India has stunning waterfalls with excellent viewpoints which attract tourists worldwide. Numerous waterfalls provide a picturesque view from the Northeast to the Western Ghats.
Here is a list of the top 5 waterfalls that captured the hearts of many tourists that you should add to your bucket list.
- Jog Waterfalls, Karnataka
Jog Falls, which has an altitude of 830 feet, is among India's second-highest plunge waterfalls. It was formed by the Sharavathi River. Its viewpoint is in Shimoga district, Karnataka. It is divided into four parts: Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket. It is also a trekking spot because Jog Falls is surrounded by the Western Ghats giving a vibrant view. It is best to visit the falls between July to September. The entry ticket to the Jog Falls is Rs.10 and hiring a guide for trekking costs Rs. 400. One has to climb 1400 steps to reach the bottom of the waterfalls.
- Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Goa
Dudhsagar Waterfalls, by its very name, means " Sea of Milk" because of the milky texture of the water falling on the rocky terrain creating an excellent view. The height is 1017 feet located near the banks of Mandovi River, Goa. The Dudhsagar waterfall bottom is open to the public. The best time to visit is between October and May.
A Jeep can hired to visit the bottom of the Falls, accommodating 7 people and Rs. 500 for each person. An entry fee has to be given to the Department of Forest. One and a half hours permission will be granted to a jeep. If you want to see the falls through a train journey, you must take the train from Castlerock Station to Collem Railway Station.
- Adhirapilly Waterfalls, Kerala
Adhirapilly Waterfalls is 80 feet tall and located in Kerala, often known as the " Niagara of India". It is a part of the Chalakudy River. It is a popular destination for filmmakers and a lot of famous Indian movies are shot here (Bahubali, Ravanan, Punnagaimannan). The best time to visit is between September and February. It is open for visit from 8 A.M. to 6 P.M. The entry fee is Rs. 15 per head. The endangered species Hornbill is spotted here.
- Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Meghalaya
Nohkalikai Waterfalls is the highest plunge waterfall in India with an altitude of 1115 feet and 4th tallest in the world. It is located near Chirapunji of Meghalaya. The entry fee is Rs.10. The ghastly story behind the waterfall: There was a woman from Khasi named Likai, who was left alone with her daughter after her husband died. She settled near this waterfall, worked as a porter, and got married to a man to give fatherly love to her daughter. But he was jealous of the attention, her wife gave to her stepdaughter.
So he killed the daughter and cooked the flesh for his wife. Later Likai found this and the grief-stricken women jumped off the cliff. The word 'Nohkalikai'means 'Jump of Ka Likai'. 'Noh'means 'Jump', 'Ka' is a prefix of a female, and 'Likai' is the name of a woman who jumped off the cliff.
- Kunchikal Waterfalls, Karnataka
Kunchikal Waterfall is in Karnataka with an altitude of 1498 feet, formed by the Varahi River. Recently, the water flow has been greatly reduced and is visible during July to September. It is the tallest waterfall in India. It is contributed totally to hydroelectric projects and less accessible to the public.
All these waterfalls are must-visit tourist places for every photographer, adventure lover, and nature admirer. Do visit these spots during the monsoon season for the best experience.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
*The views expressed are personal to the author and do not reflect the platform's opinion of the same.
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