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Putting together a list of the best Indian waterfalls is really tough. There are so many lovely cascades to be found in every corner of our magnificent country, especially in the monsoon.
I have carefully curated my list of a few of the most stunning waterfalls that are a great escape into nature this rainy season. You might be on the lookout for scenic beauty. Or a daring excursion.
Any of these gorgeous falls will provide both. You will surely fall in love with each of them and be filled with awe in their majestic thundering presence. But do be careful and go cautiously.
Kataldhaar, Maharashtra
Tucked away in the lush forests of the Sahyadris, near Rajmachi fort, Kataldhaar is amongst the most sparsely visited waterfalls in the region.
One has to walk downhill for 45 minutes, after an hour-long drive from Lonavala, which is the hot, but excessively crowded and avoidable destination for all monsoon getaway seekers from Mumbai and Pune.
The path to the waterfall passes through a beautiful kind of rain forest of towering trees and swift streams. Once you get there, sit back and enjoy the sight of the water seemingly crushing the rocks with its downward force or swim in its cool crisp pool away from gushing stream.
Although the journey heading towards the waterfall seems simple, the uphill climb on the return is a bit more difficult. Despite the challenges, this gem of a waterfall should be on your monsoon itineraries, definitely if you are the adventurous sort with a passion for trekking.
The monsooon offers some of the most unusual treks you can do in India because of the sheer green-ness and profusion of flora wherever you go this season.
How to reach: Lonavala is the nearest town, 11 km away and is located on the way to the Rajmachi fort base village.
Apsara Vihar, Madhya Pradesh
Close to the main town of Pachmarhi, this pretty waterfall makes for an interesting detour on your way to visiting the more favoured Silver Falls.
Though small, don't let its 'single-tier-ness' fool you -- the emerald green water is an excellent place for swimming, splish-splashing around and enjoying photo-ops with the fam or friends.
Be sure to keep in mind that Apsara completely dries up during the dry season.
How to reach: Located just 3 km away from Pachmarhi town, it is easily accessible by car. A 20 minute walk on a lush jungle trail takes you to the falls.
Athirappilly, Kerala
Ever since it was featured in films like Raavan and Baahubali, the splendour of Athirappilly is engraved in the consciousness of filmiwallahs.
Nestled in the heart of the Sholayar forest reserve in Kerala, on the Chalakudy river, it is one of the largest waterfalls in South India.
Surrounded by thick rainforest, the milky-white waters of Athirappilly look positively ethereal. The place is on the tourist bucket list in Kerala all year around.
How to reach: The nearest town is Chalakudy in Thrissur district, about 30 km away from the falls. Public transport and taxis are easily available to reach the waterfall.
Devkund, Maharashtra
Devkund is one of the best day hikes during the monsoons. Amongst the most-visited waterfalls in the Sahyadris, folks from all over the state make a beeline to its waters.
The musical roar of the cascading falls can be heard from far off. The sheer volume of the water of the plunge is fascinating amidst the heavy greenery.
Make sure you follow all the travel advisories and safety protocols to visit this place. Though open all year around, Devkund is ideally viewed during the peak monsoon as the flow of the falls is not quite as impressive at other times.
How to reach: The base village, Bhira is about 25 km away from the main town of Pali in Raigad district. An hour-long paved trail from Bhira will take you to the falls.
Unchalli, Karnataka
Not so touristy as other falls in Karnataka, which adds to its attraction, Unchalli is probably overshadowed by the runaway popular Jog Falls, which is about 60 km away from there. With a little planning, you can club both waterfalls in one trip.
The most striking aspect of Unchalli is its shape -- its water flows through narrow rocks and then widens into an awe-inspiring cascade. A viewing deck has been created to capture awesome vistas of the waterfall. A hike just a few steps down is also worthwhile, if you have time.
How to reach: Sirsi, at 35 km, is the nearest town. A motorable road exists till 1 km from the falls and there is parking there too. The rest needs to be covered on foot.
Phe Phe, Meghalaya
There is no way you can miss out listing the exquisite Phe Phe Falls while cataloguing the most beautiful waterfalls in Meghalaya.
Phe Phe, which means paradise in the local language, is one of the most easily accessed falls in the region and brings in swarms of tourists.
The tall, narrow waterfall pumps plenty of water into the turquoise blue pool and is a sight to behold. You can take a dip or while the afternoon away swiming, chilling and basking in the serenity of Phe Phe.
How to reach: A scenic two-hour drive from Shillong, which is about 80 km away.
Jogini Falls, Himachal Pradesh
A trip to Manali is incomplete without having a dekko at the glorious Jogini Falls. The mesmerising sight of the pani flowing down over the cliff and past the jagged rocks won't leave your album of mental travel memories for years. The quiet atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.
This waterfall also has an easily accessible pathway, making it a perfect half-day excursion away from the crowds of Manali.
You can embark on a memorable hike of around 30 minutes, via a well-marked route, passing through apple orchards and gorgeous views of snowy mountains.
How to reach: The hike begins from the Vashisht main temple, which is about 3 km from Manali town.
Pykara, Tamil Nadu
One of the must-see attractions of Ooty, Pykara Falls gets footfalls 365 days in a year. The calm and peaceful surroundings are a perfect destination for a little break and to take a load of Insta-worthy pics.
The journey to the falls takes only around 15 minutes from the entrance, via an easy trek, that includes some steps. Make sure you reach a bit early in the morning to have a little private time with the falls as it tends to get very crowded as the day progresses.
How to reach: It is about 21 to 23 km from Ooty. Taxis and public transport are easily available till the entrance gate of the falls.
Chitrakote, Chhattisgarh
As you stand before the Chitrakote Falls, in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, one thought is definitely going to cross your mind and it will be: "How beautiful are the waterfalls in our country!"
On the Indravati river, the natural beauty of Chitrakote doubles and triples during a heavy monsoon season.
How to reach: The nearest town is Jagdalpur, about 35 km away.