Monsoon season in India brings respite from the scorching heat and rejuvenates nature with its bountiful showers. This is the time when the country’s natural landscape undergoes a breathtaking transformation. One of the best ways to witness the magic of monsoon is by visiting the enchanting waterfalls that adorn the country. From the mighty Jog Falls in Karnataka to the milky white cascade of Dudhsagar Falls in Goa, India offers a plethora of picturesque waterfalls during this season. In this post, we will explore the top 12 must-visit waterfalls of India in monsoons.
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Understanding the Monsoon Season
The monsoons in India, which typically occur between June and September, are an important part of the country’s climatic pattern. The arrival of the southwest winds, which carry heavy precipitation across various regions of India, characterises these monsoons. The monsoons are essential for replenishing the country’s water resources and supporting the country’s diverse ecosystems.
The monsoon season has a significant impact on India’s topography, transforming its landscapes into lush and verdant havens. The frequent rains restore dry riverbeds, transforming them into mighty rivers that carve their way through mountains and valleys. This is the season when the waterfalls come alive with unparalleled beauty as they receive an abundant flow of water, plunging gracefully from great heights and creating beautiful displays of nature’s power.
Discovering India’s Waterfall Heritage
India has a diverse waterfall landscape, with each region having totally different appeal. The country’s waterfall heritage is as diverse as its culture and traditions, ranging from the mist-shrouded Western Ghats to the towering waterfalls of the Himalayas. Waterfalls have long been revered in Indian culture, often considered sacred and worshipped by locals and attracting pilgrims seeking spiritual solace. So, let’s plunge into the waterfalls of India in monsoons.
1.Jog Falls, Karnataka
Jog Falls is the highest waterfall in Karnataka and the third-highest plunge waterfall in India with only Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya with a drop of 335 m (1,099 ft) and the Dudhsagar Falls in Goa with a drop of 310 m (1,020 ft) are higher.. Jog Falls drops 253 metres (830 feet) in a single fall. However, due to the nearby construction of the Linganamakki Dam, a hydroelectricity plant, the flow in the falls is significantly reduced before the monsoons. To see the falls in their full glory, visit during the Monsoon season. This makes Jog falls one of the must-visit waterfalls of India in monsoons. Saravathi river provide the waters for this breath-taking falls.
Jog Falls is about a 2 hour drive from Shimoga. This seasonal waterfall, also known as Gerosappa Falls or Joga Falls, is divided into four parts: Raja, Rani Roarer and Rocket . They are named after certain characteristics of the streams. Raja is an unbroken stream, Roarer is a strong and violent current that gushes down to meet the Raja stream, Rocket flows down in different jets, and Rani is a quiet stream with foam falls. It will be fun for you to identify the streams when you visit the falls during the monsoons.
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2. Dudhsagar Falls, Goa
Dudhsagar Falls, located in Goa’s tropical forests, is a stunning waterfall that flows gracefully during the monsoon season. As the water falls from a height of 1017 feet, it looks like a milky white sheet flowing through the lush green surroundings justifying its name which translates to ‘sea of milk’ in English.
Dudhsagar Falls is not only beautiful, but it also provides thrilling trekking opportunities and the opportunity to explore the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mollem National Park.You can reach the waterfalls either by bus or train from the nearest town Panaji or nearby place.. But in any case you need to walk a bit to reach the base of the falls. A must-visit waterfalls of India in monsoons.
3. Athirappilly Falls, Kerala
Athirappilly Falls, in Thrissur district of Kerala, is a magnificent waterfall surrounded by lush green forests.This is the largest waterfall in Kerala having a width of 100 metres. It has four drops and the longest drop is 51 metres. The fall is on the Chalakudy River, which originates in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges.
During the monsoon season, the waterfall transforms into a roaring beauty, with water gushing down from a height of 82 feet. This beautiful cascade is known as the “Niagara of South India.” Visitors can also visit the nearby Vazhachal Falls, Athirappilly Hydro Electric Project, and Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary. Definitely one of the waterfalls of India in monsoons that you can’t miss.
Anshikasjv12, Wikimedia Commons
4. Dhuandhar Falls, Madhya Pradesh
Dhuandhar Falls, located on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh near Jabalpur, enchants visitors with its unique smoky effect. The name “Dhuandhar” translates to “smoky” in English, which perfectly describes the appearance of the water as it crashes down against the marble rocks. Apart from being a visual treat, Dhuandhar Falls has historical significance and offers boat rides that bring you up close to this natural wonder. This waterfalls of India in monsoons wear a spectacular look.
