Wei Sawdong Waterfall

The name Wei Sawdong derives from the Khasi language (wei - resembling a pool, sawdong - square-shaped), spoken locally. Wei Sawdong is difficult to access, and the trek to the waterfall is along an out-and-back trail and challenging. The falls are especially known for their bluish-green, crystal-clear water. The fall is situated some 60 km southwest of Shillong in East Khasi Hills district. It is a one and half hours drive from Shillong to Wei Saw dong waterfall.

To witness the falls, which is beautiful beyond expression, you will have to pass a not-so-intense physical ability test. You will need to trek 200 meters stretch of almost a 75 to 90-degree angle. The villagers have made the path using bamboo trees, and so we would suggest you wear shoes which has an excellent grip.

You can divide the trek to the falls in two parts. The first is the easier makeshift stairs that are steep with mountains at both sides of the trail. Stop for some time at the end of the course, to get to soak in the landscapes from the viewpoint. The second part of the trek leads you to the makeshift unstable bamboo ladders against a mountain rock. Here you will have to climb down one person at a time. Watch your steps as the ladder is muddy and greasy, and one wrong step could lead to an accident.

However, the trek will seem all worth when you witness a three-step roaring waterfall welcoming you the end of the stairs. A sense of accomplishment will fill you when you catch the serenity of nature and the wilderness of the falls. Climbing up can get your heart racing, so be sure you do it slowly.

Elephant Falls

Named after an Elephant like stone at its foot, the Elephant Falls are amongst the most popular falls in the North-East, situated next to Shillong. It is a tourists' paradise with three layers of the falls accessible to the layman from different vantage points. The Britishers named this fall so owing to the presence of an elephant-shaped rock on one side of the fall. However, the stone disintegrated and was washed away due to an earthquake in 1897. Elephant Waterfalls is a superb place for spending some time in the midst of nature while capturing the incredible moments for your keepsake.

The local name of the elephant falls is ‘Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew’, meaning ‘The Three Step Waterfalls’, as the falls consist of three amazing falls in the sequence. The first of which is tucked between the intense trees which are very thick and wide. The second waterfall consists of slim thread of water, it is more or less insignificant in winter season due to lack of rainfalls. The third waterfall which is the best of the three and the biggest with constant gush of water flowing making it look like a huge amount of milk flowing instead of water on the black rocks at the back. The third waterfall attracts people towards it due to its thick and milky water body. Due to its spectacular surroundings, the elephant falls tops the list of tourist attractions and weekend getaways in Shillong. The climate of this place is rejuvenating and revitalizing.

Elephant Waterfalls may be visited at any time of the year. Even when the water levels drop a little in the winter, the waterfalls retain their allure. The months immediately following the monsoon are the greatest since the water is at its most powerful and the scenery generated is something to remember for a long time.

While the terrain, which is studded with streams and falls, may encourage you to take one of the numerous hiking paths, the sights will keep you busy taking shots, with the Elephant Falls being a popular spot for photographers. It is said to be one of the best places to go during a Shillong sightseeing tour.

Nohkalikai Waterfalls

The waterfall is ranked as the fourth highest in the world. The fall is one of the most famous attractions in Cherrapunjee, and the water flows from 1,100 feet tall. Because Nohkalikai Falls is a rain-fed waterfall, you can see its true beauty and feel the force of the waterfall even from a distance during the monsoon season. The route to the falls takes you through an elevated plateau that leads to the rock face and provides views of the ultramarine pool. The journey to the falls is through an elevated plateau that leads to the rock face and witnesses the viewpoint of the ultramarine pool. Nohkalikai Falls plays a role in a dramatic legend with a truly heartbreaking and terrible story that led to its christening.

Nohkalikai literally translates to “Jump of Ka Likai” wherein ‘Noh’ means jump, ‘Ka’ is a prefix used for a female, and ‘Likai’ is the name of the Khasi woman behind the ghastly legend.

