Quick take: Nohkalikai Falls is a short, easy ride west of Sohra (Cherrapunji) town, across open grassland, and you see it from a viewpoint a short walk from the parking. Any scooty or bike handles the road. Go before noon for the best chance of a clear view: in the monsoon, clouds often fill the gorge in the afternoon. Rent a scooty in Guwahati from ₹799/day or a bike from ₹999/day, helmet included.
What makes Nohkalikai special
Nohkalikai is India's tallest plunge waterfall: a single drop of about 340 metres from the edge of the Sohra plateau into a round green pool far below. From the viewpoint you look across the gorge at the whole fall, with smaller falls streaming off the cliffs on either side in the rainy months.
The name comes from a Khasi legend. Noh Ka Likai means "the leap of Ka Likai", after a grieving woman who is said to have jumped from this cliff. Local guides and stallholders tell the story in more detail if you ask.
How to reach Nohkalikai Falls by scooty or bike
- From Sohra town: ride west towards the falls. It's a short ride on a paved road across rolling grassland, and the turn is well signposted.
- From Shillong: about 55 km to Sohra on the ridge road, then on to the falls. Our Shillong to Cherrapunji by scooty or bike post has the ride.
- From Guwahati: Sohra is about 150 km via Shillong. Make it a two-day trip with a night in Shillong. The full route is in our Guwahati to Cherrapunji guide.
The ride out is half the fun: wide, grassy hills, a small lake, and very little traffic once you leave the town.
At the falls there's parking near the viewpoint gate, with stalls selling tea and snacks. Expect a small entry and parking fee, and carry some cash.
Best time for a clear view
- Time of day: morning. Clouds tend to build up in the gorge through the afternoon, especially in the monsoon. If you arrive to a wall of white, wait 15 to 30 minutes. The view usually comes back.
- June to September: the fall is at its fullest and the cliffs around it are streaming with water. Views come and go with the clouds. Our photos here are from 1 August, around 2 PM.
- October to November: still a strong flow, with the clearest skies of the year. Our favourite time.
- December to May: the fall thins out a lot in the dry months, and the pool turns a deeper green. The ride is dry and easy.
Tips for the viewpoint
- Stay behind the railings. The best photo spots look tempting from the edge, but the ground is wet and the drop is sheer.
- Lock your helmet to the bike before you walk to the viewpoint.
- Bring a layer. Even in summer, it's cool and breezy on the edge of the plateau.
- Give it an hour. Time to walk down, take it in, wait for the clouds, and have a tea.
Scooty or bike for Nohkalikai?
The road to the falls is short and easy, so either is fine. What matters is the ride up from Guwahati.
- Scooty: best with a night in Shillong. The TVS NTorq 150 (₹899/day) is our strongest scooty on the climbs. The Yamaha RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid Street Rally is our most affordable at ₹799/day.
- Bike: more comfortable two-up or with bags. The Yamaha FZ-S FI V2 from ₹999/day, or the Bajaj Pulsar N160 (₹1,199/day) for longer Meghalaya loops.
Our scooties
Allowed to Shillong and Cherrapunji
What's nearby
- Dainthlen Falls: a river spread across a flat rock shelf, on the plateau not far away. See our Dainthlen Falls by bike or scooty post.
- Kynrem Falls and Thangkharang Park: south of Sohra, with the view over Bangladesh. See Kynrem Falls by bike or scooty.
- All of them in one day: our Cherrapunji waterfall ride by bike or scooty.
FAQs
How far is Nohkalikai Falls from Sohra town? It's a short ride west of the town, on a paved road across the plateau. Allow about an hour for the ride and the viewpoint.
Can I ride a scooty to Nohkalikai Falls? Yes. The road from Sohra is easy for any scooty. From Guwahati, stay a night in Shillong on the way.
What is the best time to visit Nohkalikai Falls? October and November for strong flow and clear skies. In the monsoon (June to September) it's at its biggest, but go in the morning, before the clouds build.
Why can't I see Nohkalikai Falls? Clouds fill the gorge, mostly in the monsoon afternoons. Wait 15 to 30 minutes; it usually clears.
Is Nohkalikai the tallest waterfall in India? It's India's tallest plunge waterfall, a single drop of about 340 metres.
Contact / Book
Planning Nohkalikai on two wheels? Message us on WhatsApp with your dates, 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.
