What is the best destination for a mind that seeks serenity and a soul that craves nature’s healing touch? If you are searching for such a retreat, then look no further. Away from the chaos and noise of cities, the offbeat places in northeast India will be your salvation. The wonderful waterfalls of north-eastern states are sure to bless your weary heart with calm and peace.
Now, like most travellers you must be wondering, “is northeast India safe to travel to?” Here we would like to assure you that – yes, it is. It is safer than many other Indian tourist destinations. Thanks to the active efforts of the respective state governments, the North-Eastern tourism sector is also quickly flourishing. You can safely explore the hidden gems of northeast India.
Follow our travel guide to know our selection of the top ten waterfalls of northeast India.
Kanchenjunga Falls, Sikkim
You have heard of the mighty Kanchenjunga peaks, but have you heard of the Kanchenjunga waterfall? You can find this breathtaking beauty in Sikkim, Pelling. It is 24 km from Pelling and 10 km from Yuksom. If you are planning a northeast India trip, it is a must-visit.
Fed by the glacier atop the highest mountain peak of India Kanchenjunga, it cascades down gracefully from a height of about 100 feet. Here you can indulge in adventure sports and feel that adrenalin rushing in your veins! There is the opportunity for a good hiking session or rope activities.
The best season to visit Kanchenjunga waterfall is the time right after the monsoon. The rain helps it to flow in its full glory. The vegetation too grows alongside it and accentuates its beauty.
Akashiganga Waterfalls, Assam
Dropping down from a densely forested hill at the elevation of 3000 feet, Akashiganga is easily most remarkable waterfalls in northeast India. Leaving the onlookers feeling awestruck it plunges down an amazing 140 feet. The natural beauty of the waterfall is spellbinding, to say the least; hence you will see both tourists and locals gathering here.
You can enjoy a serene picnic day here while you relish the mesmerizing beauty of the falls. It is also a famous pilgrimage site. You can pay a visit to the Shiva temple that is connected to the much-revered Sati’s legend.
The waterfall is located in the Hojai district of Assam, on the Dabaka-Dimapur road. You can go there by road or take a taxi from the nearest Chaparmukh railway station which is 28 km from Nagaon. September is the most ideal time to visit Akashiganga.
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Kakochang Waterfalls, Assam
Those who follow the wanderlust cannot do without a northeast India trip. In that case, the elegant Kakochang waterfall of Assam is a must-visit for you. It is gushing down inside the unexplored parts of the green forest that is bound to captivate the traveller’s heart for the magical view.
You can enjoy the waterfall or arrange a picnic with your friends and family near it. The historical Numaligarh and Deopahar ruins are also visible from the site. It is situated near Kaziranga National Park, so you can consider exploring the wildlife from there if you want.
The location is well-connected by major roads. Plenty of public and private transportation is available to reach there. The post-monsoon season is the best time to enjoy the waterfall.
Elephant Falls, Meghalaya
It is impossible to miss the beautiful state of Meghalaya when your goal is to explore the northeast Indian tourist places. Meghalaya is home to some of the most enchanting waterfalls in North-East India as well as the country. Elephant falls in Shillong is one such gem that you absolutely cannot miss. 12 km from the city, you can reach there by bus from any north-eastern town. You can also get there by train and flight, through Guwahati. Although the waterfall is gorgeous all year round, months after monsoon are still the best to visit.
Originally known as “Ka Kshaid lai Pateng know Siew” in the Khasi language, the British renamed it Elephant falls. This stunning water body is separated into three stages. However, only the largest fast step is visible, surrounded by pleasant vegetation.
Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya
Another absolutely stunning waterfall of Meghalaya is the Nohkalikai falls. It plunges down at the height of a whopping 1115 feet, at an elevation of 4065 feet making it one of the tallest waterfalls in India. At the foot of the fall, it creates a plunge pool of water in the most unique shade of green.
Surrounded by legends and myths on the ground and clouds at the top, Nohkalikai falls is a must-visit for your northeast India travel itinerary. You can reach there via the nearest airport or railway station in Guwahati. From there you can reach the location via bus or car. Since it is a rainwater fed waterfall, you can visit it after the monsoon.
