Kynrem Falls

Kynrem Falls is a three-tiered plunge waterfall located adjacent to Thangkharang Park, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, at 900 meters above sea level. Plunging from an average height of 305 meters, it is recognized as the seventh-highest waterfall in India, according to the Geological Survey of India, and is famous for its three distinct steps visible from the winding Sohra-Shella highway.

The Roar of the Three-Tiered Giant

Standing on the concrete highway bridge at the base of the third tier, you are enveloped in a cool, roaring cloud of monsoonal spray. The water descends in three massive steps, cutting a path through dense subtropical foliage. When the monsoons are at their peak, the mist is so thick it completely hides the top tiers, and the spray from the final plunge forces you to shout to be heard over the deafening rush of water.

Legend of the Sky Lord's Lightning Bolt

In local Khasi folklore, the creation of Kynrem Falls is tied to the mythological period of Rongmei-Nongsang. According to oral tradition, the sky lord Ngachokpa struck the southern cliffs of the Sohra plateau with a massive lightning bolt to carve a passage for Princess Lengdon. The lightning shattered the sandstone cliffs into three giant steps, creating the path through which the mountain streams now cascade toward the plains.

Geology & Transboundary Hydrology

The waterfall cuts through the Eocene-era sandstone and limestone layers of the Shella Formation, which forms the southern escarpment of the Shillong Plateau. The falls are fed by seasonal mountain streams that merge on the high plateau near Thangkharang Park. The water plunges 305 meters down the cliffs and drains southward into the deep gorges, crossing the international border into the flat, water-logged floodplains of Bangladesh just a few kilometers away.

What NOT to Expect

Do not expect a massive torrent of water during the winter months. Kynrem Falls is highly seasonal, and by January the roaring cascade is reduced to a quiet trickle or dry rock face, leaving only dark mineral streaks on the sandstone cliffs. Additionally, the rocks around the base bridge are covered in slick green algae; climbing over the safety barriers is extremely hazardous and strictly prohibited.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Kynrem Falls?

To witness Kynrem Falls at its most powerful, visit during the peak monsoon season from June to September. During this period, the surrounding forest is lush and green, though daytime temperatures average around 22°C to 26°C with high humidity and frequent heavy downpours. For clear skies and stable views of the Bangladesh plains from the nearby park, the post-monsoon months of October and November offer a perfect balance of pleasant weather and moderate water flow.

Photography Guide

There are two primary vantage points for photography. The highway bridge at the base provides a dramatic, close-up perspective of the third tier, but you will need a waterproof cover for your camera due to the heavy mist. For a complete view of all three tiers, walk the paved paths of Thangkharang Park (1 kilometer away), which features a viewing deck offering a clear, side-profile shot of the entire cascade against the green canyon.

Getting There

Kynrem Falls is located along the winding Sohra-Shella highway, approximately 12 kilometers south of Sohra (Cherrapunji) town center. It takes about 2 hours (65 km) to drive from Shillong via the Shillong-Sohra highway (SH-5), passing through spectacular limestone gorges. Local taxis can be hired from the Cherrapunji bazaar. The roadside viewing area near the bridge has space for parking, though restrooms are only available inside the adjacent Thangkharang Park.

Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with Thangkharang Park (1 kilometer north) for panoramic views of Bangladesh and a botanical garden. The iconic Khoh Ramhah (Pillar Rock), a massive natural rock formation resembling a giant basket, is just 2 kilometers north along the same road, and Seven Sisters Falls is 8 kilometers north.

Plan your journey with our Meghalaya Waterfalls & Living Roots Journey or the Magical Meghalaya Complete Tour.