Elephant Falls is one of the most famous falls in the North-East. Next to Shillong, named after an elephant-like stone at its foot. It is a tourist paradise with three layers of falls accessible from various vantage points for the layman. This fall was so named by the British because of the appearance of an elephant-shaped rock on one side of the fall. However, because of an earthquake in 1897, the stone disintegrated and washed away.
Elephant Waterfalls is a great way to spend some time in the middle of nature while capturing your memories of amazing moments.
They gave the name Elephant Falls to British officers who discovered its presence in the heart of the mountainous jungles of Meghalaya. There was a strange rock on one side of the falls that eerily resembled the elephant and hence the nomenclature. However, the eponymous rock ruined by an earthquake in 1897 and they have disintegrated the remaining rock because of the constant dam of water falling from high altitudes.
About Elephant Falls
The stunning Elephant falls referred to by the local Khasi people as ‘Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew’ which means ‘The Three Step Waterfalls’ as these falls comprise three successive mesmerizing falls. Tucked between the dense trees, the first of the three waterfalls is very large. Because of the receding water levels, the second waterfall decreases to thin strands of water and is almost insignificant in winters.
With clear water flowing like a sheet of milk on the dark rocks in the background, the third and most prominent waterfall is the tallest. The third waterfall, out of the three, appears to strike tourists as the most impressive. Elephant Falls is a perfect destination for stopovers before heading into Meghalaya for more trips.
It is one of the most visited falls in this beautiful state, situated 12 km away from the capital city of Shillong.
It is possible to visit the Elephant Waterfalls all year round. While water levels recede a little during the winters, the beauty of the waterfalls still not lost. As the water flows with full force, the months right after the monsoon are the best and the scenery produced is one to remember for a long time.
While you will tempt into one of its many trekking trails by the landscape and interspersed with streams and falls. The views will have you busy clicking images, the Elephant falls, also being a favorite for photography.
Best Attraction Places to Visit near Elephant Falls
There are several other amazing waterfalls in the area, such as Beacon Falls, Bishop Falls, and Crinoline Falls. In addition, woods and meadows have ample picnic spots to pick from. Then what the heck are you asking for? Go out there to explore all in and around the Elephant Falls before you get wrapped up in your job again on the way back. You’re in for some memorable encounters.
The Elephant Falls shares its name with the other prominent waterfall in the Da-Lat region of Vietnam. As a result, some tourists, particularly foreign tourists, perplexed while visiting Elephant Falls, Shillong. They named this waterfall after the British powers during the colonial era. We consider it as one of the most prominent waterfalls in India. The name, stuck even after the colonial period, was long gone.
Shillong Peak
Shillong Peak is the highest point in the town of Shillong, rising at an incredible height of 1962 meters. This peak provides a panoramic view of the city with all its trees, waterfalls, the Himalayas and the lush green meadows and fields of Bangladesh. The uniqueness of the peak is that it is not steep and, instead, of a semi-circular nature that contributes to its uniqueness. Legend has it that this peak is the birthplace of the god Lei Shyllong, after whom the town of Shillong it names. Every spring, a festival takes place here, when the pastor of Mylliem offers prayers from this summit. The Indian Air Force has a radar installation here and hence cameras strictly banned in the area because of security concerns.
Shillong View Point
It is near the Shillong Top, which provides a panoramic view of everything from lush green forests to neighbouring Bangladesh. The ride to the point of view is worth the trouble and the effort. You should borrow telescopes from the locals to take a better look at the sights.
Krem Marai Cave
With 9 of India’s 10 biggest cave systems, the Krem Marai Cave is worth a Dekko. Host to a wide variety of endemic species of flora and fauna, these caves are easily one of the most diversely inhabited caves.
Lady Hydari Park
Lady Hydari Park is home to one of Japan’s most stunning parks. The park named after the former wife of the Assam commissioner, who was an ardent nature lover. Many groves and trees adorn the park, which acts as a nice place to walk around and enjoy a picnic.
Ward’s Lake
Ward’s Lake is a pristine lake about 10 km downstream from the Elephant Falls. It is in the town of Shillong, surrounded by vibrant gardens. The lake also has a cafeteria for enjoying refreshments in its premises. A wooden bridge in the middle of the lake allows you to get an unrestricted view of the landscape and feed the fish if you like.
Air Force Museum
The Indian Air Force has a museum in this city, which boasts of the achievements of the Indian Air Force and has artefacts of the Indo-China war and the Indo-Pakistan war. It also features replicas of rockets, bombs, aircraft and uniforms worn by eminent air force veterans along with a gift shop if you want to choose a souvenir from home.
How to Reach Elephant Falls?
Option 1 by Air
The nearest airport is Guwahati, which has direct flights to all the country’s other major cities. You can hire a cab easily, or take public or private buses to Shillong. Alternatively, a helicopter service is available from Guwahati to Shillong.
Option 2 Road
Shillong well connected by road to Guwahati and the major North-East cities nearby. It links to Guwahati and other cities by public and private buses. A cab or auto-rickshaw can be easily rent from Shillong to Elephant Falls. It is located just 12 km from Shillong.
Option 3 Train
At Guwahati, the nearest railway station is where one can either rent a cab or catch public or private buses until Shillong.
Best Time to Visit Elephant Falls
You can go to the Elephant Falls all year round but should really avoid the monsoon season because the place is getting wet and vulnerable to occasional landslides that will impede the protection of tourists during that season. Summer is a wonderful time when you can beat the heat wave raging all over the world and spend a few days in the heart of nature.
The Elephant Waterfalls can visit during the year. While the water level recedes a little during the winters. This still doesn’t take away the beauty of the waterfalls. The months immediately after the monsoon are the best, as the water flows with full force. The scenery produced is one to remember for a long time.
