Highest Waterfall in India — Kunchikal Falls, Karnataka

Name: Kunchikal Falls (also spelled Kunchikal or Kundadri Falls in some references). Height: 455 metres (approximately 1,493 feet). Location: Masthikatte, Shimoga (Shivamogga) district, Karnataka. River: Varahi River. Type: Segmented waterfall (water falls in multiple streams over the cliff face).

Key facts about Kunchikal Falls: • It is the highest waterfall in India and among the highest in Asia. • The falls are located within a forest reserve; access is restricted and visitors require special permission. • The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest in the Western Ghats. • The Varahi River, on which the falls are formed, is a west-flowing river in Karnataka. • A hydroelectric power project is located near the falls, which affects the volume of water flowing over it — the falls are at their most spectacular during and after the monsoon season (June–September). • Despite being the tallest in India, Kunchikal Falls is less famous than Jog Falls due to restricted access.

Name: Nohkalikai Falls. Height: approximately 340 metres (1,115 feet). Location: Near Cherrapunji (Sohra), East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya. River: Formed by streams flowing over the cliff edge (not a major named river). Type: Plunge waterfall — water falls in a single free-falling stream without touching the cliff face.

Key facts: • Nohkalikai Falls is the highest plunge waterfall in India. • It is located in one of the wettest places on Earth — Cherrapunji, Meghalaya. • The waterfall plunges into a turquoise pool at its base. • 'Nohkalikai' means 'Jump of Ka Likai' in the Khasi language — named after a tragic local legend about a woman named Ka Likai. • The falls are most spectacular during and after the monsoon (May–September) when water volume is at its peak. During the dry season (December–February), the flow reduces significantly. • The pool at the base of the falls is strikingly green/blue in colour due to dissolved minerals.

Name: Jog Falls (also known as Gerosoppa Falls or Jogada Gundi). Height: 253 metres (830 feet). Location: Shimoga (Shivamogga) district, Karnataka. River: Sharavathi River. Type: Segmented plunge waterfall — falls in four distinct streams: Raja, Rani, Rover, and Roarer.

Key facts: • Jog Falls is the second-highest plunge waterfall in India (after Nohkalikai) and one of the most famous waterfalls in Asia. • It is formed by the Sharavathi River dropping over a sheer cliff. • The four streams of the falls are named: Raja (the tallest, falling in a single column), Rani (slides over rocks), Rover (breaks into a spray), and Roarer (falls with a roar). • The Linganamakki Dam (upstream on Sharavathi River) controls the flow of water to Jog Falls — during non-monsoon months, the falls may have reduced flow due to water being held by the dam. • Jog Falls is a protected national monument and a major tourist attraction in Karnataka. • Best time to visit: August–October (post-monsoon, when flow is strongest).

Other notable waterfalls in India:

1. Dudhsagar Falls (Goa/Karnataka border):

   • Height: approximately 310 metres.
   • Located on the Mandovi (Mahadayi) River on the Goa-Karnataka border.
   • Name means 'Sea of Milk' — the water appears white and milky.
   • One of India's tallest waterfalls.
   • Popular tourist destination; a railway bridge crosses the gorge nearby.

2. Bhageerathi Falls (Karnataka):

   • Height: approximately 270 metres.
   • Located near Agumbe, Karnataka.

3. Athirappilly Falls (Kerala):

   • Height: approximately 80 metres.
   • Located on the Chalakudy River in Thrissur district, Kerala.
   • Known as the 'Niagara Falls of India.'
   • Surrounded by Athirappilly forests — rich biodiversity.

4. Chitrakoot Falls (Chhattisgarh):

   • Known as the 'Niagara Falls of India' (also called).
   • Located on the Indravati River; widest waterfall in India.
   • Height: approximately 29 metres.

Summary — Highest Waterfalls in India: • Highest overall: Kunchikal Falls, Karnataka — 455 m. • Highest plunge waterfall: Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya — 340 m. • Most famous: Jog Falls, Karnataka — 253 m (on Sharavathi River). • Tallest on a major river: Dudhsagar Falls, Goa/Karnataka — ~310 m.