India is home to a breathtaking collection of waterfalls, each possessing distinct features and charm. There are 1000 waterfalls in India. Waterfalls are often referred to as cascades or cataracts.

Cascade Waterfalls: A cascade waterfall is a kind of waterfall defined by water descending over a sequence of rocky steps or inclines, often looking like a staircase. In contrast to waterfalls that drop straight into a basin, a cascade usually keeps some connection with the rock surface while it falls, resulting in a more fluid, less steep appearance.

Notable Example:

• Dudhsagar Falls in Goa- known for its milky white appearance.

• Thalaiyar Falls (Rat Tail Falls) in Tamil Nadu, a horsetail waterfall with a long, thin cascade.

• Seven Sisters Waterfalls (Nohsngithiang Falls) in Meghalaya

Cataract Waterfalls: The term "cataract" can denote both a genre of waterfall and a health issue affecting the eye. When discussing waterfalls, a cataract refers to a massive and forceful waterfall distinguished by a considerable drop and high water flow. It can also describe a succession of smaller falls along a river, commonly known as cascades.

Notable Example:  

• Jog Falls in Karnataka, known for its height and segmented flow.

• Chitrakote Falls in Chhattisgarh, nicknamed the "Niagara of India".

A waterfall is a natural geological structure where water cascades down from a vertical or steep incline in a stream or river. India is home to more than 1000 waterfalls, with heights varying from 10 meters to beyond. A waterfall is characterized as a vertical water feature that falls from a rocky cliff into a plunge pool. Waterfalls are generally classified into two main categories: grouping and volume-based classification. While there is no definitive system for categorizing waterfalls, they can be organized based on criteria such as average water volume, width, and height.

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Types of Waterfalls

The list of highest waterfalls in India is categorized based on two basic ways to classify a waterfall. One of the ways is by grouping or classifying according to its shape. The other way is by classifying it according to its volume.

• Plunge: Plunge Waterfalls are defined as waterfalls that drop vertically without touching the underlying cliff face. Plunge waterfalls also generate enough spray to erode the underside of the cliff even further, thereby causing alcoves or “caves” beneath the lip of the waterfall. Therefore, you can sometimes even go behind these types of waterfalls.

• Horsetail: Waterfalls classified as having a “horsetail” shape tend to fan out as they drop on a steep slope while still maintaining contact with the underlying cliff face. These types of waterfalls are either younger than the plunge type mentioned above, or the hard rock layer supporting the waterfall is steeply sloped to give the appearance.

• Fan: Waterfalls in this category are quite similar to those of the Horsetail variety. They share the common characteristic that the waterfall drops and slides along a steep slope while consistently maintaining contact with the underlying cliff. The difference is that the shape of the waterfall resembles more of a fan than a horse’s tail.

• Punchbowl: It describes the shape you get when you have a stream channeled into a narrow hanging gorge before it shoots over a drop that results in a plunge pool resembling a punch bowl.

• Block: Sometimes called rectangular waterfalls, these are the waterfalls that assume some rectangular shape. Waterfalls in this category end up being wider than they are tall. Usually, the wider the river that’s going over the ledge, the wider the waterfall is, and hence, the wider the rectangle.

• Tiered: This category of waterfalls describes those that have more than one vertical leap or tier, but they’re close enough together to be seen together from a singular vantage point.

• Segmented: This category of waterfalls involves the descending watercourse splitting up into two or more parallel segments or threads. Usually, the cause of the split is some protruding rock in the middle of the watercourse before or during the watercourse’s steep cascading descent.

• Cascades: Waterfalls in this category descend along a sloped surface. From the standpoint of the evolution of a waterfall during waterfall formation, this fall could be in the early phase of its development, or the underlying hard-rock layer could be sloped with water moving along that slope.

• Chute: Waterfalls in this category are typically where its watercourse is forced into a narrow channel, resulting in a violently pressurized ejection of water over its drop.

• Slide: Waterfalls flowing over a relatively low-angle slope fall under this category.

• Ribbon: Finally, this category is merely a toss-in to encompass very thin or ephemeral waterfalls that have a very narrow stream but may possess a long vertical drop resulting in a ribbon-like appearance.

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List of Highest Waterfalls in India

The following table contains a list of the highest waterfalls in India with their type. The height of the highest waterfalls in India is given in meters, and they are also provided in the table below.

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List of Highest Waterfalls in India With Rivers

The highest waterfalls in India by state and the highest waterfalls in India on which river are listed in the table provided below. The table contains a list of the highest waterfalls in India with rivers. So candidates shall check out the location and rivers of the highest waterfalls in India.

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List of Top 10 Highest Waterfalls in India

Along with the list of the highest waterfalls in India 2025, here we have listed out the top 10 highest waterfalls in India, which will help you for the upcoming competitive exams.

1. Kunchikal Falls

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

• It is situated inside the Agumbe rainforest.

• The place receives rainfall every year, which adds to the charm of the waterfall that falls from a height of 455 m as it originates from the Varahi River.

• It is the biggest waterfall in India. 

2. Barehipani Falls, Odisha

• Dropping from a height of 399 m, Barehipani Falls is located inside the Simlipal National Park in Mayurbhanj.

• This two-tiered waterfall originates from the Budhabalanga River and makes its way through the rocky terrains of the mighty Meghasani mountain.

• This is the second-highest waterfall in India and attracts trekkers and nature enthusiasts from across the country.

• It is one of the most attractive tourist attractions in Odisha.

3. Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya

• In the third spot is the Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya.

• Falling from a height of 340 m, this gorgeous waterfall is located near Cherrapunji in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya.