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Nuranang Falls, Arunachal Pradesh
In recent times northeast India tourism has made significant progress. It is therefore a wonderful time to visit the beautiful Arunachal Pradesh. You can put the elegant Nuranang waterfall on your list without a doubt. Locally it is also known as Jang falls or Bong falls.
Due to the scenic beauty of the lush green landscape that embraces the waterfall, it has become a favourite spot for photographers. It may not be one of the tallest plunges at 100 meters, it is located at 6000 feet in the mountains. Trodden by a few, the thick forests shrouded in clouds are heaven for nature lovers and explorers.
You can reach the waterfall in Tawang via the Guwahati-Tawang road. You can also avail The Arunachal Pradesh Helicopter Service from Guwahati Airport.
Triple Falls, Nagaland
If you want to explore northeast India in October-June, the Triple Falls of Nagaland will be a treat to your eyes. This picturesque waterfall is in fact made of three different streams that cascade down from 280 feet high to form a natural pool. This offbeat destination in Seithekima village, of Dimapur, Nagaland boasts of enthralling natural beauty preserved by the tourism department. So, take plenty of pictures!
At the Triple falls, there are ample opportunities for multiple activities. You can have a picnic at the spot, or go trekking in the pristine woodlands. You can also go sightseeing, explore Kachari ruins, and observe wildlife at the Rangapahar Reserve Forest. Triple Falls is ideal for a northeast India road trip of short duration.
You can reach there by private taxi or by bus. Auto-rickshaws are available from Dimapur bus station.
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Barak Waterfalls, Manipur
The Barak Waterfalls in Tamenglong, Manipur is one of the most popular tourist places in Manipur. Lovers of offbeat destinations will certainly appreciate this underrated but stunning waterfall. The most striking feature of Barak is the seven waterfalls complementing it in close range. Together they not only enhance the scenic beauty but also provide water for irrigation.
You can enjoy a quiet day at the site away from the crowd- have a picnic, enjoy the splendour of the untouched nature there. The soft gurgling sound and the aqua blue water are pleasing to the soul. Adventurous people can go rafting and do other water sports there. Mountain climbing is also possible at this site.
The winter months between October-February are the best season to visit Barak Falls. You can visit it at any time of the day. There is public transport available from Tamenglong to reach the site.
Vantawng Falls, Mizoram
Vantawng Falls is another treasure of northeast India that is safely tucked inside the thick green forests. It is one of the highest and most astonishing waterfalls in the state of Mizoram. Located in the Vanva River, this tiered waterfall drops down 750 feet into a gorge. Although you cannot go near it, there is a viewing platform near it. You can see the entire waterfall in its full glory from there.
Vantawng has situated 137 km from Aizawl. You can land at Lengpui airport and take the NH54 to reach the location. You can also go there via Bairabi Railway station. Public transport by road is also available. September to January is the ideal window of time to visit this waterfall.
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Dumboor Waterfalls, Tripura
With legends and religious significance attached to it, Dumboor waterfalls are one of the most important and popular sites in Tripura. It is a well-frequented site not only by the tourists but also by the locals. According to locals, you can find a footprint of Lord Vishnu there. The mouth of the waterfall called Tirthamukh is also considered auspicious. Like the other waterfalls in northeast India, this one too sits surrounded by blooming vegetation.
You can plan your trip around July-August and you can witness a unique tribal festival called Karachi. Dumboor Waterfalls is in the Gandacherra subdivision, 120km from Agartala. The nearest railway station is 75km away in Ambassa. You can also easily travel via road.
Plan Your Trip with Us!
You cannot really travel to India completely without exploring the amazing north-eastern Indian states. Especially if you love some quiet time within nature, you can check out these aforementioned waterfalls of northeast India. You can plan your trip with us for a hassle-free, comfortable travelling experience. You can also read our other northeast India travel blogs to get further exposure to the treasure the North-Eastern states hold.