Waterfalls in India 2024 are stunning natural formations where rivers or streams cascade over steep drops. They’re not just visually captivating but also significant for ecosystems and human activities.
Formation and Features:
Formed by erosion, waterfalls occur when rivers flow over resistant bedrock, leading to cascading falls. They can also originate from melting ice.
Human Interaction:
Humans have long been fascinated by waterfalls, traveling to see them, exploring, and naming them. They also pose navigation challenges and are revered as religious sites.
Ecological Importance:
Waterfalls create unique habitats for diverse species adapted to their moist environments, contributing to local biodiversity.
Tourism and Recreation:
Waterfalls are major tourist attractions, offering opportunities for sightseeing, photography, and outdoor activities like hiking and swimming.
Hydropower Generation:
They also serve as sources of renewable energy, with hydroelectric power plants harnessing their kinetic energy for electricity generation. Waterfalls are not only natural wonders but also crucial for ecosystems, tourism, and energy production. Balancing conservation and development is key to preserving their beauty and benefits for future generations.
Types of Waterfalls :-
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Ledge Waterfall | Water descends vertically over a cliff, maintaining partial contact with the bedrock. |
| – Block/Sheet: Wide streams or rivers descend. | |
| – Classical: Fall height equals stream width, forming a square shape. | |
| – Curtain: Fall height exceeds the width of the falling water stream. | |
| Plunge Waterfall | Fast-moving water falls vertically, completely losing contact with the bedrock surface. |
| Punchbowl Waterfall | Water is constricted as it falls and then spreads into a wider pool. |
| Horsetail Waterfall | Falling water mostly maintains contact with bedrock. |
| – Chute: Water forced through a narrow, vertical passage. | |
| – Fan: Water spreads horizontally while in contact with bedrock. | |
| Cascade | Water descends a series of rock steps. |
| Tiered/Multi-step/Staircase | Successive waterfalls of similar size, each with its own plunge pool. |
| Cataract Waterfall | A large, powerful waterfall. |
| Segmented Waterfall | Distinct flows of water form as it descends. |
| Moulin Waterfall | A waterfall within a glacier. |
Remarkable Waterfalls in India : A Glimpse into Nature’s Majesty
Kunchikal Falls: Situated in Shimoga District, Karnataka, Kunchikal Falls stands as the tallest waterfall in India, boasting a remarkable height of 1493 feet. Formed by the Varahi River, this cascading marvel mesmerizes visitors with its breathtaking beauty and sheer grandeur.
Dudhsagar Falls: Aptly named the ‘Sea of Milk,’ Dudhsagar Falls is a captivating sight formed by the Mandovi River in Goa. The cascading waters create a frothy spectacle as they plunge from a significant height, adding to the allure of this natural wonder.
Nohkalikai Falls: Nestled near Cherrapunji, renowned as one of the wettest places on Earth, Nohkalikai Falls reigns as the tallest plunge waterfall in India. With a staggering height of 1115 feet (340 meters), it epitomizes the raw power and beauty of nature, drawing awe-inspired visitors from far and wide.
Nohsngithiang Falls (Seven Sisters Waterfalls): Adorned with seven distinct segments, Nohsngithiang Falls, also known as Seven Sisters Waterfalls or Mawsmai Falls, enchants visitors with its ethereal charm. Located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, this natural masterpiece is a testament to the mesmerizing landscapes of India’s northeastern region.
Barehipani Falls: Located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, Barehipani Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in India, with an impressive height of around 1309 feet. Surrounded by lush greenery and scenic landscapes, it offers a serene retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Jog Falls: Nestled in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, Jog Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in India. Formed by the Sharavathi River, it cascades down from a height of approximately 830 feet, creating a mesmerizing spectacle, especially during the monsoon season.
Langshiang Falls: Situated in the West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, Langshiang Falls is among the tallest waterfalls in India, plunging from a height of approximately 1106 feet. The pristine surroundings and the roaring cascade make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
Kynrem Falls: Located near Cherrapunji in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, Kynrem Falls is renowned for its majestic beauty and impressive height of around 1001 feet. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers a serene escape into the heart of nature.
Meenmutty Falls: Nestled in the Wayanad district of Kerala, Meenmutty Falls is a magnificent waterfall cascading from a height of approximately 984 feet. Surrounded by dense forests and rugged terrain, it presents a captivating sight for visitors.
Thalaiyar Falls: Also known as Rat Tail Falls, Thalaiyar Falls is situated in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. With a height of around 974 feet, it is one of the highest waterfalls in India, offering a spectacular view amidst the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats.
