Here comes another of the spectacular of Meghalaya – The Seven Sisters Waterfall! With the falls falling in seven different streams down the hill, what a sight to behold it would be! And the magnificence of its height!
The Seven Sister Falls in Meghalaya is named after the collection of seven Northeast states of India, namely Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya. It also has two other names – Nohsngithiang Falls and Mawsmai Falls. The falls hold deep cultural significance too, despite being a beauty of Meghalaya. It is situated in the East Khasi Hills district, about 1 kilometre south of Mawsmai village. It is as tall as 1,033 ft or 315 metres, and has an average width of 230 ft or 70 metres. The Seven Sister Falls is at its peak in the monsoon, where the rain amplifies the rush of the falls and adds to the beauty of it. This is for sure one of the most beautiful and scenic places to visit in Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on Earth. The falls is located at a distance of 56 kilometres from Shillong. The falls cascade over limestone cliffs and segments in seven different streams as they flow. A Meghalaya trip from Delhi will enhance your experience and allow you to see this amazing phenomenon firsthand.
Viewpoint of the Falls:
There is actually a viewpoint for the falls where one can see the whole of the majestic falls completely. It would be a picture perfect place. If viewing the Seven Sisters Waterfall in close-up is one thing, viewing it from a distance and as a whole is totally another thing. And for this particular falls, nobody should miss seeing it either way, because the beauty of it is such! It would certainly look like an amazing painting with all the greens surrounding it, with magnificent falls in the middle.
One can view the falls from the Eco Park in Cherrapunjee too. The viewpoint is located in the Mawsmai village and lies in the state highway 5, that moves away from Mawsmai. The point can be reached using various modes of transport like buses, cars, cabs, etc. The point can be accessed by all and is suitable for everyone, from families to friends, colleagues and even couples on honeymoon.
Best time to Visit the Seven Sisters Falls:
Even though the spot is open all through the year, it is best visited in monsoon, which goes on from June to September. During monsoon, the rain is on its peak and the falls will be filled and cascading over the limestone cliffs. This is when the falls will be at its most majestic view. With the thriving lushness of the greenery around, the rain will make them look marvelous! To be simple, you'll be visiting a place straight out of a painting. Just then would be the perfect time and spot for photographers and nature lovers; even the coolest spot for honeymooners, how romantic would that be!
What all can one do in and around Seven Sister Falls in Meghalaya?
Sightsee: What else than this? Visit the viewpoints and just view the falls to marvel at its splendour. There are quite a few viewpoints available.
Click pics: Bring out the photographer in you and click all the pics you can of the falls. After all, you're standing by the tremendous falls right in the wettest place on the entire Earth! So save the memory!
Picnic with fam: Choose a good viewpoint and have a picnic with your family, with food and snacks, and together marvel at the beauty of the segmented falls.
Hike or walk: There are a few hiking and trekking trails around the Seven Sister Waterfalls, if you are an athletic person, you can go on these. Or you can just have a walk around nature and wander.
Meet and Greet: You could visit the local villages and meet the people there and explore. Also try new food, taste local food and have a hearty meal with the locals.
Travel tips for the Falls:
As you'll be visiting the wettest place on Earth, you'll certainly have to look for the unexpected rainfalls and maybe even thunderstorms. And as it is said the Seven Sisters Falls, Meghalaya, are best visited in the monsoon, there will definitely be rainfalls all through. So pack up accordingly, with rain boots and rain jackets, and spare clothes and shoes. Umbrellas are for sure needed. Make sure to check the weather forecast before arriving. Pack enough water and snacks as there are limited facilities near the falls. And a main fact is to respect nature and keep your surroundings clean - don't throw trash around and take it back with you if you don't spot a bin. Respect the wildlife and plantlife around. Another point is, since the falls is a major tourist attraction, be sure to come early to enjoy the view in peace and avoid the crowds.
Concluding Thoughts:
If you aren't yet moved from the readings about the falls, and if you aren't jumping up in your seat yet to go visit the Seven Sisters falls, then you are missing great things indeed. Because The Seven Sister Falls, Meghalaya, is a wonder to see in person, and not something to just read about. Why wait and read when you can visit? Gear up-in all the monsoon attire, that is-and get ready to drown in the beauty of the falls!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Where is the Seven Sisters Waterfall located?
The Seven Sisters Falls is located in Sohra, Cherrapunjee, in the state of Meghalaya. Cherrapunjee is said to be the wettest place on the Earth. The falls is about 60 kilometres from Shillong.
Q. Why is it called Seven Sisters Falls?
The Seven Sister Falls in Meghalaya gets its name from the seven different streams that flow from the cascade of the falls on the limestone cliffs. These streams resemble seven sisters in a harmonious dance. And hence the name. Another reason for the name is also the fact of the unity of the seven states in the Northeast of India, which are Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya.
Q. How tall is Seven Sisters Falls?
The Seven Sisters Waterfall has an altitude of about 1,033 ft and an average width of 230 ft.
Q. What is the Seven Sisters real name?
The real name of the Seven Sisters Falls is Nohsngithiang Falls. It is also called the Mawsmai Falls due to its location in the Mawsmai village.
Q. How many waterfalls are there in Meghalaya?
There are approximately 16 main waterfalls in Meghalaya namely, Nohkalikai Falls, Khoh Ramhah, Kynrem Falls, Nohsngithiang Falls, Elephant Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, Weinia Falls, Thum Falls, Krang Suri, Tyrshi Falls, Thlumuwi Falls, Pelga Falls, Imil Chang Dare, and Rong’bang Falls.
