“Waterfalls are exciting because they have power, they have rainbows, they have songs, and they have boldness and craziness!”
The beautiful country of India, today one of the world’s favourite tourist destinations is adorned with a multitude of magnificent waterfalls.
This has over the years proven to be one of India’s most endearing tourist attractions and little wonder as there is something quite magical about these majestic bodies of water as they cascade thousands of feet over sheer precipices and plunge into swirling pools below to continue to their journey to the greater rivers and the sea.
In this article, we look at many aspects of waterfalls and the waterfalls of India in particular. We ask, and hopefully answer, many commonly asked questions and delve into some of the history and mystery of waterfalls in India.
We also take a look at why they are so popular as tourist destinations. What is their specific appeal and why do so many people return to marvel at these wonders of nature year after year?
Finally, we look at the best of the best – those waterfalls that have become the firm favourites for vacationers to visit, or simply the most famous waterfalls, as some of them are quite off the beaten track and can not so easily be visited.
It is an insightful look at a fascinating subject. We hope you enjoy it and there is much to learn, or as they say in waterfall language – ‘’let’s dive right in!’’
The wonder of waterfalls
Before we look at the waterfalls of India specifically, perhaps there are some of you who would like to know more about waterfalls in general. These magnificent features of nature don’t just happen – there is a reasoning behind why we have waterfalls.
A good description of a waterfall is offered by Wikipedia who say ‘’A waterfall is any point in a river or stream where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep drops. Waterfalls also occur where meltwater drops over the edge of a tabular iceberg or ice shelf.
The most common method of formation is that a river courses over a top layer of resistant bedrock before falling onto softer rock, which erodes faster, leading to an increasingly high fall. ’’
The history and mystery of waterfalls
Since time immemorial, man has been drawn to waterfalls. Our history has been inextricably linked with these fascinating bodies of water. Since before time as we have recorded it, men have been travelling to get a sighting of them, to visit them, and to revere them.
Many religious ceremonies are centred around them as they are deemed to be steeped in mystery and Godly significance. We will delve more deeply into this when we look at the historical significance of some of the Indian waterfalls.
Navigational foes and friends
As anyone with a boat can tell you waterfalls can be a hindrance to navigating rivers so geographically they need to be recorded and noted. ‘this is a typical example of where Mother Nature can get the better of any of human’s best-laid plans!
As Ray Bradbury so comically put it ‘’And when you hear the sound of the waterfall coming nearer and nearer, tidy up the boat, put on your best tie and hat, and smoke a cigar right up till the moment you go over. That’s a triumph.”
A waterfall is many things to all
Since as far back as the 18th century waterfalls with their mystery and majesty have become tourist attractions and today form a formidable part of the Indian tourism offerings to travellers. Additionally, they have been a source of hydroelectric power and research since the 20th century so their brawn is as important as their beauty!
Some questions and myth-busting about the waterfalls of India
Now that we have delved into the significance of waterfalls in general, perhaps a good way to introduce the waterfalls of India would be to answer a few often-asked questions, the answers of which may bust a few myths about Indian waterfalls too.
Which is the highest?
Somehow the height of a waterfall always seems to add to its stature and so this question is asked often. The highest waterfall in India is the Kunchikal Falls, flowing from the Varahi river and situated in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, It is magnificent with its impressive height of 455 meters or 1,493 feet and also the second highest waterfall in the whole of Asia!
This busts the myth that Jog Falls is the highest. As impressive as it is, Kunchikal has the edge!
A few other fascinating facts that might answer many tourist’s questions are…
Where is the City of Waterfalls?
There is a ‘’City of Waterfalls’’ which is Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand.
Which state has the most waterfalls?
Karnataka has 544 waterfalls with a height of over 10 meters making it the state with the most waterfalls.
Which is the Niagara of Waterfalls in India?
Because everyone always wants a comparison to the USA’s famous Niagara Falls, in India the Chitrakoot Falls in Chhattisgarh is known as ‘the Niagara of India’ apparently due to its similar size, shape and visual impact.
The magic and mystery of the waterfalls of India
One of the greatest attractions of waterfalls in India is that they tend to carry a rich and often significant history. It is said that there are many legends surrounding some of these waterfalls, not the least of which, is the tragic tale of Likai, the woman whose new husband, jealous and filled with rage cooked her daughter and she ate her.
Realising the horror of what had occurred, as the story goes ‘’Likai ran out of the house brandishing a wait (hatchet) to prevent people from stopping her as she ran towards the edge of the waterfall. At the point where the waterfall leaps off the precipice, Likai threw herself over the edge and plunged to her death.’’
At 335 meters, Nohkalikai ‘Jump of Ka Likai’is the highest plunge waterfall in India and the 4th highest in the world, but what a tragic way to be named.
There is also, legend has it, ‘blessed water’ like that which falls from Vasudhara Falls. It is rumoured that the water from this waterfall is so pure that it doesn’t even touch the ground so those who get just a drop of this water are blessed.
