India is blessed with abundant natural beauty; from that sparkling beauty, its waterfalls form some breathtaking marvels. While some waterfalls are on a viral tourist circuit, others stay in deep hiding, offering a more secluded and quiet experience. These lesser-known waterfalls are usually hidden in very remote locations, with lush forests and untouched natural beauty surrounding them.
India’s top 10 secret waterfalls
Here are India’s top 10 secret waterfalls that every nature lover must see.
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Ziro Valley Waterfalls, Arunachal Pradesh
Located in the beautiful Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, this unidentified waterfall is a secluded treasure famous for its pure beauty. The Ziro Valley is a World Heritage site providing green hills and rice fields. The waterfall is located in dense forests and, thus, a bit unexplored. It provides a peaceful retreat for everyone looking out of sight of the world. It takes some treks across forests to reach this waterfall, which would provide a secluded encounter with nature.
How to Reach: Ziro is 115 km from Itanagar, the capital city of Arunachal. The nearest airport is Lilabari in Assam.
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Chitrakote Waterfalls, Chhattisgarh
Chitrakote Waterfall is often considered the “Niagara of India,” but it remains a secret wonder for many visitors because it is one of the broadest in the country. Located in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, this horseshoe-shaped waterfall appears magnificent during the rainy seasons when the Indravati River flows entirely. Dressed with forests on either side, the falls spell a spellbinding view and create a serene atmosphere.
How to Reach: The nearest town is Jagdalpur, 40 km from there. The closest big city with air and rail connections facilities is Raipur, about 300 km away.
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Athirappilly Waterfalls, Kerala
While Athirappilly is not unknown by any means, the relatively low tourist footfall makes it one of the best-kept secrets of the Western Ghats in Kerala. People often call it the “Niagara of India” because of the 80-foot waterfall that can be seen against thick, green woods. It is a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers.
How to Reach: Athirappilly is 55 km from the nearest central town, Kochi. It is accessible by road.
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Vantawng Falls, Mizoram
Vantawng Falls is one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in Mizoram, plunging from a height of 750 feet. This creates marvellous scenery amidst the hills and forests. Since it falls off the beaten path of regular tourist routes, the waterfall provides serenity and a deep connection to nature. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and people seeking peace, especially amidst the lush greenery of bamboo groves.
How to Reach: Vantawng is about 137 kilometres from the capital of Mizoram, Aizawl, and can be reached by road.
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Hogenakkal Waterfalls, Tamil Nadu
Located on the Kaveri River, Hogenakkal Falls is often known as the “Niagara of India.” Although it has many attractions, tourists do not explore it much. The waterfalls are famous for their medicinal baths, and a boat ride to the base of the falls gives a different feel. Many forests surround the region of Hogenakkal, which is ideal for adventure lovers and nature wanderers alike.
How to Reach: Hogenakkal is around 180 km from Bengaluru and 45 km from Dharmapuri. It is well connected by road.
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Langshiang Falls, Meghalaya
Langshiang Falls is one of the area’s more stunning waterfalls, but only a few people visit it. It plunges 337 feet down amidst green hills and thick forests. The remote location makes it a perfect place for those who want to experience nature away from the masses. Finding this secret gem is possible because it is a peaceful spot with clean water.
How to Reach: It is about 24 km from Nongstoin in the West Khasi Hills district. A picturesque trek makes it attractively accessible.
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Duduma Waterfalls, Odisha
Matsya Tirtha is also the name of the Duduma Waterfalls. These are some of Odisha’s best-kept secrets. They are located on the Machkund River in the Koraput district. Only a handful of tourists know about these falls, while it is one of India’s tallest waterfalls, plunging 175 meters into beautiful scenery. The surroundings will present the adventurous trek through forest and hilly terrain to the visitors. The fall has two wings, and you can see a different scene from each side.
How to Reach: Duduma is about 92 km from the central town of Odisha, Jeypore. Roads can cover this, but one must trek to reach the final distance.
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Soochipara Waterfalls, Kerala
It is in Wayanad, Kerala – Soochipara Waterfalls, popularly known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls. Though not so unknown, it often goes unnoticed compared to other prominent waterfalls in the area. The three-tiered waterfalls surrounded by dense forests and rocky cliffs are beautiful. Here, the base pool is perfect for swimming, while the surroundings are excellent for a serene retreat into nature.
How to Reach: Soochipara is 23 km from Kalpetta, the district headquarters of Wayanad. It is easily accessible by road.
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Nohsngithiang Waterfalls, Meghalaya
Also called the Seven Sisters Waterfall, Nohsngithiang Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in India. It is located in the East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya. You can view it from the main road; hardly anybody goes far to experience the beauty of the falls. The waterfall earns its name due to its splitting into seven segments that run parallel to each other, more so during the monsoon. Vistas and sights surround it with a merry ambience of green foliage.
How to Reach: Nohsngithiang is about 4 km from Mawsmai village, accessible from Cherrapunji, the nearest central town.
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Toranmal Waterfalls, Maharashtra
The Satpura Range in Maharashtra is home to the Toranmal Waterfalls, one of the state’s most hidden and out-of-the-way waterfalls. The abode of Toranmal Falls is thickly wooded, offering an adventurous trek to its visitors. People have not visited the Toranmal area often, so this waterfall is a real secret gem. It has a serene environment and few crowds, making it ideal for solitude-seekers and nature lovers.
How to Reach: Toranmal is road-accessible, around 55 km from Shahada. However, it is highly recommended that you have a local guide while trekking to the falls.
Conclusion
Several secret waterfalls exist in India, and most are unknown to tourists. Besides their beauty, these waterfalls also help interact with nature in its peaceful and undisturbed environment. From the diluted Ziro Valley Waterfalls of Arunachal Pradesh to Odisha’s towering Duduma Falls, each one of the lesser-known waterfalls makes this destination the perfect one to experience for all adventurous fun, serenity, and an opportunity to get a better glimpse into the natural beauty of India.
Visits to these hidden waterfalls require some effort, such as trekking, negotiating rough terrain, or heading deep into areas where civilization rarely goes. But their rewards are well worth the effort for a nature enthusiast, photography enthusiast, or person seeking to break free from their stressful daily lives.
