Waterfalls are natural features where flowing water drops abruptly and nearly vertically over a cliff or steep incline, creating a spectacular cascade. They are formed by river erosion and geological processes and can vary greatly in height, width, and volume. Waterfalls are classified into types such as plunge, horsetail, tiered, cataract, and segmented, depending on how the water descends.

Waterfalls are classified into various types based on how the water descends, its contact with the rock surface, and the waterfall’s shape. Here are the main types of waterfalls:

• Plunge Waterfall: Water drops vertically and loses contact with the rock surface, creating a free-falling curtain of water. Example: Serenity Falls, Australia.
• Horsetail Waterfall: Water maintains some contact with the rock as it descends, often forming a long, thin shape resembling a horse’s tail. Example: Reichenbach Falls, Switzerland.
• Cataract Waterfall: A large, powerful waterfall with a significant volume of water.
• Multi-step (Tiered) Waterfall: Water descends in a series of distinct steps or drops, each with its own plunge pool. Example: Ebor Falls, Australia.
• Block Waterfall: Water descends from a wide stream or river, forming a broad waterfall.
• Cascade Waterfall: Water flows down a series of small steps or rocks, maintaining contact with the bedrock. Example: Olinda Falls, Australia.
• Segmented Waterfall: Water splits into two or more distinct parallel flows as it descends, separated by rock. Example: Sailors Falls, Australia.
• Punchbowl Waterfall: Water descends in a narrow form and then spreads out into a wider pool below.
• Fan Waterfall: Water spreads horizontally as it descends while maintaining contact with the rock, creating a fan shape.
• Frozen Waterfall: Seasonal type where water freezes, forming icefalls used for ice climbing. Example: Fang Waterfall, Colorado, USA.
• Blowhole Waterfall: Water is ejected under pressure through an enclosed hole in rock, often man-made or due to mining activities.

Some waterfalls are ephemeral, flowing only after rain or snowmelt.

Here is a detailed list of famous waterfalls around the world, including some of the tallest and most iconic:

• Iguazu Falls (Argentina/Brazil): The largest waterfall system in the world, spanning about 2,700 meters with around 150-300 individual falls depending on water level.
• Niagara Falls (Canada/USA): A group of three waterfalls (Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls) on the border of Ontario and New York, known for their massive flow rate and tourist appeal.
• Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia): One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, located on the Zambezi River, famous for its width and dramatic curtain of water.
• Angel Falls (Venezuela): The world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall at 979 meters, located in Canaima National Park.
• Kaieteur Falls (Guyana): Twice as high as Victoria Falls and five times higher than Niagara Falls, known for its powerful single drop.
• Paulo Afonso Falls (Brazil): A series of waterfalls on the São Francisco River in northeastern Brazil.
• Livingstone Falls (Democratic Republic of the Congo): A series of rapids on the Congo River downstream from Malebo Pool.
• Boyoma Falls (Stanley Falls) (DR Congo): Seven cataracts along the Lualaba River, marking the start of the Congo River.
• Tugela Falls (South Africa): Seasonal waterfalls in the Drakensberg mountains, about 948 meters tall, among the tallest in the world.
• Utigord Falls (Ramnefjellsfossen) (Norway): Unofficially the third-highest waterfall globally, at around 818 meters.
• Alexandra Falls (Canada): Located on the Hay River.
• Idaho Falls (USA): On the Snake River.
• International Falls (USA): On the Rainy River in Minnesota.
• Browne Falls (New Zealand): About 836 meters tall, located above Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park

Artificial Waterfalls

• Cascata Delle Marmore (Italy): Tallest man-made waterfall at 165 meters, created by the ancient Romans.
• Liebian Waterfall (China): Tallest waterfall included in a building at 108 meters.
• Rain Vortex (Singapore): Largest indoor waterfall at 40 meters.

These waterfalls are celebrated for their height, volume, natural beauty, and cultural significance, attracting millions of visitors worldwide.