There is a belief that the Kempty Falls in the Mussoorie region was a picnic spot often enjoyed by the soldiers of the British army during their reign in India and the Dudhsagar Falls (Which we will cover extensively later) is so named because of its milky white appearance.
These are just a couple of tales of the rich history of these waterfalls of India and no doubt when you begin to travel to them and learn more about them they all have a tale to tell!
What makes the Waterfalls of India such a great tourist attraction?
“When the moonlight and the waterfall come together, all other things fade from the scene!”
The sheer beauty and majesty of waterfalls make them magical to behold. A moonlit night with the light bouncing off the water and shimmering as it drops to the whirling pools below may be one of the most romantic places to be and so Waterfall sites are popular with lovers and honeymooners.
Being in nature, they are excellent sites for family activities too, like trekking or hiking, swimming, and diving (but proceed with caution if diving off tall cliff faces). Mountain biking and generally becoming one with nature. This is a place where adults and children alike marvel at the splendor of the waterfall. The thunderous sound the falls can produce as it smacks against the water below.
Many waterfalls produce significant spray, especially the larger ones and even some sort of ‘rain’ forest in catchment areas where the spray feels like soothing rain. Waterfalls are in fact so soothing and great stress relievers.
Many people visit waterfall areas, which are great places to de-stress and to find peace. And calm in our chaotic world. It is said that the negative ions in fact that are produced by waterfalls actually improve air quality and reduce stress.
Waterfalls are also a vital part of the Indian Eco-system and so tourists are encouraged to visit to be a part of sustainability efforts and to enjoy the local communities of the areas around the waterfalls
It is of great interest to many to enjoy the cultural experience of being amongst the locals and enjoying learning about their lifestyle. Their arts and crafts are a popular tourist shopping opportunity.
The ‘Big Five’ of Waterfalls in India
In Africa, they talk about the ‘Big 5’ which are the five most significant wild animals you can see on a safari. Here we might well refer to the five most popularly visited waterfalls as the ‘Big 5’ waterfalls of India.
It is extremely difficult to choose these because there is such a great multitude of choices, but we have gone along with a mixture of tourism opinions. Some statistics to produce these five, as probably the five most popular ones …
Soochipara Falls
Located in Wayanad, Kerala, this magnificent waterfall is a great favorite with tourists, as it is a three-tiered waterfall, making it wonderful to behold. But it is also a fabulous bathing area, as it has this great plunge pool for swimming.
Soochipara, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is located 23 km from Kalpetta, in the Vellarimala village. It is renowned as a hot favourite picnic spot and a hiking area. Rock climbing is also popular here and the views are breathtaking!
Dudhsagar Falls
You cannot go to India or read about waterfalls in India without hearing about this magnificent waterfall in Goa. It is said that it got its name from its milky white appearance and this is one of the things that endears it to the population and India’s tourists alike.
It is multi multi-tiered and offers wonderful swimming opportunities in its nearby streams and tributaries. According to Wikipedia it is ‘’at the top of a crescent shaped valley and surrounded by pristine forests, and it is amongst India’s tallest waterfalls with a height of 310 m (1017 feet) and an average width of 30 metres!’’
Hundru Falls
Near Ranchi (Remember the ‘City of waterfalls’), Jharkhand, Hundru Falls is renowned for its scenic magnificence as it is fully surrounded by hills and forests.
The various rock formations as a result of erosion from the constantly falling water have added to the beauty of the place too. But note that you will need to walk down 746 stairs to see it—so good luck going back up!
Kunchikal Falls
Remember the highest waterfall in India? This is it, but it offers so much more than just its impressive height. It flows from the mighty Varahi River, which wends its way through a rocky terrain.
Plunging in multiple tiers, the water creates a mesmerising display of power and grace and Its great height has also lent itself to facilitating a hydro-electric project comprising a dam, a tunnel, and a power station.
Jog falls
Remember the one so many people think is the highest but is not? Jog Falls is however very impressive, very high and great in stature as one of the best waterfalls in the country.
These striking falls are enhanced by the wonderful wild and spectacularly beautiful region that surrounds them, covered with an abundance of amazing vegetation. This waterfall drops directly down without streaming on the rocks. Magnificent to behold, it is a tourist’s favourite.
The Majesty and Power of Waterfalls
“As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can.”
It seems that for every great writer and poet, every great explorer, and all who surround themselves with beauty. Strive to achieve a better, more peaceful way of life; a waterfall is part of their language.
As we have discovered, they are sometimes mystical and magical but always freely giving of their splendor and might. Life-giving energy, so we conclude with just one passionate plea.
When in India, go to visit and help to preserve these magnificent natural wonders. Involve yourself with conservation efforts to uplift the communities that surround them. Most importantly, simply enjoy the great pleasure you will derive from becoming one with the history, mystery, and majesty of India’s magnificent waterfalls!
