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List of Waterfalls in India, Highest and City of Waterfall

List Of Waterfall in India : Waterfalls are nature’s own spectacle, where a river takes a thrilling plunge downwards. Now, what makes these waterfalls even more intriguing is their location. Many of them are nestled in spots where the river’s journey is swift and the contributing area is limited. This means they come to life mainly during the heavy downpours of rainstorms.

Highest Waterfall of India

The highest waterfall in India with a height of 1493 feet which is Kunchikal Falls in Shimoga District Karnataka.

City of Waterfalls in India

City of Waterfalls is Ranchi is fondly referred due to its numerous waterfalls. Ranchi played a pivotal role in the Jharkhand movement, which demanded a separate state for tribal regions of various Indian states.

What is a Waterfall?

A waterfall is a natural geological formation characterized by the steep descent of water over a vertical or nearly vertical drop in the landscape. It is typically formed when a river or stream flows over an area with varying layers of rock, and erosion processes, such as the wearing away of softer rock layers, create a sudden elevation change. The water then plunges, creating a cascade or free fall.

Importance of Waterfalls in India

  • Breathtaking Natural Beauty: India is blessed with a myriad of waterfalls that contribute to the country’s scenic beauty. These natural wonders attract tourists and nature enthusiasts, providing visual delights with their cascading water and lush surroundings.
  • Tourist Attractions: Many waterfalls in India have become popular tourist destinations. Tourists from across the globe visit places like Jog Falls, Athirappilly Falls, and Dudhsagar Falls to witness the grandeur of these cascading waters, boosting the tourism industry.
  • Ecological Balance: Waterfalls play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the regions they are located in. They contribute to the overall health of ecosystems by providing habitats for various flora and fauna. The moisture created by waterfalls supports diverse plant life and sustains the biodiversity of surrounding areas.
  • Hydroelectric Potential: Several waterfalls in India are harnessed for their hydroelectric power potential. The force of falling water is utilized to generate electricity, contributing to the country’s power supply and promoting sustainable energy sources.
  • Cultural and Religious Significance: In many regions, waterfalls hold cultural and religious importance. They are often associated with myths, legends, and rituals, becoming integral parts of local traditions. Bathing in the waters of certain waterfalls is considered auspicious in some cultures.
  • Natural Cooling Systems: The cool mist generated by waterfalls has a natural cooling effect on the surrounding areas. This is particularly beneficial in tropical regions, providing relief from the heat and creating microclimates that support unique ecosystems.
  • Recreational Activities: Waterfalls offer opportunities for recreational activities such as trekking, hiking, and adventure sports. This not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also encourages the development of tourism-related infrastructure in the vicinity.
  • Water Reservoirs: Some waterfalls contribute to the formation of natural reservoirs or water bodies downstream. These reservoirs serve as vital water sources for agriculture, wildlife, and local communities, supporting livelihoods and sustaining ecosystems.

In conclusion, the importance of waterfalls in India extends beyond their aesthetic appeal. They play multifaceted roles, influencing tourism, ecology, energy generation, and cultural practices, making them integral components of the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

