- Where
- Near Sohra (Cherrapunji), East Khasi Hills
- Altitude
- About 1,200 m at the viewpoint
- Distance
- About 7 km from Sohra, 53 km from Shillong
- Timings
- Roughly 8–9am to 5pm
- Entry fee
- Small fee, reported as ₹20–50, plus a camera charge
- Permit
- None
- Best time
- June–September for the most water; October–November for clear views
- Time needed
- 45 minutes–1 hour
Nohkalikai is India's tallest plunge waterfall, dropping 340 metres (1,115 ft) in a single fall off the edge of the Sohra plateau into a round pool of unusual green. It sits near Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth, and the fall is fed entirely by rain on the plateau above.
The legend of Ka Likai
The name means "the plunge of Ka Likai". In the Khasi story, Likai was a widow from the village of Rangjyrteh who worked as a porter to feed her infant daughter and married again for the child's sake. Her jealous second husband killed the girl while she was away. When Likai learned what had happened, she ran to the cliff edge in grief and leapt. The story is still told to every visitor, and locals answer the common question plainly: it is a legend, not a recorded event.
What you see
- The plunge from the viewing decks, with the green pool far below.
- Rainbows in the spray on sunny monsoon mornings.
- The gorge dropping towards the Bangladesh plains on clear winter days.
How to reach Nohkalikai
The falls are about 7 km from Sohra and 53 km from Shillong, so they are part of almost every Cherrapunji day. The viewpoint is a short walk from the car park. See our Shillong to Cherrapunji cab page and things to do in Cherrapunji.
| From | Road distance | Usual drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Sohra (Cherrapunji) | about 5 km | 15–20 min |
| Shillong | about 55 km | 1.5–2 hrs |
| Guwahati Airport | about 165 km | 4.5–5 hrs |
Road distances from OpenStreetMap routing. Drive times are what we see on these mountain roads, not map estimates.
Tickets and timings
- Entry: a small fee reported as ₹20 to ₹50, plus a camera charge.
- Hours: roughly 8 or 9am to 5pm.
- Facilities: parking, tea stalls and local snacks at the entrance.
When to visit: water versus view
This is the trade-off with every Sohra waterfall. The falls are fed by rain, so they are biggest from June to September, but cloud can hide them completely on monsoon days. In the dry months, from December to February, the fall shrinks to a thin thread.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17°C | 7°C | Dry |
| Feb | 18°C | 8°C | Dry |
| Mar | 21°C | 12°C | Light |
| Apr | 22°C | 15°C | Wet |
| May | 23°C | 17°C | Wet |
| Jun | 24°C | 19°C | Very wet |
| Jul | 24°C | 20°C | Very wet |
| Aug | 24°C | 20°C | Very wet |
| Sep | 24°C | 19°C | Wet |
| Oct | 23°C | 16°C | Light |
| Nov | 21°C | 11°C | Dry |
| Dec | 18°C | 8°C | Dry |
Monthly averages for 2015–2024 from ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, at the site's elevation (about 1212 m). Rain and snow are rated relative to this location's own year.
- June–September: the most water; go early for the best chance of a clear view.
- October–November: still a strong flow, with clearer skies. Often the best compromise.
- December–April: clear but thin.
Things most guides don't tell you
- Fog comes and goes in minutes. If you arrive to a white wall, wait 15 minutes before giving up.
- There is no official path to the pool. Don't attempt the descent without a local guide.
- Combine it with Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang) and Mawsmai Cave on the same loop around Sohra.
Nearby
- Double-decker living root bridge.
- Laitlum Canyons on the way back to Shillong.
- Meghalaya tour packages.
Nohkalikai Falls: questions travellers ask
How tall is Nohkalikai Falls?
340 m, or 1,115 ft. It is India's tallest plunge waterfall.
What is the story of Nohkalikai Falls?
A Khasi legend tells of Ka Likai, a widow whose second husband killed her daughter; in grief she leapt from the cliff. The falls are named after her.
Is the Nohkalikai story true?
It is a local legend passed down orally, not a recorded historical event.
What is the best time to visit Nohkalikai Falls?
June to September for the most water, October and November for a strong flow with clearer skies.
Is there an entry fee at Nohkalikai?
Yes, a small fee reported as ₹20 to ₹50, plus a camera charge.
How far is Nohkalikai from Shillong?
About 53 km, 1.5 to 2 hours by road.
How far is Nohkalikai from Cherrapunji?
About 7 km from Sohra town, 15 to 20 minutes.
Does Nohkalikai dry up?
It thins to a narrow thread in the dry months, December to February, but rarely stops completely.
Sources
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
