India's Tallest Plunge Waterfall
At 340 metres (1,115 feet), Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest plunge waterfall in India and one of the tallest in Asia. The falls drop off the edge of the Cherrapunji plateau in a single, unbroken curtain of white water into a small pool of startling blue-green — a colour caused by the mineral content of the water and its shallow, rocky base. Standing at the viewpoint, you feel the spray on your face and hear the roar long before you see the falls.
The name Nohkalikai translates loosely to "Jump of Ka Likai" — and behind that name lies one of the most tragic stories in Khasi folklore.
The Legend of Ka Likai
Ka Likai was a young Khasi woman who worked as a porter (the women who carry heavy loads of coal and limestone in Cherrapunji). After her first husband died, she remarried, but her new husband grew jealous of the attention she gave her infant daughter from her first marriage.
One day, returning from work, Ka Likai found her baby missing. Her husband told her the child had gone out to play. When Ka Likai sat down to eat, she noticed something strange in the food — a human finger. She realized in horror what her husband had done. Overcome with grief and madness, she ran to the edge of the plateau and jumped. The pool at the base of the waterfall, said to be permanently stained, bears her name.
Whether myth or history, the story gives the falls a weight that goes beyond their physical grandeur.
Visiting Nohkalikai Falls
The Viewpoint
The main viewpoint is about 1km from the Cherrapunji market (Sohra Bazaar). It's a well-maintained platform with guardrails offering a direct view of the falls and the valley below. Entry fee is nominal (around ₹20–30 for Indians).
The Base
There is a trail down to the pool at the base, but it is steep, unmarked, and not recommended without a local guide. The trail takes 45–60 minutes each way and involves navigating boulder fields. Some tour operators offer guided descents.
Best Viewing Distance
The viewpoint itself is far enough from the falls to take in the full 340m drop — up close, you only see part of the cascade. The panoramic view from the platform is arguably the best way to appreciate the scale.
Best Time to Visit
What Else Is Near Nohkalikai?
Cherrapunji (officially called Sohra) is packed with attractions within a short drive:
Getting There
Nohkalikai is 53km from Shillong on the main Shillong–Cherrapunji highway (NH206). The drive takes approximately 1.5–2 hours. The road winds through spectacular gorge country — consider a window seat.
Most visitors combine Nohkalikai with a full-day Cherrapunji circuit, hitting 4–5 attractions in one trip.
Tips
Plan your Cherrapunji day trip with Meghalaya Cabs — we cover Nohkalikai, Mawsmai Cave, and all major Sohra attractions in a single comfortable round trip from Shillong. WhatsApp us to book.