Aathirappally Waterfalls in Kerala

List of Waterfalls in India by Height

Major Waterfalls in India

List of Waterfalls in India
Waterfalls in India Location Height Metre/Feet Features
Kunchikal Falls Shimoga district, Karnataka 455 metres (1,493 ft) Tiered, the Highest waterfall in India; was formed by the Varahi River.
Barehipani Falls Mayurbhanj district, Odisha 399 metres (1,309 ft) 2 tiered waterfalls
Nohkalikai Falls East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya 340m (1115 feet) tallest plunge-type waterfalls
Nohsngithiang Falls or Mawsmai Falls East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya 315 metres (1,033 ft) segmented type waterfalls
Dudhsagar Falls Karnataka and Goa 310 m(1017 feet) 4 tiered waterfalls
Kynrem Falls East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya 305 metres (1,001 ft) 3 tiered waterfalls
Meenmutty Falls Wayanad district, Kerala 300 metres (984 feet) 3-tiered waterfalls/ segmented type
Thalaiyar Falls Batlagundu, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu 297 metres (974 ft) horsetail type waterfalls
Vajrai Falls Satara district, Maharashtra 260 metres (853 ft) 3-tiered, 2nd tallest plunge-type waterfall
Barkana Falls Shimoga district, Karnataka 259 metres (850 ft) tiered waterfalls
Jog Falls Shimoga district, Karnataka 253 metres (830 ft) cascade waterfalls
Khandadhar Falls Kendujhar district & Sundergarh district, Odisha 244 metres (801 ft) Horsetail type falls
Vantawng Falls Serchhip district, Mizoram 229 metres (751 ft) 2 tiered waterfalls
Kune Falls Pune district, Maharashtra 200 metres (660 ft) 3 tiered waterfalls
Soochipara Falls, Thoseghar Waterfalls Wayanad district, Kerala, Satara district Maharashtra 200 metres (656 feet) 3 tiered waterfalls
Magod Falls Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka 198 metres (650 ft) 2 tiered/Segmented waterfalls
Joranda Falls Mayurbhanj district, Odisha 181 metres (594 ft) plunge type waterfalls
Hebbe Falls Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka 168 metres (551 ft) 2 tiered waterfalls
Duduma Falls the border of Koraput (Odisha) and Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) 157 metres (515 ft) plunge type waterfalls
Palani Falls Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh 150 metres (490 ft) Surge waterfalls
Lodh Falls Latehar district, Jharkhand 143 metres (469 ft) 2 tiered waterfalls
Bahuti Falls Mauganj, Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh 198 metres (650 ft) 2 tiered waterfalls, tallest waterfall in Madhya Pradesh
Bishop Falls East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya 135 metres (443 ft) 3 tiered waterfalls
Chachai Falls Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh 130 metres (430 ft) on Bihad River, comes down from Rewa Plateau
Keoti Falls Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh 130 metres (430 ft) segmented type waterfall
Kalhatti Falls Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka 122 metres (400 ft)
Beadon Falls East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya 120 metres (390 ft) 3-tiered waterfall, twin of Bishop Falls
Keppa Falls Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka 116 metres (381 ft) fan type waterfall
Koosalli Falls Udupi, Karnataka 116 metres (381 ft) 6 tiered waterfall
Dabbe falls Shivamogga, Sagar, Karnataka 110 metres(360 ft)
Pandavgad Falls Thane, Maharashtra 107 metres (351 ft) Plunge waterfall
Rajat Prapat Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh 107 metres (351 ft) horsetail type waterfall
Bundla Falls Kaimur district Bihar 100 metres (330 ft)
Vantawng Falls Serchhip district, Mizoram 230 metres (750 ft) 2 tiered waterfalls
Shivanasamudra Falls Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka 98 metres (322 ft) segmented type
Lower Ghaghri Falls Latehar district, Jharkhand 98 metres (322 ft) cascade waterfalls
Hundru Falls Ranchi district, Jharkhand 98 metres (322 ft) segmented type
Sweet Falls East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya 96 metres (315 ft) horsetail type
Agaya Gangai Namakkal, Tamil Nadu 92 metres (302 ft) 1 tiered/segmented waterfalls
Gatha Falls Panna district, Madhya Pradesh 91 metres (299 ft)
Teerathgarh Falls Baster district, Chhattisgarh 91 metres (299 ft) Block type Waterfall
Kiliyur Falls Yercaud, Tamil Nadu 91 metres (299 ft) fan type waterfall
Kudumari Falls Udupi district, Karnataka 91 metres (299 ft) horsetail type waterfall
Muthyala Maduvu Falls Bangalore rural district, Karnataka 91 metres (299 ft)
Tirathgarh Falls Bastar district, Chhattisgarh 91 metres (299 ft) horsetail type waterfall
Langshiang Falls West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya 85 metres (279 ft)
Talakona falls Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh 82 metres (269 ft) highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh
Kakolat Falls Nawada district, Bihar 50 metres (160 ft) cataract waterfall
Athirappilly Falls Thrissur district, Kerala 25 metres (82 ft) Block/Segmented type waterfall

Classification of Waterfalls

There is no standard way to classify waterfalls. Some scientists classify waterfalls based on the waterfall’s average water volume.

  • Ledge waterfall: Water descends vertically over a vertical cliff, maintaining partial contact with the bedrock.
  • Cataract: A large, powerful waterfall.
  • Horsetail: Descending water maintains some contact with bedrock.
  • Plunge: Fast-moving water descends vertically, losing contact with the bedrock surface.
  • Block: Water descends from a relatively wide stream or river.
  • Multi-step: A series of waterfalls one after another of roughly the same size each with its own sunken plunge pool.
  • Segmented: Distinctly separate flows of water form as it descends.
  • Cascade: Water descends a series of rock steps.
  • Punchbowl: Water descends in a constricted form and then spreads out in a wider pool.
  • Tiered: Water drops in a series of distinct steps or falls.
  • Fan: Water spreads horizontally as it descends while remaining in contact with bedrock.
  • Moulin: A moulin is a waterfall in a glacier.

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FAQs

Which is the highest waterfall in India?

Kunchikal Falls in Shimoga District of Karnataka is the highest waterfall in India and the second biggest waterfall in Asia.

Shivasamundram waterfall is located on which river?

Shivasamundram waterfall is located on river Kaveri in Bangalore.

Dudhsagar waterfall is located on which river?

Dudhsagar falls is known as the ‘Sea of milk’, it is formed from the Mandovi River.

Which city is called the city of waterfalls in India?

Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand is known as the city of waterfalls in India.

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