TripAdvisor’s Top 7 Waterfall Destinations in India make a splash

If you have been thinking of a break to escape the scorching summer and soothe your nerves, but with a dash of adventure and exhilaration thrown in, this is the trip for you.   TripAdvisor. In® - the world’s largest travel site, lists the top 7 waterfalls from across the country to re-energize you with sights and sounds of breathtaking cascades.

The Top 7 Waterfalls in India Slideshow: TripAdvisor’s trip from Munnar, Kerala, India to 5 cities Karnataka, Wayanad, Jabalpur, McLeod Ganj and Thrissur was created by TripAdvisor. See another India slideshow. Take your travel photos and make a slideshow for free.

In feng shui it is believed that water fountains are a source of positive energy, beneficial for relaxation and even have the power to calm the disturbed mind. Waterfalls are nature’s water fountains of scale, exercising the same power on our mind and body.

Getting to waterfalls is not usually an easy journey and often a lot of effort needs to be made to reach them, taking you off the beaten path and away from the stress of city life. The pure air,  the therapeutic sound of water  and the mesmerizing  sight of  the falls  helps revive the senses making it a great getaway option with family, friends or even alone! In these destinations, travellers can experience the beauty of diverse landscapes from mountains, hill forests, valleys, to coastal cliffs and even a national park!

Nikhil Ganju, Country Manager, TripAdvisor India, says  “With Indian travellers looking for a respite from the rising temperatures as well as offbeat holiday locations, our list of some of the best waterfall destinations in the country offer some great options for just such a break.”     

1.      Shivasamudram Falls (Mandya, Karnataka, India, Height: 322 ft): If you have been looking for a quick getaway near Bangalore or Mysore, hop on to your bike now and head for Shivasamudram Falls. Surrounded by hill forests of the Kaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, the place is a visual treat. As a TripAdvisor traveller puts it, “If you are a nature lover and wish to breathe in the fresh air with water droplets sprinkling on your face, head to this place, it is one of the most beautiful creations of nature.”

2.       Athirappally Falls (Thrissur, Kerala, Height: 82ft): Athirappally falls is the top rated attraction on TripAdvisor website in Thrissur. Mani Ratnam chose this enchanting waterfall to shoot parts of Raavan starring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai.  If you wish to see huge mountains, deep valleys, dense greenery and a beautiful waterfall – all in their full glory, visit Athirapally during monsoon. A TripAdvisor traveller recommends, “Don't miss it for anything if you are in Kerala.”

3.     Dhuandhar Falls (Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Height: 98 ft): Only 16 kms away from Jabalpur city, Dhuandar Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in central India. The picturesque beauty of this place has been beautifully captured in Shahrukh Khan’s movie Asoka. Visit this place right after monsoons, preferably during Shivratri when the white rocks appear silver in the moonlight. Don’t miss the boat ride if you wish to access beautiful places that cannot be visited by foot. Pick up beautiful souvenirs from road side shops that sell marble sculptures, paintings and customized gift items. According to a TripAdvisor traveller, “Chausat Yogini temple in the vicinity is another hidden gem”, do visit!

4.      Dudhsagar Falls (Goa, Height: 1017 ft): If you are tired of visiting beaches in Goa, Dudhsagar Falls, 90 kms from Panaji should be an ideal choice for you. The entry is through a national park so one can spot animals and bathe elephants. The falls look stunning post monsoon as it ripples with bubbling foam-like water. You might not get a cab but hire a bike and ride alongside the railway tracks! A TripAdvisor traveller says, “Visit this place if you wish to see Goa at its natural best”. So go ahead, enjoy the bountiful nature and be adventurous.

5.      Soochippara Falls (Wayanad, Kerala, Height: 656 ft): Soochippara Falls in Wayanad, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is an ideal spot for budget travellers who do not want to spend money on costly water parks. Visit during the monsoon and take Meppadi route to enjoy scenic views of some of the best tea estates in Wayanad. The best attractions in Soochippara Falls are the tree top huts presenting a distinct view of the Western Ghats. The waterfalls have a cliff face which is ideal for rock climbing. According to a TripAdvisor traveller, “The trek can get tiring but the view is worth the time and effort.

6.    Attukal Waterfalls (Munnar, Kerala, Height: 196 ft): Set amidst hills and jungles, Attukal Waterfalls is the most noteworthy tourism attraction in Munnar.  The place is known for its tranquility, majestic falls and beautiful locales and is ideal for long trekking and hiking. As a TripAdvisor traveller puts it, “The waterfall set against the backdrop of the tea plantations is just amazing.” The falls are at their glorious best between September and May. When there, make sure you stop and have a Masala Chai whilst watching the falls crash.

7.   Bhagsu Waterfall (Mcleod Gunj, Himachal Pradesh, Height: 7112 ft): Bhagsu Waterfall in McLeodganj is a small but an incredibly beautiful place. The waterfall became popular after an Israeli movie Hummus Curry was shot here. Only 20 minutes walk from the popular Bhagsu Temple, it is an ideal place for those who like to combine a spiritual trip with a small getaway. As a TripAdvisor traveller puts it, “The region offers breathtaking views of surrounding hilly ranges and woody forests. The ambiance of the place is dynamic and the atmosphere is cool and pleasant.” The hilly terrain can make the trek a little tricky but the view after reaching is absolutely worth it! Pick up local handicraft souvenirs from shops on the way.