The major waterfalls of India: the highest and the widest

After the monsoon, when India's rivers tumble down from the hills, they form milky, foaming streams — these are waterfalls. The country's most beautiful falls are found in the Western Ghats, on the Meghalaya plateau and among the rocks of central India. Here are the major waterfalls of India with their height, river and state.

India's major waterfalls at a glance

Note that heights differ from source to source — some measure several steps together, others only the biggest single drop.

How do waterfalls form?

When a river flows from hard rock onto soft rock, the soft rock wears away faster and the edge of the hard rock is left standing. Slowly the difference in height grows, and the water begins to drop straight down. The force of the falling water digs a deep hollow at the bottom, called a "plunge pool". This is why the steep slopes of the Western Ghats and the high Meghalaya plateau are full of waterfalls.

Did you know? The Goa–Karnataka railway line passes right in front of the Dudhsagar falls. When a train crosses the bridge facing the waterfall, passengers get the most beautiful view — read Interesting facts about Indian Railways.

A few more interesting things

• The story of Nohkalikai: a sad Khasi folk tale about a woman named "Ka Likai" is linked with the waterfall's name.
• Chitrakote: in the monsoon the Indravati drops across a width of about 300 metres, which is why it is called the Niagara of India. Athirappilly has the same nickname.
• Power from Jog: because of dams and power stations on the Sharavati, Jog Falls today shows its full force mainly in the monsoon.
• The best time: most waterfalls are fullest between July and October.

A few more famous waterfalls of India

• Dhuandhar (Madhya Pradesh): at Bhedaghat near Jabalpur the Narmada falls between marble rocks, and the flying spray looks like smoke — "dhuan" means smoke.
• Shivanasamudra (Karnataka): on the Kaveri; one of Asia's first hydroelectric power stations was built here in 1902.
• Hogenakkal (Tamil Nadu): on the Kaveri, famous for rides in round, basket-like coracle boats.
• Nohsngithiang or Seven Sisters (Meghalaya): a fall near Cherrapunji that drops in seven streams.
• Kempty (Uttarakhand): near Mussoorie, a favourite with tourists.
• Tirathgarh (Chhattisgarh): in the Kanger valley of Bastar, a fall that tumbles over step-like rocks.

Take care when you visit

In the rains the rocks are very slippery and the flow of water can rise suddenly. Every year many people lose their lives while taking selfies or stepping into the water. So always stay on marked paths and inside railings, do not go into restricted areas and follow the local administration's instructions.

Read more: Major rivers of India · Geography · Geography questions.