The top waterfalls in India include Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya, the country’s tallest plunge waterfall at about 340 metres, Dudhsagar Falls in Goa, Jog Falls in Karnataka, Athirappilly Falls in Kerala, Chitrakote Falls in Chhattisgarh and Dhuandhar Falls in Madhya Pradesh. Most are at their fullest during and just after the monsoon.
India’s mix of plateaus, the Western Ghats and long rivers gives it waterfalls of every shape, from tall single drops to wide curtains of water. This refreshed list corrects some heights from our older version and adds Jog Falls. For more places to visit, see our travel section.
Top waterfalls in India: quick facts
| Waterfall | State | River | Approx. height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nohkalikai Falls | Meghalaya | Rain-fed stream on the Sohra plateau | 340 m |
| Dudhsagar Falls | Goa | Mandovi (Mahadayi) | 310 m |
| Jog Falls | Karnataka | Sharavathi | 253 m |
| Dhuandhar Falls | Madhya Pradesh | Narmada | 30 m |
| Chitrakote Falls | Chhattisgarh | Indravati | 29 m (about 300 m wide in monsoon) |
| Athirappilly Falls | Kerala | Chalakudy | 25 m (about 100 m wide) |
1. Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya
Nohkalikai Falls drops about 340 metres from the edge of the Sohra (Cherrapunji) plateau in East Khasi Hills, making it the tallest plunge waterfall in India. The water falls into a deep green pool that is clearly visible from the viewing gallery.
Also read5 Best Hill Stations Near Delhi for a Weekend Trip in 2026
The name comes from a Khasi legend about a grieving mother, Ka Likai, who is said to have leapt from the cliff. The falls depend on rain collected on the plateau, so they are strongest from June to September and much thinner from December to February. Sohra is about 55 km from Shillong by road.
2. Dudhsagar Falls, Goa
Dudhsagar, meaning “sea of milk”, is a four-tiered waterfall on the Mandovi river on the Goa-Karnataka border. At around 310 metres, it is among the tallest waterfalls in India and sits inside the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, about 60 km from Panaji.
The best-known view is of a train crossing the bridge in front of the falls. Visitors usually reach the base by a forest jeep trip from Kulem. Walking along the railway track is not allowed: Goa’s forest department warns of fines for it, and trains do not stop for tourists at Dudhsagar. Jeep trips are generally suspended during the heavy monsoon, so check with Goa Tourism before planning.
3. Jog Falls, Karnataka
Jog Falls on the Sharavathi river in Shivamogga district falls about 253 metres in four separate streams, known as Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket. It is generally ranked the third tallest waterfall in India by total height, after Nohkalikai and Dudhsagar.
The flow depends heavily on rain and on water released from the Linganamakki Dam upstream, so the monsoon months are the time to go. In dry months, the falls can shrink to thin streams.
4. Dhuandhar Falls, Madhya Pradesh
Dhuandhar Falls at Bhedaghat near Jabalpur is where the Narmada drops about 30 metres. The name joins the Hindi words for smoke and flow, because the spray rises like a cloud of smoke above the falls.
Just downstream, the river cuts through the famous Marble Rocks gorge, and boat rides between the white cliffs are one of the main draws. A cable car crosses the river above the falls for a view from the other bank.
5. Chitrakote Falls, Chhattisgarh
Chitrakote Falls on the Indravati river in Bastar district is often called the Niagara Falls of India because of its horseshoe shape. It is only about 29 metres high, but in peak monsoon the falls spread to nearly 300 metres wide, making them among the widest in the country.
The falls are about 38 km west of Jagdalpur. July to October brings the fullest flow and frequent rainbows in the mist, while the water drops sharply in the summer months. The Indravati later flows on to join the Godavari.
6. Athirappilly Falls, Kerala
Athirappilly Falls on the Chalakudy river in Thrissur district is about 25 metres high and around 100 metres wide, earning it the nickname “Niagara of South India”. It is surrounded by forest and is roughly 55 km from Cochin International Airport.
The falls have appeared in many films, including Dil Se, Raavan, Baahubali and Pushpa: The Rise. Vazhachal Falls is a short drive upstream and can be covered on the same trip.
Safety tips for visiting waterfalls
- Stay behind railings and do not climb wet rocks for photos. Slips near waterfalls cause accidents every monsoon.
- Do not enter plunge pools or fast streams unless the area is marked safe for bathing.
- Check district or forest department notices, as some falls and trails are closed after heavy rain.
- Carry your plastic back out. Most of these falls are inside forests or protected areas.
Planning a monsoon getaway with family? Our lifestyle section has more ideas for weekend breaks.
Further reading: Nohkalikai Falls, Dudhsagar waterfalls, Dhuandhar Falls.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest waterfall in India?
Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya, at about 340 metres, is widely cited as the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Some lists rank Kunchikal Falls in Karnataka higher by total cascade height.
Which waterfall is called the Niagara Falls of India?
Chitrakote Falls in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, is called the Niagara Falls of India because of its wide horseshoe shape. Athirappilly in Kerala is known as the Niagara of South India.
What is the best time to visit waterfalls in India?
July to October is usually best, when monsoon rain fills the rivers. Some trails and jeep routes close in the heaviest rain, so check local advisories first.
Can you walk to Dudhsagar Falls on the railway track?
No. Walking on the railway track to Dudhsagar is not permitted and can lead to fines. Use the forest department jeep route from Kulem instead.
Sources: Wikipedia: Nohkalikai Falls, Wikipedia: Jog Falls, Kerala Tourism, Incredible India.
