Dear aspirants! This blog post introduces a complete list of the “Important Waterfalls in India” and crucial facts about each waterfall. This vital topic of Indian Geography and Static GK is fascinating and essential for all competitive exams.
India is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and impressive waterfalls. From the towering Kunchikal Falls in Karnataka to the cascading Dudhsagar Falls in Goa, there is a waterfall in India that everyone can enjoy.
In this blog post, we will look at some of the most important waterfalls in India. We will discuss their height, size, and other interesting facts.
What is Waterfall?
A waterfall is a location in a river or stream where water cascades over a vertical or steep drop. Such formations can also happen when meltwater descends from the edge of a tabular iceberg or ice shelf. Waterfalls are created through various processes, with the prevailing method involving a river flowing over a resilient top layer of bedrock before descending onto a softer rock that erodes faster, resulting in an increasingly elevated drop. The impact of waterfalls on the species inhabiting their surroundings has been the subject of extensive study.
Waterfalls in India: A Majestic Sight to Behold
Waterfalls are one of nature’s most mesmerizing creations. They are formed when a river or stream flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep drops. Waterfalls can be found worldwide, but India is home to some of the most stunning and impressive waterfalls.
In this blog post, we will list some of the most important waterfalls in India. We will also provide a brief description of each waterfall and its location.
What makes a waterfall important?
Waterfalls are important for several reasons. They are a major source of hydroelectric power and play an important role in the ecosystem. Waterfalls provide a habitat for various plants and animals, and they help regulate the flow of water in rivers and streams.
Waterfall Formation: A Story of Erosion and Perseverance
Waterfalls are one of nature’s most mesmerizing creations. They are formed when a river or stream flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep drops. But how do these natural wonders come to be?
The story of waterfall formation begins with erosion. As a river or stream flows over different types of rock, the softer rock erodes faster than the harder rock. This creates a step in the riverbed, which, over time becomes a waterfall.
The water that falls over a waterfall has a lot of power. It erodes the riverbed below, creating a plunge pool. The force of the water also undercuts the rock at the waterfall’s base, causing it to overhang. Eventually, the overhang becomes too heavy and collapses into the plunge pool.
This process of erosion and collapse continues over time, causing the waterfall to retreat upstream. The water also continues to erode the riverbed below the waterfall, creating a deeper and deeper plunge pool.
Over thousands of years, this process creates a gorge, a deep, narrow valley with steep sides. Gorges are often home to waterfalls and other natural wonders such as caves and pools.
So, next time you’re admiring a waterfall, take a moment to appreciate the power of erosion and the perseverance of nature. It’s a story that’s millions of years in the making.
Classification of Waterfalls
Waterfalls are fascinating natural wonders that don’t fit into a standard classification. Scientists use different ways to group them. One method is based on the amount of water they carry on average.
- Ledge waterfall: Water gracefully descends over a vertical cliff, maintaining a partial connection with the bedrock beneath.
- Cataracts: These are large, powerful waterfalls, showcasing nature’s might and grandeur.
- Horsetail: Cascading water maintains some contact with the bedrock, creating a mesmerizing sight.
- Plunge: With great velocity, water drops vertically, momentarily losing contact with the bedrock surface.
- Block: Water descends from a relatively wide stream or river, boasting a substantial flow.
- Multi-step: A series of waterfalls appear consecutively, each of similar size, forming sunken plunge pools.
- Segmented: Distinct flows of water take shape as it descends, creating a visually captivating display.
- Cascade: Graceful water descends over a series of rock steps, painting a picturesque scene.
- Punchbowl: Water gracefully descends in a constrained form, subsequently spreading out into a wider pool.
- Tiered: Like a natural staircase, water drops in a series of distinct steps or falls.
- Fan: Water spreads horizontally as it descends, while gracefully staying in touch with the bedrock.
- Moulin: This unique waterfall phenomenon occurs within glaciers, where water plunges through vertical shafts, carving its way through the icy landscape.
