Nohkalikai Falls, located near Cherrapunji in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, is one of the tallest plunge waterfalls in India. Dropping from a staggering height of over 1,100 feet (approximately 340 meters), the waterfall crashes straight down into a deep green plunge pool, creating a scene that is both powerful and mesmerizing.
Standing at the viewpoint, the sheer scale of Nohkalikai is overwhelming. The sound of water hitting the valley below echoes through the cliffs, and the vast openness of the landscape makes you pause and absorb the moment. This is not a place that can be rushed — it demands silence and reflection.
A Waterfall That Changes with the Seasons
During the monsoon months, Nohkalikai Falls transforms into a roaring giant. The water volume increases dramatically, and the falls thunder down with immense force, making it one of the most dramatic sights in Meghalaya.
In the drier months, the waterfall reveals an entirely different personality. With reduced water flow, the layered rock formations behind the cascade become visible, and the surroundings take on a quieter, more contemplative mood. Both seasons offer unique experiences, making Nohkalikai a destination worth visiting more than once.
The Legend Behind the Name
Nohkalikai Falls is not just known for its height or beauty — it carries a haunting legend deeply rooted in Khasi folklore.
According to local belief, a woman named Ka Likai once lived near these cliffs. After losing her first husband, she remarried, but her second husband was cruel and jealous of the affection she showed her infant daughter. One tragic day, while Ka Likai was away working, her husband killed the child in a fit of rage and cooked the flesh.
Unaware of what had happened, Ka Likai returned home and ate the meal. When she later discovered the horrifying truth, grief overwhelmed her completely. In despair, she ran towards the cliff and leapt into the abyss.
From that day on, the place came to be known as “Noh Ka Likai,” which translates to “The Leap of Ka Likai.”
Beauty and Tragedy in One Frame
Today, Nohkalikai Falls stands as a striking contrast between breathtaking natural beauty and heartbreaking human tragedy. The calm green pool at the bottom of the falls hides unimaginable depth, while the towering cliffs above silently watch over the valley — as if guarding the memory of the story passed down through generations.
This emotional contrast is what makes Nohkalikai truly unforgettable. It is not just a waterfall to admire, but a place that makes you feel the weight of history, legend, and nature together.
Visiting Nohkalikai Falls
Nohkalikai Falls is easily accessible from Cherrapunji, with a well-maintained viewpoint offering panoramic views of the waterfall and surrounding valley. The area is best visited during clear weather when the full drop of the waterfall is visible.
Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for photography, as soft light enhances the colors of the cliffs, greenery, and plunge pool below.
Final Thoughts
Nohkalikai Falls is more than a destination — it is an experience. A place where water, wind, and silence come together to tell a story that time has not erased. Whether you visit for its natural grandeur or its haunting legend, Nohkalikai leaves a lasting impression long after you walk away from the viewpoint.
In Meghalaya, where clouds drift low and stories live in the land itself, Nohkalikai Falls stands as one of the most powerful reminders that nature holds not just beauty, but memory.
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