Nohkalikai Falls: Where Clouds Kiss Earth at 1,115 Feet

Nohkalikai Falls is one of India’s most beautiful wonders. This waterfall is right in the heart of the green state, Meghalaya. It is very famous due to its grand height and beauty. It plummets 1,115 ft to make it the highest plunge waterfall in India.

The water tumbles from a sheer cliff into a deep pool, turquoise in color, below, creating a fairy tale-like scene.

The State: Meghalaya – The Abode of Clouds

Meghalaya literally means “the abode of clouds.” It is a northeastern state of India. Lush beauty, raining seasons, and vibrating culture make it famous across the globe.

Shillong, being the capital of Meghalaya, is nicknamed the “Scotland of the East” due to its gentle hills and cool climate. Nohkalikai Falls is located just near Cherrapunji, which is one of the wettest places on Earth.

The Name: A Tragic Legend

The name “Nohkalikai” is related to a sad story. Local legend has it that near the Falls lived a woman named Likai. Her husband died, so she remarried. Her new husband became jealous of the attention Likai showed her daughter from the first marriage.

In a fit of anger, he killed the girl and cooked her flesh. When Likai came home, unaware, she had the meal he had cooked. She horrified and grieved upon knowing what had happened and flung herself from the cliff. Hence, the waterfall was named “Nohkalikai,” meaning “the leap of Likai.”

The Scenic Beauty: A sight to Behold

Nohkalikai Falls is surrounded by lush greenery and dense forests. It offers a great view from the top during the monsoon season when the fall reaches its fullest energy; the water drops in a single, uninterrupted drop.

A misty spray is thereby created at the end of the drop, which, in turn, gives magic to this location. The pool at the base of the waterfalls is of an ethereal blue-green colour—favourite among photographers and nature lovers.

Best Time to Visit: Monsoon Magic

The best time to visit the Nohkalikai Falls is during the monsoons—June to September. It is the time of the year when the falls come into full power and the landscape around turns lush green.

However, if you need a more peaceful experience, then you could visit the place during winter—from October to February—as the weather becomes cooler and the waterfall, too, presents itself with less people.

How to get there: A journey through Nature.

It lies 7 km away from Cherrapunji, otherwise known as Sohra. One can easily take a taxi or local bus from Cherrapunji to reach Nohkalikai Falls.

The path to the falls itself is more of an adventure ride with winding roads through thick forests and the gently rolling hills and valleys that surround in all their glory. Once you get close to these falls, you have a short trek to the point that gives you the view, which is truly rewarding.

Activities and Attractions: More to Do

Other than the Nohkalikai falls, there are some other places of interest and things to do around this place. Cherrapunji is famous for its living root bridges, made out of rubber tree roots in which it takes approximately 15 years to form and mature.

These bridges represent ingenuity, an absolute must-see for any visitor, showcasing the local Khasi people.One of the more popular attractions in the area is Mawsmai Cave, a limestone cave with highly praised stalactites and stalagmites. This makes for an adventurous family backdrop since it is a very well-illuminated and user-friendly cave, making it a perfect tourist attraction for any age group seeking exploration.

Many of the trails around the area are in really good view for trekkers. The most popular is the David Scott Trail, which takes one through forests, rivers, and villages and stretches for about 16 kilometers.

Conservation Efforts: Saving a Natural Wonder

Nohkalikai Falls is definitely worth a view, but more importantly, forms an integral part of the local ecosystem. At the falls, there is a different flora and fauna, with some only found there on earth. With such a unique environment, several conservation efforts are put in place.

The community is deeply involved in making sure that the natural environment is preserved at the same time promoting responsible tourism.

Tips for Visitors: Making the Most of Your Trip

Here are a few tips that would come in handy for you while visiting the Nohkalikai Falls:

Wear Comfortable Shoes: The path to this point of view is quite slippery, so one must prefer sturdy comfortable shoes especially in the monsoon seasons.

Carry a Raincoat: Meghalaya is known to pour heavy rainfall; thus, one must be ready for such unexpected showers, which can be facilitated by carrying a raincoat or umbrella.

Respect the Environment: The best way is to leave the place clean, responsibly disposing of your garbage and avoiding the use of plastic.

Stay Hydrated: The trek could be exhausting; therefore, one must carry sufficient water to keep themself hydrated throughout.

Hire a Local Guide: To learn about the culture and the folklore of the place, one can hire a local guide who provides a lot of insights to add more value to the journey.

Conclusion: A place to visit once in a lifetime

One of the reasons Nohkalikai Falls is a must in every wanderer’s list is because it epitomizes scenic beauty with its stupendous height, heart-stopping surroundings, and rich cultural history.

Be it a nature enthusiast, a photographer, an adventurer, or just a person seeking serenity—there’s something to it at Nohkalikai Falls. Pack your bags and get ready to witness where clouds come kissing at 1,115 feet!