10 Highest Waterfalls You Can Visit In Asia
By: Priyanka Maheshwari Thu, 12 Sept 2024 09:29:52
Asia, the largest continent on Earth, is rich in natural diversity and breathtaking beauty. It boasts numerous waterfalls, particularly in countries like India, Japan, Thailand, and China. These nations are home to some of the tallest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls, offering a glimpse into the majesty of nature. To help you explore these wonders, we have curated a list of the top 10 waterfalls in Asia, providing a brief overview for your convenience.
# Jog Falls
Jog Falls could easily be considered one of the best waterfalls in Asia and a contender for the World’s Top 10. It is among India’s largest and tallest waterfalls, comprising four distinct cascades: Roar, Raja, Rani, and Rocket. However, due to hydropower activities upstream, the waterfall has been deprived of much of its water, transforming it into a seasonal wonder, only fully alive during the monsoon.
When we visited in November 2009, the falls had diminished greatly, as captured in this photo. Even in this reduced state, you can imagine how magnificent it would be during the rainy season. We can only hope to return someday to witness it in its full glory.
# Shomyo-Daki
Shomyo-Daki holds the title of Japan’s highest and one of its most awe-inspiring waterfalls. Visible from the same vantage point as Hannoki-no-Taki, it drops in four stages of 230 feet, 190 feet, 315 feet, and 413 feet. The plunge pool at its base is believed to be 20 feet deep and 200 feet wide.
Regardless of whether it reclaims its title as Japan's tallest and most dramatic waterfall, Shomyo-Daki is spectacular. Together with Hannoki-no-Taki, they create a striking scene, with the twin waterfalls standing at 1,148 feet and 1,640 feet, respectively.
# Mae Ya Waterfall
This impressive triangular waterfall, located in Northern Thailand’s Inthanon National Park, is a stunning combination of scale and beauty. Depending on our mood, it could easily rank higher on this list. It stands on par with Thailand’s largest, Thu Lo Su Falls.
The throngs of camera-toting tourists, all vying for the perfect shot, highlight how beloved this waterfall is by both locals and visitors. Without a doubt, it deserves a place on the list of the Top 10 Waterfalls in Asia.
# Aliwagwag Falls
Aliwagwag Falls in the Philippines is famous for its unique, staircase-like structure. With 84 tiers and over 130 cascades, it stands at an impressive 1,110 feet, making it one of the most towering and intimidating waterfalls in the country.
Legend has it that Aliwagwag Falls is a divine gift to the Mandaya Tribes of Cateel. It was once an untouched paradise with no trails or roads leading to it, and the only way to access it was by taking a boat down the Cateel River.
# Diyaluma Falls
Diyaluma Falls, the second-highest in Sri Lanka at 220 meters, is undoubtedly one of the country’s most beautiful. While the falls are breathtaking from below, the real adventure lies in swimming in the natural pools at the top and gazing down the 220-meter drop. It feels like being on top of the world.
If venturing near the edge of this towering waterfall feels too risky, head further upstream where the upper Diyaluma Falls cascade down smaller levels. Local kids often hang out here, diving into the deep plunge pools from above.
# Huangguoshu Waterfall
At 74 meters tall and 81 meters wide, Huangguoshu is China's most famous and largest waterfall. With its square shape, it can range from a thunderous wall of water to delicate, parallel streams revealing the Curtain Cave behind it. The surrounding cascades add to its charm.
We were lucky enough to enter the Curtain Cave, walking behind the waterfall—a rare opportunity at a site of this scale. While the waterfall is named after yellow fruit trees, the main attraction here is its sheer beauty and the countless visitors who flock to admire it.
# Nohsngithiang Falls
Located in Meghalaya’s Eastern Khasi Hills, Nohsngithiang Falls is one of the region’s most impressive natural wonders. Also known as Seven Sister Falls, it gets its name from its seven distinct streams that cascade over limestone cliffs from a height of 1,033 feet.
The waterfall is only visible during the monsoon season and symbolizes the seven sister states of northeastern India. The falls are especially breathtaking at sunset when sunlight creates permanent rainbows—a highlight of this remarkable location.
# Dudhsagar Falls
Situated on the Goa-Karnataka border, Dudhsagar Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls in India. Its name means “Sea of Milk,” and its cascading streams resemble flowing milk, adding a dreamlike quality to the landscape.
Dudhsagar Falls also offers a unique swimming experience, making it one of the most unusual spots for a dip. The waterfall’s beauty, surrounded by lush forests, creates an enchanting and otherworldly atmosphere.
# Nachi Falls
Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall at 133 meters, stands out due to its sacred surroundings. It’s one of the few waterfalls you can view from a pagoda or an ancient temple.
The subtropical environment and serene ambiance of this part of the Kii Peninsula made us forget we were on Honshu Island. Despite being pressed for time on our visit, Nachi Falls left such an impression that we had to include it in our top ten list of waterfalls.
# Barkana Falls
Barkana Falls, located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, India, is one of the country’s tallest waterfalls, measuring around 850 feet. The falls are seasonal and only flow during the monsoon, originating from the Seetha River.
The surrounding dense forests of the Western Ghats and the high rainfall in the area have earned Shimoga the title of the "Cherrapunji of South India." The Barkana Falls also play a crucial role in the region’s hydroelectric power generation.
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