List of Waterfalls in India From Highest to Lowest :-
| Rank | Waterfall | Height | Location | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kunchikal Waterfalls | 455 metres | Shivamogga district, Karnataka | Tallest tiered type |
| 2 | Barehipani Falls | 399 metres | Mayurbhanj district, Odisha | Tiered |
| 3 | Nohkalikai Falls | 340 metres | East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | Plunge |
| 4 | Nohsngithiang Falls | 315 metres | East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | Segmented |
| 5 | Dudhsagar Falls | 310 metres | South Goa District, Goa | Tiered |
| 6 | Kynrem Falls | 305 metres | East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | Tiered |
| 7 | Meenmutty Falls | 300 metres | Wayanad district, Kerala | Tiered |
| 8 | Thalaiyar Falls | 297 metres | Batlagundu, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu | Horsetail |
| 9 | Hogenakkal Falls | 259 metres | Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu | Tiered |
| 10 | Jog Falls | 253 metres | Shivamogga district, Karnataka | Segmented |
| 11 | Khandadhar Falls | 244 metres | Sundergarh district, Odisha | Horsetail |
| 12 | Vantawng Falls | 229 metres | Serchhip district, Mizoram | Tiered |
| 13 | Kune Falls | 200 metres | Pune district, Maharashtra | Tiered |
| 14 | Thoseghar Waterfalls | 200 metres | Satara district, Maharashtra | Cataract, Segmented |
| 15 | Soochipara Falls | 200 metres | Wayanad district, Kerala | Tiered |
| 16 | Bahuti Falls | 198 metres | Mauganj, Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh | Tiered |
| 17 | Magod Falls | 198 metres | Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka | Tiered |
| 18 | Hebbe Falls | 168 metres | Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka | Tiered |
| 18 | Duduma Falls | 157 metres | Border of Koraput & Visakhapatnam districts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh states | Plunge |
| 20 | Palani Falls | 150 metres | Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh | |
| 21 | Joranda Falls | 150 metres | Mayurbhanj district, Odisha | |
| 22 | Lodh Falls | 143 metres | Latehar district, Jharkhand | Tiered |
| 23 | Bishop Falls | 135 metres | East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | Tiered |
| 24 | Chachai Falls | 130 metres | Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh | |
| 25 | Keoti Falls | 98 metres | Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh | Segmented |
| 26 | Changey Falls | 123 metres | Kalimpong district, West Bengal | Segmented |
| 27 | Kalhatti Falls | 122 metres | Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka | |
| 28 | Beadon Falls | 120 metres | East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | |
| 29 | Keppa Falls | 116 metres | Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka | Fan type |
| 30 | Koosalli Falls | 116 metres | Udupi, Karnataka | Tiered |
| 31 | Dabbe Falls | 110 metres | Shivamogga, Sagar, Karnataka | |
| 32 | Vasudhara Falls | 120 metres | Chamoli district, Uttarakhand | |
| 33 | Pandavgad Falls | 107 metres | Thane, Maharashtra | |
| 34 | Rajat Prapat | 107 metres | Narmadapuram district, Madhya Pradesh | Horsetail |
| 35 | Bundla Falls | 100 metres | Kaimur district, Bihar | |
| 36 | Shivanasamudra Falls | 98 metres | Mandya district, Chamarajanagara district, Karnataka | Segmented |
| 37 | Lower Ghaghri Falls | 98 metres | Latehar district, Jharkhand | |
| 38 | Hundru Falls | 98 metres | Ranchi district, Jharkhand | Segmented |
| 39 | Sweet Falls | 96 metres | East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | Horsetail |
| 40 | Agaya Gangai | 92 metres | Namakkal, Tamil Nadu | Tiered |
| 41 | Patalpani waterfall | 91.5 metres | Mhow, Indore district, Madhya Pradesh | Segmented |
| 42 | Gatha Falls | 91 metres | Panna district, Madhya Pradesh | |
| 43 | Teerathgarh Falls | 91 metres | Baster district, Chhattisgarh | |
| 44 | Kiliyur Falls | 91 metres | Yercaud, Tamil Nadu | Fan type |
| 45 | Kedumari Falls | 91 metres | Udupi district, Karnataka | Horsetail |
| 46 | Muthyala Maduvu Falls | 91 metres | Bangalore rural district, Karnataka | |
| 47 | Langshiang Falls | 85 metres | West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | |
| 48 | Talakona falls | 82 metres | Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh | |
| 49 | Purwa Falls | 70 metres | Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh | |
| 50 | Kakolat Falls | 50 metres | Nawada district, Bihar | |
| 51 | Paglajhora Falls | 35 metres | Darjiling district, West Bengal | |
| 52 | Dhuandhar Falls | 30 metres | Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh | |
| 53 | Athirappilly Falls | 25 metres | Thrissur district, Kerala | Segmented |
| 53 | Kaka Falls | 1 centimetre | Nithamb district, Kakusthavarma | Brown type |
Conclusion:-
India’s waterfalls epitomize nature’s grandeur. From Kunchikal Falls to Dudhsagar Falls, each cascade captivates with unique beauty. These wonders also nurture diverse ecosystems. Preserving them is vital for future generations. Let’s safeguard these treasures for lasting awe and inspiration.