List of Top Waterfalls in India: Highest Waterfalls, Location
From the 455m Kunchikal Falls to the "Niagara of India," discover the list of highest waterfalls in India. This blog covers every major fall with its river source, state-wise location, and essential geographical facts.
Gajendra Singh Godara
10
mins read
Key Highlights:
Highest Waterfall: Kunchikal Falls (455 m, Karnataka)
Largest Waterfall (by width): Chitrakote Falls, Chhattisgarh
Tallest Plunge Waterfall: Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya
Most Waterfall-Rich Region: Western Ghats & Northeast India
Famous Multi-Drop Fall: Jog Falls (Raja, Rani, Roarer, Rocket)
City of Waterfalls: Ranchi, Jharkhand
Key Exam Focus: Location, river source, type, and state
Waterfalls are among India’s most spectacular natural features, formed where major rivers descend steep slopes of the Western Ghats and the Shillong Plateau.
From the towering 455-meter height of Kunchikal Falls to the massive volumetric spread of Chitrakote (the "Niagara of India"), these landmarks are vital to India’s geogaphy and local ecosystems.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the highest falls, their river sources, and key geographic features.
Formation of Waterfalls
Waterfalls are typically formed in the upper course of a river. Their formation is a result of thousands of years of geological shifts and constant hydraulic energy.
The most common formation process, known as differential erosion, occurs through a specific sequence:
Hard vs. Soft Rock: A waterfall begins where a layer of resistant hard rock (caprock) overlies a layer of softer rock.
Hydraulic Action & Abrasion: As the river flows over the edge, it erodes the softer rock at a much faster rate through hydraulic action (the force of the water) and abrasion (grinding by sediment).
Undercutting: This uneven erosion creates an overhang of hard rock. As the soft rock beneath is washed away, a plunge pool forms at the base due to the sheer impact of the falling water.
Retreat & Gorge Formation: Eventually, the overhanging hard rock collapses. This process repeats, causing the waterfall to retreat upstream over time, carving a steep-sided gorge in its wake.
Geological Triggers in India
While erosion is the primary driver, India’s unique tectonic history also plays a role:
Faulting and Uplift: Sudden drops can be created by tectonic shifts or fault lines.
The Western Ghats Escarpments: Rivers like the Sharavathi (Jog Falls) and Kaveri (Shivanasamudra) plunge over the massive Deccan Traps, where the plateau drops off sharply toward the coast.
Monsoon Plateau Streams: In the Northeast, streams on the Shillong Plateau (like those forming Nohkalikai) plummet over steep limestone escarpments, fueled by the world's highest rainfall levels.
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Major Waterfalls in India
Rank | Waterfall | Height (m) | State / District | River Source | Key Features & Notes |
1 | Kunchikal Falls | 455 | Karnataka (Shimoga) | Varahi River | Highest in India; Tiered fall; Restricted access. |
2 | Barehipani Falls | 399 | Odisha (Mayurbhanj) | Budhabalanga | 2-tiered; Located in Simlipal National Park. |
3 | Nohkalikai Falls | 340 | Meghalaya (E. Khasi Hills) | Rain-fed | Tallest Plunge-type waterfall in India. |
4 | Nohsngithiang | 315 | Meghalaya (E. Khasi Hills) | Rain-fed | Also called Seven Sisters or Mawsmai Falls. |
5 | Dudhsagar Falls | 310 | Goa / Karnataka Border | Mandovi River | Known as the "Sea of Milk"; 4-tiered. |
6 | Kynrem Falls | 305 | Meghalaya (Cherrapunji) | Rain-fed | 3-tiered; Located inside Thangkharang Park. |
7 | Meenmutty Falls | 300 | Kerala (Wayanad) | Kallar River | Kerala’s highest; 3-tiered cascade. |