The waterfall is a delight for nature lovers and adventure buffs. Some popular activities that you can engage in here include:

1. Trekking: Adventurers will enjoy a trek here through dense forests, lush grassland, clear streams, and a river bed with huge boulders. The Nohkalikai Falls trek may take about 4-5 hours, depending on your speed and the weather.
2. Birdwatching: You can spend some time spotting different types of birds here.
3. Photography: If you are into nature or landscape photography, you can capture some scenic panoramas here.
4. Shopping: The locals sell home-grown cinnamon sticks, bay leaves and other products near Nohkalikai Waterfall at reasonable prices. Traditional handicrafts and souvenirs are also available at the shops in the vicinity.

Nohsngithiang Falls

Northeast India has not only the seven sister states, but is also home to the Seven Sisters Waterfalls. This sounds quite intriguing as this waterfall also enjoys the reputation of being the fourth highest waterfalls in India. Also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, Seven Sister Falls is located around 1 km south of Mawsmai village in East Khasi Hills district, i.e., in Meghalaya.

Going by its name or, say, justifying its name, Seven Sisters Waterfalls has seven different waterfalls that are strategically arranged side by side on a high, rugged cliff, and looks very significant even from a distance. It is interesting to note that as this waterfall plunges down in seven stages, it derived its name from this fact. The view, in fact, makes for a captivating view when it rains and the entire region comes alive.

Located in the wettest place on Earth, Cherrapunjee, Nohsngithiang Falls is a seven segmented waterfall that cascades down from a height of 315 m (1,033 feet) and has an average width of 70 m (230 feet). The falls plunges over the top of limestone cliffs of the Khasi Hills only during the rainy season. The seven segments of the waterfalls symbolize the seven sister states in northeast namely Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya.

The best time to visit this place is during the monsoon, when the streams are flooded with water and flow down rapidly forming a perennial rainbow, which gives the spectacular views for the tourists. One can get the magnificent view of the falls from the viewpoint situated at Mawsmai village as there is no possibility to get into the water. Tourist can also view the falls from the Eco Park which has been constructed on a plateau on top of the falls.

Phe Phe Falls

The Phe Phe falls distance from Shillong is about 80 km and takes around 2.5 hours to reach. By Jowai-Dawki Road, this campsite located beside a river provides the best facilities. Not only does it have unique miniature huts and cabins but also cottages for a comfy stay. There is an abundance of space for pitching tents as well. Paradise Adventure Camp and Phe Phe Waterfall are located in the Shkentalang Village near Jarain in the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya.

Phe Phe Falls is a two-tier waterfall. Phe Phe is a Jaintia word that translates to Paradise (Jaintia is one of the major ethnic groups of Meghalaya).

The location of the waterfall makes it more thrilling. Descending a steep hill, through the shrub bamboo plants, the sight of the waterfall in the backdrop of the blue sky and the range of hills layered with light and shadow on the other side, we entered the realm of paradise. The waterfall has its own charm and essence. The water is as blue as the sky, clean transparent and above all cold.

Plunging into these waters and refreshing ourselves was a pure delight. With feet immersed in these chilling waters, and eyes closed, the sensation of a sprinkling of water from the Fall touching the skin gave us a strange kind of peace.

The trek to Phe Phe Falls in Meghalaya takes hardly around 25 to 30 minutes to reach the main waterfall. Make sure you don’t stop at the first tier of the waterfall.

Krang Suri Falls

Krang Shuri is blessed with shimmering blue waters and sparkling sunlight. This heady mixture of nature is sometimes known to create a rainbow. It's truly a magical pool in nature's wonderland. Krang Suri is located on the other side of the state and takes a while to get to. It is 91 kms from Shillong and typically should take 2.5 hours according to Google. Compared to the cliff-hugging plunge falls that you will find in Southern Meghalaya, the Krang shuri waterfall features a different aesthetic. A placid river suddenly drops, creating a curtain of flowing water that falls over a cave. The walk down to Krang shuri is a pleasant descent – you begin on an open meadow and slowly climb down into more defined shrub and vegetation. There are railings around the falls where you can get a good view and you can also inquire about the boating facilities there. Upstream is a small space where people can camp, surrounded by lush green vegetation and with the gentle ripple of the river for company. Getting there – The 90-km drive to Krang shuri from Shillong via the NH6 and NH206 is a riveting one – highways looping around the gentle hills, punctuated by hamlets and small towns. There are plenty of eating choices for those who are ready to try local food.

