nohkalikai-waterfalls

Beautiful Yet Tragic – Story Of Nohkalikai Waterfalls Cherrapunji

21 Jan, 2025

5 minutes read
Written by- Arpit

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21 Jan, 2025

5 minutes readWritten by - Arpit

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

  • Legend of the Nohkalikai Waterfalls Cherrapunji
  • Guide to Explore the Nohakalikai Waterfalls Cherrapunji
  • Things to Do at Nohkalikai Waterfalls
  • Best Time to Visit Nohkalikai Waterfall
  • Location and How to Reach Nohkalikai Waterfall
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When you think of Meghalaya, one of the first things that come to mind are its stunning waterfalls, unique living root bridges, rolling hills, and valleys that cover the length and breadth of this state. Out of all the breathtaking waterfalls in this state – the Nohkalikai Waterfalls is a must-see in any Meghalaya Tour Packages.

The Nohkalikai Waterfalls Cherrapunji is one of the highest waterfall in India that cascades down a cliff from a whopping 1115 ft. The sight of this tallest plunge waterfall in the country 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”.

Want to know the story in detail? Continue reading our Nohkalikai Waterfalls Travel Blog to get detailed information about its legend, things to do, the best time to visit and how to reach it.

Legend of the Nohkalikai Waterfalls Cherrapunji

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The dramatic Nohkalikai Waterfalls is located in Cherrapunji and is one of the highest waterfall in India. The waterfall plunges down a massive cliff which is covered with lush forest into a 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 waterfalls in Cherrapunji.

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.

One day, when Likai returned from the forest, her husband greeted her by cooking lunch for her which was meat and rice – the staple food of Meghalaya. Likai was happy with the gesture of cooking a meal and that her new husband is finally adopting to the family. She went out to search for her daughter so that the three could enjoy their lunch together.

Upon searching for some time, she couldn’t find her little one. Her husband suggested to Likai that she must have her lunch first, after all, she came from the forest, after a day’s hard work. Likai agreed with her husband and assumed that her daughter must be playing at the neighbor’s house. She was also excited to eat what her husband had cooked for her and thus, she sat down happily to have her lunch. 

After, enjoying her lunch she went out to look for her daughter. Little did she know about the horror that would follow, which even we as humans can’t even believe in.

While searching for her daughter in the house, she came across a betel nut basket which was kept in the storehouse. Ka Likai was petrified at the sight of the tiny fingers in between the betel nuts and leaves in the basket. It took Ka Likai some time to understand what exactly had happened and when she discovered the truth she was filled with rage and grief.

The thought of eating her daughter’s meat at the lunch, made by her new husband ghosted Likai. The new husband of Likai turned out to be mad man, who was jealous of Likai’s daughter as she got more attention and love. Out of jealousy, her husband killed Likai’s little daughter and chopped and cooked her meat to serve it as lunch for Likai.

The grief and horror that filled Likai’s heart made her helpless. She ran and ran, madly through the forests, until she reached the edge of the waterfalls. Not being able to forgive herself for the rest of her life, Likai took the leap out of the sorrow and jumped to death at the sight of Nohkalikai Waterfalls. 

It is difficult to wrap my mind around that something so beautiful has such a disturbing story behind it. The beauty of the Nohkalikai waterfalls can be washed away easily for a while after listening to this horrific event. Dangerously beautiful! Isn’t it?

Guide to Explore the Nohakalikai Waterfalls Cherrapunji

Things to Do at Nohkalikai Waterfalls

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Other than marveling at the Nohkalikai waterfalls from the viewpoint, this highest waterfall in India also offers other adventure activities to indulge in, around the the surrounding forest and hills. 
  • Hiking and Trekking: If you are someone who seeks adventure, trekking near Nohkalikai waterfalls to reach the top of this waterfalls can be a satisfying experience for you. This 45 minutes hike will take you through the forest area with steep mountain paths and greet you with a different point of view of the waterfalls and a magnificent view of the valley that lies ahead of you.

Another vantage point to enjoy the beauty of the Nohkalikai waterfall is to hike down for 2 hours to reach the base of the waterfall. This path is a little difficult with its steep boulders and forest cover. Once you reach the base, you can enjoy some stunning views of the waterfalls and turquoise water of the plunge pool. 

Camping at night near the base of the waterfall is prohibited as it is still believed that the spirit of Ka Likai still cries near the waterfall and expresses her sorrow, as heard by the locals. Trekking near Nohkalikai Waterfalls is one of the best adventure activities in Meghalaya.

  • Birdwatching: If you enter the forests surrounding the Nohkalikai waterfalls Cherrapunji, you will be greeted with the chirping of various birds. Wildlife enthusiasts can go for bird watching here and try spotting the colorful birds that delve into the forests here.
  • Photography: The perfect natural setting of the Nohkalikai waterfalls is backed by the rolling hills and lush valleys, making it an ideal spot to try your hands at landscape photography. Capturing the beauty of these charming waterfalls with photographs is one of the best things to do at Nohkalikai Waterfalls Cherrapunji.

You can also shop for some local handicrafts at a very reasonable price, sold by the tribal people where you park your vehicle for the viewpoint. Exploring other waterfalls, go caving in some of the longest cave systems, and hiking to the living root bridges are some other things to do in Cherrapunji that you can enjoy on your amazing natural retreat in Meghalaya.

Best Time to Visit Nohkalikai Waterfall

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The Nohkalikai Waterfall is perennial in nature but is a rainfed waterfall. So, if you want to witness this waterfall in full glory, then the monsoon in Meghalaya (June to September) is the best time to visit this waterfall. The flow of the waterfall is reduced during the winters and summers. 

The afternoon is the best time to visit Nohkalikai waterfalls and marvel at them as the mist is cleared by the time, giving you clear views of the waterfalls.

Location and How to Reach Nohkalikai Waterfall

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One of the best places to visit in Cherrapunji is the magnificent Nohkalikai Waterfall. Here is the location and the best ways to reach this waterfall – 

Location: 7MCQ+GXC, Nohkalikai Rd., Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 793108

  • By Airways: The nearest airport is Shillong Airport (Umroi), around 70 km from Cherrapunji. However, it has limited connectivity to major cities. For better options, travelers can fly to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which is approximately 163 km away and has frequent flights from cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. From Guwahati, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Cherrapunji. This route offers scenic views of the Khasi Hills.
  • By Train: Meghalaya does not have a direct railway station. The nearest railhead is Guwahati Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Guwahati, you can book a private taxi or take buses to Shillong and then continue to Cherrapunji. The journey from Guwahati to Cherrapunji by road takes around 4–5 hours.
  • By Road: Cherrapunji is well-connected by road to Shillong (54 km) and Guwahati (163 km). Travelers can hire taxis or take Meghalaya Tourism buses that operate regularly between Shillong and Cherrapunji. If you’re driving, you’ll enjoy the scenic beauty of rolling hills, forests, and waterfalls along the way. Once in Cherrapunji, Nohkalikai Waterfall is just a short drive away and is easily accessible by local transport.

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