List of Important Waterfalls in India by Height
| Waterfalls in India | Location | Height Metre/Feet | Features |
| Kunchikal Falls | Shimoga district, Karnataka | 455 metres (1,493 ft) | Type: Tiered Highest waterfall in India, Formed by the Varahi River. |
| Barehipani Falls | Mayurbhanj district, Odisha | 399 metres (1,309 ft) | 2 tiered waterfalls |
| Nohkalikai Falls | East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | 340m (1115 feet) | Tallest plunge-type waterfalls |
| Nohsngithiang Falls or Mawsmai Falls | East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | 315 metres (1,033 ft) | Segmented type waterfalls, Also known as the Seven Sisters Waterfall |
| Dudhsagar Falls | Karnataka and Goa | 310 m(1017 feet) | Four-tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River |
| Kynrem Falls | East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | 305 metres (1,001 ft) | 3-tiered waterfalls. Situated inside the Thangkharang Park |
| Meenmutty Falls (Wayanad) | Wayanad district, Kerala | 300 metres (984 feet) | 3-tiered waterfalls In Malayalam – Meen (fish) and Mutty (blocked). |
| Thalaiyar Falls | Batlagundu, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu | 297 metres (974 ft) | Horsetail-type waterfalls, Also known as Rat Tail Falls |
| Vajrai Waterfall | Satara district, Maharashtra | 260 metres (853 ft) | 3-tiered, 2nd tallest plunge-type waterfall, located on the Urmodi river |
| Barkana Falls | Shimoga district, Karnataka | 259 metres (850 ft) | Tiered waterfalls, formed by Seetha River |
| Jog Falls | Shimoga district, Karnataka | 253 metres (830 ft) | Type: Cataract, Segmented waterfalls, Formed by Sharavati river |
| Khandadhar Falls | Kendujhar district & Sundergarh district, Odisha | 244 metres (801 ft) | Horse tail-type falls, Second highest waterfall in Odisha |
| Vantawng Falls | Serchhip district, Mizoram | 229 metres (751 ft) | 2 Tiered Waterfalls, Highest uninterrupted waterfall in Mizoram |
| Kune Falls | Pune district, Maharashtra | 200 metres (660 ft) | 3 tiered waterfalls |
| Soochipara Falls | Wayanad district, Kerala, Satara district Maharashtra | 200 metres (656 feet) | 3 tiered waterfalls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls |
| Magod Falls | Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka | 198 metres (650 ft) | 2 tiered/Segmented waterfalls |
| Joranda Falls | Mayurbhanj district, Odisha | 181 metres (594 ft) | Plunge-type waterfalls, located in the core area of Simlipal National Park |
| Hebbe Falls | Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka | 168 metres (551 ft) | 2 tiered waterfalls, 10 km away from the famous hill station Kemmangundi in Karnataka. |
| Duduma Falls | the border of Koraput (Odisha) and Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) | 157 metres (515 ft) | Plunge-type waterfalls, Situated on the border of Koraput (Odisha) districts of India |
| Palani Falls | Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh | 150 metres (490 ft) | Surge waterfalls |
| Lodh Falls | Latehar district, Jharkhand | 143 metres (469 ft) | 2 Tiered Waterfalls, Also known as Budha Ghagh, Highest waterfall in Jharkhand |
| Bahuti Falls | Mauganj, Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh | 198 metres (650 ft) | 2 Tiered waterfalls, Highest waterfall in Madhya Pradesh. |
| Bishop Falls | East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | 135 metres (443 ft) | 3 Tiered Waterfalls, Often referred to as the twin brother of the Beadon Falls |
| Chachai Falls | Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh | 130 metres (430 ft) | Located on the Beehad River, Comes down from Rewa Plateau |
| the highest waterfall in andhra pradesh | Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh | 130 metres (430 ft) | Segmented type waterfall, Located on the Mahana River, a tributary of Tamsa or Tons River |
| Kalhatti Falls | Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka | 122 metres (400 ft) | – |
| Beadon Falls | East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | 120 metres (390 ft) | 3 tiered waterfall, twin of Bishop Falls |
| Keppa Falls | Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka | 116 metres (381 ft) | fan type waterfall |
| Koosalli Falls | Udupi, Karnataka | 116 metres (381 ft) | 6 tiered waterfall |
| Dabbe falls | Shivamogga, Sagar, Karnataka | 110 metres(360 ft) | Part of the Sharavati Valley of the lush green Western Ghats |
| Pandavgad Falls | Thane, Maharashtra | 107 metres (351 ft) | Plunge Type waterfall, Pandavkada is said to have derived its name from the Pandavas |
| Rajat Prapat | Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh | 107 metres (351 ft) | Horsetail-type waterfall, The Rajat Prapat is located at Pachmarhi, known as the Queen of Satpura, in Narmadapuram district. |