Important Waterfalls of India: Locations and Features

• Agaya Gangai (Namakkal, Tamil Nadu)
  A 1-tiered segmented waterfall nestled in the Kolli Hills, known for its scenic beauty and mythological significance.
• Athirappilly Falls (Thrissur district, Kerala)
  Often called the “Niagara of South India,” this block/segmented waterfall is set amidst dense tropical forests and is a popular tourist and film shooting location.
• Bahuti Falls (Mauganj, Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh)
  The tallest waterfall in Madhya Pradesh, this 2-tiered fall is a spectacular sight amidst the Vindhya ranges.
• Barkana Falls (Shimoga district, Karnataka)
  A tiered waterfall formed by the Seetha River, located in the Western Ghats, known for its lush surroundings.
• Beadon Falls (East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya)
  A 3-tiered waterfall and twin to the nearby Bishop Falls, it cascades through dense forests near Cherrapunji.
• Bishop Falls (East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya)
  Another 3-tiered waterfall close to Beadon Falls, both contributing to Meghalaya’s reputation as the “Scotland of the East.”
• Bundla Falls (Kaimur district, Bihar)
  A lesser-known waterfall amidst the Kaimur hills, offering tranquil natural beauty.
• Chachai Falls (Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh)
  Located on the Bihad River, this waterfall descends from the Rewa Plateau and is a prominent natural attraction.
• Chuliya Waterfall (Rajasthan)
  Situated on the Chambal River, this waterfall is notable in the arid landscape of Rajasthan.
• Dabbe Falls (Shivamogga, Karnataka)
  A hidden gem in the Western Ghats, surrounded by thick forests and ideal for adventurous treks.
• Dudhsagar Falls (Karnataka-Goa border)
  Known as the “Sea of Milk,” this 4-tiered waterfall on the Mandovi River is one of India’s tallest and most powerful, especially spectacular during monsoon.
• Duduma Falls (Border of Koraput, Odisha and Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh)
  A plunge type waterfall formed by the Machkund River, known for its scenic gorge.
• Gatha Falls (Panna district, Madhya Pradesh)
  A scenic waterfall located in the Bundelkhand region.
• Hebbe Falls (Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka)
  A 2-tiered waterfall amidst coffee plantations and dense forests, popular among trekkers.
• Hundru Falls (Ranchi district, Jharkhand)
  A segmented waterfall on the Subarnarekha River, a favorite picnic spot near Ranchi.
• Joranda Falls (Mayurbhanj, Odisha)
  A plunge waterfall surrounded by forested hills, part of the Simlipal Biosphere Reserve.
• Jog Falls (Gersoppa Falls) (Shimoga, Karnataka)
  One of India’s highest plunge waterfalls, formed by the Sharavathi River, famous for its segmented cascades.
• Kalhatti Falls (Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka)
  A scenic waterfall in the Baba Budangiri hills, popular with nature lovers.
• Kakolat Falls (Nawada, Bihar)
  A cataract waterfall with mythological significance, located in a forested area.
• Khandadhar Falls (Kendujhar and Sundergarh, Odisha)
  A horsetail type waterfall, one of the highest in Odisha, surrounded by tribal settlements.
• Keoti Falls (Rewa, Madhya Pradesh)
  A segmented waterfall descending from the Rewa Plateau, known for its scenic beauty.
• Keppa Falls (Uttara Kannada, Karnataka)
  A fan type waterfall amidst dense forests, ideal for trekking.
• Kiliyur Falls (Yercaud, Tamil Nadu)
  A fan-shaped waterfall located in the Shevaroy Hills, surrounded by coffee plantations.
• Koosalli Falls (Udupi, Karnataka)
  A spectacular 6-tiered waterfall hidden in the Western Ghats, accessible via trekking.
• Kudumari Falls (Udupi, Karnataka)
  A horsetail type waterfall in the Western Ghats, lesser known but scenic.
• Kune Falls (Pune, Maharashtra)
  A 3-tiered waterfall near Lonavala, popular among tourists and photographers.
• Kunchikal Falls (Shimoga, Karnataka)