• The destination is characterized by heavy rainfall, root bridges, and plenty of nature.

• It lies about 5 km away from Cherrapunji.

• Tumbling down from a height of 1,115 ft, it creates a large blue-green plunge pool at the bottom. 

4. Nohsngithiang Falls, Meghalaya

• Dropping from a height of 315 m, Nohsngithiang Falls in the East Khasi Hills district is the fourth-highest waterfall in India.

• A gem of nature with seven streams, Nohsngithiang Waterfall plunges over the limestone cliffs of the Khasi Hills and is also referred to as Seven Sister Falls.

• It is inundated with water throughout the year due to heavy rainfall in the region.

• The seven segments of the falls exemplify the seven sister states of north-eastern India, namely Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.

• The waterfall is nearly a kilometer from the famous Mawsmai village in Meghalaya and is thus known as the Mawsmai Falls.

5. Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Goa

• Number five on the list is Goa’s famous Dudhsagar Waterfalls.

• The spectacular waterfall has a height of 310 m and is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Goa.

• The falls have their source in the Mandovi of Goa.

• This four-tiered waterfall creates the illusion of an overflowing sea of milk through the mountains.

• It lies in the southern part of Goa at Mollem along the Western Ghats and forms the border between the Goa and Karnataka states.

6. Kyneram Waterfalls, Meghalaya

• Kynrem Falls is situated inside a beautiful park known as Thangkharang Park, another popular attraction of Cherrapunjee in the East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya.

• The waterfall spreads out into two different streams or rivulets, with each of them gaining momentum by merging while flowing down the last leg of the third tier.

• The source of this fall originates from Thangkharang Park.

• The astonishing beauty of the falls can be best enjoyed during the rainy season when the streams are in full swing.

• You can get a view of Bangladesh also from here.

7. Meenmutty Waterfalls, Kerala

• Meenmutty waterfalls are the tallest waterfalls in Kerala and also one of the most beautiful, falling from a height of some 980 ft in the Wayanad district of Kerala.

• It is one of the famous tourist spots in South India.

• It is a 3-tier waterfall with a measurement of 300m each.

• Meenmutty Falls is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad.

• Streams of water gain their fierce strength during the months of monsoon.

8. Thalaiyar Falls, Tamil Nadu

• Nestled in the Palani Hills in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, Thalaiyar Falls is also known as Rat Tail Falls.

• It is the highest Waterfall, flowing down from a height of 297 m (975 ft), one of the tallest falls in Asia.

• The widest falls are very popular for their dangerous place and dark caves.

• On a bright sunny day, Thalaiyar Falls is also visible from the Dum Dum Rock viewpoint on the Batalugundu-Kodaikanal Ghat Road.

9. Vajrai Waterfalls, Maharashtra

• Vajrai Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in India.

• The height of this waterfall is 1840 ft (560m), and it falls from a straight cliff having three steps (stages).

• The water for the waterfall comes from the river Urmodi.

• It is the origin of the river Urmodi.

• The waterfall is situated in the district of Satara in western Maharashtra.

10. Barkana Falls, Karnataka 

• Originating from the Seetha River and gushing down from a height of 259 m (850 ft), it appears only during the rainy season.

• It is among the ten highest waterfalls in India.

• The waterfall is located in the Balehalli forest area, at a distance of about 7 km from the Agumbe village in the Shimoga district of Karnataka.

• Barkana derives its name from Barka, a mouse deer found in this region.

• The grandiosity of the falls is truly mesmerizing during the rainy season when it is deluged with rainwater.

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FAQs

Q. What does the “Highest Waterfalls in India PDF” include?

Q. How are waterfalls classified in this guide?

Waterfalls can mainly be classified into two types: cascade waterfalls, which feature a gentle, stepped descent, and cataract waterfalls, characterized by a powerful, vertical drop. Each type has its notable examples.

Q. Why is this topic important for government exam aspirants?

Waterfalls are part of the Indian Geography and Static GK sections, often featured in Banking, SSC, Railways, UPSC, and Insurance exams, especially in match the following or state-location type questions.

Q. Which is the highest waterfall in India?

Kunchikal Falls in Karnataka is considered the highest waterfall in India, with a height of around 455 meters, formed by the Varahi River.

Q. Are famous waterfalls like Jog Falls and Dudhsagar Falls included?

Yes, the PDF covers all popular and exam-relevant waterfalls, including Jog Falls (Karnataka), Dudhsagar Falls (Goa), Chitrakote Falls (Chhattisgarh), and Nohsngithiang Falls (Meghalaya).

Q. Does the PDF mention the rivers associated with each waterfall?

Absolutely! Each waterfall entry includes the river it's part of, helping aspirants prepare for static GK + geography combo questions.

Q. Is the PDF available in both English and Hindi?

Yes! The guide is bilingual (English + Hindi), making it ideal for learners from diverse language backgrounds preparing for government exams.

Q. How should I revise this topic effectively for exams?

Use the state-wise waterfall list for quick recall, focus on types and rivers, and practice with MCQs, map labeling, or match-the-following exercises to strengthen retention.

Q. Are these waterfalls relevant to tourism-based or cultural questions in exams?

Yes! Many waterfalls like Chitrakote (Chhattisgarh) and Dudhsagar (Goa) are also popular tourist destinations. Questions may link geography with culture, tourism, or state-specific GK, especially in SSC, State PCS, and UPSC exams.

Q. Where can I download the Highest Waterfalls in India PDF for offline study?

You’ll find the direct download link in the article. It’s mobile-friendly, bilingual, and organized for quick last-minute revision, making it a valuable resource for Static GK prep.