| Shivanasamudra Falls | Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka | 98 metres (322 ft) | segmented type, Home to one of the first hydroelectric power stations in Asia (1902). The project was designed by Dewan Sir. Sheshadri Iyer and Chief Engineer Sir M. Visvesvaraya. |
| Lower Ghaghri Falls | Latehar district, Jharkhand | 98 metres (322 ft) | Cascade waterfalls, This waterfall is situated on the Ghaghri River, a tributary of the Auranga River. |
| Hundru Falls | Ranchi district, Jharkhand | 98 metres (322 ft) | Segmented type, The Hundru Falls at one of the edges of the Ranchi plateau is one of the several scarps falls in the region. |
| Sweet Falls | East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | 96 metres (315 ft) | Horsetail type, Sweet Falls also called Kshaid Weitden, in the native dialect |
| Agaya Gangai | Namakkal, Tamil Nadu | 92 metres (302 ft) | Segmented waterfalls, Agaya Gangai waterfalls are located in Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats, in India. |
| Gatha Falls | Panna district, Madhya Pradesh | 91 metres (299 ft) | the highest waterfall in Andhra pradesh |
| Kiliyur Falls | Yercaud, Tamil Nadu | 91 metres (299 ft) | Fan type waterfall, Kiliyur Falls is a waterfall on the Periyaaru River in the Shervaroyan hill range in the Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu, |
| Kudumari Falls | Udupi district, Karnataka | 91 metres (299 ft) | Horsetail-type waterfall, located in the scenic Ambanad Hills range in the Kollam district of Kerala, India. |
| Muthyala Maduvu Falls | Bangalore rural district, Karnataka | 91 metres (299 ft) | The place is also known as Pearl Valley |
| Tirathgarh Falls | Bastar district, Chhattisgarh | 91 metres (299 ft) | The Teerathgarh Falls is a block-type waterfall on the Kanger River. |
| Langshiang Falls | West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | 85 metres (279 ft) | Plunge Type, The Langshiang Falls is located near the village of Sangriang |
| Talakona falls | Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh | 82 metres (269 ft) | Highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh |
| Kakolat Falls | Nawada district, Bihar | 50 metres (160 ft) | Kakolat waterfall, situated on the Kakolat hill, is located on the border of Bihar |
| Athirappilly Falls | Thrissur district, Kerala | 25 metres (82 ft) | Block/Segmented type waterfall, It is the largest waterfall in Kerala |
Famous Waterfalls in India Brief Description
Kunchikal Waterfalls
Kunchikal Falls is India’s tallest waterfall, with a height of 455 meters. It is located in the Nidagodu village, close to Masthikatte, in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. The waterfall is formed by the Varahi River, which flows over a series of steep boulders. Kunchikal Falls is a popular tourist destination for its scenic beauty and refreshing mist.
Athirapally Waterfalls
Athirapally Waterfalls is Kerala’s tallest waterfall, with a height of 80 meters. It is located on the Chalakudy River, in the Thrissur district of Kerala. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. Athirapally Waterfalls is also home to various wildlife, including monkeys, elephants, and birds.
Jog Falls
Jog Falls is the second-highest plunge waterfall in India, with a height of 253 meters. It is located on the Sharavathi River, in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka. The waterfall is divided into four main falls: Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket. Jog Falls is a popular tourist destination and is known for its stunning beauty and its powerful currents.
Dhuandhar Falls
Dhuandhar Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in India. It is located on the Narmada River, in the Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh. The waterfall is a massive 335 meters high and is known for its white water mist. Dhuandhar Falls is a popular spot for swimming, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing.
Rajrappa Falls
Rajrappa Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand. The waterfall is 30 meters high and is formed by the Bhera River. Rajrappa Falls is a popular tourist destination and is known for its scenic beauty and its religious significance. The waterfall is near the Rajrappa Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali.
Hundru Falls
Hundru Falls is a popular waterfall located in the Ranchi district of Jharkhand. The waterfall is 320 meters high and is formed by the Hundru River. Hundru Falls is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and rock climbing. The waterfall is also home to various wildlife, including monkeys, elephants, and birds.
