Highest Waterfall in India – Complete Guide
India is home to thousands of waterfalls, ranging from small seasonal cascades to massive vertical drops hidden deep inside forests and mountain ranges. Among all of them, one question is commonly searched by students, travelers, and competitive exam aspirants:
Which is the highest waterfall in India?
The answer is Kunchikal Falls, located in the state of Karnataka. This article explains everything you need to know about the highest waterfall in India, including its height, location, river, facts, and a list of other tall waterfalls.
Which Is the Highest Waterfall in India?
The highest waterfall in India is Kunchikal Falls.
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Name: Kunchikal Falls
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Height: Approximately 455 meters (1,493 feet)
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State: Karnataka
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District: Shivamogga
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River: Varahi River
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Type: Tiered waterfall
Kunchikal Falls holds the record as the tallest waterfall in India, making it an important topic in Indian geography and general knowledge.
Height of the Highest Waterfall in India
The total height of Kunchikal Falls is about 455 meters, which makes it taller than many famous waterfalls worldwide. However, unlike single-drop waterfalls, Kunchikal Falls consists of multiple cascades and tiers, which together form its total height.
Because of this tiered structure, many people mistakenly believe that Jog Falls is the highest waterfall in India. In reality, Jog Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall, while Kunchikal Falls is the tallest overall.
Location of Kunchikal Falls
Kunchikal Falls is located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, one of the most biodiversity-rich regions in India.
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Nearest town: Agumbe
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Nearest city: Shivamogga
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Region: Western Ghats
The waterfall is surrounded by dense forests, hills, and wildlife, making it ecologically very important.
River on Which the Highest Waterfall in India Is Located
Kunchikal Falls is formed by the Varahi River, which flows through the Western Ghats.
The river later contributes to irrigation and hydroelectric projects in Karnataka.
Due to dam construction upstream, the water flow of the falls depends heavily on the monsoon season.
Best Time to Visit the Highest Waterfall in India
The best time to experience Kunchikal Falls is during the monsoon and post-monsoon months.
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Best months: July to October
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Peak beauty: August and September
During summer, the waterfall may appear less dramatic due to reduced water flow.
Is Kunchikal Falls Open to Tourists?
Kunchikal Falls is located in a restricted forest area, and direct access is limited to protect the environment and nearby hydroelectric infrastructure. Visitors usually need special permission from local authorities.
Even though access is restricted, nearby areas like Agumbe and Jog Falls are popular tourist alternatives.
Difference Between Highest and Tallest Waterfall in India
Many people confuse these terms, so here is a simple explanation:
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Highest Waterfall in India: Kunchikal Falls (455 m – tiered)
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Highest Single-Drop Waterfall: Jog Falls (253 m – single drop)
Both are located in Karnataka, which makes the state extremely important in India’s waterfall geography.
Top 5 Highest Waterfalls in India (By Height)
| Rank | Waterfall Name | Height | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kunchikal Falls | 455 m | Karnataka |
| 2 | Barehipani Falls | 399 m | Odisha |
| 3 | Nohkalikai Falls | 340 m | Meghalaya |
| 4 | Jog Falls | 253 m | Karnataka |
| 5 | Dudhsagar Falls | 310 m | Goa |
Note: Heights may vary slightly depending on measurement sources.
Importance of Waterfalls in Indian Geography
Waterfalls play an important role in:
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River systems
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Hydroelectric power generation
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Tourism and local economy
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Biodiversity and forest ecosystems
Topics like the highest waterfall in India are commonly asked in:
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UPSC
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SSC
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State PSC exams
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School geography exams
Interesting Facts About the Highest Waterfall in India
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Kunchikal Falls is higher than the Eiffel Tower.
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It is part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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The waterfall is most powerful during heavy monsoon rainfall.
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Karnataka has two of India’s tallest waterfalls – Kunchikal and Jog.
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Many students wrongly answer Jog Falls as the highest waterfall in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the highest waterfall of India?
The highest waterfall in India is Kunchikal Falls in Karnataka.
What is the height of Kunchikal Falls?
The height of Kunchikal Falls is approximately 455 meters.
Which state has the highest waterfall in India?
Karnataka has the highest waterfall in India.
Is Jog Falls the highest waterfall India?
No. Jog Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall, but Kunchikal Falls is the tallest overall.
Conclusion
The highest waterfall in India is Kunchikal Falls, located in Karnataka with a massive height of about 455 meters. Though it is less famous than Jog or Dudhsagar Falls, it holds a significant place in Indian geography, GK, and competitive exams.
Understanding the difference between the highest and single-drop highest waterfall helps avoid common mistakes and improves factual accuracy.