- Where
- Near Sohra (Cherrapunji), East Khasi Hills
- Distance
- About 5 km off the Shillong–Sohra road; about 11 km from Sohra town
- Timings
- Daylight hours
- Entry fee
- Free; small parking fee
- Permit
- None
- Best time
- June–October for flow; October–November for safer rocks
- Time needed
- 45 minutes–1 hour
Book onlineCherrapunji Caves Day Trip from Shillong₹4,499 / car (up to 4) · Car and driver from Shillong for the day includedDainthlen Falls tumbles over a wide, flat rock shelf near Sohra (Cherrapunji). Its name comes from a Khasi legend: the people here killed U Thlen, a giant man-eating serpent, and the falls mark the place where it was cut. Marks in the rock near the falls are said to show where the serpent was chopped up.
Visiting safely
You can walk out on the rocks above the drop, which is what makes Dainthlen popular and also what makes it risky. The rock is slippery when wet and there are few barriers, so stay well back from the edge, especially in the monsoon when the flow is strongest.
How to reach
The falls are about 5 km off the Shillong–Sohra road, roughly 11 km from Sohra town and about 1.5 hours from Shillong. Wei Sawdong Falls is close by, so many visitors see both on the way to Cherrapunji.
Dainthlen Falls: questions travellers ask
Is there an entry fee at Dainthlen Falls?
Entry is free; a small parking fee may apply.
What is the legend of Dainthlen Falls?
In Khasi folklore, the people killed U Thlen, a man-eating serpent, here. Dainthlen means roughly 'where the Thlen was cut'.
How far is Dainthlen Falls from Shillong?
About 45 km, roughly 1.5 hours by road, on the way to Cherrapunji.
Is Dainthlen Falls safe?
The rocks above the falls are slippery and unfenced in places. Stay back from the edge, especially in the monsoon.
Sources
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
