenic, passing wildflowers, bamboo groves, and small wooden bridges. The main waterfall drops nearly 25 feet, and the pools at the base are popular for swimming during summer and monsoon months. Stalls at the entrance serve tea and snacks, while the deeper parts of the trail stay shaded and calm.

Location: 2 km from Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh
Top Highlights: Forest cascades, turquoise pools, short scenic hike, great for swimming

7. Garud Chatti Waterfall, Rishikesh

Garud Chatti Waterfall is surrounded by dense forest and rocky cliffs, one of the scenic waterfalls in Uttarakhand.

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Garud Chatti Waterfall is about 6 kilometres from Laxman Jhula on the Neelkanth Temple road and remains one of the quieter natural spots near Rishikesh. The waterfall appears as a series of small cascades hidden inside dense forest, reached by a short uphill trek of about 1.5 kilometres. The trail goes by the Garud Temple, where pilgrims often stop before heading to the falls. In the monsoon, the stream becomes stronger, creating shallow pools and a mist that cools the path. Unlike Neer Garh, Garud Chatti has not been heavily commercialised, so the atmosphere stays calm and close to nature.

Location: 6 km from Laxman Jhula on Neelkanth Road
Top Highlights: Small cascades in the forest, peaceful trail, near the Garud Temple

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Rishikesh

8. Phool Chatti Waterfall, Rishikesh

Powerful river waterfalls cascading over rocky cliffs with foaming rapids and scattered trees.

Photo: Varad Parulekar / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Phool Chatti Waterfall is a small yet charming cascade hidden in the forested hills near the Phool Chatti Ashram on the Neelkanth Road. The way in follows a narrow trail that passes small shrines and thick patches of vegetation before the sound of rushing water comes through. The fall is not as tall as Neer Garh or as spread out as Garud Chatti, but its setting is intimate, with a modest plunge feeding into a shallow pool surrounded by mossy rocks. The name “Phool Chatti” comes from the nearby ashram, known for yoga retreats and meditation, which makes the waterfall a favourite quiet stop for participants.

Location: Near Phool Chatti Ashram, Neelkanth Road
Top Highlights: Modest fall with shallow pool, serene setting near yoga retreat

9. Sahastradhara, Dehradun

Small cascading stream flowing over rocks and stone ledges, surrounded by boulders and greenery, one of the top waterfalls in Uttarakhand.

Photo: ELG21 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Sahastradhara, which translates to “thousand-fold spring,” is a well-known natural spot in Dehradun. Rather than a single big fall, it is made up of many streams running over limestone rocks, forming a series of small waterfalls and pools. The water carries sulphur, and locals believe it helps with skin ailments. The Baldi River flows through the site, and in the monsoon its volume rises, filling the cascades and carrying sound across the valley. Shallow pools give space for bathing, though they often fill quickly on weekends and holidays. The setting is ringed with hills, caves, and natural springs, making it quite different from the tall single-drop waterfalls found elsewhere in the state.

Location: Outskirts of Dehradun city
Top Highlights: Sulphur-rich streams over limestone, popular for natural baths

Suggested Read: The Most Amazing Things To Do In Dehradun On Your Next Getaway

10. Birthi Falls, Munsiyari

A tall waterfall plunges from a mountain cliff surrounded by mist, rocks, and greenery.

Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Birthi Falls, near Munsiyari in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, is a stunning monsoon-fed waterfall dropping 126 meters. Surrounded by pine and oak forests, it offers a scenic uphill walk guided by the sound of rushing water. At its peak strength from July to September, the waterfall creates mist visible from afar, adding to the valley’s cloud-wrapped atmosphere. A tea stall and benches along the trail provide rest spots for visitors. Birthi Falls is a popular stop for trekkers heading to Munsiyari’s alpine meadows and glaciers, making it one of the most striking waterfalls in Uttarakhand with easy roadside access.

Location: 35 km before Munsiyari, Pithoragarh district
Top Highlights: 126 m drop, monsoon-fed fall, misty views, short forest walk

From the powerful Tiger Falls in Chakrata to the serene Neer Garh pools near Rishikesh, waterfalls in Uttarakhand showcase the Himalayan wilderness and culture. Some require forest treks, while others lie beside hill roads, each offering refreshing monsoon views. These natural wonders perfectly complement the temples, towns, and peaks of the region. Plan your visit with TripXL to experience Uttarakhand’s waterfalls at their most breathtaking.

Cover Photo: Snapwire / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Tiger Falls in Chakrata drops about 312 feet, while Vasudhara Falls near Badrinath drops nearly 145 meters. These two are often named the biggest in the state, and during the rains, their size and setting in the hills make them stand out even more.
Birthi Falls near Munsiyari, Vasudhara near Badrinath, and Neer Garh near Rishikesh are popular with photographers. Each has a different backdrop, from misty alpine valleys to forest pools, and the best shots often come during sunrise, the monsoon, or early autumn.
A few, like Kempty and Bhatta Falls, sit close to the road, so you don’t walk much to reach them. Others, such as Tiger Falls or Vasudhara, need a proper trek. It depends on the site, but most of the big ones do have marked paths from the nearby towns.
Yes, most popular waterfalls have nearby hotels, guesthouses, and homestays in towns like Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Munsiyari, ranging from budget to luxury options.
Yes, some areas near waterfalls like Birthi Falls and Tiger Falls offer camping opportunities for trekkers and nature lovers, often arranged through local guides or tour operators.

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