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The Legend of Dainthlen Falls Cherrapunji

5 Best Things To Do At Dainthlen Falls 

How To Reach Dainthlen Falls 

Best Time To Visit Dainthlen Falls 

Conclusion
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The Legend Of Dainthlen Falls Cherrapunji: Best Travel Guide!

Nestled in the heart of Meghalaya, lies Cherrapunji – a place blessed with stunning natural landscapes which you can explore with our best Meghalaya Tour Packages. You will see lush forests, dark cave systems, hills, and valleys as far as the eye can see. This place also receives the highest amount of rainfall, thus giving birth to several scenic waterfalls of Meghalaya.

One such waterfall is the Dainthlen Waterfall, known for its breathtaking beauty and fascinating local legend. In this blog, we will dive into the myth of the giant serpent, Thlen, which adds a mysterious charm to the falls. We’ll also guide you on how to reach Dainthlen Falls, share tips on the best time to visit, and suggest things to do around the area, including sightseeing and adventure activities. 

Whether you’re a nature lover or a history enthusiast, Dainthlen Falls Cherrapunji offers something special for every visitor.

Practical Information for Tourists

  • Timings: 6 AM to 5 PM
  • Entry Fees: There is no entry cost to visit the waterfall, but you will have to pay ₹20 as parking fees for your vehicle.

The Legend of Dainthlen Falls Cherrapunji

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The Legend of Dainthlen Falls goes many years back. There once lived a giant serpent named Thlen in a cave near today’s Dainthlen Falls Sohra (Cherrapunji). Thlen was a terrifying creature, believed to be as large as a python. It would hide near the path where people went to the market and attack anyone passing by. It had a strange habit: it would only eat half of the people in a group and leave the others unharmed. If two people walked by, it would kill one and spare the other. The only way to pass safely was to walk alone. 

This created great fear among the villagers, who were desperate to end the serpent’s cruelty but didn’t know how. Then, a brave man named U Suidnoh, from the village of Laitryngew (7 km before Cherrapunji), stepped forward to face Thlen. He lived in an area that is still called Law Suidnoh, which is now protected as a sacred place. U Suidnoh had a clever plan. He brought goats and fed Thlen over time to gain its trust. Soon, whenever U Suidnoh called out to the serpent, it would crawl up from its cave, opening its mouth wide, expecting a feast of goat meat.

One day, U Suidnoh heated a large piece of iron in a furnace until it glowed red-hot-like meat. He called out to Thlen, who came up with its mouth wide open, ready to eat. U Suidnoh threw the hot iron lump into the serpent’s mouth, and Thlen swallowed it. The iron burned inside the serpent, causing it terrible pain. The ground shook like an earthquake as the serpent writhed in agony. Finally, Thlen died, ending its reign of terror.

The villagers, now free from Thlen’s tyranny, gathered and pulled the serpent’s body out of the cave. They cut it into pieces at the dry riverbed, and the place became known as Dainthlen, which means “the place where Thlen was cut.” The rocky bed of the river, which looks like pieces of chopped meat, still reminds people of the serpent’s defeat.

There are many versions of the legend of Dainthlen falls Sohra. In many versions the story ends here, concluding the victory of good over evil.

But there is more in another version as follows…

After the villagers killed the serpent, they feasted on its meat to ensure that no part of it was left, as they believed Thlen could come back to life if any piece was spared. However, an old woman took a piece of the meat home to give to her son, but she forgot. That piece of Thlen’s flesh came back to life, demanding Khasi blood.

This serpent spirit would later live in the old woman’s house, turning her into the first of the “Thlen keepers.” These keepers had to feed Thlen human blood to avoid misfortune. To do this, they would hire a nongshohnoh, someone who would kill the victim with a wooden club (since Thlen was killed by iron, it demanded that no iron be used). The nongshohnoh would bring the blood to the Thlen, and the spirit would grant wealth to its keeper.

This dark part of the legend serves as a reminder that even though Thlen was defeated, greed and evil still lurk. Today, the story of Dainthlen Falls Sohra adds mystery to its stunning beauty just like the tragic story of Nohkalikai Falls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Q:What can I do at Dainthlen Falls?

Q:How tall is Dainthlen Falls?

Q:Which are the famous waterfalls in Meghalaya?

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