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Seven Sisters Falls, Cherrapunji: Height, Best Time to Visit and Viewpoint Tips
Introduction
If you visit Cherrapunji (Sohra), the Seven Sisters Falls is a must-see sight. When the water flows powerfully through the seven streams of this beautiful waterfall, its mesmerising beauty leaves a lasting impression.
The key takeaway before visiting is that the water flow varies considerably throughout the year. This determines what exactly you will see on your trip. In this guide, we will share general information about this popular attraction, how to reach there, the best time to visit and a few other pointers.
About Seven Sisters Falls
Seven Sisters Falls, also called Nohsngithiang Falls and Mawsmai Falls, is a waterfall in the Cherrapunji region of East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya.
The waterfall is formed as the river flows down from a rocky hill through a narrow limestone gorge that is approximately 315 metres high. During the peak season, the water flows down in seven streams, giving this magnificent sight its alternate names.
There are local legends about the waterfall which can be heard from various folklore narrators in the region. Hence, keep in mind that the Seven Sisters legend can differ based on the person telling the story.
The Legend Behind Seven Sisters Falls
The Seven Sisters Falls derives its name from the local legend that speaks of seven sisters who supposedly lived inside the caves nearby. However, keep in mind that different legend narrators will have different tales about the waterfall.
One version speaks of love and betrayal, while the other suggests it was created due to the intense enmity between the sisters. According to local beliefs, the sisters have turned into the waterfalls and the streams.
Although the Seven Sisters legend has been repeated countless times, it cannot be considered an officially documented myth. Besides, the name of the Seven Sisters Falls is also linked to the Seven Sister States of Northeast India.
On the other hand, the local myth and the alternate name for the waterfalls cannot be considered the same. Hence, ensure that you distinguish between the two before visiting the falls.
How to Reach the Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint
The Seven Sisters Falls are located at a distance that makes it easily accessible from the main sightseeing spots in Cherrapunji. As such, you can expect to hire a taxi or take a self-driven car to reach the falls. Thereafter, you can walk down to the viewpoint from the parking area.
If below is the distance and time taken to reach the Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint from popular destinations:
- From Shillong: The distance is around 58 – 60 km, and it takes approximately 2 – 2.5 hours to reach the falls. The time duration is affected by the road conditions and traffic;
- From Mawsmai village: As the Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint is comparatively near, ensure to inquire about the distance from your starting point;
- Walking required: The walk from the parking area to the viewpoint is relatively short.
- By car: It is advisable to hire a car or take a taxi as it will give you the flexibility to cover other tourist spots as well in the duration of your trip.
Additionally, ensure to allocate sufficient time for the Seven Sisters Falls visit as well as the other excursions. Apart from the sightseeing, the road conditions and weather affect the time of the journey.
Water Flow: What You Should Know
The trickiest aspect of spotting the Seven Sisters Falls is the varying water flow throughout the year.
The rainfall dictates the water flow of the river, which dictates the splendour of the waterfalls. Hence, keep in mind the following pointers before finalising your travel date:
- Monsoon months: The water flow will be at its peak during the rainy season. However, the heavy rain and mist may obstruct the view;
- After the monsoon: The water flow will start to reduce until the next season begins.
- Dry months: As expected, the water flow is at its lowest during the dry months. Consequently, the streams may not be visible.
If you have seen pictures of the Seven Sisters Falls where the water flows in seven streams, keep in mind that it can only be witnessed during the specific time of the year. As such, plan your visit considering the above pointers.
What Can You See at Seven Sisters Falls?
The Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint offers a fantastic vantage point to get an overview of the land and take pictures of this natural wonder. Accordingly, keep in mind the following pointers:
- The waterfalls: You can get an incredible view of the streams of the waterfalls when the water flow is high enough;
- The limestone cliff: The rock formation at the top of the waterfalls is equally enthralling since the water flow makes it sound and fury.
- The valley: An expansive view of the valley and the plains beyond is available on a clear day. The changing light is ideal for photography.
