Nohkalikai Falls
Nohkalikai Falls is one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India. It is located in Meghalaya, near Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth.
Key Facts:
• Tallest Plunge Waterfall in India: Nohkalikai Falls is identified as the tallest plunge waterfall in India, falling about 340 meters (1,115 feet) with a vertical drop directly into a deep plunge pool below. From the sheer height, the water drops dramatically.
• Location near Cherrapunji: The falls are located in one of the wettest places on earth and receive water from rain that collects on a relatively small plateau above. The flow of the falls can lessen at times during the dry season (December – February) of the area.
• Unique green plunge pool: The plunge pool of water at the bottom of the falls is exceptionally dark and an unusual green color.
• Aesthetic beauty: The falls are surrounded by rocky cliffs and rich forests with rugged highlands offering magnificent panoramic views all around. There is also an observation gallery at the top where visitors can appreciate some of its splendor.
• Legend and significance of name: “Nohkalikai” translates to “Jump of Ka Likai” in the Khasi local language. It is connected with a very sad and tragic folktale:
- The folktale of Ka Likai: According to the folktale, there lived a woman known as Ka Likai in a village near the falls. After Ka Likai’s husband died, she found love again and soon remarried. Unfortunately, Ka Likai’s second husband had jealousy over the love Ka Likai gave to her young daughter from her first marriage. In a fit of rage, he killed her daughter, prepared her flesh, and gave it to Ka Likai unknowingly. After consuming the meat, Ka Likai discovered a finger in her bets, which led to the heartbreaking realisation that she had consumed her daughter. In her grief, desperation, and the tremendous loss Ka Likai leapt to her death at the edge of the waterfall.
- The name is a fitting honor to the unfortunate tale and is ingrained in the culture of the area.
Tourism and Access:
• Nohkalikai Falls has become one of Meghalaya’s main tourist attractions.
• It is located approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the principal town, Cherrapunji.
• The viewpoint is significant accessible by road. Additional parking is available near the entrance.
• There are steps leading down to different viewpoints that allow for different perspectives to be taken of the falls.