Hogenakkal Falls
Hogenakkal Falls is a beautiful waterfall on the Kaveri River, in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. The waterfall is 120 meters high and is known for its white water mist. Hogenakkal Falls is a popular spot for swimming, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. The waterfall is also home to various wildlife, including monkeys, elephants, and birds.
Kempty Falls
Kempty Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The waterfall is 130 meters high and is formed by the Tons River. Kempty Falls is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and rock climbing. The waterfall is also home to various wildlife, including monkeys, elephants, and birds.
Chitrakoot Falls
Chitrakoot Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. The waterfall is 29 meters high and is formed by the Indravati River. Chitrakoot Falls is popular for swimming, picnicking, and rock climbing. The waterfall is also home to various wildlife, including monkeys, elephants, and birds.
Teerathgarh Falls
Teerathgarh Falls is the highest waterfall in Chhattisgarh, with a height of 91 meters. It is located on the Kanger River, in the Kanger Valley National Park. The waterfall is popular for swimming, picnicking, and rock climbing. The waterfall is also home to various wildlife, including monkeys, elephants, and birds.
Rakim Kund Falls
Rakim Kund Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the Nalanda district of Bihar. The waterfall is 168 meters high and is formed by the Gayghat River. Rakim Kund Falls is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and rock climbing. The waterfall is also home to various wildlife, including monkeys, elephants, and birds.
Shivanasamudra Falls
Shivanasamudra Falls is a beautiful waterfall on the Kaveri River, in the Mandya district of Karnataka. The waterfall is divided into four main falls: Gaganachukki, Bharachukki, Barachukki, and Abbey Falls. Shiva
Highest Waterfalls in India
Kunchikal Waterfalls
Kunchikal Falls, also known as Kunchikal Waterfalls, is one of the tallest waterfalls in India. It is located in the Shimoga district of the state of Karnataka. The falls are formed by the Varahi River and cascade down the rocky terrain with great force and beauty.
As mentioned earlier, Kunchikal Falls has an approximate height of 455 meters (1,493 feet), making it the second-highest waterfall in India after Jog Falls. The surrounding lush greenery and picturesque landscape add to the charm of this natural wonder, making it a popular tourist destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Waterfalls in India Key Facts
▪ The tallest waterfall in India is Kunchikal Falls, located in Shimoga District, Karnataka, with a height of 1,493 feet (455 meters). The Varahi River forms it.
▪ Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, is known as the “city of waterfalls” in India.
▪ One of the famous waterfalls in India is Dudhsagar Falls, also known as the “Sea of Milk,” created by the Mandovi River.
▪ Nohkalikai Falls, near Cherrapunji, holds the title of India’s tallest plunge waterfall, standing at a height of 1,115 feet (340 meters). It is one of the wettest spots on Earth.
▪ The Western Ghats are often referred to as the “Cherrapunji of South India.”
▪ Mawsmai Falls, also known as the Seven Sisters Waterfalls or Nohsngithiang Falls, is a stunning seven-segmented waterfall located one kilometre south of Mawsmai village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India.
▪ Among all the Indian states, Karnataka boasts the highest number of waterfalls, with a staggering count of 544 falls that measure at least 10 meters in height.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: The Kunchikal Falls, located in the Agumbe Valley of Karnataka’s Shimoga district, is the deepest waterfall in India. It plunges from a height of 1493 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in the country.
Answer: Kunchikal Falls, the second-largest waterfall in Asia, is in Shimoga District, Karnataka. It is surrounded by the Agumbe rainforest and is known for its height of 455 meters and the mesmerizing beauty enhanced by the annual rainfall.
Answer: The waterfall that ranks as the second-largest in India is Barehipani Falls. It is located in Simlipal National Park in the Mayurbhanj district of the Indian state of Odisha. The total height of Barehipani Falls is 399 meters (1,309 feet), with the tallest single drop measuring 259 meters (850 feet).
Answer: Nohkalikai Falls, standing tall at 335 meters, holds the title of India’s most beautiful waterfall. It is located in Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth.
Answer: The largest waterfall in India is Kunchikal Falls, in Shimoga District, Karnataka. It has a height of 1493 feet.
Answer: Karnataka has the highest number of waterfalls. (Approximately 544 waterfalls)