8 | Thalaiyar Falls | 297 | Tamil Nadu (Dindigul) | Manjalar River | Also called Rat Tail Falls; Horsetail type. |
9 | Barkana Falls | 259 | Karnataka (Shimoga) | Seetha River | Famed for its scenic gorge in the Agumbe valley. |
10 | Jog Falls | 253 | Karnataka (Shimoga) | Sharavathi | 4 distinct drops: Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket. |
11 | Khandadhar | 244 | Odisha (Sundergarh) | Korapani Nala | Beautiful horsetail shape; smoke-like appearance. |
12 | Vantawng Falls | 229 | Mizoram (Serchhip) | Lau River | Highest in Mizoram; 2-tiered fall. |
13 | Kune Falls | 200 | Maharashtra (Pune) | Rain-fed | Located in Lonavala-Khandala valley; 3-tiered. |
14 | Thoseghar Falls | 200 | Maharashtra (Satara) | Rain-fed | Massive series of waterfalls; best in monsoon. |
15 | Soochipara Falls | 200 | Kerala (Wayanad) | Chulika River | Also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls. |
16 | Bahuti Falls | 198 | Madhya Pradesh (Rewa) | Odda River | Highest in MP; Near Chachai and Keoti falls. |
17 | Magod Falls | 198 | Karnataka (N. Kannada) | Bedti River | Two-tiered fall; surrounded by dense forest. |
18 | Hebbe Falls | 168 | Karnataka (Chikmagalur) | Rain-fed | 2-tiered; located inside a coffee estate. |
19 | Duduma Falls | 157 | Odisha / Andhra Border | Machkund River | Supports a major Hydroelectric project. |
20 | Palani Falls | 150 | Himachal Pradesh (Kullu) | Rain-fed | Dramatic surge fall in the Beas valley region. |
Top 10 Highest Waterfalls in India
1. Kunchikal Falls
Height: 455 meters (1,493 ft)
Location: Shimoga (Shivamogga) District, Karnataka
River Source: Varahi River
Waterfall Type: Tiered / Cascading
Key Highlights:
National Rank: India’s tallest waterfall and ranked 116th globally.
Restricted Access: Located near Mani Dam; requires special permission from the forest department due to its proximity to a hydroelectric project.
Climate: Situated in the Agumbe valley, famously known as the "Cherrapunji of the South."
2. Barehipani Falls
Height: 399 meters (1,309 ft)
Location: Mayurbhanj District, Odisha
River Source: Budhabalanga River
Waterfall Type: 2-Tiered
Key Highlights:
Eco-Tourism: Located inside the Simlipal National Park, a major Tiger Reserve and Biosphere Reserve.
Visual Appeal: Features two massive drops that stay perennial, though they swell significantly during the monsoon.
3. Nohkalikai Falls
Height: 340 meters (1,115 ft)
Location: East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya (Near Cherrapunji)
River Source: Rain-fed (fed by the extreme precipitation of the Shillong Plateau)
Waterfall Type: Tallest Plunge Waterfall
Key Highlights:
Unique Feature: Known for the unusual green-colored plunge pool that forms at its base.
Legend: Named after a local woman, "Likai," making it a site of cultural and folkloric significance.
4. Nohsngithiang Falls (Seven Sisters Falls)
Height: 315 meters (1,033 ft)
Location: Mawsmai Village, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
River Source: Rain-fed
Waterfall Type: Segmented
Key Highlights:
Symbolism: Features seven distinct segments representing the Seven Sister States of Northeast India.
Seasonality: It is a seasonal fall; the seven curtains are only fully visible during the heavy monsoon months.
5. Dudhsagar Falls
Height: 310 meters (1,017 ft)
Location: Goa-Karnataka Border
River Source: Mandovi River
Waterfall Type: 4-Tiered
Key Highlights:
Nickname: Known as the "Sea of Milk" due to the white, frothy appearance of the water as it crashes down.
Railway Landmark: Famous for the Braganza Ghats railway track that passes right in front of the falls, a popular scene in Indian cinema (Chennai Express).
