High in the misty hills of Meghalaya, near Cherrapunji (Sohra), plunges one of the most dramatic waterfalls in India—Nohkalikai Falls. With a single drop of over 1,100 feet (340 m), it is the tallest plunge waterfall in the country. But what makes Nohkalikai truly unforgettable is not just its breathtaking beauty, but the haunting legend behind its name.

As you approach the viewpoint, the roar of water greets you before the sight does. A white ribbon of water slices through dense emerald cliffs, plunging straight into a turquoise pool far below. In the monsoon season, the falls swell with a ferocious flow, draped in clouds and rainbows, while in winter they shrink into a slender, graceful stream—almost like nature taking a quiet breath.

From the viewing platform, you can watch the play of mist, sunlight, and spray as the falls crash into the gorge, creating a scene that is at once powerful and serene. The surrounding landscape of rolling plateaus, lush forests, and living root bridges adds to the sense of timeless wonder.

Nohkalikai Falls

The Legend of Likai

The name Nohkalikai translates to “The Leap of Likai” in the Khasi language. The story behind it is one of sorrow and tragedy.

Likai was a young widow who remarried after the death of her first husband. She had a little daughter from her earlier marriage, and she doted on the child. But her new husband grew jealous of the attention she gave her daughter. In a fit of rage and envy, he murdered the little girl and, in a horrific act, cooked a meal from her flesh.

When Likai returned home, hungry and tired, she unknowingly ate the food laid out for her. Later, when she discovered the truth—that she had eaten her own daughter—she was overcome with unbearable grief and madness. Unable to face the horror, she ran to the edge of the cliff and leapt to her death. Thus, the waterfall came to be known as Nohkalikai—the place of Likai’s tragic leap.

Visiting this place is not just about seeing the falls—it is about experiencing the blend of myth and nature that defines Meghalaya.

The drive to Cherrapunji offers panoramic views of the wettest place on earth, dotted with tiny villages and mist-covered valleys. Local stalls near the viewpoint serve steaming momos, pineapples, and traditional snacks, adding warmth to the chilly mountain air.

The monsoon atmosphere, with its ever-shifting curtain of rain, deepens the mystical aura.

Nohkalikai is not only a geographical wonder showcasing the rugged grandeur of the Khasi Hills but also a cultural symbol preserving a legend retold for generations. Standing before Nohkalikai Falls, you feel the weight of its legend and the power of its beauty. The water plunges ceaselessly—like grief turned eternal—yet at the same time inspires awe for the resilience of nature.