About Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is a waterfall in the forest beyond Nongriat village in the East Khasi Hills, south of Sohra (Cherrapunji). No road reaches it. Visitors walk down from Tyrna to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge and then continue roughly 3 km further on a forest path, so most people see the root bridge and the falls on the same trip. The falls drop into a deep turquoise pool ringed by boulders. Its name comes from the small rainbow that can form in the spray when sunlight reaches the pool. Sunshine is unreliable in this area, so a rainbow is never guaranteed. On the way from Nongriat the path crosses a suspension bridge and a second, smaller living root bridge, then climbs and drops through forest past river pools and a few small snack stalls. Rainbow Falls is one of the more demanding day treks around Sohra: walking there is easy enough, but the 3,000-plus steps back up to Tyrna are tiring. If you are reasonably fit and start early, the trip combines two of the best-known sights in the Sohra area.
What to expect at Rainbow Falls
Trek: About 3,000–3,500 stone steps down from Tyrna to Nongriat, then about 3 km of forest trail with ups and downs to the falls. The last stretch is steep and can be slippery. On the way: Suspension bridges, a smaller root bridge, river pools and a few basic stalls selling tea and snacks. Pool: Steep stairs lead down to a blue pool. Swimming is possible in the drier months when the flow is low, but the climb back out is awkward. Stay: Basic homestays in Nongriat let you break the trek over two days. Facilities: Very limited. Carry water, food and a basic first-aid kit. Mobile signal is weak.
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
October to April
Monsoon (Jun–Sep): The falls are at full force but the steps and trail are slippery, streams rise and swimming is unsafe. Trek only with a guide and check landslide warnings. Post-monsoon (Oct–Nov): Good flow, clearer skies and safer trails. Winter (Dec–Feb): Dry, comfortable trekking, but the water is cold. Spring (Mar–May): Low flow and the clearest blue water, best for swimming before the pre-monsoon rains. For the best chance of a rainbow, aim to reach the falls in late morning to early afternoon on a sunny day.
Getting There
Drive from Shillong to Sohra (about 55 km), then continue about 12–15 km to Tyrna village, where the trek starts.
Drive from Shillong to Sohra (about 55 km), then continue about 12–15 km to Tyrna village, where the trek starts. The full drive takes roughly 2–2.5 hours from Shillong, or 30–45 minutes from Sohra. A private cab from Shillong to the Tyrna trailhead can be booked with Tour Meghalaya. From Tyrna, walk down about 3,000–3,500 steps to the Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat, which takes about 1.5–2 hours. Rainbow Falls is about 3 km (roughly 1–1.5 hours) beyond the bridge, so most visitors see both. A local guide is advised, and recent reports say registered guides are now required for treks in East Khasi Hills.
Entry & Duration
Plan for about 8–9 hours round trip from Tyrna to see the Double Decker Root Bridge and Rainbow Falls in a single day. Many visitors stay overnight in Nongriat to split the trek.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to reach Rainbow Falls Meghalaya?
Drive to Tyrna village, about 12–15 km past Sohra, and walk down roughly 3,000–3,500 steps to the Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat. Rainbow Falls is about 3 km further on a forest trail. No road reaches the falls.
How many steps to Rainbow Falls?
The descent from Tyrna to Nongriat is about 3,000–3,500 stone steps. The trail beyond the Double Decker bridge has more ups and downs and a steep final flight of stairs to the pool.
Rainbow Falls trek time?
Allow about 1–1.5 hours each way from the Double Decker bridge, and about 8–9 hours for the whole round trip from Tyrna. Start by 7–8 am if you plan to return the same day.
Can you swim at Rainbow Falls?
Yes, in the drier months (roughly February to May), when the flow is low. In the monsoon and after heavy rain the water is too strong and swimming is unsafe.
Is the Double Decker Root Bridge closed on Sundays?
Several reports say the Nongriat village has closed the Double Decker trek to tourists on Sundays since 2021. Rules can change, so check locally before planning a Sunday visit.
Why is it called Rainbow Falls?
A small rainbow can form in the spray when sunlight falls on the pool, usually around midday on clear days. It is not guaranteed, because sunshine is unreliable in the Sohra area.
