Photo spot in Cherrapunji
Nohkalikai Falls
Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
India's tallest plunge waterfall, dropping ~340 m off the plateau into a turquoise pool — wreathed in cloud and steeped in a tragic Khasi legend.
Best time
Morning, before noon, when the sun is on the falls and the gorge is often clear; September to November for the fullest flow.
Best angle
Walk down to the lowest viewing level and take a vertical photo that fits the whole drop and the green pool at the bottom.
Entry fee
Nominal
Opening hours
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Nohkalikai Falls
Morning, before noon, when the sun is on the falls and the gorge is often clear; September to November for the fullest flow. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Nohkalikai Falls
Walk down to the lowest viewing level and take a vertical photo that fits the whole drop and the green pool at the bottom. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
At the viewpoint over the falls
With the plunge behind
Outfit guide
What to wear at Nohkalikai Falls
For photos at Nohkalikai Falls, yellow, white and forest green work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Nohkalikai Falls.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Cherrapunji.
Eat nearby
Food near Nohkalikai Falls
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for momos nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Go on a clear morning, before noon, when the sun lights the falls and the gorge is more likely to be open.
If cloud hides the falls, wait ten or fifteen minutes at the railing before you give up.
Walk down to the lower viewing levels for a clearer view of the plunge pool.
Visit between September and November if you want a full waterfall and fewer rain delays.
Carry a rain jacket even on a sunny day, since the weather at the cliff edge changes fast.
Only attempt the trail to the pool in the dry season, with a local guide, and allow several hours.
Keep children well back from the railings, as the drop is sheer and the ground is often wet.
India's tallest plunge waterfall
Nohkalikai Falls drops about 340 m off the edge of the plateau, west of Sohra, in one clean fall. At the bottom is a plunge pool of an unusual green-blue colour. The water comes from rain collected on a fairly small plateau above, so the falls change a lot through the year. They are at their fullest during and just after the monsoon, and much thinner from December to February.
The legend of Ka Likai
The name means "the leap of Ka Likai". Khasi legend tells of a widow named Likai who remarried and worked as a porter to feed her baby daughter. Her jealous second husband killed the child while she was away. When Likai learned what had happened, she ran in grief to the edge of this cliff and jumped. Local guides tell the story at the viewpoint, and it is part of why the falls matter to people here.
The viewpoint
The main viewpoint is a ticketed area with railings, steps and several viewing levels, plus stalls selling tea, snacks and souvenirs. A few steps down give you a clearer, lower angle on the falls. It is a short drive from Sohra market.
Waiting for the cloud
Cloud often rises from the gorge and hides the falls completely. It usually drifts off again within minutes. Stay at the railing, keep your camera ready, and give it time.
The trek to the pool
A long forest trail leads down to the pool at the base. It is steep and hard, takes several hours there and back, and is only sensible in the dry winter months. It is generally closed or unsafe in the monsoon. Go with a local guide, not alone.
Nearby
Combine Nohkalikai with Mawsmai Cave and Seven Sisters Falls on the same day.
Questions
Nohkalikai Falls — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Nohkalikai Falls?
Morning, before noon, when the sun is on the falls and the gorge is often clear; September to November for the fullest flow. Walk down to the lowest viewing level and take a vertical photo that fits the whole drop and the green pool at the bottom.
Is there an entry fee at Nohkalikai Falls?
Entry to Nohkalikai Falls is nominal.
What are the opening hours of Nohkalikai Falls?
Nohkalikai Falls is open 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
What should I wear at Nohkalikai Falls?
Yellow, white and forest green photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Nohkalikai Falls get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: morning, before noon, when the sun is on the falls and the gorge is often clear; September to November for the fullest flow.
What food should I try near Nohkalikai Falls?
Try momos, available at nearby restaurants.
How tall is Nohkalikai Falls?
About 340 m. It is the tallest plunge waterfall in India, falling in a single drop into a pool below.
What is the story behind the name Nohkalikai?
It means "the leap of Ka Likai". Khasi legend says a woman named Likai jumped from this cliff in grief after her second husband killed her baby daughter.
Can you walk down to the pool at the bottom?
Yes, by a steep forest trail that takes several hours there and back. Go only in the dry winter months, with a local guide. It is not safe in the monsoon.
Does Nohkalikai dry up in winter?
Not completely, but it thins out a lot from December to February. It is fullest in the monsoon and just after.