Nohkalikai Waterfalls Cherrapunji

Located at a distance of just 5 km from the main town, Nohkalikai Waterfalls is one of the highest waterfalls in India. Gushing down from a height of 1100 feet, this waterfall is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Cherrapunji.

Drive through a high tableland, hike for a small distance and arrive at the viewpoint from where you can have a panoramic view of the Nohkalikai waterfall, cascading down into a pool-like formation.

Monsoon season is the best time to visit Nohkalikai when the falls are in their full form. From the viewing gallery, tourists can not only enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfalls but also the lush surroundings. A fleet of stairs takes you to other viewpoints.

Legend behind the name of Nohkalikai waterfalls
There is a depressing story behind the naming of this waterfall. Noh Ka Likai, in the local Khasi tribe’s language, means ‘the leap of Likai’. It is believed that a woman named Ka Likai was a widow and had a daughter from this marriage. She remarried so that her daughter can have the love of a father, on the contrary, her new husband hated the daughter as Ka Likai gave all her time to her little one.

Once when she was away for work, he killed the little girl and cooked her flesh as a meal. When Ka Likai was back from work, she was astonished not to see her daughter around but was happy that her husband had cooked a meal for her.

Satisfied that her daughter would be out playing, she enjoyed the food. Later, as she picked up the betel nut basket she found her daughter’s fingers in it. Filled with remorse, sadness, and grief, she rushed to the cliff and threw herself down. And, so the fall was named after her Nohkalikai Waterfalls.

How to Reach Nohkalikai Waterfalls
The nearest airport and railway station to Nohkalikai Waterfalls is in Guwahati, Assam. You can get direct or connecting flights or trains from major Indian cities. From there, take a bus, car, or taxi to the waterfalls, which is a scenic drive with views of mist-covered hills.