List of Top Waterfalls in India: Highest Waterfalls, Location
UPSC Prelims
Current affairs
Latest Update
Gajendra Singh Godara
Oct 3, 2025
10
mins read
Waterfalls are among India’s most spectacular natural features, formed where rivers descend steep slopes, creating breathtaking vertical drops. These waterfalls are often found in regions with unique geology and heavy rainfall, highlighting India’s diverse landscape. From towering heights like Kunchikal Falls to the wide spread of Chitrakote, India’s waterfalls showcase fascinating variations in size, shape, and flow. They are important geographical landmarks shaping the environment, influencing local ecosystems, and attracting nature lovers across the country.
Formation of Waterfalls
Waterfalls typically form in the upper course of rivers where a hard rock layer overlies softer rock. Over time the fast-flowing water erodes (by abrasion and hydraulic action) the softer rock beneath faster than the hard caprock. This creates a vertical drop - initially rapids become a waterfall with a plunge pool at its base.
As erosion continues, the fall retreats upstream, carving a gorge. Tectonic uplift or faulting can also create sudden drops. In India, rivers like the Sharavathi (Jog Falls) and Kaveri (Shivanasamudra) cut through the Western Ghats, while monsoon-fed plateau streams (e.g. Nohkalikai on Shillong Plateau) plummet over escarpments.
Types of Waterfalls
Type | Definition / Key Features |
Plunge | Water falls vertically and freely (loses contact with bedrock) — a clean drop. |
Horsetail | Falling water maintains some contact with the rock surface as it descends. |
Block | A broad, relatively wide curtain of water flowing over a ledge; width often comparable to or greater than height. |
Multi-step / Tiered | A series of distinct drops or steps, each with its own plunge or pool; often successive tiers. |
Cascade | Water flows over a sequence of rock steps or irregular surfaces, descending gradually rather than one big drop. |
Segmented | The falling water splits into two or more parallel or separate streams/channels as it descends. |
Fan | Water spreads out horizontally while descending, maintaining contact with bedrock, creating a fan-shape. |
Punchbowl | Water drops into a constricted space then spreads into a wider pool or basin at the base. |
Cataract | Powerful, large waterfalls with high volume and strong flow; usually impressive, thundering. |
Ribbon | Very tall and narrow waterfalls, where height is much greater than the width. |
Curtain | Wide waterfall whose width exceeds or is comparable to height, forming a uniform curtain of water. |
Tallest vs Largest Waterfall in India
“Tallest” refers to vertical height; “largest” often refers to volumetric flow or width. Kunchikal Falls (455 m) is the tallest (highest total drop) in India. By volume/width, Chitrakote Falls (Chhattisgarh) is usually cited as India’s largest waterfall; on the Indravati River, it is only ~30 m high but nearly 300 m wide in monsoon. Chitrakote’s horseshoe shape earned it the nickname “Niagara of India”.
Major Waterfalls in India - State-wise List of waterfalls
Rank | Waterfall | Height (m)* | Location (State / District) | Feature / Type / Notes |
1 | Kunchikal Falls | 455 | Shivamogga (Shimoga) district, Karnataka | Tiered; highest waterfall in India |
2 | Barehipani Falls | 399 | Mayurbhanj district, Odisha | 2-tiered waterfall |
3 | Nohkalikai Falls | 340 | East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | Tallest plunge-type waterfall in India |
4 | Nohsngithiang Falls (Mawsmai / Seven Sisters) | 315 | East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | Segmented waterfall (7 segments) |
5 | Dudhsagar Falls | 310 | Goa / Karnataka border | 4-tiered waterfall |
6 | Kynrem Falls | 305 | East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | 3-tiered waterfall |
7 | Meenmutty Falls | 300 | Wayanad district, Kerala | 3-tiered / segmented type waterfall |
8 | Thalaiyar Falls | 297 | Dindigul (Batlagundu), Tamil Nadu | Horsetail type waterfall |
9 | Barkana Falls | ~260 | Shimoga (Agumbe area), Karnataka | Tiered waterfall |
10 | Jog Falls (Gersoppa Falls) | 253 | Shimoga / Sagara region, Karnataka | Segmented / plunge / cascade type (4 drops: Raja, Rani, Roarer, Rocket) |
11 | Khandadhar Falls | 244 | Sundergarh district (also Kendujhar), Odisha | Horsetail type waterfall |
12 | Vantawng Falls | 229 | Serchhip district, Mizoram | |
13 | Kune Falls | 200 | Pune district, Maharashtra | 3-tiered waterfall |
14 | Thoseghar Falls | 200 | Satara district, Maharashtra | Cataract / segmented type waterfall |
15 | Soochipara Falls | 200 | Wayanad district, Kerala | Tiered waterfall |
16 | Bahuti Falls | 198 | Mauganj / Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh | 2-tiered waterfall; tallest in Madhya Pradesh region |
17 | Magod Falls | 198 | Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka | 2-tiered / segmented waterfall |
18 | Hebbe Falls | 168 | Chikkamagaluru (Chikmagalur) district, Karnataka | 2-tiered waterfall |
19 | Duduma Falls | 157 | Border of Koraput (Odisha) & Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) | Plunge type waterfall |
20 | Palani Falls | 150 | Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh | (Surge / unspecified) waterfall |
Top 10 Highest Waterfalls in India
Kunchikal Falls – Karnataka
India’s tallest waterfall at 455 meters (1,493 feet), formed by the Varahi River in the Shimoga district, cascading through a series of rocky tiers.
