You don’t need magic to disappear. All you need is a destination. Meghalaya, a small hill station, standing amongst the large area of Northeast India, fits the above quote perfectly. It’s a like Zion on earth for all the green panthers. With the serene waterfalls, gloomy climate and rainfall throughout the year, it is love at first sight. Meghalaya is a short glossary for all the nature lovers, but the water gushing through high mountains is a treat for all of us. Think about wandering through the dense forest, finding your way in the vicinity of luxuriant waterfalls in Meghalaya, taking a moment for yourself, basking in the sun and witnessing the peace and tranquility of Meghalaya. Scroll through the article to get acknowledged with the resplendent views of the waterfalls in Meghalaya.
Here is the List of Waterfalls In Meghalaya:
1. Seven Sisters Waterfalls:
Bagging the title of one of the tallest waterfalls in India, seven sisters waterfall is also popularly known as Nohsngithiang falls or Mawsmai falls. The outpouring of the waterfalls takes place over the limestone precipice of Khasi hills from a height of 1300 ft. Inundated by the dense forests around the area, the sight will leave you in a complete awe if you wander off to this place in the month of July or September.
Highlights:
- How to Reach: Bus or taxi
- Visit Duration: 2 hours
- Distance from the Airport: Shillong airport is 658 km.
- Distance from the Railway Station: Mendi Pathar Railway Station, 476 km
- Distance from the Bus Station: You can take a bus from Police Bazaar, Shillong which is 663 km from the waterfall.
- Other Attractions: The seven sisters’ waterfall is an amazing sport to flow out your picnic mat and capture some scenic memories with your family and friends, on a bright sunny day.
2. Elephant Falls:
Pondering over the name of the waterfall? So the fact behind the name story is that Britishers found a mammoth sized rock at the bottom of the waterfall and named it as elephant falls. Although the rock was destroyed in an earthquake, this waterfall still has got its charm, to captivate you with its beauty. Being one of the most famous waterfalls in Meghalaya, the local people refer to it as KaKshaeid Lai Pateng Khohsiew meaning “three-step waterfall”. Bustling with the crowd on weekend, the best time to get caught up in the artistry of this waterfall is from October to December.
Highlights:
- How to Reach: Cab or a Bus
- Distance from the Airport: Shillong airport is 38 km.
- Distance from the Railway Station: Distance from Mendi Pathar railway station is 233 km.
- Distance from Bus Station: Distance from Police Bazaar is 12 km.
- Other Attractions: You can get your hands dirty with some alluring pictures or trek to the bottom, handling some 200 steps to reach the bottom of the waterfall. You can also grab some souvenirs for your loved ones from the shop present at the front gate.
3. Kynrem Falls:
Holding on to the beauty of the waterfall nestled among the dense forests of the Cherrapunji region, Kynrem waterfalls offers you a sight to behold. Regarded as three-tier waterfall, the exquisiteness of this waterfall is at its best in the post-monsoon and the winter season. Just beside the waterfall, settles is a Shiva rock, which is a major attraction for all the tourists witnessing the sheer beauty of this place. The clear mist white water cascades through the rough rocks from a height of about 1003 ft., being labeled as the 7th highest waterfall in India.
Highlights:
- How to Reach: Chherrapunji you can take a bus or a taxi to arrive at the Thangkarang Park and then hike for some 3 km to reach the Kynrem waterfall.
- Distance from Airport: Shillong airport is 35 km from the waterfall.
- Distance from Railway Station: Railway station lies at a distance of 12 km from the waterfall.
- Distance from the Bus Station: Cherrapunji bus station is 12 km from the waterfall.
- Other Attraction: You can enjoy bird spotting and get acquainted with the rich flora and fauna of the park. All the adventure junkies and the newbies can get an adrenaline rush by trekking down to the waterfall amongst the dense forests of Cherrapunji. It is always recommended to hire a local guide for this purpose.
4. Bishop and Beadon Falls:
Take a look at a magnificent package of twin waterfalls, Bishop and Beadon. While the Bishop waterfall is known for its white foam like water, plunging down the river, pushing through rocky hills, Beadon falls are calmer in nature. The water floods through the impenetrable forests in the area, and joins the Umrai River, making it to the Suna valley. You will be impressed by the magical charm of nature in the area.
Highlights:
- How to Reach: The only way to reach there is by driving to Malwai village and then trekking for 5 minutes to reach the waterfall.
- Distance from Airport: Shillong airport is 35 km from the waterfall.
- Distance from the Railway Station: The distance between the waterfall and the railway station is 3.8 km.
- Distance from the Bus Station: The distance is 3.3 km.
- Other Attractions: You can swim around the plunge pool created from the waterfall and have a fun time picnicking around the spot. You can also spot some of the critters of the jungle.
5. Nohkalikai Waterfall:
Tired of looking at low plunge waterfalls? Let me show you a waterfall, that will take your breath away and will provide you a fearful sight. Nohkalikai waterfall is situated 7 km from the Cherrapunji district and is considered as one of the waterfalls with the highest plunge. The water flows turbulently and with utmost force from a massive height, gushing through the Rocky Mountains and hills. At the bottom, you will be able to witness a deep plunge pool. The water of the pool turns into green at the summer time and then during the winter, it turns into blue. You can try stepping up and can glance at the waterfall from an extreme height.
Highlights:
- How to Reach: You can hire a taxi from Cherrapunji or from Shillong.
- Distance from Airport: It is 80 km from the airport.
- Distance from the Railway Station: It is 80 km.
- Distance from the Bus Stand: It is 80 km.
- Other Attractions: You can buy some cinnamon sticks and bay leaves grown by the local vendors at their home, at super cheap prices,
Additional Tips:
- Meghalaya is breathtaking land and has got some of the most scenic waterfalls in India. However, it is important to take some provisions, before visiting them.
- Make sure not to throw trash around the surrounding areas.
- Carry proper trekking shoes that are non-slippery in nature to avoid any accidents.
- Do not touch any plant, if you do not have a sound knowledge of its kind.
- Most of the waterfalls do not have cafeterias nearby. It is advised to carry food and beverages throughout your journey.
- Carry some of the medical essential in your backpack.
- Do not disturb the wild animals in the area. Make sure not to feed the animals.
- Do proper research on the timings and the opening and closing hours of the waterfalls, before visiting the place.
If you are desperate to pull yourself out of this city life and rejuvenate yourself among the beauty of nature, Meghalaya should be your go-to option. This place will run over its magic wand and will transform you into a different person altogether. Find some peace and connect to your soul while walking through the opaque forest and the white waterfalls. So what are you waiting for, pack your bags and catch the next flight, for the magnificent trip of your life.
