Nohsngithiang Falls (Seven Sisters Falls)

Nohsngithiang Falls, also known as the Seven Sisters Falls, is one of Meghalaya’s most well-known waterfalls. It is located in the East Khasi Hills near Cherrapunji (Sohra), a region known for some of the highest rainfall in the world. The waterfall is 315 metres tall, making it one of the tallest in India. It is popularly known as the Seven Sisters Falls because seven separate streams flow side by side down a steep limestone cliff.

The landscape around the falls is just as striking as the waterfall itself. The streams drop from the edge of a plateau into a deep, forested gorge, creating a view that changes with the seasons. During the monsoon, all seven streams usually flow at full strength, making the waterfall impressive. On clear days, visitors can also see the plains of Bangladesh from the viewpoint. The falls are associated with Khasi folklore, and local guides often share stories about the seven streams. On clear evenings, the cliff can take on warm golden shades as the sun begins to set. Since the main viewpoint is easy to reach, visitors of all ages can comfortably enjoy one of Meghalaya’s most memorable natural attractions.

Where is Nohsngithiang Falls Located?

Nohsngithiang Falls is located near Mawsmai village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The falls lie on the Sohra plateau, a limestone tableland or elevated plateau known for receiving some of the highest rainfall in the world. This heavy rainfall feeds the seven streams that flow over the cliff, especially during the monsoon.

The nearest town is Sohra, more commonly known as Cherrapunji, which is about 3-4 km south of Cherrapunji and can be reached in around 10–15 minutes by road. Sohra serves as the main base for exploring the area, with a good selection of hotels, homestays, cafes, and restaurants. From Shillong, the falls are about 55–60 km away and the drive usually takes around 2 hours through the hills.

If you’re travelling from outside Meghalaya, Guwahati in Assam is the nearest major city, located around 149 km from the falls. Many visitors include Nohsngithiang Falls as part of a larger Meghalaya itinerary that also covers Shillong, Sohra, Dawki, and Mawlynnong. The main viewpoints are located just off the road between Sohra and Mawsmai, making the falls easy to visit without the need for a guide and signboards along the route help visitors find the viewing areas.

Best time to Visit Nohsngithiang Falls

▶️Summer (March to May): This period sees the beginning of Meghalaya’s pre-monsoon showers and the falls start to show some life, though flow is still moderate. Weather is pleasant, days are warm but not hot and visitors are generally lower than during the peak monsoon season.

▶️Monsoon (June to September): This is the best time to see Nohsngithiang Falls at its fullest. Sohra receives extraordinary rainfall during these months, and all seven streams thunder down the cliff face together. July is typically one of the wettest months and the waterfall is often at its most powerful. Visitors can expect thick cloud cover and mist, which can occasionally hide the view, along with slippery paths, so sturdy footwear and a raincoat are essential.

▶️Post-monsoon and Winter (October to February): Clear skies and comfortable temperatures make this a great time for sightseeing and photography of the surrounding valley. October and November often retain good water flow from the monsoon, while from December onwards the waterfall gradually loses volume, so this is not the best season if the falls themselves are your main draw but are best for sightseeing.

Entry Fee, Timings and Visitor Information

Most of the roadside viewpoints overlooking Seven Sisters Falls are free to visit, so you can stop and enjoy the views without paying an entry fee. However, if you want a wider and more panoramic view of the waterfall, it is worth visiting Mawsmai Nonghymmai Eco Park. The park charges a small entry fee, usually around ₹10 to ₹20 per person, along with a nominal parking fee for vehicles. Since these charges can change from time to time, it is always a good idea to carry a little cash.

▶️Opening Hours: The Eco Park is generally open every day from around 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The timings may vary slightly depending on the season or weather, so it is worth checking locally if you are visiting during heavy rain.

▶️Ticket Price: Entry to the Eco Park is quite affordable, while the viewpoints along the roadside remain free and can be visited at any time of the day.

▶️Parking: Parking is available near the Eco Park as well as at a few roadside lay-bys close to the viewpoints. A small parking fee is usually charged and there is normally enough space for cars and tourist vehicles. During weekends and the peak monsoon season, however, the area can get a little busy.

▶️Restrooms: Basic restroom facilities are available inside the Eco Park. They are convenient for a quick stop, although carrying your own tissues and hand sanitiser is always a good idea.

▶️Food Availability: You will find a few small stalls near the falls selling tea, light snacks and seasonal fruits if you want a quick bite. For a proper meal, it is better to head to Sohra town, where you’ll find a wider choice of restaurants and cafes serving both local Khasi food and popular Indian dishes.

How to Reach Nohsngithiang Falls

By Road: Most people visit Nohsngithiang Falls by road and it is also the easiest way to get there. From Shillong, the drive is roughly 55 to 60 kilometres and usually takes around 2 hours. The road passes through the hills of Meghalaya, with plenty of greenery along the way, so the journey itself is quite enjoyable. Buses regularly run from Shillong’s Bara Bazar to Cherrapunji and if you prefer a little more flexibility, you can easily find a shared taxi or hire a private cab. After reaching Cherrapunji town, the falls are only another 10 to 15 minutes away near Mawsmai village.

By Train: If you are travelling by train, you will need to get down at Guwahati Railway Station in Assam, as Meghalaya does not have an operational railway network. The station is roughly 149 kilometres from the falls. From Guwahati, the rest of the journey has to be completed by road. You can hire a taxi straight to Cherrapunji or travel via Shillong. The drive generally takes around 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and the weather.

By Air: Travellers arriving by air have two main options. Shillong Airport at Umroi is the nearest airport, about 82 kilometres from the falls, but it operates only a limited number of regional flights. Because of this, many people choose to fly from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati instead. It is roughly 169 kilometres away and has far better domestic connectivity, along with a few international flights. From either airport, the easiest way to continue your journey is by taxi or a pre-booked cab, which will take you to Cherrapunji and then onwards to Seven Sisters Falls.

Travel Tips for Visitors

✔️Carry a raincoat rather than an umbrella if visiting in the monsoon, since winds on the plateau can be strong.

✔️Wear shoes with good grip, as viewpoint paths get slippery when wet.

✔️Start your visit in the late afternoon if you want soft light for photographs but try to leave before dark since road lighting is limited.

✔️Keep some cash handy, as card payments are not always accepted at small stalls or parking areas.

✔️Check the weather before heading out in winter, since the falls may be reduced to a small stream outside the monsoon months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nohsngithiang Falls