Destinations

Top 10 Waterfalls in India

From the milky cascades of Goa to the cloud-wrapped cliffs of Meghalaya, the best waterfalls in India are pure monsoon magic. Whether you crave the country's tallest plunge, a "Niagara of India," or a roaring four-tiered giant, this guide ranks the top 10 waterfalls in India by fame, height, and sheer spectacle. Pack your camera and chase the falls this season.

1

Jog Falls
Karnataka

Set on the Sharavathi River in Karnataka's Shivamogga district, Jog Falls plunges about 253 metres in four distinct cascades named Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket. It is India's most iconic segmented waterfall and is at its thundering best during the monsoon. A new glass-floor skywalk and viewing decks make it a top family destination.

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Photo: Nikhilb239 · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0
2

Dudhsagar Falls
Goa

Straddling the Goa-Karnataka border on the Mandovi River inside Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, Dudhsagar means "Sea of Milk" because the four-tiered cascade froths white from roughly 310 metres. It is famous for the railway line that crosses its face, a sight made legendary on screen. A jeep safari and trek through the Western Ghats lead to the base.

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Photo: Hsp wiki · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
3

Nohkalikai Falls
Meghalaya

Near Cherrapunji (Sohra) in Meghalaya, Nohkalikai is India's tallest plunge waterfall, dropping around 340 metres in a single uninterrupted fall. Fed by one of the wettest places on Earth, it forms a striking pool below that turns deep green in summer and blue in winter. The viewpoint offers one of the most photographed vistas in the Northeast.

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Photo: Vikramjit Kakati · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
4

Kunchikal Falls
Karnataka

Formed by the Varahi River in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, Kunchikal Falls is widely cited as India's tallest waterfall, cascading roughly 455 metres in tiers. It lies near the Mani Dam, and water flow is heavily regulated by a hydroelectric project, so it is most spectacular during peak monsoon. Its remote setting in the Western Ghats keeps crowds light.

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Photo: Self · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
5

Athirappilly Falls
Kerala

The largest waterfall in Kerala, Athirappilly tumbles about 25 metres across a width of nearly 100 metres on the Chalakudy River, earning it the nickname "Niagara of South India." Surrounded by the lush Sholayar forests of the Western Ghats, it is a favourite filming location and birding spot. The misty, multi-strand curtain is at its fullest just after the monsoon.

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Photo: Jan Joseph George · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
6

Shivanasamudra Falls
Karnataka

On the Kaveri River in Mandya district, Shivanasamudra splits around a rocky island into twin falls, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki, dropping about 98 metres. It powers Asia's first hydroelectric station, commissioned in 1902, making it historically significant. Just 140 km from Bengaluru, it is an easy and dramatic monsoon getaway.

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Photo: SunilVanjre · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
7

Nohsngithiang Falls (Seven Sisters)
Meghalaya

Also called the Seven Sisters Falls, this seven-segmented plunge near Mawsmai in the East Khasi Hills drops roughly 315 metres over a limestone cliff. The braided strands are visible only during the rains, when they shimmer across the cliff face. It is one of Meghalaya's most beautiful and photographed natural wonders.

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Photo: Ppyoonus · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
8

Chitrakote Falls
Chhattisgarh

On the Indravati River in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, Chitrakote is India's widest waterfall, spanning nearly 300 metres in a horseshoe shape from about 30 metres high. Its broad curtain and reddish monsoon waters earn it the title "Niagara of India." It is gaining fame as an offbeat, tribal-belt destination.

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Photo: Iamg at English Wikipedia · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
9

Barehipani Falls
Odisha

Tucked inside Simlipal National Park in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, Barehipani is India's second-tallest waterfall, dropping about 399 metres in a two-tiered cascade on the Budhabalanga River. Set within a tiger reserve and dense sal forest, the falls are reached through scenic wildlife terrain. The lush surroundings make it a unique forest-and-falls experience.

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Photo: Samarth Joel Ram · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
10

Hogenakkal Falls
Tamil Nadu

On the Kaveri River in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu, Hogenakkal is famed for its carbonate rock gorges where the river splits into countless smoke-like cascades, giving it the name "smoking rocks." Visitors ride traditional round coracle boats right up to the churning falls. It is celebrated as another "Niagara of India" and a wellness-bath destination.

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Photo: Mithun Kundu · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0