About Elephant Falls
Elephant Falls (also known as Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew in Khasi, meaning "the three-step waterfall") is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Shillong, Meghalaya. Located in Upper Shillong, about 12km from the city centre, it's a must-visit on any Meghalaya itinerary.
The waterfall gets its English name from an elephant-shaped rock that once stood beside it — the rock was destroyed in the 1897 earthquake that devastated much of Assam and Meghalaya.
Three Tiers
The falls consists of three distinct tiers:
**Upper Tier:** Broad and gentle, often less visited. The water flows over a wide rocky shelf.**Middle Tier:** Slightly narrower with a more powerful flow. Accessed down a flight of steps.**Lower Tier:** The most dramatic and photogenic. A tall, single-stream plunge into a rocky pool. This is the one you see in most photographs.Visitor Information
Location:: Upper Shillong, Meghalaya (12km from Police Bazaar)Entry Fee:: ₹20 per person (nominal)Opening Hours:: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (daily)Best Time to Visit:: October to February (after monsoon, maximum water flow with clear skies)
Elephant Falls Shillong
Getting There
By Cab:: The easiest option. 20-25 minutes from Police Bazaar. Our drivers know the exact parking spot.By Auto-Rickshaw:: Available from Police Bazaar, negotiate the fare.On Foot:: Not recommended — it's a long walk uphill on the return.Best Time of Day
Morning (8-10 AM) is ideal:
Fewer crowdsGolden morning light filtering through the treesMist from the falls creates beautiful photographic opportunitiesPeacocks and birds are more activeAvoid midday (12-3 PM) — highest crowd density.
Photography Tips
For the lower tier, descend all the way to the base platform for the best shot.
Shillong scenery
Nearby Attractions
Combine Elephant Falls with a half-day tour of nearby sites:
Shillong Peak: (15 minutes away) — great for a panoramic view after visiting the falls.Umiam Lake: (20 minutes in the opposite direction) — perfect for a boat ride.Bishop & Beadon Falls: — lesser known falls in the same area.What to Carry
Water bottleGood walking shoes (the descent involves steep steps)Raincoat or light jacket (it's cool and sometimes misty)Camera / smartphone with a lens cloth for mist dropletsElephant Falls is included in our Shillong city day tour package. Book with us and our driver will handle all logistics.