Although the view of the sunsets at the Seven Sisters Falls is enthralling, you cannot guarantee a clear day. The weather can be unpredictable in the region.
How Crowded Does Seven Sisters Falls Get?
The number of tourists visiting the Seven Sisters Falls varies throughout the year.
Generally, you can expect fewer crowds on weekdays as compared to the weekends. On the other hand, the rainy season witnesses an increase in the number of visitors as people travel to the region to witness the splendour of the waterfalls. However, the increased number of visitors means that you will have to deal with larger crowds at the viewpoint.
Apart from the season, it is a popular tourist destination with moderate to high pedestrian traffic throughout the year. While fewer tourists may offer a more tranquil experience, busier weekdays can still be extremely crowded.
Seven Sisters Falls Timings
The timings of the Seven Sisters Falls are dependent on the conditions of the road and the local authority. Therefore, it is advisable to contact them to confirm the timings before heading to the location.
Generally, the hours of operation will be during daylight hours since the road can be hazardous during the night. Additionally, keep in mind that you should not spend the night at the viewpoint. As such, the ideal timing to witness the splendour of the falls would be between late mornings and afternoons.
Best Time to Visit Seven Sisters Falls
The best time to witness the magnificence of the Seven Sisters Falls can be one of the most challenging decisions to make. If you are a photography enthusiast, you must consider the season before heading to the location.
As mentioned above, the Seven Sisters Falls are magnificent during the monsoon season. However, the heavy rains and mist can obstruct the view. The ideal time to witness the Seven Sisters Falls is between October and November when the weather is pleasant.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that the water flow of the river will dictate the splendour of the waterfalls. On the other hand, visiting the falls during the dry season will offer fantastic sightseeing opportunities with clear vision and warm weather.
If you visit the falls during the dry season, the streams will be less apparent. There is no guarantee that you will witness all seven streams flowing from the waterfalls. As such, keep in mind a few of the following pointers before finalising your travel date:
- June to September: The waterfalls will be at their peak during this time as the region experiences monsoons. However, there is a chance that you will not get a clear view due to the heavy rain and mist;
- October and November: The weather will begin to clear up after the monsoon season ends. However, the water flow will still be decent depending on the rainfall.
- December to May: The weather will be pleasant during this time with almost no rainfall. The water flow will be at its lowest ebb, and the streams may not be visible.
Practical Tips Before You Visit
- Carry an umbrella or a raincoat: The monsoon season is the best time to witness the beauty of the Seven Sisters Falls. However, you must carry an umbrella or a raincoat as the weather can be unpredictable;
- Comfortable and waterproof clothes and shoes: Wearing waterproof clothes and shoes will keep you dry during the rainy season. Additionally, the shoes will offer you a reliable grip on the wet surface;
- Managing expectations: You must understand that the beauty of the waterfalls will depend on the weather and the season.
- Photography tips: You must consider the changing light if you are a photography enthusiast. The best time to take pictures is during the mornings and afternoons as the sun will cast a golden hue on the waterfalls. Moreover, the crowds will also be comparatively lesser during these times. Lastly, keep in mind that a clear day is not guaranteed at the Seven Sisters Falls because the weather is highly unpredictable there.
Other pointers to remember before visiting the Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint are:
- Do not risk wandering outside the marked boundaries: The view from the edge of the road is indeed fascinating. However, you must not wander off the marked boundaries as it can be dangerous;
- Plan your sightseeing day wisely: As mentioned above, the best time to witness the beauty of the falls is between late mornings and afternoons. Hence, it is advisable to visit the other tourist spots in the region on the same day. Moreover, keep in mind that the road can be slippery during the rainy season.
- Combine the visit with other excursions: It is always a good idea to utilise the time spent travelling by visiting multiple destinations. For instance, you can witness the beauty of the Mawsmai Cave and the Seven Sisters Falls on the same day.
