#cherrapunji

Beautiful Meghalaya

This was my first ever travelling to somewhere as an adult and without my parents but with other people. Surprisingly it's not even in my country, it's in Meghalaya, India.

A year ago on this very day I was in 7 Sisters Fall. You can see in the photo how breathtaking she is. You've to visit her. A phone camera is not enough. My phone couldn't capture the rainbow on the mountain.

And now, I'm stuck at house with my demons, breathing and fighting and reminiscing those days.

This place was on the way to Cherrapunji. Weirdly, we didn't have rain while staying at Shillong but on our way to Cherrapunji we faced nearly 3 types of weather within 2 hours duration. And Cherrapunji is known to be a place where it rains pretty much all the time. If I was an Army back then I'd play 'Forever Rain' in Cherrapunji. It's raining here today and I'm missing the beautiful rain of Cherrapunji.

Someday, I wish to have a solo trip to Cherrapunji😔

Exploring the waterfalls in Meghalaya is about more than just a photo stop. It is about feeling the power of the monsoon-fed streams and understanding the stories that the locals share about their presence. If you are planning a trip for 2026, adding these waterfalls to your Meghalaya Tour Packages, can make the whole experience even more memorable.

The waterfalls on this list are selected for travelers who want an experience that makes them feel close to nature. They Meghalaya waterfalls are accessible without requiring a full-day expedition, and are tied to the living folklore of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills.

 This guide includes the legendary Nohkalikai, the seven-streamed Nohsngithiang (or Seven Sisters), the historic Dainthlen, the powerful Weinia, the three-tiered Wei Sawdong, and the adventurous Phi Phi Falls.

6 Must-Visit Waterfalls in Meghalaya

Nohkalikai Falls - the famous cliff plunge

Nohkalikai is a single, thunderous plunge of about 340 meters, a silver line slicing the cliff before it disappears into a jade pool. The viewpoint near Cherrapunji often sits inside cloud, and that is part of its drama, one minute you see nothing, the next the whole drop reveals itself like a curtain lifting. 

The name carries a warning. Locals trace it to "Ka Likai", a woman whose grief became the place's remembered sorrow. The legend says Likai, widowed and remarried, returned from work to a meal cooked by her jealous husband. Only later did she discover her infant had been killed, and the meal was made from the child. In shock, she ran and leapt from this very cliff, giving the falls its haunting name. If you are timing this stop for peak flow and cloud drama, the monsoon trip to Meghalaya itinerary can help you line up Sohra viewpoints with the season.

Highlights of the Nohkalikai falls:

One of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India

Famous for its local legend

Things to do:

Visit viewpoint for the full plunge perspective

Photography, especially after rain when the pool turns emerald

Short hikes around the rim for different angles

Seven Sisters Falls - best in monsoon

Unlike other waterfalls known for a single, powerful drop, Seven Sisters is all about its impressive width. During the monsoon, seven distinct streams flow down a wide, green cliffside. Locals say they resemble seven sisters, which is how the waterfall got its name. After heavy rain, the streams merge into a single, wide curtain of water. 

On clearer days, the view of the surrounding valley is just as captivating. The legend here is gentler, telling a story of sisterhood and unity. If you are planning a short trip to Cherrapunji, you can easily combine a visit to these falls with nearby Mawsmai Cave and other viewpoints for a day filled with natural wonders.

Highlights of the Seven Sisters falls:

Seven parallel streams in peak monsoon

Classic wide angle valley viewpoint near Cherrapunji

Things to do:

Photography with a wide lens during monsoon

Viewpoint stop for families and quick visits

Picnic only in designated safe areas

Dainthlen Falls - known for its rock patterns

Dainthlen wins hearts for its rock bed as much as its cascade. The water flows over a wide, rocky surface, and in the right light you can catch a rainbow near the base. Khasi folklore gives the rocks a second life: a giant serpent, the Dainthlen, once terrorized villages by devouring livestock. Villagers finally killed it, and the marks on the rocks are still pointed out as proof of the battle. Even if you arrive only for photos, the place feels like a natural amphitheater where stories echo. Come in monsoon for volume, but keep your distance from slippery edges.

