Nohkalikai Falls

Close on the heels of 340 m drop, the tallest plunge waterfall in India is a vista to behold. The mist around the valley of this fall along with the sad legend associated with the name of this fall creates a mystic aura that engulfs the canyon all around. The name ‘Nohkalikai’ in Khasi language refers to ‘Jump of Likai’. According to the folklore of this region, Likai was a married woman living along with her daughter and husband. Her husband died and she had to remarry but due to little means of income she had to become a porter and remain away from her home and child for long hours during the day.

Whenever she was at home, she would give full attention to her child. As a result, her jealous husband killed the infant and cooked her after throwing away her head and bones. Likai returned home and ate the meat but soon realized her folly and went mad with rage. With remorse and guilt, she jumped off the cliff close to the waterfall and hence the waterfall got the name ‘Nohkalikai’. A calm and serene turquoise pool of water at the base of this waterfall illuminating death as a placid end to all tumultuous means creates a wonderful contrast to the gushing volume of this fall from the cliff. There is a flight of stairs that lead close to the base of this fall and also provide terrific vantage points to enjoy this waterfall.