Photo spot in Nongriat
Nongriat Natural Pools
Nongriat, Meghalaya
The startlingly blue-green natural swimming pools fed by the mountain streams around Nongriat, cool and clear — a refreshing reward after the steep trek down.
Best time
Midday in the dry months, when sun reaches the bottom of the gorge and the water shows its colour; early morning for still, empty pools.
Best angle
Climb onto a dry boulder above the pool and take a photo looking down into the clear water, with the root bridge in the background.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
Daylight hours
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Nongriat Natural Pools
Midday in the dry months, when sun reaches the bottom of the gorge and the water shows its colour; early morning for still, empty pools. 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 Nongriat Natural Pools
Climb onto a dry boulder above the pool and take a photo looking down into the clear water, with the root bridge in the background. 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.
By the blue pool
At the water's edge
Outfit guide
What to wear at Nongriat Natural Pools
For photos at Nongriat Natural Pools, teal, coral 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 Nongriat Natural Pools.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Nongriat.
Eat nearby
Food near Nongriat Natural Pools
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for red tea & pukhlein nearby.
Special dishes to try
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Wear swimwear under your clothes so you do not need to change on the rocks.
Enter the water feet first; depths are hard to judge through clear water.
Do not use soap, shampoo or sunscreen in the pools.
Stay out when the water is brown or running fast after rain.
Bring a quick-dry towel and a dry set of clothes for the climb out.
Keep your phone in a dry bag on the rocks, well back from the edge.
Come in the late afternoon if you are staying overnight, when the pools empty out.
Cold water after the steps
Below and around the double-decker root bridge, the stream slows into a series of rock pools. In the dry months the water is clear and blue-green, and after two hours of steps a swim is the reason many walkers linger. Small fish in the shallows often nibble at feet dangled in the water.
When the pools are at their best
Colour and clarity depend on the rain. From about November to March the stream is low and the water clear enough to see the stones on the bottom. By May the storms start, and from June to September the water runs brown, fast and high. Swimming then is unsafe, and some of the pools disappear under the current.
Swimming safely
The water is cold all year, and deeper than it looks in places. There is no lifeguard and help is hours away up the steps. Swim only in calm water, go in feet first, and do not jump from rocks. Keep children within reach. Change out of wet clothes before the climb back, and cover up when walking through the village.
Keep the water clean
Soap, shampoo and sunscreen wash straight into a stream that the village downstream depends on. Rinse in plain water only, and carry any wrappers back out. The village has asked visitors for this for years; the pools stay clear because most people listen.
Beyond the bridge
A smaller pool on the trail to Rainbow Falls is quieter, and the pool at the foot of the falls is the largest. If you are staying in the village, come down in the late afternoon when the day walkers have gone back up.
Questions
Nongriat Natural Pools — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Nongriat Natural Pools?
Midday in the dry months, when sun reaches the bottom of the gorge and the water shows its colour; early morning for still, empty pools. Climb onto a dry boulder above the pool and take a photo looking down into the clear water, with the root bridge in the background.
Is there an entry fee at Nongriat Natural Pools?
Entry to Nongriat Natural Pools is free.
What are the opening hours of Nongriat Natural Pools?
Nongriat Natural Pools keeps daylight hours.
What should I wear at Nongriat Natural Pools?
Teal, coral and forest green photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Nongriat Natural Pools get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: midday in the dry months, when sun reaches the bottom of the gorge and the water shows its colour; early morning for still, empty pools.
What food should I try near Nongriat Natural Pools?
Try red tea & pukhlein at spots close by.
Can you swim at Nongriat?
Yes, in the dry months, in the calm pools by the double-decker bridge. The water is cold and deep in places, and there is no lifeguard.
Why are the pools blue?
In the dry months the stream is low and clear, so light shows through to the rocky bottom. Rain carries silt that turns the water brown.
Are the fish in the pools harmful?
No. Small fish sometimes nibble at feet in the shallows. It tickles but does no harm.
Is swimming allowed in the monsoon?
It is not safe. From June to September the water runs high, fast and brown, and conditions can change within minutes.