15 Breathtaking Waterfalls in India You Must Visit This Summer

India's summer heat can be unforgiving—but nature has its own cooling remedies. Waterfalls, with their misty sprays and thunderous cascades, are not just a visual treat but also the perfect escape into serenity. Here’s a detailed guide to 15 of the most stunning waterfalls across India that you must explore this summer.

1. Dudhsagar Falls, Goa – The Sea of Milk

Tumbling down from a height of over 310 meters, Dudhsagar Falls lives up to its name—'sea of milk'. Nestled in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, the four-tiered waterfall is best accessed by a thrilling jeep safari or a trek along the railway tracks. Surrounded by lush Western Ghats, this monsoon-fed giant is a paradise for trekkers and photographers.

Highlights: Four-tiered cascade, railway trek, located in a wildlife sanctuary
Best Activities: Trekking, photography, wildlife spotting
Best Time to Visit: June to September

2. Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya – India’s Tallest Plunge Waterfall

Falling from a staggering height of 1,115 feet, Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Located near Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth, the falls drop into a turquoise green pool that’s simply mesmerizing. The dramatic cliff views and cool breeze make it a perfect summer escape.

Highlights: India's tallest waterfall, stunning turquoise plunge pool, dramatic cliff backdrop
Best Activities: Scenic view photography, nature walks
Best Time to Visit: July to September

3. Athirappilly Falls, Kerala – The Niagara of India

Dubbed the 'Niagara of India', Athirappilly Falls is Kerala’s largest waterfall. Located amidst dense Sholayar forests, it's a powerful cascade that’s both wild and romantic. You might even spot the endangered Great Hornbill if you’re lucky.

Highlights: Kerala’s largest waterfall, cinematic setting, lush forest surroundings
Best Activities: Forest walks, wildlife photography, film location tours
Best Time to Visit: June to October

4. Chitrakote Falls, Chhattisgarh – India's Widest Waterfall

Chitrakote Falls, often compared to Niagara Falls, is the broadest waterfall in India. Spanning up to 300 meters during peak monsoon, it offers an awe-inspiring sight, especially at sunset. It’s relatively unexplored, adding to its pristine charm.

Highlights: Widest waterfall in India, beautiful during sunset, offbeat location
Best Activities: Sunset photography, boat rides, nature camping
Best Time to Visit: July to October

5. Aharbal Falls, Jammu & Kashmir – The Serenity of the North

Known as the Niagara of Kashmir, Aharbal Falls is located on the Veshu River. Surrounded by pine forests and pristine landscapes, it’s ideal for travelers seeking solitude away from tourist crowds.

Highlights: Pristine setting, pine forest backdrop, peaceful ambiance
Best Activities: Peaceful picnics, fishing, nature trails
Best Time to Visit: May to September

6. Elephant Falls, Meghalaya – A Three-Step Wonder

Close to Shillong, Elephant Falls is a multi-tiered beauty with gushing white waters cascading through rocky terrain. Named after an elephant-shaped rock (which has since eroded), it's a local favorite and easy to access.

Highlights: Three-tier waterfall, near Shillong, family-friendly
Best Activities: Casual hiking, photography, family-friendly picnic spot
Best Time to Visit: June to September

7. Nuranang Falls, Arunachal Pradesh – The Secret of the East

Tucked away in Tawang, Nuranang Falls (or Jang Falls) is one of the most underrated waterfalls in India. Dropping from 100 meters, it’s surrounded by alpine forests and offers an offbeat adventure in Northeast India.

Highlights: Hidden gem, cultural charm, 100-meter drop
Best Activities: Road trip stops, trekking, cultural exploration
Best Time to Visit: June to October

8. Chadwick Falls, Himachal Pradesh – Shimla’s Hidden Gem

Located in the Glen Forest near Shimla, Chadwick Falls plunges from 100 meters and is framed by deodar and pine forests. It’s best visited during monsoon when the water flow is in full glory.

Highlights: Dense forest setting, near Shimla, peaceful retreat
Best Activities: Forest hikes, meditation, nature walks
Best Time to Visit: July to September

9. Bhimlat Falls, Rajasthan – The Desert’s Surprise

In the dry expanse of Rajasthan, Bhimlat Falls near Bundi comes as a delightful surprise. A monsoon-fed fall, it’s surrounded by greenery and mythologically connected to the Pandavas.

Highlights: Monsoon-fed oasis, mythology connection, unexpected location
Best Activities: Temple visits, nature photography, rural exploration
Best Time to Visit: July to October

10. Thoovanam Falls, Kerala – Wilderness at its Best

Located within the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thoovanam Falls is not just a visual treat but also a trekker’s dream. The 84-foot fall is surrounded by rich biodiversity.

Highlights: Inside wildlife sanctuary, rich biodiversity, guided treks
Best Activities: Guided treks, wildlife sightings, eco-tourism
Best Time to Visit: June to September

11. Seven Sisters Falls, Meghalaya – The Monsoon Queen

Also known as Nohsngithiang Falls, this waterfall is segmented into seven parts and looks glorious during monsoon. Located in the East Khasi Hills, it offers panoramic views and a peaceful vibe.

Highlights: Seven-segment fall, monsoon glory, panoramic views
Best Activities: Rainy season treks, panoramic photography
Best Time to Visit: July to September

12. Jog Falls, Karnataka – The Iconic Cascade

Falling from 830 feet, Jog Falls is formed by the Sharavathi River. It splits into four distinct cascades—Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket—each with a unique flow and character.

Highlights: 830-foot drop, four unique streams, hydroelectric backdrop
Best Activities: Rainy season visits, valley view walks, hydroelectric tours
Best Time to Visit: August to December

13. Hogenakkal Falls, Tamil Nadu – The Healing Waters

Located on the Kaveri River, Hogenakkal is famed for its medicinal waters and coracle boat rides. It's a popular weekend getaway from Bangalore and Chennai.

Highlights: Medicinal waters, coracle boats, food stalls
Best Activities: Boat rides, herbal oil massages, food trails
Best Time to Visit: July to October

14. Shivanasamudra Falls, Karnataka – The Twin Marvels

This segmented waterfall is divided into two—Gaganachukki and Bharachukki—by the Kaveri River. It is home to one of Asia’s first hydroelectric power stations and offers lush greenery during monsoon.

Highlights: Twin waterfalls, hydroelectric history, monsoon greenery
Best Activities: Monsoon drives, hydro heritage tours
Best Time to Visit: July to October

15. Bhagsu Falls, Himachal Pradesh – A Spiritual Splash

Near the famous Bhagsunath Temple in McLeod Ganj, Bhagsu Falls is small but stunning. A short hike leads you to the falls, often followed by a visit to nearby cafés and local handicraft markets.

Highlights: Temple backdrop, café culture, short hike
Best Activities: Café hopping, spiritual walks, shopping
Best Time to Visit: June to September

Conclusion

India’s waterfalls aren’t just natural wonders—they’re complete experiences. Whether it’s the misty heights of Meghalaya, the dense forests of Kerala, or the hidden gems of Rajasthan, these falls offer an invigorating way to escape summer’s heat.

Plan your itinerary, respect nature, and make this summer a season to remember.