Plunging from a height of 1115 feet amidst evergreen rainforests, Nohkalikai Falls in Cherrapunji is one of the finest examples of nature’s splendour. The waterfall, which is famed for being the world’s fourth-tallest plunge waterfall, is a major attraction among tourists visiting the North-East. The cascade draws many adventure enthusiasts and shutterbugs due to the beautiful trekking trail and panoramic vistas it offers.
A viewing gallery at the top of the waterfall gives you scenic views of the cascade and the deep plunge pool. The pool, which resembles a lagoon, changes colours from aqua to blue to green depending on the season.
Here is some important information about Nohkalikai Waterfall in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya.
Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunji Information
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Location |
East Khasi Hills, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya |
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Type |
Waterfall, adventure |
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Elevation |
4065-feet |
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Waterfall Height |
1115-feet |
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Timings |
9 AM to 5 PM |
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Best Time to Visit |
October to December and March to May |
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Activities |
Trekking, photography, angling, birdwatching, swimming |
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Time Needed |
1-2 hours |
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Entry Fee |
INR 20 |
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Camera Charges |
INR 20 |
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Nearest Airport |
Shillong Airport (80 km), Guwahati Airport (164 km) |
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Nearest Railway Station |
Shillong Railway Station (81 km), Guwahati Railway Station (146 km) |
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Nearest Bus Station |
Cherrapunji Bus Station (8 km) |
Nohkalikai Falls: History
Nohkalikai, which means “the leap of Likai” in the local Khasi language, is associated with a sad story. Ka Likai, a young mother, stayed in Rangjyrteh village, near the waterfall. Widowed at a young age, the woman remarried and stayed with her husband and little daughter. The man did not like the amount of attention Ka Likai gave to her daughter. When Ka Likai was at work, he killed the girl and cooked her flesh in a fit of jealous rage.
When Ka Likai returned home, her husband served her the cooked flesh. After the meal, she went out looking for her daughter, who she thought was at the neighbour’s house. This is when she discovers a child’s finger in a basket of betel leaves. On understanding what actually happened, Ka Likai plunged to death from the falls. Owing to this Nohkalikai Falls story, the waterfall was given this name.
Nohkalikai Falls: Things to Do
The waterfall is a delight for nature lovers and adventure buffs. Some popular activities that you can engage in here include:
- Trekking: Adventurers will enjoy a trek here through dense forests, lush grassland, clear streams, and a river bed with huge boulders. Nohkalikai Falls trek may take about 4-5 hours, depending on your speed and the weather.
- Birdwatching: You can spend some time spotting different types of birds here.
- Photography: If you are into nature or landscape photography, you can capture some scenic panoramas here.
- 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.
Attractions near Nohkalikai Falls, Cherrapunji
- Rainbow Falls (1 km)
- Arwah Cave (6 km)
- Wah-Kaba Falls (8 km)
- Cherrapunji View Point (9 km)
- Seven Sisters Falls (11 km)
- Mawsmai Cave (11 km)
- Dainthlen Falls (12 km)
- Wei Sawdong Waterfall (13 km)
- Garden of Caves (16 km)
- Thangkharang Park (17 km)
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge (22 km)
Also read: 22 Places to Visit in Northeast India
Hence, we can say that a trip to the North-East is incomplete unless you visit Nohkalikai – India’s tallest plunge waterfall. While you have probably seen many rivers making beautiful leaps down a cliff or steep slope, nothing compares to Nohkalikai Falls. The enticing beauty of the falls, as well as its verdant surroundings, makes it a must-visit.
