About Seven Sisters Waterfall
Seven Sisters Falls, known locally as Nohsngithiang Falls, drops off a limestone cliff about 1 km south of Mawsmai village, just outside Sohra (Cherrapunji) in East Khasi Hills. Its total height is about 315 metres (roughly 1,030 ft), which puts it among the tallest waterfalls in India. The cliff edge splits the water into seven separate streams, which gives the falls their English name. The falls depend heavily on rain. In the monsoon all seven streams run side by side across most of the cliff face. In the dry months several of them shrink to thin trickles or stop completely, so the season you visit changes what you see. On clear evenings the falls face the setting sun, and late-afternoon light on the cliff is one of the main reasons people time their visit. The seven streams are often linked to the seven sister states of Northeast India: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. The falls sit on the Mawsmai side of Sohra, so most visitors pair them with Mawsmai Cave, Nohkalikai Falls and the Sohra Eco Park viewpoints on the same day.
What to expect at Seven Sisters Waterfall
Viewpoint: The falls are seen across a gorge from a roadside viewing deck near Mawsmai, on the stretch toward Mawsmai Cave. You look at the waterfall from a distance, and there is no trail down to its base. Walk: Only a few steps from where vehicles stop to the railing. Views: On clear days you can see across the gorge toward the plains of Bangladesh. Sohra Eco Park nearby offers another angle on the falls and canyons. Facilities: Roadside parking, plus small tea and snack stalls nearby. Facilities are basic. Weather: Mist can hide the falls completely, even in season.
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
June to November
Monsoon (June–September): all seven streams run at full strength, but thick fog and heavy rain often block the view, so be prepared to wait for a clear spell. Post-monsoon (October–November): flow is still good and skies are clearer. This is usually the best balance. Winter (December–February): views are clear, but the falls thin out to a few streams or less. Spring (March–May): flow is low until the pre-monsoon rains arrive. Late afternoon toward sunset gives the best light on the cliff.
Getting There
The falls are about 55–60 km from Shillong along the Shillong–Sohra road.
The falls are about 55–60 km from Shillong along the Shillong–Sohra road. The drive takes about 2 hours, longer if you stop at viewpoints on the way. From Sohra town the falls are about 4 km (roughly a 15–20 minute drive) toward Mawsmai village, past the turn for Mawsmai Cave. From Guwahati, allow about 4–5 hours via Shillong. The viewing deck is right beside the road, so there is no walk beyond a few steps. Public transport to Mawsmai is limited, and a private cab from Shillong can be booked with Tour Meghalaya.
Entry & Duration
Plan on about 20–30 minutes at the viewpoint, or longer if you wait for mist to clear. It is usually combined with Mawsmai Cave and other Sohra sights as a full-day trip from Shillong.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Seven Sisters Falls from Shillong?
The falls are about 55–60 km from Shillong on the Shillong–Sohra road, roughly a 2-hour drive. They are about 4 km from Sohra town, near Mawsmai village.
What is the height of Seven Sisters Falls in Meghalaya?
Nohsngithiang (Seven Sisters) Falls is about 315 metres (roughly 1,030 ft) high. That makes it one of the tallest waterfalls in India.
Is there an entry fee for Seven Sisters Falls?
Sources do not report an official entry fee for viewing the falls from the roadside deck. A small parking or local charge may apply, and nearby parks such as Sohra Eco Park have their own tickets.
Does Seven Sisters Falls have water in winter?
The falls run mainly in and after the monsoon. From December to May most of the seven streams thin out or dry up, so June to November is the time to see them flowing.
Why is it called Seven Sisters Falls?
The cliff edge splits the water into seven separate streams. The name is also popularly linked to the seven sister states of Northeast India.
Can you go to the bottom of Seven Sisters Falls?
No. Visitors see the falls across the gorge from a roadside viewpoint near Mawsmai, and there is no regular trail to the base.
