Waterfalls in Meghalaya

Dainthlen Falls

This scenic waterfalls lies in the East Khasi Hills and is about 5 km from Sohra. It is popular as a picnic spot and for its beautiful rock carvings. The waterfalls derives its name from 'Thlen' or a gigantic snake, which is believed to have dwelt in a cave nearby. As the legend goes, people killed the snake and ended its reign of terror. Adjacent to the very spot where the snake was killed, lies the Dainthlen Falls.

Nohkalikai Falls

At 1,115 ft, Nohkalikai Falls is said to be the tallest plunge waterfalls in India. It is fed by the rainwater that collects on the top. Though overwhelmingly beautiful, this falls lying in East Khasi Hills District, Sohra, has a tragic story. It is believed that a grief-stricken mother plunged to her death in this falls after her husband murdered her daughter. The water cascades down from the top of a gorge into a green pool below.

Elephant Falls

Situated about 12 km Shillong, Elephant Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the north-eastern region. The cascading water is surrounded by a verdant forest that is ripe with flora and fauna and is an ideal place to spend some peaceful time in. Elephant Falls has been named after an elephant-shaped stone at its base. While the rock was destroyed in an earthquake in 1897, the name stuck. This falls are also referred to as 'Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew' (the three step waterfall) by the local Khasi people as it is a cluster of three waterfalls lying side by side. The first waterfall is quite broad and is tucked amidst dense trees. The second one reduces to thinner streams, while the third is the tallest flowing like a milk sheet on dark rocks.

Nohsngithiang Falls

This is also called Mawsmai Falls and lies about a stone's throw from Mawsmai village. The falls is called thus due to its south-westerly position that makes it viable to get illuminated by the sun from dusk to dawn. The myriad colours of sunlight dancing on the waters make the falls a truly glorious sight.

Crinoline Falls

The Crinoline Falls is one of the most serene and beautiful of its kind in Shillong. It is about 12-13 m in height and lies to the west of the Survey of India office. There is a swimming pool at the base of the falls that shares its name with the waterfalls.