A Simple Cherrapunji Sightseeing Plan
You can design your trip by combining the Seven Sisters Falls with the other popular tourist spots in Cherrapunji. One of the popular itineraries followed by most visitors is:
- Early mornings: Explore the beauty of the Mawsmai Cave;
- Late mornings: Head to the Seven Sisters Falls and capture the mesmerising beauty of the waterfalls if the weather permits;
- Afternoons: Explore the beauty of the Nohkalikai Falls or any other tourist spot.
- Evening: Visit any of the other viewpoint or head back to Shillong depending on your accommodation.
Other Places to Visit Nearby
If you have enough time on your hands, consider visiting other tourist spots apart from the Seven Sisters Falls in the Cherrapunji region. Some of the must-visit destinations include:
- Mawsmai Cave: It is a fascinating cave with a naturally-formed tunnel that was created over millions of years. It is a must-visit tourist spot in Cherrapunji;
- Nohkalikai Falls: It is the second-highest waterfall in India. It is a popular tourist destination in the region.
- Eco Park: It is a landscaped viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the valley on a clear day. It is one of the most famous viewpoints in Cherrapunji.
However, ensure to keep a copy of the general information and other travel-related guidelines provided by the government on their official website. You can also visit the Meghalaya Government Website to get more information about the local tourist spots.
Who Should Visit Seven Sisters Falls?
The best aspect about the Seven Sisters Falls is the fact that it is easily accessible. Hence, these waterfalls can be spotted by a wide range of visitors, including:
- Nature lovers;
- Photography enthusiasts;
- Families;
- People with mobility issues since the road is easily accessible.
- People visiting the main sightseeing circuit of Cherrapunji and exploring the waterfalls during the monsoon season.
The Seven Sisters Falls are relatively safe and easily accessible. However, you must always remain cautious of the slippery roads, wet ground, and crowds at the viewpoint.
Advantages and Disadvantages
What Makes It Worth Visiting
- It is a picturesque and unique attraction that offers a fantastic view of the valley;
- It is comparatively lesser travelled which makes it ideal for families.
- It is a great way to spend a day outdoors while witnessing the beauty of nature.
Things to Keep in Mind
- The water flow of the Seven Sisters Falls changes throughout the year;
- During the monsoon season, there is a high chance of spotting the streams of waterfalls.
- Although the road leads to the Seven Sisters Falls is not that steep, it can be slippery during the rainy season. Hence, it is not recommended for people with mobility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is water flowing at Seven Sisters Falls throughout the year?
Since the water flow depends on the rainfall, it varies throughout the year depending on the season.
2. Is trekking required to reach Seven Sisters Falls?
A long trek is not required to visit the most popular viewpoint of the Seven Sisters Falls. However, you need to walk down from the parking area to the edge of the road where the best vantage point is available.
3. What is the best month to visit Seven Sisters Falls?
The water flow of the Seven Sisters Falls can be witnessed in its true magnificence during the rainy season. However, you cannot guarantee a clear day as the monsoon season is highly unpredictable in terms of weather.
4. How far is Seven Sisters Falls from Shillong?
It is around 58 – 60 km away from Shillong, and it takes approximately 2 – 2.5 hours to reach there. The variation in the duration depends on the road conditions and traffic.
5. Can I visit Seven Sisters Falls and Nohkalikai Falls on the same day?
Yes, you can include both these waterfalls in your sightseeing circuit on the same day. However, you must allocate sufficient time to the drive and any other activities that you wish to do.
6. Is Seven Sisters Falls worth visiting in the dry season?
It is always worth visiting because the valley offers a fantastic view. However, you cannot expect to see the streams of water flowing from the waterfalls.
Conclusion
Seven Sisters Falls is a great place to visit if you have extra time during your Cherrapunji tour, especially if it is a rainy season and the falls are at their most impressive. The view is not hard to reach, but it is a matter of luck and weather conditions. If you want to enjoy the beauty of this place, plan your trip considering the season and take into account that it is better to arrive a little earlier than expected.
This place is worth seeing even on a cloudy day when the flow is weak. So, if you are fond of nature and have an opportunity to explore this place, do not miss the chance to witness the splendor of this natural monument.
