The Seven Sisters Falls in Cherrapunji (Sohra), Meghalaya, is a must-see for any nature-loving traveller. Also called Nohsngithiang Falls, it’s a famous waterfall Meghalaya boasts, a tiered cascade plunging about 300 metres (1,033 feet) from a towering cliff.
In the rainy season, all seven thin streams merge into a great white “water curtain” framed by emerald forests. On sunny days, the mist even spawns rainbows at the base. Truly, this is among the most scenic falls India has to offer, set in one of the world’s wettest regions.
Enjoy the View of Seven Sisters in Full Flow
The Seven Sisters Falls is an unforgettable sight. Seven parallel streams descend from the Khasi Hills, carving thin ribbons of water down the rock face. In full monsoon flow, the falls span more than 100 metres across, looking like a single massive sheet of water. The combined drop is about 300 metres, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in India.
Seven Sisters Falls is “the fourth-highest waterfall in India”. Tourists often linger at the viewpoint to snap the dramatic scene as sunbeams catch the spray. With steep green slopes all around, this panorama has an almost mystical quality.
The waterfalls only flow strongly during the monsoon (roughly June to September). Arrive in this season to see all seven streams thunder down the cliff. During the dry season the flow is much weaker, and the falls can appear as just a few dribbles between rocks.
For the best experience, plan your visit right after or during heavy rains, then the Seven Sisters Falls truly live up to their name.
Seven Sisters Falls History and Story
According to Khasi folklore, there were once seven sisters who lived in these hills. A suitor came seeking marriage, but the sisters fled by plunging off the cliff and transforming into the seven streams. The story symbolises eternal sisterhood: even as the sisters became water, each stream stays separate and does not mix.
Many visitors enjoy hearing this tale as they stand beside the falls. It adds a mythical, almost sacred dimension to the visit. In general, Khasi culture considers waterfalls powerful natural symbols. The Seven Sisters site is often held in reverence. Locals say the falls grant peace and goodwill.
So, besides its visual beauty, there is a serene vibe at the viewpoint. Many tourists mention feeling a spiritual calm there, as if the seven sisters themselves bless the place.
Where to Find the Seven Sisters Falls?
The Seven Sisters Falls are in the East Khasi Hills, about 2 km south of Mawsmai village, near the town of Cherrapunji. Cherrapunji (officially Sohra) is famed as one of the wettest places on Earth. The heavy rainfall in this area creates many waterfalls, Nohkalikai Falls and Dain Thlen Falls are other waterfalls Cherrapunji that draw visitors.
From Cherrapunji town itself, the Seven Sisters is just a short drive south to a roadside parking area. A short walk from the parking lot leads to the main viewpoint at the cliff’s edge.
Getting there is straightforward for travellers. Most visitors go via Shillong (Meghalaya’s capital). Shillong Airport (located near Guwahati) and nearby Guwahati are common entry points. From Shillong, hire a taxi or take a bus west toward Cherrapunji, it’s about a 53 km drive that takes 2 to 3 hours through lush hills.
The roads wind through amazing views, so the journey itself is enjoyable. Once in Cherrapunji, it’s only about 10 km by road to Nohsngithiang (Seven Sisters) falls. Since the area is very rural, it’s wise to arrange transportation in advance or ensure your vehicle is comfortable on hilly roads.
The falls are in a district-administered park area. There is no entry fee, and visiting hours are roughly 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best light for photography is often late morning or early afternoon. Because the site is remote, facilities are minimal: there may be a small canteen or shops at the entrance, but bring your snacks, water, and rain gear.
- Timing & Season: The falls flow strongest in the summer monsoon (June to September). Plan around the rains for spectacular views.
- Viewpoint: A simple concrete platform overlooks the falls. From there, you can see all seven strands. In clear weather, you can even glimpse the Bangladesh plains beyond the valley.
- Safety: The path can be slippery when wet. Keep to marked trails and fencing. Children should be watched closely near the edges.
- Travel tip: Start early in the day to avoid any afternoon clouds or crowds. Booking a local guide or driver can enhance the experience with historical and cultural context.
For those planning a tour of Meghalaya, many local travel firms include the Seven Sisters falls on their itinerary. For example, the JustWravel Meghalaya Tour Package offers a 4-night Meghalaya trip that visits Cherrapunji’s waterfalls and other highlights. A guided tour can handle logistics so you can relax and enjoy the views.
Activities to Do at Seven Sisters Falls
Visiting seven sisters falls is more than just seeing a pretty cascade. It’s about slowing down, enjoying nature, and tasting local life. Here are some fun, easy things you can do while you are there.
- Click Lots of Photos: You will want to capture this place. Move between viewpoints, try wide shots and close-ups, and get photos with your travel buddies. The light and mist make for dramatic pictures at Nohsngithiang Falls.
- Have a Relaxed Picnic: Find a safe, dry spot with a view and spread out a simple picnic. After you eat, stroll a bit and sample local treats nearby. This area is one of the best waterfalls Cherrapunji spot to sit back and enjoy a slow afternoon.
