Biggest Waterfall in India
-by Abhrajita Mondal
–Reading Time – 7 min Approx
You can call India the land of waterfalls since every state that you visit in India, will probably have a waterfall. These gorgeous waterfalls attract tourists from across the world. If you head to the Northeast, you will be mesmerized with the most full-force waterfalls. Other places do not disappoint either.
Waterfall is a steep drainage of water. It is formed in the upper ranges of mountains. Some waterfalls are heavily reliant on the monsoons and fed through rainwater. Monsoons are the best time to visit the waterfalls in India.
Kunchikal Falls – Biggest Waterfall in India
Located in Nidagodu village near Masthikatte in Shimoga district of Karnataka with 455 meters of height. It is the biggest waterfall in India. It is a very dreamy place since its India’s tallest and Asia’s second tallest waterfall. A branch of river Varahi provides water to the seasonal falls in the neighbouring areas, which is surrounded by lush greenery. A majestic experience one can ever have.
The flow of the Kunchikal fall has been affected due to the post construction of a dam. Also, an underground power generation station near the Hulikal resulted in changes of force in the fall. So, one needs to get a special gate pass to enter, which can be issued at Hosangadi village (about 15km away).
The location of the waterfall (Shimoga) is as beautiful as the waterfall itself. It is a small hill station in Karnataka. The place is surrounded by verdant hills, dense forests and wildlife. This makes the region just ideal for the best holiday. Moreover, there is another waterfall nearby. It goes by the name Barkana Falls. The beauty of the waterfalls is enhanced during the monsoons. The name has come down from the word ‘Barka’, meaning a mouse deer. This shy mouse deer is found in the forests of Shimoga. You can also trek through the dense forests to Barkana Falls. There are more waterfalls in Shimoga than you probably imagined.
Onake Abbi Falls is another one, you should know about. Trekking enthusiasts love this place. If you want to witness the flora and faunal heritage, then this is it. The waterfalls look divine during the monsoons. Most of the places in Shimoga get crowded during the monsoon. The beauty of the place multiplies ten-fold during the season. You can check out this destination during the monsoon season. The experience will make you ecstatic.
Perfect Season to Visit Kunchikal Falls:
Monsoon season is the best time to visit any waterfall because during this time the water flow is at its peak. India is blessed to have such majestic falls that one can experience. However, waterfalls of this stature are not just limited to Kunchikal Falls. One can visit the waterfalls in the monsoon. Preferably, one is advised to visit Kunchikal Falls between July to September as it is the peak time. Those who live in the south can visit the falls during the monsoon. One can get buses from Bengaluru to the Kunchikal Falls very easily. Moreover, one can also board a train to Udupi. The view of the Kunchikal Fall – Biggest Waterfall in India is surreal. It is located inside the Agumbe rainforest. So, if wanted to visit the place by flight, one can disembark at Mangalore Airport. Therefore, it is connected to all the major cities in India.
Second Biggest Waterfall in India:
Barehipani Falls in Odisha is the second biggest waterfall in India. It drops from a height of 399m. The height of the tallest single drop is 259 meters. This famous waterfall is located inside Simlipal National Park. It is in the Mayurbhanj district in Odisha. It attracts wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe. Trekkers also love to explore the areas near the falls. You will be amazed to know that Barehipani Falls is a two-tiered waterfall. The waterfall is situated on the River Budhabalanga. It flows through the Meghasuni mountains in the Eastern Ghats. If you disembark at Baripada Railway Station, you can reach the falls quite easily.
Simlipal, is a national park in Odisha. It is a vast place. Every part of Odisha has something to offer the tourists. You will be amazed to see the sea, sand, forests and hills in one place. It is a tourist’s delight. Simlipal is home to a wide variety of animals including the gaur, tiger and the elephant. It is traditionally a national park. The name of the place comes from the ‘Simul Tree’. You will find varied ecosystems in one place. Moreover, the place has gushing rivers, waterfalls and dense forests. You can reach Simlipal by air. The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar. The nearest railhead is Balasore. Most people from the eastern part of India, can drive and reach the forest. The monsoon season lasts from June to September. The area receives moderate to heavy rainfall around that time. Additionally, you should visit the second biggest waterfall in India around that time.
Other Famous Waterfalls in India:
If you head towards the Northeast, you will come across more waterfalls. The Nokhlikhai Waterfalls is the third largest waterfall in India. It is in Cherrapunji, which is one of the wettest places on earth. Cherrapunji is famous for its hills, forests and waterfalls. It falls from a height of 340m. So, now you can imagine the surreal beauty surrounding the area. Almost all waterfalls are surrounded by lush green forests. There are numerous waterfalls strewn across the place.
The cities like Shillong and Cherrapunji receive rainfall in sudden bursts. The best time to visit the waterfalls is from October to December and March to May. However, the monsoon season lends a beauty of a different kind to the place. On your way to the waterfalls, you can check out several other places too. They include the Double Roots Bridge, Arwah Caves, Mawsmai Caves and Kynrem Falls.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls is another spectacle to watch out for. It has a drop of 310m. The sight is too beautiful to miss. You can see a rush of milk coming down the hilly slopes. It is also the fifth highest waterfall in India. Those who visit Goa, can see this beautiful waterfall. During the monsoon season, the waterfall becomes much more picturesque. The waterfall is in Sanguem Taluka in Goa. Moreover, it is a part of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. One can trek till the waterfall or hire a jeep through the forest till the majestic waterfall. The River Mandovi feeds water into the Dudhsagar waterfalls. You must see the spectacle on your way to Goa.
You should also know about the majestic waterfalls in Karnataka. Jog Falls is located between Shimoga and North Kanara. The Sharavati River plunges in the form of waterfalls. Moreover, you can segregate the falls into four cascades. The names of the cascades are Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket. Jog falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in India. During the monsoons, the sight is spectacular. You can even take part in a trek to the bottom of the gorge near Linganmakki dam.
It is also called Gerusoppaa Waterfalls and is the highest un-tiered waterfalls in India. Moreover, you can visit the waterfalls from August to December. It is 379 km away from Bangalore. As already mentioned, India is the land of waterfalls. There is a waterfall in every state in India. If you head towards Maharashtra, you can see the beautiful Kune Falls. It drops from 200 m. It is located at the juncture of Lonavla-Khandala in Pune. It is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Maharashtra. These are amongst the most famous waterfalls in India.
There are many other magnificent waterfalls in the country. All travel aficionados see such beautiful places and have described about their magnificence. Moreover, the spectacle cannot get better than this. You must see the most beautiful waterfalls in the monsoon season. The area becomes slippery but if you are careful, you can enjoy the beauty of nature in full force.
-by Abhrajita Mondal