Located in a restricted hydroelectric project area near Agumbe, known as the “Cherrapunji of the South,” it requires special permission to visit.
Barehipani Falls – Odisha
Second highest waterfall in India at 399 meters (1,312 feet), located in Simlipal National Park with two distinct drops.
Surrounded by dense forests, it is a significant eco-tourism site rich in biodiversity.
Nohkalikai Falls – Meghalaya
The tallest plunge waterfall in India, dropping 340 meters (1,115 feet), set in the wettest place on earth near Cherrapunji.
Known for its spectacular single-drop free fall and breathtaking views of the Khasi hills.
Nohsngithiang Falls (Seven Sisters Falls) – Meghalaya
A seasonal waterfall consisting of seven separate streams dropping from a height of 315 meters (1,033 feet).
It symbolizes the seven sister states of Northeast India and is best seen during the monsoon season.
Dudhsagar Falls – Goa/Karnataka
Also called the "Sea of Milk," Dudhsagar is 310 meters (1,020 feet) high, located at the Goa-Karnataka border on the Mandovi River.
A popular tourist destination in the Western Ghats, known for its scenic surroundings and wildlife.
Kynrem Falls – Meghalaya
A three-tiered waterfall with a total height of 305 meters (1,000 feet), situated in Thangkharang Park, Cherrapunji.
Part of the region’s rich natural beauty, enhancing Meghalaya’s reputation as a land of waterfalls.
Meenmutty Falls – Kerala
Kerala’s tallest waterfall at 300 meters (980 feet), located in Wayanad district, cascading in three tiers through dense forest.
A major attraction during monsoons, accessible via trekking trails amidst lush greenery.
Thalaiyar Falls (Rat Tail Falls) – Tamil Nadu
Standing at 297 meters (974 feet), it is Tamil Nadu’s highest waterfall, located in the Dindigul district.
Known for its narrow, long chute and surrounded by rugged terrain, it is a challenging but rewarding spot for nature lovers.
Barkana Falls – Karnataka
Height of 259 meters (850 feet), formed by the Seetha River in the Western Ghats, famed for its scenic gorge setting.
It plays a role in Karnataka’s hydroelectric power generation and is best visited during the rainy season.
Jog Falls – Karnataka
Created by the Sharavathi River, it is a segmented waterfall standing 253 meters (829 feet) tall.
A famous tourist spot near Linganamakki dam, it is India’s second-highest plunge waterfall and a symbol of Karnataka’s natural heritage.
City of Waterfalls in India (Ranchi, Jharkhand)
Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, is famed as the “City of Waterfalls”. Nestled on the Chota Nagpur plateau, dozens of perennial and seasonal falls dot its green hills. Key falls include Hundru Falls (98 m on Subarnarekha River), Dassam Falls (multi-channel cascade), Jonha (Gautamdhara) Falls (43 m hanging valley), Hirni Falls and Panchghagh Falls (split into five streams). Ranchi’s waterfalls are watershed-fed and attract tourists, illustrating how geography (plateau escarpments) shapes city identity.
UPSC Previous Year Questions
Q. Consider the following information:
Waterfall Region River
1. Dhuandhar Malwa Narmada
2. Hundru Chota Nagpur Subarnarekha
3. Gersoppa Western Ghats Netravati
How many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
Only One
Only Two
All Three
None
Answer: (a)
UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.
UPSC Mains Result 2025 is now released.
Check out the updated and latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.
UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.
UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025 are available now.
UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.
The UPSC Prelims 2026 is scheduled for May 24, 2026, while the UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted from August 21, 2026.
The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.
UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!