6. Kynrem Falls
Height: 305 meters (1,001 ft)
Location: Thangkharang Park, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
River Source: Rain-fed
Waterfall Type: 3-Tiered
Key Highlights:
Scenic View: Located within a botanical park; offers a panoramic view of the Bangladesh plains on clear days.
Access: It is one of the few high-altitude falls in Meghalaya that is easily accessible via a motorable road.
7. Meenmutty Falls
Height: 300 meters (984 ft)
Location: Wayanad District, Kerala
River Source: Kallar River
Waterfall Type: 3-Tiered Cascade
Key Highlights:
Trekking Hub: Famous among adventurers as it requires a 2km trek through dense forest to reach.
State Rank: It is the highest and most impressive waterfall in the state of Kerala.
8. Thalaiyar Falls (Rat Tail Falls)
Height: 297 meters (974 ft)
Location: Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu
River Source: Manjalar River
Waterfall Type: Horsetail
Key Highlights:
Visual Identification: Its narrow, silver-streak appearance gives it the name "Rat Tail."
Difficulty: One of the most inaccessible falls in India; there are no direct roads, and trekking is highly dangerous due to the steep, slippery terrain.
9. Barkana Falls
Height: 259 meters (850 ft)
Location: Agumbe, Shimoga District, Karnataka
River Source: Seetha River
Waterfall Type: Tiered
Key Highlights:
Power Generation: Its water is a major source of hydroelectricity for the region.
Biodiversity: Located in the heart of the Western Ghats, an area known as the "King Cobra Capital" of India.
10. Jog Falls
Height: 253 meters (829 ft)
Location: Sagara, Karnataka
River Source: Sharavathi River
Waterfall Type: Segmented / Plunge
Key Highlights:
The Four Cascades: It is famous for splitting into four distinct drops named Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket.
Un-tiered: It is often cited as the highest un-tiered (single drop) waterfall in India and India’s second-highest plunge waterfall.
Famous dam: A famous tourist spot near Linganamakki dam, it is a symbol of Karnataka’s natural heritage.
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Types of Waterfalls
Waterfall Type | Key Features & Definition | Famous Indian Example |
Plunge | Water descends vertically and loses all contact with the bedrock. | Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya |
Horsetail | The descending water maintains partial contact with the rock surface. | Barkana Falls, Karnataka |
Block / Curtain | A wide stream pours over a ledge, forming a broad "sheet" or curtain of water. | Chitrakote Falls, Chhattisgarh |
Tiered / Multi-step | A series of distinct falls dropping one after another, each with its own plunge pool. | Kunchikal Falls, Karnataka |
Cascade | Water descends a series of irregular rock steps; usually a gentler, more gradual drop. | Monkey Falls, Tamil Nadu |
Segmented | The river splits into several separate threads or parallel streams as it falls. | Jog Falls (Raja, Rani, Roarer, Rocket) |
Punchbowl | Water is constricted into a narrow channel and then bursts into a wide pool. | Punchbowl Falls (various local sites) |
Cataract | Defined by sheer power and high water volume; often thundering and massive. | Gokak Falls, Karnataka |
Fan | Water spreads out horizontally as it descends while remaining in contact with the rock. | Kiliyur Falls, Tamil Nadu |
Tallest vs Largest Waterfall in India
When discussing waterfalls in India, it is important to distinguish between Tallest (Vertical Height) and Largest (Volumetric Flow):
Tallest Waterfall: This refers to the total vertical drop. The highest waterfall in India is Kunchikal Falls (455 m) located in Karnataka
Largest Waterfall: This refers to the width and the volume of water (discharge). Chitrakote Falls on the Indravati River is India’s largest waterfall. Though only ~30m high, its nearly 300m width and majestic horseshoe shape during the monsoon have earned it the nickname "The Niagara of India."
