Quick take: Dainthlen Falls is on the Sohra plateau, a short ride from Sohra (Cherrapunji) town and not far from Nohkalikai. Here the river spreads across a wide, flat rock shelf before it drops over the edge, so you walk beside the water instead of looking up at it. It's quieter than Nohkalikai, easy to reach on any scooty or bike, and one of the most peaceful stops in Sohra. Scooties start at ₹799/day and bikes at ₹999/day in Guwahati.
What Dainthlen Falls is like
Most waterfalls around Sohra are seen from a viewpoint across a gorge. Dainthlen is different. You park, walk onto a broad rock shelf, and the river runs past you in shallow channels before it pours over the lip of the plateau. On our visit on 2 September, cattle were wandering across the rock and the pools were full of sky.
Iron railings run along the edge where the water drops. That's where the fall is, and that's as close as you should go.
The legend of the Thlen
The name means roughly "where the Thlen was cut". In the Khasi legend, the Thlen was a giant serpent that lived in a cave near here and preyed on the people of Sohra. A brave man tricked it, killed it, and cut its body into pieces on this rock. Look closely at the rock near the falls and you'll find carvings said to tell the story.
It's a good reason to slow down here, and to treat the place with respect: it's part of local history, not just a photo stop.
How to get there by scooty or bike
- From Sohra town: a short ride west onto the plateau, on a paved road across grassland. It pairs naturally with Nohkalikai Falls: do one, then the other.
- From Shillong: about 55 km to Sohra first. See our Shillong to Cherrapunji by scooty or bike ride.
- From Guwahati: Sohra is about 150 km via Shillong. Plan two days, with a night in Shillong. The road is in our Guwahati to Cherrapunji guide.
Safety on the rock
The rock at Dainthlen is the one thing to take seriously.
- Wet rock is slippery, and the river covers more of it after rain. Walk on the dry parts and wear shoes with grip, not flip-flops.
- Stay behind the railings at the edge of the fall.
- Don't cross the channels when the river is high in the monsoon. The water moves faster than it looks.
- Keep children close the whole time you're on the rock.
Best time to visit
- September to November: our pick. The river is still full, and you get more clear, blue afternoons. Our photos are from 2 September.
- June to August: the most water, but more rain and mist, and more of the rock under water.
- December to May: a thinner fall, dry rock that's easy to walk on, and very few people.
Scooty or bike?
Both are allowed to Sohra, and the ride to Dainthlen is short and easy.
- Scooty: perfect for the plateau roads. The TVS NTorq 150 (₹899/day) is our strongest on the climb up from Guwahati, and the Yamaha RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid Street Rally is our most affordable at ₹799/day.
- Bike: better two-up or with bags on the long ride from Guwahati. The Yamaha FZ-S FI V2 starts at ₹999/day.
For a three-day Sohra trip, a scooty comes to ₹2,397 and a bike to ₹2,997, helmet included.
Rent a scooty or bike in Guwahati
Allowed to Shillong, Cherrapunji and across Meghalaya
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Self-drive · BikeYamaha FZ-S FI V2Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹999/day
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Self-drive · ScooterYamaha RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid Street RallyCity exploration · Short local tripsfrom ₹799/day
Self-drive · ScooterTVS NTorq 150City rides · Couplesfrom ₹899/day
Self-drive · BikeRoyal Enfield Scram 440Experienced riders · Couplesfrom ₹1,999/day
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Self-drive · BikeHero XPulse 200 4VSolo riders · Off-road trailsfrom ₹1,499/day
Self-drive · BikeHero XPulse 210Solo riders · Couplesfrom ₹1,699/dayMake a day of it
Dainthlen fits into a one-day waterfall ride around Sohra: Wah Kaba on the way in, Nohkalikai and Dainthlen west of town, then Kynrem Falls and Thangkharang Park to the south. See our Cherrapunji waterfall ride by bike or scooty.
FAQs
Where is Dainthlen Falls? On the Sohra plateau west of Sohra (Cherrapunji) town, a short ride away, and not far from Nohkalikai Falls.
Can I ride a scooty to Dainthlen Falls? Yes. The road from Sohra is short and paved. From Guwahati, break the trip with a night in Shillong.
Is Dainthlen Falls safe for children? Yes, with care. Keep them close, stay off wet rock and behind the railings at the edge.
What is the story of Dainthlen Falls? A Khasi legend says the Thlen, a giant serpent that preyed on the people of Sohra, was killed and cut up on this rock. Carvings near the falls are said to tell the story.
When is the best time to visit Dainthlen Falls? September to November, when the river is still full and the skies are clearer.
Contact / Book
Riding to Sohra? Send us your dates on WhatsApp, and we'll have a scooty or bike ready at our Maligaon pickup in Guwahati.
The information in this post is indicative. Final terms and policies are discussed and confirmed when you take the vehicle on rent.
