Kynrem Falls is one of Meghalaya’s most impressive yet relatively lesser-known waterfalls. Ranked as the 6th highest waterfall in India, it stands at approximately 305 metres and is celebrated for its dramatic three-tiered descent and the rare experience of driving across a bridge that crosses directly in front of its powerful lower cascade.
Located in the rain-soaked Khasi Hills near Cherrapunji, it perfectly represents the raw, rain-fed power of Meghalaya’s waterfalls and offers a unique combination of natural beauty and accessible infrastructure.
📌 Exam Pointer
Kynrem Falls is important for UPSC, State PSC and SSC Geography because it combines Meghalaya’s physiography (Khasi Hills), highest rainfall region, tiered waterfall type, and transboundary drainage into Bangladesh.
Geographical Specifications & Location
Feature
Data / Fact
National Rank
6th Highest Waterfall in India
Total Height
305 metres (1,001 feet)
Structural Type
Three-tiered Cascading Waterfall
State & District
Meghalaya, East Khasi Hills
Location
Inside Thangkharang Park, ~12 km from Cherrapunji (Sohra)
Physiographic Range
Southern edge of Khasi Hills (Shillong Plateau)
Drainage Direction
Southward into Bangladesh floodplains
The waterfall is situated on the southern escarpment of the Shillong Plateau. From the viewpoints, one can clearly see the waters descending into a deep gorge and flowing towards the vast plains of Bangladesh — a striking example of transboundary river drainage.
Three-Tiered Structure & Highway Bridge View
Kynrem Falls descends in three distinct tiers, creating a long, stepped visual spectacle. The most unique and visitor-friendly feature is the motorable highway bridge that crosses directly across the base of the third (lowest) tier.
This allows visitors to stand on the bridge and experience the powerful spray and roar of the final cascade up close — a rare and thrilling experience not commonly found at other major waterfalls in India.
💡 Memory TrickKynrem = Three Tiers + Bridge
Think: “Kynrem has three clear drops and you can literally drive across the bottom one!”
Rain-fed Nature & Monsoon Dependency
Like most waterfalls around Cherrapunji, Kynrem is purely rain-fed. It receives no significant snowmelt or glacier contribution. During the Southwest Monsoon (June–September), when Cherrapunji receives some of the highest rainfall on Earth, the waterfall transforms into a thundering, roaring giant.
In the winter dry season, the flow reduces dramatically, sometimes becoming a thin trickle. This extreme seasonality is a defining characteristic of Meghalaya’s waterfalls.
📌 Exam Pointer
Cherrapunji (Sohra) + highest rainfall in India + purely rain-fed waterfalls + seasonal flow = very high-value topic for Geography and Environment sections.
Khoh Ramhah & Nearby Attractions
Very close to Kynrem Falls stands Khoh Ramhah (also called Pillar Rock or Giant's Basket) — a massive, naturally formed cone-shaped single rock pillar that rises dramatically from the landscape. It is one of the most prominent geological landmarks in the Cherrapunji region and adds to the area’s scenic and geological appeal.
Other nearby attractions include the living root bridges, Nohkalikai Falls, and various viewpoints overlooking the Bangladesh plains.
Kynrem vs Other Major Indian Waterfalls
Waterfall
Height
Type
State
Key Feature
Kunchikal
455 m
Tiered
Karnataka
Highest in India
Barehipani
399 m
Tiered
Odisha
High tiered cascade
Nohkalikai
340 m
Plunge
Meghalaya
Highest single plunge
Kynrem
305 m
Three-tiered
Meghalaya
Highway bridge on 3rd tier
Dudhsagar
310 m
Four-tiered
Goa–Karnataka
Railway viaduct
Major Indian Waterfalls – Height Comparison (metres)
Exam Quick-Revision One-Liners
→ Kynrem Falls = 6th highest in India (305 m / 1,001 ft)
→ Type: Three-tiered cascading waterfall
→ Location: Thangkharang Park, East Khasi Hills, ~12 km from Cherrapunji
→ Unique Feature: Highway bridge crosses the third tier
→ Drainage: Flows south into Bangladesh plains (visible from viewpoints)
→ Purely rain-fed — full flow during Southwest Monsoon (June–Sept)
→ Nearby landmark: Khoh Ramhah (Pillar Rock / Giant's Basket)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the height and rank of Kynrem Falls?
Kynrem Falls is approximately 305 metres (1,001 feet) tall and is ranked as the 6th highest waterfall in India.
What type of waterfall is Kynrem?
It is a three-tiered cascading waterfall. The water descends in three distinct stages down the cliff face.
Where is Kynrem Falls located?
It is located inside Thangkharang Park in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, about 12 kilometres from Cherrapunji (Sohra).
What is special about the highway bridge at Kynrem Falls?
A motorable highway bridge crosses directly across the base of the third (lowest) tier, allowing visitors to get very close to the powerful final cascade and experience its spray.
Does Kynrem Falls flow throughout the year?
No. It is purely rain-fed. It shows massive volume during the Southwest Monsoon (June–September) and shrinks significantly during the dry winter season.
What is Khoh Ramhah?
Khoh Ramhah (also called Pillar Rock or Giant's Basket) is a massive, naturally formed cone-shaped rock pillar located very close to Kynrem Falls and is a popular geological landmark in the region.
Practice This Topic
Test your understanding with previous year questions and targeted study material on Meghalaya’s waterfalls and physiography.