You can access Dhuandhar waterfalls from the east bank as well as the west bank of the Narmada river.To see the other side of Dhuandhar Falls, you can take the cable car service from Bhedaghat. The ropeway facility begins on the Narmada river’s east bank, crosses the river, and then drops you off on the river’s west bank.
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5. Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya
Nohkalikai Falls, located in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills near Cherrapunji (now known as Sohra), one of the wettest places on Earth., is India’s tallest plunge waterfall. The waterfall cascades from a height of 1,115 feet into a pool, creating a spectacular sight during the monsoon season. Nohkalikai Falls are fed by rainwater collected on the summit of a small plateau, and their power decreases during the dry season, which lasts from December to February.
A plunge pool with unusually green water is located below the falls. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery, and the nearby living root bridges provide exciting trekking opportunities. The name “Nohkalikai” translates to “falling water that turns into a blue pool” in the local language, according to folklore. You can’t afford to miss this waterfalls of India in monsoons.
6. Bhagsu Waterfall, Himachal Pradesh
The Bhagsu Waterfall, an idyllic and enchanting beauty, is located in the quaint town of Bhagsu in Himachal Pradesh. The waterfall is located in the scenic Dhauladhar Range and provides a calming experience. It has spiritual significance as the water is thought to have healing properties. The waterfall is home to the nearby Bhagsunath temple. You can visit the temple , and immerse yourself in the vibrant Tibetan culture of nearby McLeodGanj..
The waterfall originates at the base of the Dhauladhar Valley, which is also a religious site. The stream also passes through the famous Bhagsunath Temple before cascading down. During the monsoon season, the Bhagsu Fall reaches the heights of glory and majesty, with water falling from a height of around 30 feet and looking captivating and breathtakingly beautiful. Beauty of this waterfalls of India in monsoons is unparalleled.
7. Kempty Falls, Uttarakhand
When you are driving to Mussoorie you come across Kempty Falls on the road between Dehradun and Mussoorie. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Mussoorie. Kempty Falls is nestled at an altitude of around 4500 feet above sea level, surrounded by high mountain cliffs..
Kempty Falls gets its name from the words “camp and tea,” implying the elaborate tea parties that were once held here in the evenings, eventually leading to the name Kempty. It divides into two main falls and provides a stunning view of a water stream cascading down from a great height. The perennial Kempty waterfall, popular with tourists as a picnic spot, is crowded almost all year though this waterfalls of India in monsoons is best enjoyed.
As the water cascades down from a height of 40 feet, it forms multiple pools that allow visitors to take a refreshing dip. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery, and you can enjoy cable car rides, explore nearby markets, and capture breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
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8. Hogenakkal Falls, Tamil Nadu
If you are planning to visit South India during the monsoon, then do pay a visit to the scintillating Hogenakkal waterfall that is located on river Kaveri in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. The fall gets its name from Hogenakkal, which means ‘smoking rocks’, attributed to the unique rock arrangement that exists around it. The gushing beauty of this cascade is just amazing and is often referred to as being the “Niagara fall of India”.
The Kaveri River splits into several streams and falls in a series of steps, creating a breathtaking sight. Thes carbonatite rocks of these falls are the oldest in South Asia and one of the oldest in the world. Interestingly, the water here is thought to have medicinal properties due to the abundance of herbs that grow in its path.
The Hogenakkal Falls, known for their pristine beauty, is one of the region’s main attractions. You can also take a Coracle boat ride from one end of the river to the other, or you can simply find a quaint spot to perch on and marvel at the enchanting beauty of Hogenakkal Falls. Go, and enjoy this waterfalls of India in monsoons.
9. Chitrakote Falls, Chhattisgarh
Chitrakote Falls, near Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh, on the Indravati River, is another must-see during the monsoon season. The river originates in the Kalahandi district of Odisha, in the Vindhya Range of hills, flows westward, forms a fall at Chitrakote, and then flows into the Godavari River at Bhadrakali after traversing 390 kilometres in the state. The free fall of the waterfalls is approximately 30 metres. Given its horseshoe shape, it is often compared to the world-famous Niagara Falls in the United States, earning it the name “the Small Niagara Falls.”
