Waterfalls of Meghalaya: Famous Falls, Height, District & Map
The waterfalls in Meghalaya are created by a combination of exceptional monsoon rainfall, resistant plateau rocks, deeply incised valleys and the steep southern escarpment of the Khasi-Jaintia uplands. From the 340-metre plunge of Nohkalikai near Sohra to the turquoise curtain of Krang Suri, waterfalls are among the state's most recognisable landscapes.
Because different sources measure multi-tier waterfalls differently, this guide uses a height only where an official or authoritative tourism source clearly states one.
Famous Waterfalls of Meghalaya at a Glance
| Waterfall | District/Region | Height / Character |
|---|---|---|
| Nohkalikai | East Khasi Hills, near Sohra | 340 m; officially promoted as India’s tallest plunge waterfall |
| Nohsngithiang / Seven Sisters | East Khasi Hills, Sohra | Large segmented seasonal waterfall over the southern escarpment |
| Krang Suri | West Jaintia Hills | Curtain-like fall with blue-green pool |
| Wei Sawdong | East Khasi Hills | Three-tiered waterfall |
| Langshiang | West Khasi Hills | Major multi-tier waterfall in the Kynshi landscape |
| Elephant Falls | East Khasi Hills, near Shillong | Multi-stage tourist waterfall |
| Phe Phe Falls | Jaintia Hills tourism circuit | Two-tiered waterfall |
Nohkalikai Falls
Nohkalikai Falls, about 7.5 km from Sohra, plunges approximately 340 metres into a blue-green pool. Meghalaya Tourism identifies it as India's tallest plunge waterfall. Its discharge is strongly rain-fed, so the visual character changes through the seasons.
Nohsngithiang / Seven Sisters Falls
Seven Sisters Falls is a spectacular segmented waterfall near Sohra. During the monsoon, several parallel streams pour over the southern escarpment toward the Bangladesh plains, creating one of Meghalaya's most dramatic seasonal waterfall views.
Krang Suri Falls
Krang Suri in West Jaintia Hills is known for a broad curtain of water dropping over a rock ledge into a striking blue-green pool. It is among the most popular waterfalls in the Jaintia Hills tourism circuit.
Wei Sawdong Falls
Wei Sawdong, downstream from the Dainthlen area near Sohra, is a visually distinctive three-tier waterfall reached by a steep descent. Access conditions can change during the monsoon, so local advisories should be followed.
Langshiang Falls
Langshiang Falls in West Khasi Hills is part of the deeply dissected Kynshi river landscape. It is often listed among Meghalaya's major high waterfalls, but published height figures vary because the system is multi-tiered; using one unsupported number can therefore be misleading.
Other Important Waterfalls
- Dainthlen Falls
- Elephant Falls
- Bishop and Beadon Falls
- Phe Phe Falls
- Rongbangdare Falls
- Ka Phan Nonglait Falls
- Numerous seasonal cascades of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills
Why Does Meghalaya Have So Many Waterfalls?
Waterfalls form where fast-flowing streams cross steep escarpments, resistant rock ledges and deeply incised valleys. The physiography of Meghalaya creates large elevation drops, while intense monsoon rainfall provides abundant seasonal discharge.
Best Season and Waterfall Safety
Monsoon months produce the largest flows but also the highest risk from flash floods, slippery paths, landslides and sudden weather changes. Post-monsoon months often provide a better balance of strong flow and safer access. Never enter plunge pools or river channels during heavy rain without local safety guidance.
Waterfalls of Meghalaya for MPSC
Nohkalikai: Near Sohra, East Khasi Hills; 340 m plunge
Seven Sisters: Sohra / East Khasi Hills
Krang Suri: West Jaintia Hills
Wei Sawdong: East Khasi Hills; three-tiered
Langshiang: West Khasi Hills
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the highest plunge waterfall in Meghalaya?
Nohkalikai Falls, with a drop of about 340 m, is officially promoted as India's tallest plunge waterfall.
Which waterfall is near Jowai?
Krang Suri is one of the best-known waterfalls of West Jaintia Hills, about 30 km from Jowai according to district tourism information.
Which waterfall has three tiers near Sohra?
Wei Sawdong.
Conclusion
Meghalaya's waterfalls are direct expressions of its plateau relief and monsoon climate. Nohkalikai, Seven Sisters, Krang Suri, Wei Sawdong and Langshiang illustrate how steep escarpments and powerful seasonal streams have created one of India's finest waterfall landscapes.
Read More from AAMMNEST
Sources Consulted
- Meghalaya Tourism – Majestic Waterfalls
- Meghalaya Tourism – Nohkalikai
- Amlarem Civil Sub-Division – Krang Suri
- Government of India – Incredible India