Can you swim in the pool below Nohkalikai Falls?

No, the pool is not accessible from the viewpoint. Reaching it requires a very difficult and dangerous descent with no maintained trail. The viewpoint offers excellent views from above.

Is Nohkalikai Falls worth visiting?

Absolutely. As India's tallest plunge waterfall with its iconic turquoise pool, it's one of the country's most spectacular natural sights. The viewpoint is easily accessible and requires no trekking.

Destinations · Updated October 2026

Nohkalikai Falls — India's Tallest Plunge Waterfall

Backed by XTSY — Northeast India's NEITA 2025-nominated hospitality brand, operating India's biggest backpacker hostel and the country's first 270° stargaze glamping ensuite, both in Shillong. Standing at 1,115 feet (340 meters), Nohkalikai Falls is India's tallest plunge waterfall and one of Meghalaya's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Nohkalikai Falls is ~2.5 h from XTSY Travellers Hostel in New Shillong — an easy day trip.

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The details

Backed by XTSY — Northeast India's NEITA 2025-nominated hospitality brand, operating India's biggest backpacker hostel and the country's first 270° stargaze glamping ensuite, both in Shillong. Standing at 1,115 feet (340 meters), Nohkalikai Falls is India's tallest plunge waterfall and one of Meghalaya's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Located near Cherrapunji (Sohra), this majestic cascade plunges into a turquoise-green pool that changes color with the seasons. The falls are named after a tragic Khasi legend of a woman named Ka Likai, making it both a natural and cultural landmark.

Nohkalikai Falls from XTSY: ~2.5 h · 72 km (day trip)
Best time · Cherrapunji: Waterfalls peak June–September; clearest views October–March.

How to Visit Nohkalikai Falls

The waterfall viewpoint is easily accessible by road, located 7 km from Cherrapunji town and 61 km from Shillong. A paved path from the parking area leads to two viewpoints — the upper viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the full cascade, while the lower viewpoint brings you closer to the cliff edge for photography.

✓ Distance from Shillong: 61 km (2 hours by car)
✓ Distance from Cherrapunji town: 7 km (15 minutes)
✓ Entry fee: ₹30 per person
✓ Parking: Available, ₹20 for cars
✓ Best viewing time: Morning (8-10 AM) for clear views and best light
✓ Time needed: 45-60 minutes at the viewpoint

Best Time to Visit

Nohkalikai is spectacular in every season but transforms dramatically. During monsoon (June-September), the waterfall is at full power — a thundering white column that you can hear from kilometers away. However, clouds often obscure the view. Post-monsoon (October-December) offers the best combination of good water flow, clear skies, and the iconic turquoise pool. Winter and spring (January-April) show reduced flow but the clearest visibility of the pool's stunning color.

Photography Tips

Nohkalikai is one of India's most photogenic waterfalls. Here's how to capture the best shots:

✓ Morning light (7-9 AM) provides the most dramatic shadows and colors
✓ Bring a wide-angle lens — the falls and surrounding cliffs are massive
✓ Carry a polarizing filter to reduce haze and enhance the turquoise pool color
✓ In monsoon, wait for cloud breaks — when they clear, the reveal is dramatic
✓ The lower viewpoint offers the most dramatic perspectives
✓ Drone photography is possible but check local regulations

The Legend of Ka Likai

The waterfall's name comes from a haunting Khasi legend. Ka Likai was a woman who, upon discovering a terrible truth about her second husband's actions, threw herself off this cliff in grief. The Khasi people named the falls "Noh Ka Likai" (The Leap of Ka Likai) in her memory. This story reflects the deep connection between Khasi culture and their landscape — nearly every waterfall, cave, and peak in Meghalaya has an associated legend.

Nearby Attractions

Combine your Nohkalikai visit with other Cherrapunji attractions, all within 15 km:

✓ Mawsmai Cave — 5 km away, easy walkthrough limestone cave
✓ Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint — 7 km, visible from Eco Park
✓ Eco Park — 4 km, gardens with Bangladesh plains views
✓ Thangkharang Park — 8 km, Kynrem Falls viewpoint
✓ Double Decker Root Bridge — 12 km to trailhead at Tyrna

Why Travellers Pick XTSY

XTSY is a Northeast Indian independent hospitality brand — Shillong-born, traveller-built, and having hosted 10,786+ guests through owned properties, curated tours, weddings, catering and rentals.

✓ NEITA 2025 nominee — Best Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Northeast India
✓ Experience by XTSY — India's first stargaze glamp
✓ Rated 4.7★ on Google from 248 reviews
✓ Pluxee India partner — corporate stays via employee-benefit vouchers accepted
✓ 24/7 WhatsApp booking & on-trip support — +91 88373 17070
✓ Owned operations in Shillong + vetted partner network across NE India and Sikkim

Frequently asked questions

Written by the XTSY travel team, New Shillong TownshipWe run XTSY Travellers Hostel and plan Northeast India trips every day. Prices on this page come from our live booking engine; drive times are checked against our own trips. Last reviewed October 2026.

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