During the low-flow season, Chitrakote Falls is a single sheet of flow over a free fall of about 30 metres, forming a horseshoe-shaped gorge. During the monsoon season, when the Indravati River is in flood, the falls cover the entire stretch of the horseshoe from the left to the right bank, a width of about 300 metres. Though it is about one-third the width of Niagara Falls, its visual splendour has been described as equally impressive. Another must-visit waterfalls of India in monsoons. You can witness rainbows being created with sun rays reflecting on mist from the waterfall during the rainy season, from July to October,. .You can also visit the small Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and several naturally created grottoes named “Parvati caves” (named after Lord Shiva’s wife Parvati) which are located on the left bank of the Chitrakote Falls.
10. Thoseghar Falls, Maharashtra
Thoseghar waterfall is situated in a village of the same name about 20 kilometers from Satara in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. This surely is one of the locations on your checklist if you are visiting Maharashtra in the monsoons.There are two waterfalls here; one is called Chota Dhabdhaba (Small waterfall) & the other is called Mota Dhabdhaba (big waterfall).
Thoseghar are a series of waterfalls, some of them 15 to 20 metres and one of approx 200 metres in height.and during peak monsoon season (July to November), you can see another seasonal waterfall on the left-hand side of the viewing platform, which is as mesmerizing as the main waterfall. You can have a good view of the falls by going to Chalkewadi where you can park your vehicles at a newly designated parking lot and then walking down the paved road for 0.5 km. This is one of the most visited waterfalls of India in monsoons in Maharashtra..
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11. Courtallam Falls, Tamil Nadu
The Courtallam waterfalls in Tamilnadu on the Chittar River in the Western Ghats are considered a “medical spa” due to the medicinal properties of the water. Tenkasi, the nearest city, is 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) away. The Courtallam falls consists of nine waterfalls, the most notable of which are Peraruvi, Aintaruvi, and Puli Aruvi.
Every year during the Tamil month of Adi (July – August), the Tirunelveli district administration organises Saral Vila, an eight-day festival. The falls are the most popular tourist destination in the area and you can notice visitors who come for darshan of the nearby Papanasathar Temple and Sabarimala throng the waterfall in large numbers. This is a very popular waterfalls of India in monsoons.
From July to September, the season begins with the South West monsoon.. The Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) operates a boat house during the monsoon which you can enjoy. You can also have a look of the Courtallam or Kuttalam Palace, a Travancore monument which is quite near the falls.
12. Soochipara Falls, Kerala
Soochipara Falls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is a three-tiered waterfall in Vellarimala, Wayanad. This waterfall is one of the finest surrounded by deciduous, evergreen, and montane forests. The drive from Meppadi to the Waterfalls offers scenic views of some of Wayanad’s best tea estates.
This beautiful waterfall is 200 metres high and has a cliff face that is ideal for rock climbing. Also, since the water falling from the waterfall forms a large pool, one can swim and bath in it. The water that falls from Soochipara eventually joins the Chulika River, also known as the Chaliyar River, after travelling over hills in Kerela and Tamil Nadu.
The waterfall is dry during the summers and closed to tourists from March to June. So, you should plan your visit to the falls during the monsoon season. This is the best time you can enjoy seeing the rich flora and fauna, as well as the hills and valleys that surround the Soochipara Falls.
Conclusion and summary
India is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls, and visiting them during the monsoon season adds a touch of magic to the experience. From the mighty Jog Falls in Karnataka to the serene Bhagsu Waterfall in Himachal Pradesh, each waterfall offers a unique and enchanting experience. Whether you seek adventure, tranquility, or cultural insights, these top 12 must-visit waterfalls of India in monsoons will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While the monsoon season adds to the charm of waterfalls, safety should always be a top concern. It is essential to be cautious and informed about weather conditions, follow safety guidelines, and avoid visiting waterfalls during heavy rainfall or in areas prone to landslides.
Swimming in waterfalls can be a tempting experience, but it is crucial to exercise caution. Always check for local regulations, be aware of underwater currents and shallow areas that may pose risks. Go ahead only if permitted.
The accessibility of waterfalls varies across different locations. While some waterfalls have paved paths or viewing platforms that provide easy access for people of all ages, others may require hiking or trekking, making them less accessible for older individuals. It is advisable to research and choose waterfall destinations that suit the physical abilities of the entire group.
Hiking near waterfalls requires careful planning and preparation. Sturdy footwear, appropriate clothing, and carrying essentials like water, snacks, and emergency supplies are essential. Additionally, it is crucial to follow marked trails, remain cautious on slippery surfaces, and stay within designated safe zones to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.
Many popular waterfall destinations in India have accommodations located nearby, offering visitors a chance to cherish the beauty of waterfalls from the comfort of their lodgings. These options range from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst nature’s spectacular offerings.