- Go For a Natural Walk: Take gentle walks around the falls and along nearby trails. You will see bright flowers, interesting plants, and lots of birds. It is a peaceful way to feel the forest and discover why these are such scenic falls India travellers love.
- Visit Nearby Villages: Pop into villages like Mawsmai and Cherrapunji. Chat with locals, see their daily life, and learn about Khasi traditions. If your timing is right, you might catch local festivals that add colour and music to your trip.
- Taste the Local Cuisine: Make time to try Meghalaya dishes. Order favourites like Nakham Bitchi and Jadoh to get a real taste of the region. Eating local food makes your visit to the seven sisters falls even more memorable.
- Combine It with Other Famous Spots: While you are in the area, explore other famous waterfalls Meghalaya is known for. A short day of gentle exploring gives you a fuller picture of the region’s natural beauty.
Best Places to Explore Near Seven Sisters Falls
After enjoying the beauty of seven sisters falls, you can plan short trips to these amazing spots nearby. Each place offers something unique, from lakes and caves to living root bridges and peaceful villages.
| Place | Distance From Seven Sisters Waterfall | Why Visit? |
| Umiam Lake | 69 km | A beautiful man-made lake, perfect for boating and watching the sunset. |
| Dainthlen Falls | 14 km | A powerful waterfall linked with local legends, surrounded by rocky cliffs. |
| Double Decker Living Root Bridge | 25 km | A one-of-a-kind bridge made from living tree roots, famous for its natural design. |
| Ka Khoh Ramhah | 6 km | A giant rock shaped like an upturned cone, offering scenic views of the valley. |
| Mawsmai Cave | 2 km | A limestone cave with narrow passages and fascinating rock formations. |
| Nohkalikai Falls | 10 km | The tallest plunge waterfall in India, another highlight among famous waterfalls Meghalaya. |
| Garden of Caves | 18 km | A hidden gem filled with small waterfalls, caves, and greenery. |
| Mawlynnong Village | 84 km | Called Asia’s cleanest village, offering a look into sustainable Khasi living. |
| Mawphlang Sacred Forest | 50 km | An ancient forest protected by tribal beliefs, rich in rare plants and stories. |
| Kynrem Falls | 12 km | A three-tiered waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls Cherrapunji offers. |
| Laitlum Canyons | 47 km | A breathtaking viewpoint overlooking deep valleys and rolling hills. |
The Final Thoughts
Bеsidеs thе falls thеmsеlvеs, thе immеdiatе arеa is grеat for light hiking and naturе. Trails wind through thick junglе abovе and bеlow thе falls. Birdwatchеrs will spot many tropical spеciеs hеrе. Nеar thе basе, a picnic with viеws of thе watеrfall is a popular way to spеnd an aftеrnoon. Just upstrеam is Mawsmai Cavе, a famous limеstonе cavе you can еxplorе on thе samе trip. Anothеr local marvеl is thе living root bridgе at Nongriat (rеachablе with a trеk), showcasing how thе Khasi pеoplе adapt to this rainforеst еnvironmеnt.
Thе Sеvеn Sistеrs Falls ranks among thе top scеnic falls India travеllеrs sееk out. Whеn you stand at thе lookout and sее thе sеvеn silvеry strеams racing down, it’s clеar why. Thе combination of hеight, forеstеd cliffs, and thе “rainbow curtain” еffеct in sunlight crеatеs a scеnе of purе magic.
If thе idеa of an organisеd trip appеals to you, don’t forgеt to look into packagеs likе thе JustWravеl Mеghalaya Tour Packagе, which covеrs thе main highlights of Mеghalaya, including Chеrrapunji. Such tours makе it еasy to еxpеriеncе thеsе amazing watеrfalls Chеrrapunji, and othеr natural wondеrs without thе hasslе of planning еvеry dеtail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes the Seven Sisters Falls unique?
The Seven Sisters Falls is special because seven parallel streams plunge together from a 315-metre-high cliff. During monsoon, they merge into a giant water curtain, sometimes creating rainbows. Its scale and beauty make it among the most scenic falls India boasts.
When is the best time to visit the Seven Sisters Falls?
The best time to visit is during the monsoon season, from June to September. Heavy rains make the seven streams thunder down in full flow, creating spectacular views. In dry months, the waterfalls are reduced to thin trickles.
Where exactly is the Seven Sisters Falls located?
The falls are located in the East Khasi Hills near Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra, about 10 kilometres south of Mawsmai village. They’re easily accessible from Shillong by road, with scenic drives through Meghalaya’s lush green hills and valleys.
What activities can tourists enjoy at the falls?
Tourists can enjoy photography, relaxing picnics, and nature walks around the falls. They can also explore nearby villages like Mawsmai, taste local Khasi cuisine, or combine their trip with other famous waterfalls Meghalaya and attractions in and around Cherrapunji.
What other attractions can be explored near Seven Sisters Falls?
Nearby attractions include Umiam Lake, Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Double Decker Living Root Bridge, and Dawki River. Each site offers unique experiences, from boating and trekking to exploring caves and villages, making Cherrapunji a must-visit destination in Meghalaya.