Kynrem Waterfalls

At a distance of 17 km from Cherrapunji, Kynrem Waterfalls is a stunning falls located near Cherrapunji in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. Situated inside the Thangkharang Park, it is the 7th highest waterfalls in India and among the popular places to visit in Cherrapunji.

Falling from a height of about 305 m (1,001 feet), Kynrem Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Meghalaya that cascades in three levels from the top of a hill. Like many other waterfalls of the region, the Kynrem Falls, too, flow in their full swing only during the months of Monsoon, and it is thus recommended to visit the falls just during Monsoon.

Usually, the tourists can get the best views of this waterfalls from a lookout deck within the Thangkharang Park, which was a peaceful little botanical garden containing some benches and picnic areas for relaxing. Situated 7 km further down from Thangkharang, there is a viewpoint on the road connecting Cherrapunji to Bangladeshi Border offers yet another spectacular view of the three levels of the fall as well as the water flowing down under the bridge in all its grandeur.

Dainthlen Falls

Dainthlen is one of the most powerful sights you will come across, a gushing waterfall that cuts through the hard rocks and the high plateau of Sohra before it cascades down into lush forests. It is also a culturally significant place for the Khasi tribe.

According to local folktales, this spot is where a great battle was fought. The Thlen was a giant serpent, an embodiment of evil who was finally vanquished by the local residents of an ancient village that is now Sohra.

A few minutes of careful walk is required to reach the iron fence from where one will able to witness the gushing waterfall. There was no proper road to reach the viewpoint, it was bit tricky to step on the rocks and avoid the mud. For the best view of Dainthlen, one should cross the stream to the other side. This is only possible when water level is low. There is also an

old bridge over the stream which acts as a perfect background for pictures.

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Waterfalls is a stunning waterfall located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India. The falls get their name from the rainbow that is often visible above the cascading water, creating a truly mesmerizing sight. To reach Rainbow Waterfalls, visitors must trek for approximately 2 km from the nearby village of Nongriat. The trek itself is a beautiful experience, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Along the way, visitors can stop to admire the natural beauty of the region, including the majestic root bridges that are a unique feature of this area. Once visitors reach the waterfall, they are greeted with the sight of water cascading down from a height of approximately 100 meters into a pool below. The falls are surrounded by lush green forests, adding to the charm of this natural wonder. Visitors can also take a dip in the natural pool formed at the base of the falls, providing a refreshing break from the trek. In addition to its natural beauty, Rainbow Waterfalls also have cultural significance. The falls are considered sacred by the local Khasi people, and visitors can learn about the local culture and traditions while enjoying the beauty of the waterfall.

Tyrshi Falls

Locate just 20 kms South of Nartiang at National Highway 6 (Shillong – Jowai Hightway), Tyrshi Falls Locate just 20 kms South of Nartiang at National Highway 6 (Shillong – Jowai Hightway), Tyrshi Falls Locate just 20 kms South of Nartiang at National Highway 6 (Shillong – Jowai Hightway), Tyrshi Falls It is an unsung fall in Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya state. A pretty arch bridge connects across an expanse of green paddy fields, which opens up to the gushing Tyrshi falls thundering down to the Pynthor (paddy-fields) below. A winding footpath offering a breathtaking and panoramic view of the Pynthor Nein, eases your trek down to the bottom of the falls, which glides down like milk over a vertical drop.

One can get down on the road and take a small walk to Tyrshi Falls. A hike through paddy fields alongside a gently flowing stream takes you to this beautiful and serene place. One should go below through further down steps and enjoy the water. As Elephant Falls you can reach at the base of Tyrshi Falls and feel the verve of water.

This place is truly a heaven for nature lovers and people seeking for isolated peaceful destinations.

Best Time to visit: Monsoon is the best time to visit Tyrshi Falls to enjoy the full current white water, flowing down the rocks.

But one should come with good shoes as path can be muddy and rocks near falls are very slippery. There is no dustbin available at the site; hence visitors should not litter the waste near waterfall, as it ruins the ecosystem as well as beauty of place.