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Legend of the Nohkalikai Waterfalls Cherrapunji

Guide to Explore the Nohakalikai Waterfalls Cherrapunji

Best Time to Visit Nohkalikai Waterfalls

How to Reach Nohkalikai Waterfalls

Things to Do at Nohkalikai Waterfalls

Beautiful Yet Tragic – Story Of Nohkalikai Waterfalls Cherrapunji

When you think of Meghalaya or search for some of the best Meghalaya Tour Packages, one of the first things that come to mind is the cascading waterfalls, the magnificent living root bridges, rolling hills, and valleys that cover the length and breadth of this state. Nestled in the Northeastern part of India this state is regarded as one of the best places to visit in India if you wish to connect with nature and explore its wonders.

One of the most famous waterfalls in Meghalaya is the magnificent Nohkalikai Waterfalls Cherrapunji, which cascades down a cliff from a whopping 1115 ft, which makes it the tallest plunge waterfall in the country. The sight of this waterfall is a treat to the eyes of the admirer and thus it is one of the most popular waterfalls in Meghalaya; so much so that it has now become a symbol of the tourism scenario in this state.

But did you know that beneath the beauty of this waterfall, lies a heartbreaking story of a tribal woman who gave up her life at the exact spot? Ka Likai – a tribal woman who belonged to the Khasi Community residing in the forests around, jumped from the cliff of the waterfalls. This heart-wrenching story of the tribal lady gave this waterfall the name – Nohkalikai which translates to “the leap of Likai”.

Legend of the Nohkalikai Waterfalls Cherrapunji

The dramatic Nohkalikai waterfalls are located in Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra. The waterfall plunges down a massive cliff which is covered with lush forest into a serene plunge pool at the bottom. The changing colors of this plunge pool from turquoise to green or blue add to the drama of this jaw-dropping waterfall.

If the beauty of this waterfall doesn’t give you chills, the local legend behind the name of the Nohkalikai Waterfalls will surely give you some goosebumps. Nohkalikai literally translates to “Jump of Ka Likai” wherein ‘Noh’ means jump, ‘Ka’ is a prefix used for a female, and ‘Likai’ is the name of the Khasi woman behind the ghastly legend.

Ka Likai, a woman of the Khasi Tribe was a young mother who lived in the Rangjyrteh village, near the waterfall. She was widowed at a very young age and had a little daughter to look after. Her livelihood was based on collecting and selling forest products like firewood, wild medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables, etc. She worked really hard to sustain their lives by going to forests and spending the day finding and cutting forest products.

Due to her busy schedule and loads of work, it was difficult for her to take care of her little daughter. On the suggestions and perusal of the other women in the village, Ka Likai remarried thinking that her daughter would get a father, who could also help Ka Likai with her work, so she would get time to look after her daughter. She stayed with her new husband and a little daughter.