India’s diverse topography, ranging from the rugged Himalayas to the ancient Western Ghats, creates the perfect environment for some of the world’s most breathtaking waterfalls. These natural wonders are more than just tourist attractions; they play a pivotal role in hydroelectric power generation, support local livelihoods, and maintain regional ecological balances.
Most waterfalls in India are found in the upper reaches of rivers where the terrain is mountainous. Due to their location over solid bedrock, many are seasonal—primarily fed by monsoon rains and small tributaries—making them most spectacular during the heavy rainfall months. This guide provides a comprehensive analysis of the Highest Waterfalls in India, their geological features, and their administrative locations.
Geographical Classification of Waterfalls in India
Waterfalls occur where a river’s course is interrupted by a steep drop. In India, these are broadly categorized based on their formation and flow:
1 Plunge Waterfalls: These drop vertically without touching the cliff face. Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya is a prime example.
2 Tiered/Multi-step Waterfalls: These consist of a series of waterfalls falling one after another into the same stream. Meenmutty Falls and Kynrem Falls fall into this category.
3 Segmented Waterfalls: Separate flows of water form as the river descends. The Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang) is the most famous segmented fall in India.
Complete List of Major Waterfalls in India
The following table lists the most prominent waterfalls across the country, organized by their height and state location.
| Waterfall Name | Location (District, State) | Height (Metres) | Height (Feet) |
| Kunchikal Falls | Shimoga, Karnataka | 455 m | 1,493 ft |
| Barehipani Falls | Mayurbhanj, Odisha | 399 m | 1,309 ft |
| Nohkalikai Falls | East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya | 340 m | 1,115 ft |
| Nohsngithiang Falls | East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya | 315 m | 1,033 ft |
| Dudhsagar Falls | Goa-Karnataka Border | 310 m | 1,017 ft |
| Kynrem Falls | East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya | 305 m | 1,001 ft |
| Meenmutty Falls | Wayanad, Kerala | 300 m | 984 ft |
| Thalaiyar Falls | Dindigul, Tamil Nadu | 297 m | 974 ft |
| Barkana Falls | Shimoga, Karnataka | 259 m | 850 ft |
| Jog Falls | Shimoga, Karnataka | 253 m | 830 ft |
Top 10 Highest Waterfalls in India
1. Kunchikal Falls (Karnataka)
Standing as the highest waterfall in India and the second tallest in Asia, Kunchikal Falls cascades down 1,493 feet. It is formed by the Varahi River.
- Features: It is located near Agumbe, often called the “Cherrapunji of the South.”
- Ecological Context: The area houses India’s only permanent rainforest research station.
2. Barehipani Falls (Odisha)
Located within the core area of the Simlipal National Park, this is a tiered waterfall with two distinct drops.
- Height: The total height is 1,309 feet, with the largest single drop measuring 850 feet.
- Significance: It is surrounded by one of India’s most significant biosphere reserves.
3. Nohkalikai Falls (Meghalaya)
Nohkalikai is the tallest plunge waterfall in India.
- Mechanism: It is fed by rainwater collected on the plateau near Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth.
- Visuals: It is famous for the unusual green-colored pool formed at its base.
4. Nohsngithiang Falls / Seven Sisters Falls (Meghalaya)
This is a segmented waterfall where seven different streams cascade down the limestone cliffs of the Khasi Hills.
- Symbolism: The seven segments represent the seven sister states of Northeast India.
- Seasonality: It is a seasonal phenomenon, best viewed during the peak of the Southwest Monsoon.
5. Dudhsagar Falls (Goa/Karnataka)
Translating to the “Sea of Milk,” this four-tiered waterfall is located on the Mandovi River.
- Geography: It is situated within the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park.
- Accessibility: It is world-famous for the railway bridge that passes directly in front of the falls.
6. Kynrem Falls (Meghalaya)
Situated inside the Thangkharang Park, Kynrem is a spectacular three-tiered waterfall.
- Height: It drops from a height of 1,001 feet.
- Location: It is a major highlight for tourists visiting the Sohra (Cherrapunji) circuit.
7. Meenmutty Falls (Kerala)
This is the tallest waterfall in Kerala.
- Structure: It features a triple-tier drop, each requiring a separate hike through lush forests to reach.
- Safety Note: It is known for its powerful currents during the monsoon, making it as dangerous as it is beautiful.
8. Thalaiyar Falls / Rat Tail Falls (Tamil Nadu)
Thalaiyar is characterized by its very narrow, long strip of water that looks like a rat’s tail from a distance.
- Uniqueness: It is one of the widest falls in the region but remains largely inaccessible due to the lack of formal roads and the presence of dark, dangerous caves at the bottom.
9. Barkana Falls (Karnataka)
Formed by the Seetha River, Barkana is a vital resource for the state.
- Utilization: Its waters are harnessed for significant hydroelectric power generation.
- Geography: It is located in the heart of the Western Ghats’ dense tropical forests.
10. Jog Falls / Gerosoppa Falls (Karnataka)
While not the tallest, Jog Falls is arguably the most famous. It is created by the Sharavathi River.
- Composition: It consists of four distinct falls named Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket.
- Infrastructure: It is closely linked to the Linganamakki Dam, which controls the water flow to the falls.
Ecological and Economic Importance
1 Hydropower: Rivers like the Sharavathi (Jog Falls) and Seetha (Barkana Falls) are cornerstones of Karnataka’s renewable energy sector.
2 Biodiversity Hotspots: Most high-altitude falls are located in protected areas like Simlipal or the Western Ghats, serving as habitats for rare endemic flora and fauna.
3 Tourism and Livelihoods: Waterfalls are major drivers of the “eco-tourism” economy in states like Meghalaya, Kerala, and Karnataka.
FAQs: Waterfalls in India
WHICH IS THE HIGHEST WATERFALL IN INDIA?
Kunchikal Falls in the Shimoga district of Karnataka is the highest, standing at 455 metres (1,493 feet).
WHICH WATERFALL IS KNOWN AS THE NEYAGARA OF INDIA?
Hogenakkal Falls in Tamil Nadu and Chitrakote Falls in Chhattisgarh are often referred to as the “Niagara of India” due to their width and horseshoe shape.
WHICH IS THE HIGHEST PLUNGE WATERFALL IN INDIA?
Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya holds the record for the highest direct plunge, dropping 340 metres without hitting rocks.
WHICH RIVER CREATES THE JOG FALLS?
The Sharavathi River in Karnataka is responsible for creating the Jog Falls.
WHERE IS DUDHSAGAR FALLS LOCATED?
Dudhsagar Falls is located on the border of Goa and Karnataka within the Western Ghats.
WHICH STATE HAS THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF TALL WATERFALLS?
Karnataka and Meghalaya dominate the list of India’s tallest waterfalls due to their hilly terrain and heavy rainfall.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT WATERFALLS IN INDIA?
The Monsoon season (June to September) and the immediate post-monsoon months (October to November) are the best times to see Indian waterfalls in their full glory.
WHY IS THALAIYAR FALLS CALLED RAT TAIL FALLS?
It is called Rat Tail Falls because of its unique appearance as a thin, silver streak of water against the dark cliffside when viewed from across the valley.
WHICH WATERFALL IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SEVEN SISTER STATES?
Nohsngithiang Falls in Meghalaya is also known as the Seven Sisters Falls, symbolizing the seven states of Northeast India.
ARE INDIAN WATERFALLS PERMANENT?
Most high-altitude waterfalls in India are seasonal. They are most powerful during the monsoons and can shrink significantly or even dry up during the peak summer months.
