Rainfalls mark the beginning of change, a change from the scorching heat and dry lands to the flooding rivers and soothing climate. The lush green around, chirping of birds, gushes of gurgling waters is a treat to the eyes. And this is when the get-away plans begin. From having chai -pakoda at home when the raindrops trickle down your window pane, to going out on a hike with friends, it’s the perfect time to wander in the arms of mother nature. So we have curated a list for you of some lesser known waterfalls around the country, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
I. Athirapally
80 ft tall and 330 ft wide, this wide marvel is situated at the entrance of the Sholayar Range, near the Thissur District of Kerala. These falls form a marvellous cascade of frothy waters that make its way from the Anamudi mountains of the Western Ghats. From here, the Athirapally falls flow through the verdant greenery of Vazhachal Forest towards the Arabian Sea, creating a spectacular vista of scintillating water, emerald jungles and azure sky. This is one of the most accessible waterfalls, abundant with exotic plants, trees, diversity of indigenous and migratory birds which make up the natural beauty of the place.
II. Chitrakoot
A perfect blend of serenity, divinity and exquisite beauty, Chitrakoot falls situated in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh are known as India’s Niagara Falls. The Indravati river takes a deep plunge in the horseshoe gorge to form the majestic 95 ft dropping Chitrakoot falls, where the water flowing down the cliff makes this a sheer spectacle to behold. During the monsoons when the river floods, the streams of water come together to unleash their power and completely cover the flat ground above the cliff. Even though the water carries immense silt giving it a brown colour, the view during sunrise or sunset is mesmerising.
III. Hidlumane Falls
Located within the Mookambika reserve forest in the Western Ghats, this beautiful waterfall is situated in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. The fascinating waterfall flows as a series of 6 to 7 cascading waterfalls and each fall is hidden from the other. Each one seems more enthralling than the previous one, but the most amazing one is the secluded one situated at the top of the cascade. The silence of the forest is broken by the noise of the waterfall. The view from the top of the waterfall is indeed a magnificent sight as the greenery of the Western Ghats and the stillness of the surroundings enhance the beauty of the spot.
IV. Jana
Among the hidden gems of Manali, the waterfalls are located in the Jana village, 35 kms from Manali. It is one of the highest places (altitude wise) in Manali, but an untouched charm of nature. The fall is surrounded all over by deodar and pine trees, apple orchards and snow covered mountains. The first sight of the waterfall is quite hidden, but the best views of water disgorging from a towering height and striking a cluster of rocks below can be beheld from an old wooden bridge that overlooks the fall.
V. Nohkalikai
Located in the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, it is India’s tallest plunge waterfall that falls from an altitude of 11515 ft. Surrounded by lush green and misty clouds, the waterfall is mostly rain-fed and can leave any visitor spellbound. The water gushes fiercely to the bottom creating a roar that is heard much before reaching the fall. Visiting the falls at sunset is mesmerising and the view of the far off villages that appear like hamlets from a fairy tale is mystical. The falls has a plunge pool formed at its base which has an unusual green colour.
VI. Nuranang
Set at a 100 m high, the beautiful waterfalls are located in the Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh. Also known as the Bong Bong falls, these spectacular falls are placed at an elevation of 600 ft. River Nuranang originates from the northern slopes of Sela pass and form the Nuranang falls before it meets river Tawang. It makes for a pristine experience as one gets to view the white milky sheet of water descend from such a height. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, dive in and have a swim in the crystal clear waters.
VII. Rahala
Situated along the Manali to Rohtang Pass road on the Leh- Manali highway, this stunning waterfall is a part of the melting glaciers. Surrounded by a dense forest of deodar and birch trees, the stunning views combined with the sound of the gushing waters makes it alluring and refreshing. It is a natural waterfall, flowing through the solid deposits of ice all around. Falling from a height of 2501 m, this waterfall has spine-chilling water.
VII. Shivasamudram
Initially known as the Kaveri falls, Shivasundaram falls is the 2nd biggest waterfall in the country and the 6th largest one in the entire world. It is located in Mandya District, 130 kms away from the main city of Bangalore. Surrounded by the hill forests of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, these falls are the two branches of the river Kaveri, which finds its way through the rocks and ravines of the Deccan Plateau to finally cascade down the rocky cliffs. These falls mark the point where the river separates in two segments and re-joins together at a later point along the pathway, making it a majestic point.
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