Gushing down from a height of 1100 ft into a blue aquarium pool, Nohkalikai Waterfalls is a splendid waterfall found in the Cherrapunji district of Meghalaya. This waterfall is situated around 5 Km from the central city. And it is beautifully surrounded by the accompanying cliff edges and the magnificent flora and fauna. Monsoon is the best time to visit this waterfall. As termed by various visitors, it is known to be a tall and dramatic waterfall shining out in the East Khasi Hills.
Yes, this moonlit sparkling waterfall indeed holds one of the tragic endings here, but that should not want to stop you from visiting the place and honouring its excellence.
Legend
Before moving on further, let us enlighten you with the tragedy that happened here to highlight the natural essence behind the falls.
There was a woman who lived here in the East Khasi Hills with her daughter. The woman was a widow and wanted her daughter to receive love from both of her parents. So the woman got married again. But the twist here was that the husband used to hate the daughter, as the woman only gave the most of her attention to the daughter and not to her husband. He was jealous.
When the woman was at work, and the husband was with the daughter at home, he thought about getting rid of the daughter.
He, followed by this idea, murdered the daughter and then, with her flesh, cooked a dinner meal for his wife.
His wife came home and began searching for her daughter but couldn't find her. She thought that her daughter might have gone out to play. She will be back soon.
The woman and the husband sat for dinner. The woman seemed happy that her husband loved her so much that he cooked dinner for her.
They had their dinner together, and it was a good time spent.
After the meal, the woman, as she had this habit of eating betel nuts on a usual basis, went to get the basket filled with betel nuts. And there, only what she saw took away all her happiness and turned it into sadness and grief.
She saw her daughter's finger near the basket and realised that the meal she ate included her daughter.
With all of her grief and pain, she went outside running towards the cliff and, without hesitation, jumped from there.
Ka Likai was the name of the woman. And because she jumped out of free leap, this waterfall is known as NOH KA LIKAI, i.e. THE LEAP OF KA LIKAI. Also, not to forget, Ka is the prefix that is added to every female's name here in Kasi Hills.
Furthermore, as harsh is the story behind this waterfall, as crystalline this waterfall's picturesque beauty is. Now the question arises about when one should visit this waterfall and get the maximum of the panoramic views.
Best Time To Visit
Cherrapunji is called the wettest place on earth. And Sohra in the East Khasi Hills gets the maximum amount of rainfall.
This waterfall named NohkaLikai is one of the acknowledged waterfalls that generally are rainfed. And so to visit the place, the best time can be the monsoon season where the endless rains get you the most awe-spiring views. These views can be captured, and the beauty of this peaceful place can be soaked within.
Therefore, remember, Monsoon season, i.e. between June to September, a trip to Cherrapunji will be worth a definite visit.
Also, one can visit Mawsmai Caves situated near the waterfall, which is located only 12 KMs away.
Two other exciting waterfalls that can be visited through the nearby route are Nohsngithiang Falls and Dainthlen Falls. Living root bridges are another major attraction in Meghalaya to treat your eyes with.
How To Reach
There are various ways by which you can reach Cherrapunji'ss most famous attraction NohKaLikai Waterfalls, that you will feel glad to get so many options.
By Air
Guwahati International Airport is located at a distance of 166 km from Cherrapunji.
And on a good note, this airport is connected to all major metropolitan cities, making it even easier to travel.
By Train
Guwahati Railway Station is located at a distance of 140 km from Cherrapunji. This is another convenient way to opt.
By Road
Third way is to commence the travel by road. It's a 4-5 hour drive from Guwahati to Cherrapunji and then 10 minutes away from Cherrapunji is the waterfalls.
Moreover, you will be able to hire a taxi, a bus, or the local vehicles at all locations from any of the means you chose to travel.
Stay
Accommodations here near NohKaLikai waterfalls are cheaper and reasonable. But if you don't get the spontaneous stays there, one can always go to Shillong for the one.
Activities
If you are an adventurous person, I think you will have enough for here to keep yourself engaged. Trekking, Landscape Photography, Bird Watching, Angling, Swimming and many other activities are key highlights. Besides, there is a perfect fleet of stairs that take you to the fascinating viewpoints to have a streaming look at the waterfalls. Consequently, do not forget to carry along your astonishing cameras with you. Otherwise, you will miss something great!!
Visiting Hours
Time - 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Ticket - Rs. 10 Per Head
In the end, Life is short, and the world is wide. So, you better get started right away.
Happy Travelling!!
