From the edge of a lush green plateau, Nohkalikai Falls plunges 340 metres in a single, unbroken silver ribbon – making it India’s fourth-highest and Meghalaya’s most breathtaking waterfall. Located just 7 km from Cherrapunji (Sohra), the wettest place on Earth, this perennial cascade crashes into a turquoise pool that glows electric blue in winter and disappears into thick mist during monsoon. Named after Likai, a Khasi woman whose tragic story of grief gave the falls its name (“Jump of Ka Likai”), Nohkalikai is both a natural marvel and a haunting legend. A dramatic counterpoint to Mawlynnong’s tidy lanes, it offers easy access, jaw-dropping viewpoints, and short treks to the pool below. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, this is Meghalaya’s ultimate waterfall experience. With 2025 drone-view platforms and the Nohkalikai Monsoon Festival, this “Leap of Sorrow” is an unmissable destination for photographers, story-lovers, and anyone seeking nature’s raw power.
Key Attractions
Main Viewpoint – 340 m direct plunge view
Turquoise Pool – electric-blue base (visible Nov–May)
Lower Trek Trail – 1-hour descent to the pool (seasonal)
Ka Likai’s Tomb – small memorial near parking
Seven Sisters Falls View – visible from same plateau
Mawsmai Cave – 3 km away, limestone wonder
Eco Park – gardens and additional angles
Things to Do
Watch the sunrise mist lift from the viewpoint (5:30–7 AM)
Trek down 600+ steps to the pool (Nov–May only, ~₹500 guide)
Attend Nohkalikai Monsoon Festival – Khasi music & rain dance (Jul 18–20, 2026)
Photography during golden hour when the pool glows
Listen to the Likai legend from local guides
Try smoked pork & pukhlein sweets at viewpoint stalls
Local Culture and History
The falls are named after Likai, who in despair jumped from the cliff after a tragic family incident – a story still told by Khasi elders. The 2025 drone-view platform and eco-boardwalk, promoted by Meghalaya Tourism and X posts, keep visitors safe while preserving the site.
Best Time to Visit
Open 8 AM–5 PM, with November to May (dry season, 10–22°C) best for the turquoise pool and clear views. June to October (monsoon) turns it into a roaring white curtain – spectacular but misty.
How to Reach
By Air: Shillong Airport (80 km) or Guwahati (150 km)
By Road: Shillong → Cherrapunji → Nohkalikai (55 km, 2 hrs)
Local Transport: Shared sumo from Sohra (~₹50) or taxi (~₹1500 return)
Parking: At viewpoint (~₹50)
Travel Tips
Booking: No entry fee; lower trek guide mandatory in season
Cost: Food ~₹100–300; taxi from Shillong ~₹2500 return
Dress: Light jacket; good shoes for steps
Safety: Railing at viewpoint; no leaning over edge
Respect Local Culture: Listen quietly to the Likai story
Connectivity: Good signal at viewpoint
Environment: No plastic; use bins
Accessibility: Viewpoint wheelchair-friendly; pool trek not
Nearby Attractions
Mawsmai Cave (3 km)
Seven Sisters Falls (same plateau)
Double-Decker Root Bridge (25 km)
Mawlynnong Village (35 km)
Dainthlen Falls (8 km)
Explore More
Discover other Meghalaya wonders like the living root bridges or Asia’s cleanest village Mawlynnong on our Meghalaya destinations page. Plan your waterfall pilgrimage with indiatourisminfo.com today!
