- Where
- About 1 km south of Mawsmai village, East Khasi Hills
- Altitude
- Viewpoint about 1,000–1,100 m
- Distance
- About 5 km from Sohra, 55 km from Shillong
- Timings
- Daylight; best late afternoon
- Entry fee
- Small fee or none reported
- Permit
- None
- Best time
- June–October for all seven streams
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
Nohsngithiang Falls, better known as the Seven Sisters Falls or Mawsmai Falls, pours off the limestone cliffs just south of Cherrapunji. It drops about 315 metres (1,033 ft) and, in full flow, spreads into up to seven separate streams along roughly 70 metres of cliff. That makes it one of the tallest waterfalls in India.
When do all seven streams flow?
Only in the rainy season. The falls are fed by rain on the plateau above, not by a big river, so:
- June–September: all seven streams, often with cloud rolling through.
- October: the sweet spot, with good flow and clearer skies.
- November–May: thin trickles or dry rock in some segments.
The ten-year rain data for the site (below) shows how sharply rainfall drops after October.
The sunset view
On clear evenings the setting sun lights the water and cliff in orange and gold. Meghalaya Tourism itself recommends staying until sunset. On a clear day you can also see the plains of Bangladesh below.
Where to see it from
The main viewpoint is just off the road beyond Mawsmai village, a few minutes' walk from parking. A few resorts and eco-park viewpoints along this ridge also look across at the falls.
How to reach
Seven Sisters is about 5 km from Sohra and a few minutes from Mawsmai Cave, so the two are always done together. Shillong is about 55 km, 1.5–2 hours. See our Shillong to Cherrapunji cab, Guwahati to Cherrapunji cab and Meghalaya tour packages.
| From | Road distance | Usual drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Sohra (Cherrapunji) | about 5 km | 10 min |
| Shillong | about 55 km | 1.5–2 hrs |
| Guwahati Airport | about 170 km | 4–4.5 hrs |
Road distances from OpenStreetMap routing. Drive times are what we see on these mountain roads, not map estimates.
Weather
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18°C | 8°C | Dry |
| Feb | 19°C | 9°C | Dry |
| Mar | 23°C | 13°C | Light |
| Apr | 24°C | 16°C | Wet |
| May | 24°C | 18°C | Wet |
| Jun | 24°C | 20°C | Very wet |
| Jul | 25°C | 20°C | Very wet |
| Aug | 25°C | 20°C | Very wet |
| Sep | 25°C | 20°C | Wet |
| Oct | 24°C | 17°C | Light |
| Nov | 22°C | 13°C | Dry |
| Dec | 19°C | 9°C | Dry |
Monthly averages for 2015–2024 from ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, at the site's elevation (about 1018 m). Rain and snow are rated relative to this location's own year.
Things most guides don't tell you
- Fog is the real risk in the monsoon. Cloud can hide the falls completely for hours; if it's white-out, see Mawsmai Cave first and come back.
- The sunset trade-off: in the monsoon you get flow but rarely sunset; in October–November you get sunset but less water. October is the best compromise.
- Don't confuse it with the Seven Sisters waterfall in Sikkim, a smaller roadside falls on the Gangtok–Lachung road.
Nearby
- Mawsmai Cave, a few minutes away.
- Nohkalikai Falls, on the other side of Sohra.
- Our guide to the best waterfalls in Meghalaya.
Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang): questions travellers ask
How tall is Seven Sisters Falls in Meghalaya?
About 315 metres (1,033 ft), making it one of the tallest waterfalls in India.
Why is it called Seven Sisters Falls?
In full flow the water splits into up to seven separate streams along the cliff.
When can you see all seven streams?
During the monsoon, June to September, and usually into October.
Is Seven Sisters Falls dry in winter?
Mostly. From November to May only a few thin streams flow, or none.
What is the best time to see Seven Sisters Falls?
October offers the best mix of flow and clear skies. Late afternoon gives the sunset colours.
How far is Seven Sisters Falls from Cherrapunji?
About 5 km, 10 minutes by car.
What is the local name of Seven Sisters Falls?
Nohsngithiang, also called Mawsmai Falls.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Nohsngithiang Falls
- Meghalaya Tourism: Nohsngithiang
- Outlook Traveller: top waterfalls in Meghalaya
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