Highlights of the Dainthlen falls:

Distinctive rock formations and broad water spread

Folklore of the slain serpent 'Dainthlen'

Things to do:

Walk the safer rock sections for patterns and textures

Photography for rainbows and long exposures

Combine with nearby Cherrapunji stops

Weinia Falls - a quiet stop for photos

Weinia is the kind of offbeat stop that makes a trip to Meghalaya feel personal. A short stroll through the greenery brings you to a waterfall that often creates a fine mist, which can form a soft rainbow in the right light. There's a local saying that this is where the clouds descend to drink from the river; when fog rolls in and quiets the landscape, leaving only the sound of water, you can understand the sentiment. 

Because it remains less crowded than the famous waterfalls in Cherrapunji, you can take your time, listen for birds, and frame your photos without other visitors in the background. It is best to visit after the monsoon or during months with strong water flow when the spray is at its most powerful.

Highlights of the Weinia falls:

Offbeat, quieter than the Cherrapunji icons

Known for misty rainbows and cloud soaked ambience

Things to do:

Photography for rainbow mist

Short nature walk to and around the falls

Relaxed birdwatching and soundscape breaks

Wei Sawdong Falls - the three tier waterfall

Locals often point to Wei Sawdong when you ask for a waterfall that feels like a discovery, and many consider it one of the best looking waterfalls in Meghalaya. It is famous for its stunning three-tiered cascade, where water falls into turquoise pools surrounded by dense forest. The trek down involves steep bamboo ladders and can be slippery, especially during the monsoon, so good trekking shoes are essential. In the Khasi language, "wei" means pool, a name that reflects the area's deep connection to water as a life force.

Highlights of the Wei Sawdong falls:

Stunning three tier waterfall

Popular near Sohra (Cherrapunji) for its jungle setting and clear pools

Things to do:

A dip in the waterpools

Photography from the viewpoints

Leisure time marvelling at the falls

Phi Phi Falls - a calm forest waterfall

Phi Phi Falls is for travelers who prefer the quieter waterfalls in Meghalaya, fewer people, more birdsong, and lush forests. It looks its best after a spell of rain, when the leaves shine, the path smells of wet earth, and the water sounds fuller as it moves through the trees. 

This is a place to slow down, watch the flow for a while, and take photos without rushing. Locals treat the spot like a shared backyard, so keep your voice low, carry your trash back out, and take extra care on wet rock where footing can turn slippery. 

Highlights of the Phi Phi falls:

Quieter, forested waterfall experience away from the busiest viewpoints

Best enjoyed after rains when the flow and soundscape are strongest

Things to do:

Nature walk and unhurried photography

Visit after rainfall for stronger flow

Carry back all waste and avoid stepping onto slick rock edges

Final Thoughts - Which Waterfall to Visit in 2026?

As you plan your holiday, do not forget about the amazing Meghalaya Waterfall Haven, where you can see the most beautiful waterfalls in India, experience the incredible Abode of Clouds, and enjoy the views of breathtaking living root bridges. Due to the high level of precipitation in Meghalaya, it has become home to some of the most gorgeous places in India.

Meghalaya's main city, Shillong, can serve as a perfect gateway to all of the places that deserve to be visited, such as stunning viewpoints, shopping places, and markets. Cherrapunji, located in the vicinity of Shillong, has many beautiful waterfalls and valleys, and it is recognized as one of the rainiest places on Earth, featuring numerous caves.

Moreover, it is possible to learn more about the tribal traditions and culture in Meghalaya and explore a wide variety of local musical instruments and dishes. Meghalaya is sure to provide you with unforgettable experiences and memories from the trip.