  The highest waterfall in India at 455 meters, formed by the Varahi River in the Western Ghats.
• Kynrem Falls (East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya)
  A 3-tiered waterfall near Cherrapunji, famous for its height and lush surroundings.
• Langshiang Falls (West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya)
  A majestic waterfall known for its rugged terrain and panoramic views.
• Lodh Falls (Latehar, Jharkhand)
  The highest waterfall in Jharkhand, 2-tiered and surrounded by dense forest.
• Lower Ghaghri Falls (Latehar, Jharkhand)
  A cascade type waterfall on the Ghaghri River, popular for its serene environment.
• Magod Falls (Uttara Kannada, Karnataka)
  A 2-tiered segmented waterfall formed by the Bedti River, set amidst dense forests.
• Meenmutty Falls (Wayanad, Kerala)
  A 3-tiered segmented waterfall, one of the tallest in Kerala, accessible via forest trek.
• Muthyala Maduvu Falls (Bangalore Rural, Karnataka)
  Known as “Pearl Valley,” a scenic waterfall surrounded by rocky terrain.
• Nohkalikai Falls (East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya)
  India’s tallest plunge waterfall at 340 meters, located near Cherrapunji.
• Nohsngithiang Falls (Mawsmai Falls / Seven Sisters Waterfalls) (East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya)
  A segmented waterfall consisting of seven distinct streams, visible best during monsoon.
• Palani Falls (Kullu, Himachal Pradesh)
  A surge type waterfall amidst the Himalayan foothills.
• Pandavgad Falls (Thane, Maharashtra)
  A plunge waterfall located near the Pandavgad Fort, popular for trekking.
• Rajrappa Waterfalls (Ramgarh, Jharkhand)
  A waterfall and Hindu pilgrimage center where the Damodar River meets the Bhairavi River.
• Rajat Prapat (Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh)
  A horsetail type waterfall, also known as the “Silver Fall,” located in the Satpura range.
• Shivanasamudra Falls (Chamarajanagar, Karnataka)
  A segmented waterfall formed by the Cauvery River, known for its hydroelectric power station.
• Soochipara Falls / Thoseghar Waterfalls (Wayanad, Kerala / Satara, Maharashtra)
  Both are 3-tiered waterfalls, popular trekking and tourist spots in their respective states.
• Sweet Falls (East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya)
  A horsetail type waterfall with a serene setting.
• Talakona Falls (Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh)
  The highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh, located in the Sri Venkateswara National Park.
• Teerathgarh Falls (Bastar, Chhattisgarh)
  A block type waterfall located inside the Kanger Valley National Park.
• Thalaiyar Falls (Batlagundu, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu)
  A horsetail type waterfall, one of the highest in Tamil Nadu.
• Tirathgarh Falls (Bastar, Chhattisgarh)
  A horsetail type waterfall inside Kanger Valley National Park.
• Vajrai Falls (Satara, Maharashtra)
  The second tallest plunge waterfall in India at 260 meters, with three distinct tiers.
• Vantawng Falls (Serchhip, Mizoram)
  A 2-tiered waterfall and the highest in Mizoram, surrounded by dense forests.

Additional Insights

• The Western Ghats are home to over 300 waterfalls, including iconic ones like Jog Falls, Dudhsagar Falls, and Kunchikal Falls. The monsoon season (June to September) is the best time to witness these waterfalls in full flow.
• Meghalaya is famous for its numerous tall waterfalls such as Nohkalikai, Kynrem, and the Seven Sisters Waterfalls, often surrounded by lush green hills and misty weather.
• Jharkhand is known as the “City of Waterfalls,” with many waterfalls like Hundru, Lodh, and Rajrappa dotting its landscape.
• Many waterfalls in India are seasonal or ephemeral, with peak flows during or just after the monsoon season.
• Waterfalls often support rich biodiversity and are important for local ecosystems, providing habitats and maintaining humidity.
• Several waterfalls, like Athirappilly and Jog Falls, are also important for hydroelectric power generation.