India · Meghalaya
Elephant Falls
Three linked tiers step down a hillside just outside Shillong, named by British colonists for a large elephant-shaped boulder that once stood at the base before it was destroyed in an earthquake. It remains one of the most easily reached waterfalls in Meghalaya state.
Three linked tiers step down a hillside just outside Shillong, named by British colonists for a large elephant-shaped boulder that once stood at the base before it was destroyed in an earthquake. It remains one of the most easily reached waterfalls in Meghalaya state.
Elephant Falls drops 30 metres (98 ft) on the local stream. It is a tiered-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Shillong, with SHL the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Monsoon (Jun-Sep) brings all three tiers to full flow; can thin considerably by winter.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Monsoon (Jun-Sep) brings all three tiers to full flow; can thin considerably by winter.
Entry: Small viewpoint entry fee
Getting there
- Base townShillong
- AirportSHL
- CountryIndia
- RegionMeghalaya, Asia
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
25.5364, 91.8477
Quick answers
How tall is Elephant Falls?
Elephant Falls drops 30 metres (98 feet). It is a tiered-type waterfall on the local stream.
When is the best time to visit Elephant Falls?
Peak flow is June to September. Monsoon (Jun-Sep) brings all three tiers to full flow; can thin considerably by winter.
What can you do at Elephant Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Elephant Falls?
The usual base is Shillong, and the closest airport is SHL. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Small viewpoint entry fee.
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