Statewise list of famous waterfalls in india
State | Famous Waterfall(s) | River Source | Unique Geographical Feature |
Karnataka | Kunchikal Falls | Varahi River | Highest in India; Tiered/Cascading type. |
Jog Falls | Sharavathi | Famous for 4 drops: Raja, Rani, Roarer, Rocket. | |
Shivanasamudra | Kaveri | Twin falls (Gaganachukki & Bharachukki). | |
Abbey Falls | Kaveri (Tributary) | Located amidst coffee plantations in Coorg. | |
Meghalaya | Nohkalikai Falls | Rain-fed | Tallest Plunge waterfall in India. |
Seven Sisters | Rain-fed | 7-segmented fall representing NE states. | |
Elephant Falls | Rain-fed | Three-step fall; named after an elephant-like rock. | |
Goa / Karnataka | Dudhsagar Falls | Mandovi River | Known as the "Sea of Milk"; 4-tiered. |
Chhattisgarh | Chitrakote Falls | Indravati | Widest in India; nicknamed "Niagara of India." |
Teerathgarh | Kanger River | Located in Kanger Valley National Park. | |
Odisha | Barehipani Falls | Budhabalanga | 2nd highest in India; inside Simlipal NP. |
Duduma Falls | Machkund River | Major hydroelectric power site. | |
Jharkhand | Hundru Falls | Subarnarekha | Iconic fall of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. |
Dassam Falls | Kanchi River | Multi-channel cascade (10 streams). | |
Jonha Falls | Raru River | Also known as Gautamdhara; a hanging valley. | |
Madhya Pradesh | Dhuandhar Falls | Narmada River | Famous "Smoke Cascade" at Bhedaghat. |
Bahuti Falls | Odda River | Highest in Madhya Pradesh. | |
Tamil Nadu | Hogenakkal Falls | Kaveri | Famous for coracle rides and medicinal baths. |
Thalaiyar Falls | Manjalar River | Known as Rat Tail Falls due to its shape. | |
Courtallam | Chittar River | Known as the "Spa of South India." | |
Kerala | Athirappilly | Chalakudy River | Largest fall in Kerala; popular filming location. |
Meenmutty | Kallar River | Highest in Kerala; 3-tiered forest fall. | |
Maharashtra | Vajrai Falls | Urmodi River | One of India's tallest 3-tiered falls. |
Kune Falls | Rain-fed | Located in the scenic Lonavala valley. | |
Andhra Pradesh | Talakona Falls | Rain-fed | Highest in AP; inside Sri Venkateswara NP. |
Bihar | Kakolat Falls | Kakolat River | Major tourist and spiritual site in Nawada. |
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)
What is the highest waterfall in India?
Which is India’s largest waterfall by volume?
Which city is known as the City of Waterfalls in India?
How many waterfalls are there in India?
Which waterfalls are most important for UPSC?
India’s waterfalls are critical geographical indicators of the country's tectonic history and climatic patterns.
For UPSC exam aspirants, mastering the relationship between these waterfalls and their respective river systems(such as the Varahi, Sharavathi, and Subarnarekha) is essential for a deep understanding of Indian geography.
Research methodology
PadhAI's research methodology ensures every article is accurate, UPSC-ready, and beginner-friendly. We curate current affairs analysis based on UPSC exam relevance by cross-referencing The Hindu, Indian Express, and PIB. General Studies (GS) topics are drafted from NCERTs and standard books such as M. Laxmikanth, Spectrum, and GC Leong, then reviewed by subject matter experts to eliminate factual errors. Additionally, we update aspirants with verified government exam notifications alongside expert blogs suggesting the best resources, syllabus, and comprehensive Prelims and Mains strategies.
Gajendra Singh Godara is an IIT Bombay graduate and a UPSC aspirant with 4 attempts, including multiple Prelims and Mains appearances. He specializes in Polity, Modern History, International Relations, and Economy. At PadhAI, Gajendra leverages his firsthand exam experience to simplify complex concepts, creating high-efficiency study materials that help aspirants save time and stay focused.
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