Nohkalikai Falls

Nohkalikai Falls is the most famous waterfall in Meghalaya and India's tallest plunge waterfall, dropping about 340 m (1,115 ft) in a single leap from the edge of the Sohra plateau into a deep green-blue pool. Fed mainly by rain collected on the plateau above, it is a thundering torrent in the monsoon and a slender ribbon in the dry winter months, when the pool below glows an unreal turquoise.

The name comes from a sad Khasi legend about a woman named Likai: 'Noh Ka Likai' means 'the jump of Likai'. Local guides will happily tell the story, which is part of the falls' emotional power.

A well-developed viewpoint with steps, railings and small shops lies about 5 km from Sohra town. For more adventurous travellers, a steep trail leads down to the pool at the base of the falls — a demanding half-day trek best done with a local guide in the dry season. Early morning visits give the best chance of seeing the falls before clouds roll in.