Have you ever dreamed of standing before a waterfall so high that the water seems to fall from the sky itself? That is what you see at Nohkalikai Falls, the pride of Meghalaya and the third tallest waterfall India. This waterfall drops from a height of about 340 meters into a pool that shines in different colours depending on the season. Surrounded by green hills and thick forests, it feels like nature’s grand theatre.
When you visit Cherrapunji, also called Sohra, this is the one place you cannot miss. Many call it the most stunning Cherrapunji waterfall. The view is both breathtaking and unforgettable. Let’s explore why this waterfall is so famous, how to reach it, when to go, and what else you can see nearby.
An Overview of Nohkalikai Waterfalls
| Location | East Khasi Hills, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya |
| Elevation | 4065 feet |
| Waterfall Height | 1115 feet |
| Timings | 9 AM to 5 PM |
| Best Time to Visit | June to September |
| Activities | Trekking, photography, angling, birdwatching, & swimming |
| Time Needed | 1-2 hours |
| Entry Fee | INR 20 |
| Camera Charges | INR 20 |
The Meaningful Nohkalikai Story
Every waterfall has a story, but the Nohkalikai story is one that stays in your mind. The name itself means “the leap of Ka Likai” in the Khasi language.
According to legend, Ka Likai was a young mother living near the cliffs. After a tragedy caused by her husband, she lost her daughter in the most heartbreaking way. Shocked and filled with grief, she climbed the cliff and jumped into the gorge. From then on, people began to call the waterfall “Nohkalikai,” a memory of her leap.
When you stand at the viewpoint and hear the sound of the water crashing down, you can feel the weight of this tale. It adds a touch of mystery and emotion to the landscape, making it one of the most culturally significant reasons to visit Meghalaya.
The Beauty of the Cherrapunji Waterfall
Imagine standing on a high cliff, with clouds floating around you, and suddenly you see water falling straight down like a silver thread. That is Nohkalikai Falls.
The plunge is so powerful that mist rises from the base. The pool below changes its shade with the season. Sometimes it looks turquoise blue, sometimes emerald green. The orange cliffs, green forest, and the roaring water make the scene magical.
This is why people also call it the Cherrapunji waterfall to visit. It is not just a waterfall; it is a painting created by nature. Photographers and nature lovers often say no picture can truly capture its beauty; you must see it with your own eyes.
To experience this spectacle at its peak without worrying about logistics, joining a Meghalaya monsoon group trip is the best way to go.
Best Time to Visit Nohkalikai Falls
If you want to enjoy the full view, the best time is from June to September. The weather is clear, the skies are blue, and the valley looks bright. You can see the waterfall and the surrounding hills in their best form.
During the monsoon months, the waterfall becomes more powerful because of heavy rain. But the roads are slippery, and thick fog often hides the view. If you don’t mind the rain, you will see the waterfall at its strongest. If you want clear skies and comfort, go after the rains.
If you want to know more about what makes the rainy season so special here, you can read our guide on visiting Meghalaya in monsoon.
How to Reach Nohkalikai Falls?
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Cherrapunji is the grand Nohkalikai Waterfall. Here is the exact location and the best ways to get there:
Location: Nohkalikai Road, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 793108
By Air
The closest airport is Shillong Airport (Umroi), about 80 km from Cherrapunji. This airport has limited flight options. For better connections, most travellers choose Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which is about 169 km away.
Guwahati airport has regular flights from big cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Cherrapunji. The drive itself is very scenic, with views of the green Khasi Hills.
By Train
There is no direct train service in Meghalaya. The nearest major station is Guwahati Railway Station, which is well-connected to many Indian cities. From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Shillong and then continue by road to Cherrapunji. The drive from Guwahati to Cherrapunji usually takes around 4 to 5 hours.
By Road
Cherrapunji is well-linked to Shillong (54 km) and Guwahati (146 km) by road. You can hire a private taxi or use the Meghalaya Tourism buses that run often between Shillong and Cherrapunji. If you drive yourself, you will enjoy passing through rolling hills, forests, and small waterfalls along the way.
Once you reach Cherrapunji, Nohkalikai Waterfall is just a short drive away and can be easily reached with local transport
Entry and Timing for Nohkalikai Falls
- Entry fee: A small ticket of around ₹20 per person. There may be an extra fee for cameras.
- Timing: The viewpoint usually opens from 9 AM to 5 PM. It is best to go before noon when the sunlight falls directly on the waterfall.
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and be careful on wet days. The paths can be slippery because of the mist.
Other Attractions Near Nohkalikai Waterfalls
Meghalaya is full of beauty. Once you are here, you should explore other Meghalaya natural wonders too. Here are some must-visit places near Nohkalikai:
- Seven Sisters Falls: A majestic series of seven waterfalls falling side by side; best witnessed at the Seven Sisters Waterfall Cherrapunji during peak rains.
- Mawsmai Cave: A limestone cave with amazing rock formations. Easy to explore and fun for kids, too.
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge: A world-famous trek in Nongriat; explore the Double Decker Living Root Bridge Meghalaya to see ancient bio-engineering in person.
- Thangkharang Park: Offers wide views of the valley and nearby waterfalls.
- Khoh Ramhah (The Giant Rock): A massive rock shaped like a basket. A great photo stop.
- Mawlynnong Village: Known as the cleanest village in Asia, about 70 km away.
These places prove why Meghalaya is a land of surprises. The waterfalls, caves, and bridges together make up the true Meghalaya natural wonders.
Final Thoughts: Nature’s Masterpiece
Standing in front of Nohkalikai Falls feels like standing before nature’s masterpiece. It is not just the tallest plunge waterfall India offers, but also one of the most dramatic. Add the tragic Nohkalikai story, the shifting colours of the pool, and the green cliffs, and you have an experience you will never forget.
To make your planning simple and cover all these highlights, you can explore various Meghalaya tour packages that are designed for a seamless travel experience. So pack your camera, wear your best travel shoes, and get ready to see why Nohkalikai Falls is the crown jewel of Cherrapunji.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Nohkalikai is India’s tallest plunge waterfall, dropping from a massive height of 340 metres (1,115 feet). Unlike segmented falls, it is a single, dramatic drop into a turquoise-green pool. Its fame also comes from the tragic Khasi legend of Ka Likai, which adds a deep emotional layer to its natural beauty.
Yes, the monsoon (June to September) is when the waterfall is at its most powerful and thundering glory. However, thick fog often blankets the viewpoint during heavy rains.
Nohkalikai is about 54 km from Shillong, and the drive takes approximately 2 hours. You can hire a private taxi, take a shared cab to Cherrapunji (Sohra).
The name translates to “Leap of Ka Likai.” According to local folklore, a young mother named Ka Likai jumped off the cliff in grief after a tragic family incident involving her husband and daughter. The waterfall is named in her memory, and the story is an integral part of the local Khasi culture.
While most people enjoy the view from the main plateau, there are trekking trails that lead to the edge of the cliffs and down towards the base. These treks are moderately difficult and can be slippery during the rains.
