Some of India's most stunning waterfalls are located in the hills and valleys of the wondrous Western Ghats. These cascades dive down into valleys hundreds of feet deep, forming misty spectacles that add to the magic of the wilderness. Even when the monsoon deluge ends, the vigor remains in these falls for months.
Best Time to Visit (2026 Guide)
| Season | Months | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Monsoon | July – September | Maximum volume, misty roads, lush greenery. |
| Post-Monsoon | October – December | Best for trekking; clear skies and steady flow. |
| Summer (Quiet) | January – March | Lower flow, but great for birdwatching and wildlife. |
Are you wondering where the Western Ghats are? If you are coming from Pune, Mumbai, or New Delhi, you can readily find cheap flights to Bangalore or Mumbai online. Pack your bags and leave for an adventure amidst the mountains.
1. Vajrapoha Falls, Karnataka
Nersa is a picturesque village located in the lap of the Western Ghats, amid the thick forest of Mahadayi Valley. It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and hikers, home to around 276 species of birds. Perfect trekking paths covered by lush green forest and the beautiful view of wildlife—what more could you want?
I’ll never forget the silence of Nersa just before dawn. As I stepped onto the trail toward Vajrapoha, the only sound was the distant, rhythmic call of a Malabar Whistling Thrush. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and wild jasmine, a combination that immediately tells your city-tired brain that you’ve finally arrived in the wild.
When the falls finally emerged through the dense canopy, the sheer scale took my breath away. Standing on a rocky outcrop, watching the Mahadayi river commit itself to the 200-foot drop, I felt a strange sense of perspective. In the presence of something so ancient and powerful, my daily worries back in the city felt remarkably small.
2. Vibhuthi Falls, Karnataka
Vibhooti Falls near Sirsi is a hidden gem on the Gangavali River. Nearby, Sahasralinga offers a mysterious pilgrimage site where a thousand shiv lingas are carved directly onto the riverine rocks. While the lingas often remain underwater during the monsoon, visiting in winter provides a clear, lively view of this ancient artistry.
There is something deeply spiritual about Vibhuthi Falls that the photos don't capture. As I walked the forest path, I noticed the rocks changing color, eventually revealing the white limestone that gives the falls their name. Dipping my hands into the natural pool at the base, the water felt like liquid silk—cool, rejuvenating, and impossibly clear.
Later, wandering through Sahasralinga, I sat by the riverbank and watched the water dance over the ancient carvings. An elderly local man told me that the river has been washing over these stones for centuries, and standing there, I could almost feel the weight of all that history. It’s a place that demands you slow down and simply listen to the water's story.
3. Apsarakonda Falls, Karnataka
Located near the amazing Shiva Temple of Murudeshwar, Apsarkonda is a "magical place" surrounded by caves and thermal springs. Diving fans will also love the nearby Netrani Island, a natural paradise with magnificent coral formations inhabited by wild goats and pigeons.
I arrived at Apsarakonda just as the evening light was turning the Arabian Sea into a sheet of beaten gold. The contrast here is wild—one moment you are looking at the vast, crashing ocean, and the next, you turn around to find a gentle waterfall cascading into a pond right behind you. It felt like stumbling into a secret garden that only the locals knew about.
Exploring the caves nearby, I felt like a kid again, my voice echoing off the ancient walls. I spent an hour just sitting on the cliffside, watching the pigeons dive toward the water. There is a peace here that is hard to describe; it’s where the mountains finally meet the sea and decide to rest together.
4. Thoseghar & 5. Vajrai, Maharashtra
There is a special magic in the air while the monsoons cross Maharashtra. The picturesque nearby Lake Kaas adds to the charm of the trip as you make a visit to Thoseghar Falls, one of the most popular weekend retreats near Satara, and the towering Vajrai waterfall.
Driving toward Satara, the clouds were so low I could reach out and touch them. When I finally stood at the viewing gallery for Thoseghar, the wind was so strong it was blowing the mist back up the cliff. You don't just see Theseghar; you feel it in your chest—the roar of the water is a physical vibration that reminds you how small we really are.
Vajrai, however, felt much more elusive. Seeing it drop from such an immense height, disappearing into the green abyss below, made me realize why the locals speak of these mountains with such reverence. I spent the afternoon at Kaas Lake afterward, watching the raindrops create ripples on the water, feeling completely disconnected from the digital world and perfectly okay with it.
6. Amboli Falls, Maharashtra
Located at an altitude of 690 meters, Amboli is affectionately called the "Queen of Maharashtra." This eco-hotspot is a breeding ground for rare flora and fauna. The Amboli Falls plunges from 411 ft and is best visited during the lashing monsoon rains when the Paradise Flycatcher and Hornbills are most active.
Amboli in the rain is a fever dream of green. I remember standing on the edge of the ghat road, the mist so thick I couldn't see ten feet ahead, when suddenly the wind shifted and revealed the waterfall in all its glory. It wasn't just a stream of water; it was like the entire mountain was weeping with joy.
I shared a hot 'vada pav' and ginger tea with a group of hikers at a roadside stall near the falls. Our teeth were chattering from the cold, but we were all grinning like idiots. There’s a camaraderie you find in Amboli during the monsoon—a shared understanding that despite the mud and the chill, there’s nowhere else on earth we’d rather be.
7. Marleshwar Falls, Maharashtra
Also known as Dhareshwar Falls, this Ratnagiri highlight is hidden amidst misty mountains. After visiting the falls, you can head south to the rural Konkan coast and the famous temple town of Ganpatipule.
The walk up to Marleshwar felt like a pilgrimage of both the body and the soul. Climbing the steps carved into the rock, surrounded by the vertical cliffs of the Sahyadris, I felt an incredible sense of anticipation. When I reached the cave temple and looked out at the Dhareshwar falls, the spray was so cold it felt like needles on my skin, instantly washing away the fatigue of the climb.
I stayed until the crowds thinned out and the evening shadows began to crawl up the valley. Sitting there, watching the water vanish into the dense Konkan forest below, I realized that these hidden corners of Maharashtra hold a power that no luxury resort could ever replicate. It’s raw, it’s humble, and it’s deeply, deeply beautiful.
8. Vazra Sakla Falls, Goa
A favorite for trekkers, the Vazra Sakla Waterfalls and Lasni Peak offer rugged trails and incredible views. For a unique experience, explore the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary at night in the Swapnagandha Valley.
Most people think of Goa as just beaches, but for me, Goa will always be the roar of Vazra Sakla. The trek through the Mhadei sanctuary was a test of endurance—slippery roots, river crossings, and the constant hum of insects. But when we broke through the final line of trees and saw the dual streams of the fall plunging into the valley, my legs stopped aching instantly.
That night, staying near the Swapnagandha Valley, I sat on the porch and listened to the jungle breathe. There were no lights except the stars and the occasional firefly. I realized then that the "real" Goa isn't found in the bars of the north, but in these quiet, thunderous mountains where the water has been falling since the beginning of time.
Which of these are on your travel bucket list already?