Nohkalikai Falls, located near Cherrapunji (Sohra) at 25.2971°N, 91.7163°E, is one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in India. With a dramatic sheer drop of 340 metres (1,115 feet), it is the tallest plunge waterfall in the country and the fourth highest in the world. Fed by the intense rainfall of the Cherrapunji plateau, the water leaps off the red, forested escarpment into an unusually bright green or turquoise plunge pool at its base, creating a breathtaking contrast that draws visitors and photographers from around the globe.
Nohkalikai Falls
India's Tallest Plunge Waterfall — A 340-Metre Drop into a Turquoise Pool Steeped in Tragic Legend
The Dark Legend of Ka Likai
The Name's Origin
The name "Nohkalikai" translates from Khasi as "The leap of Likai". It is tied to a harrowing local folktale. According to the legend, a woman named Ka Likai lived in a nearby village. After her husband's death, she remarried to provide a father for her infant daughter. However, her new husband grew intensely jealous of the time and affection Ka Likai gave to the child.
The Tragic Discovery
One day, while Ka Likai was out working in the fields, her husband committed an unthinkable act: he killed the infant and cooked the meat for his wife's dinner. When an exhausted Ka Likai returned, she ate the meal unknowingly. Afterward, while resting, she discovered her daughter's severed fingers in the betel-nut basket. Overcome with unendurable grief and horror at what had been done, she ran to the edge of the plateau and threw herself off the cliff. The falls were forever named to remember her tragic leap.
Natural Phenomenon
Nohkalikai is rain-fed, meaning its power depends almost entirely on the monsoon rains that drench the Cherrapunji plateau. During the monsoon, the falls are a massive, thundering torrent that generates a massive cloud of spray. The deeply carved plunge pool at the bottom takes on a vibrant green or turquoise hue in the dry season. This striking coloration is due to the natural aeration of the water crashing down, combined with the reflection of light off the clear, mineral-rich depths.
Did You Know?
Unlike many waterfalls where the viewpoint is from below, the prominent viewpoints for Nohkalikai look across or slightly down at the falls from the adjacent cliff plateau. There is no easy path to the bottom; the terrain is extremely rugged. However, the plateau viewpoint provides an unobstructed viewing angle to appreciate the entire 340-meter vertical drop at once.
Travel Guide to Nohkalikai Falls
How to Reach
From Cherrapunji Town: The falls are located about 7 km from the main town of Sohra. You can hire a local taxi or take a scenic hike to the viewpoint.
From Shillong: It's a 54 km drive (approx 1.5 - 2 hours). Taxis or shared sumos are readily available from Shillong to Cherrapunji, where you can then hire local transport.
Best Time to Visit
Monsoon (June-Sept): This is when the falls are at their most powerful and majestic, rushing with full force. However, dense fog often obscures the view, so patience is required.
Post-Monsoon (Oct-Dec): Generally considered the best time. The water volume is still impressive, the weather is clear, and the turquoise pool at the bottom is highly visible.
Local Attractions Nearby
Cherrapunji (Sohra): The misty plateau town itself.
Seven Sisters Falls: Another famous set of waterfalls nearby.
Mawsmai Cave: A fascinating, lit limestone cave network.
Tips for Visitors
Wait for the Fog to Clear: Fog is almost a constant companion here. Don't leave immediately if the falls are covered. The clouds often roll in and out rapidly. Wait 15-20 minutes, and the view might suddenly clear.
Buy Local Spices: Stalls near the viewpoint sell excellent local products, including high-quality true cinnamon, forest honey, and various organic spices grown in the Khasi hills.
Use the Viewing Deck: A government-maintained viewing deck provides safe, railing-protected spots to take photographs. Do not climb over barriers—the cliffs are sheer and slippery.
Hike the Surroundings: For the adventurous (and only during dry weather), there are indistinct trails that lead closer, but scaling down to the pool requires specialized equipment and local guides.