India is a huge country with diverse portfolio in natural beauty and landscapes.From north to east and west to south there are sparking rivers,lush green mountains, magnificent lakes, and astonishing waterfalls meandering through the hills.Here is a list of 15 waterfalls in India which you should not miss.
- Jog Falls - Best time to visit jog falls is after rainy season.During the rainy season it becomes quite foggy around it and you don't want to get disappointed on the efforts you put on reaching here for nothing.During the end of winter and summer there isn't much water left.There is a proper viewing platform adjacent to the parking area.There are stairs to go down at the base of waterfall as well,but it is closed in rainy season as it becomes slippery.There is a minor fees for parking and entering the waterfall area which is to maintain the sovereignty of the place.Plenty of overpriced restaurants and shops next to the entry gate,so don't bother packing food from home unless you are in family picnic mood.
Location - Jog Falls,Karnataka - India
- Vazachal Falls - Not so far from Athirapally waterfalls,its presence is usually ignored due to the popularity of it's neighboring waterfall.Best time to visit is in Winter season when its waterfall steps are clearly visible.It's next to the Chalakudy-Anamala road and hardly takes 15 min for a quick visit.
Location - Vazachal Waterfalls,Kerala - India
This blog was originally published on 'My Nomadic Travel Tales'
- Dudhsagar Falls - Visiting Dudhsagar in rainy season has its own charm,when waterfall is flowing at its full capacity.During the end of rainy season and start of winter season,it has clear and uninterrupted views.There are multiple ways by which you can reach here.
By Train - You can get down at the Colem station or Castle Rock station and trek to Dudhsagar..There is a station around 1 KM away from the dudhsagar falls,but not all the trains stop here.Some trains do stop here and that is only for brake testing.
By Road - From Colem you can rent motorcycle taxi or a jeep which can take you quite close to the waterfall.There is a offroad trail which goes from a forest area.These taxis will leave you at the end of the trail from where the waterfall is clearly visible.It still needs 30 mins trek to reach at the railways tracks from where you can take a closer look at the waterfalls.
- Nohkalikai Falls - This waterfall lies in the Cherrapunji region which is also refereed as the "wettest place on the earth".In rainy season this place is covered with fog most of the time,best time to visit this place is in Winters(September and October is recommended).One can drive upto the parking lot of this waterfall,there is a minor entry fees.Waterfall viewing platform is 10 min away from the parking.
Location - Nohkalikai Falls,Meghalaya - India
- Athirapally Falls - This is a all season waterfall of Kerala,except summers when water is quite low.Rainy season and winter season are best time to visit this place.This waterfall is easily accessible by road and if you wish to stay for day or two in the vicinity,there are plenty of guest houses in Athirapally.There is a minor entree fee and short trek of 20-30 mins takes you to the waterfalls.You can also trek down to the base of waterfalls.
Location - Athirapally Waterfalls,Kerala - India
Location - Shivasamudra Falls, Karnataka - India
- Chitrakoot/Chitrakote Falls - It is often compared with the Niagra Falls due to the horse-shoe shape.Located in Chattisgarh,around 38 kms from Jagdalpur.Best time to visit is July-November.Water is bit muddy in monsoon,but you get to witness the wild side of it.
Location - Chitrakoot Waterfalls,Chattisgarh - India
In Monsoon
In Winters
- Kempty Falls - Very easily accessibleby road,this waterfalls is 13 km ahead of Mussoorie towards Chakrata.This waterfall is huge and has multiple steps.Best time to visit is June to January.
Location - Kempty Falls,Uttarakhand - India
- Dhuadhar Falls - 30 Kms away from Jabalpur,Madhya Pradesh.This waterfall is easily accessible by road.Little bit of walking is involved to reach the waterfall.Ideal time to visit this place is in Winters and Summers,when the water is clear.Also in monsoons there is too much water on the river bed.In winters and summers,we can clearly admire the mist created by water falling on hard rock which creates visuals of smoke emanating from the river bed. Which is why it is called Dhuandhar or Smoke Cascade. Dhuandhar falls is actually located on the Narmada river bed, one of the five holy rivers of India.
Location - Vazachal Waterfalls,Kerala - India
- Gokak Falls - Located in a small town called Gokak in Karnataka,it is quite easily accessible by road.Just park your vehicle and in 5 mins you are overlooking Gatprabha river falling of the cliff with a dull roar.The best time to visit Gokak falls is around July - October.
Location - Gokak Falls,Karnataka - India
- Jang Falls/Nuranang Falls - One of the most stunning waterfall i have ever seen,usually this remains in a relatively undiscovered place near Tawang,Arunachal.The Nuranang river originates from the Sela pass and before meeting Tawang river it forms into this beautiful waterfall.Best time to visit is from April to November.Even though this is quite next to the road leading towards Tawang from Sela Pass,reaching here is very tricky.You need Permits to enter Arunachal Pradesh and it depends on the weather conditions if Sela Pass is open or not.Only then you can cross over to the other side visit this beautiful falls.
Location - Jang Falls,Arunachal Pradesh - India
- Vardayini Falls - Maharashtra becomes heaven during monsoon season and the valleys all over Maharashtra turns green with numerous waterfalls creating a magical landscape.One such beautiful waterfall which is in close proximity to Mumbai and Pune is Vardayani Falls.Best time to go here is in July and August.
