Photo spot in Shillong
Elephant Falls
Shillong, Meghalaya
A pretty three-tiered waterfall tumbling through fern-covered rocks, reached by easy stepped paths on the city's edge.
Best time
Morning, soon after the gate opens, before groups fill the platforms; just after the monsoon for the most water.
Best angle
Walk down to the lowest viewing platform and take an upright photo of the largest fall with the ferns and rock on either side.
Entry fee
Nominal
Opening hours
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Elephant Falls
Morning, soon after the gate opens, before groups fill the platforms; just after the monsoon for the most water. Crowds here are typically high. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Elephant Falls
Walk down to the lowest viewing platform and take an upright photo of the largest fall with the ferns and rock on either side. 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.
On the viewing steps by the falls
At the lower tier
Outfit guide
What to wear at Elephant Falls
For photos at Elephant Falls, yellow, white and teal 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
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Shillong.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Shillong.
Eat nearby
Food near Elephant Falls
Hungry after the shoot? Search the Shillong food guide by craving to find something good nearby.
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Good to know
Local tips
Arrive soon after opening to have the viewing platforms to yourself.
Wear shoes with a good grip, as the lower steps stay wet for most of the year.
Stay behind the railings and off the rocks, which are slippery with spray and moss.
Keep some cash for the entry ticket and the camera fee at the gate.
Combine the visit with Shillong Peak, which is on the same side of the city.
Take your time on the climb back up, as the steps are steeper than they look on the way down.
Come between August and October if you want the falls at full flow.
Two names
The Khasi name is Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew, the three-step waterfall, and it is still used locally. The English name came from British settlers who saw a large rock near the falls that looked like an elephant. The rock was destroyed in the great earthquake of 1897, but the name stayed.
The falls
A stream drops through a series of falls set in fern-covered rock. A stepped path leads down from the entrance to a viewing point at each level, and the last and largest fall comes into view suddenly near the bottom. The walk is short, but the lower steps are steep, wet and slippery, and you have to climb back up the same way.
When to go
The falls are fullest from the height of the monsoon into October. From about January to April, the water thins to narrow streams, though the setting is still green. The site is busy with tour groups, especially at weekends and in the afternoon.
Getting there
Elephant Falls is about 12 km from the city centre on the Upper Shillong side. It pairs well with Shillong Peak, which is on the same side of the city. Taxis wait near the entrance.
At the gate
Entry is ticketed, and a separate camera fee has been charged. Stalls near the entrance sell snacks, tea and souvenirs. Allow about an hour for the walk down, photos and the climb back.
Questions
Elephant Falls — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Elephant Falls?
Morning, soon after the gate opens, before groups fill the platforms; just after the monsoon for the most water. Walk down to the lowest viewing platform and take an upright photo of the largest fall with the ferns and rock on either side.
Is there an entry fee at Elephant Falls?
Entry to Elephant Falls is nominal.
What are the opening hours of Elephant Falls?
Elephant Falls is open 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
What should I wear at Elephant Falls?
Yellow, white and teal photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Elephant Falls get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: morning, soon after the gate opens, before groups fill the platforms; just after the monsoon for the most water.
Why is it called Elephant Falls?
British settlers named it after a rock near the falls that looked like an elephant. The rock was destroyed in the earthquake of 1897.
What is the Khasi name for Elephant Falls?
Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew, which means the three-step waterfall. It is still used by local people.
Is the walk down to Elephant Falls difficult?
It is short but steep in places, and the steps are often wet. Most people manage it with care; take it slowly on the way back up.
Is Elephant Falls worth visiting in winter?
Yes, for a short stop, but the water is much thinner from about January to April. Come after the monsoon for the fullest flow.