Kynrem Falls is a three-tiered waterfall inside Thangkharang Park near Sohra (Cherrapunji), in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. It drops in stages down a forested cliff that looks south towards the Bangladesh plains, and it is often listed among India’s tallest falls. This guide covers the falls and the park, the wider Sohra waterfall circuit, when to go, how to reach it, fees, where to stay, and the rules and closures you should check before you travel.
Kynrem Falls, in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, is a 305 m (1,001 ft) three-tiered waterfall that Wikipedia ranks as the 7th highest in India. It sits inside Thangkharang Park, about 12 km from Sohra (Cherrapunji), and flows hardest during the June–September monsoon.
Key takeaways
- Kynrem Falls is a three-tiered waterfall of 305 m (1,001 ft) in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya; Wikipedia ranks it the 7th highest in India, though published heights for Indian falls vary by source.
- The falls sit inside Thangkharang Park, roughly 12 km from Sohra (Cherrapunji) and about 53–57 km from Shillong, a drive of about two hours.
- Thangkharang Park is open 7 am–4 pm and closed on Wednesdays, according to the Incredible India listing; the entry fee is small but quoted differently across sources, so confirm it at the gate (as of October 2026).
- Monsoon (roughly June–September) gives the fullest flow; November–February gives the clearest views. October is a green shoulder window.
- A Sohra Sub-Division order dated 4 August 2026 suspended all tourism at Dainthlen Falls, Weisawdong Falls, Mawasawa Falls and Arliang Riat View Point over an ownership dispute; reconfirm which sites are open before you plan a circuit.
About Kynrem Falls and Thangkharang Park
Kynrem Falls, in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, is a three-tiered waterfall that drops 305 m (1,001 ft) inside Thangkharang Park, about 12 km from Sohra (the official name for Cherrapunji). According to Wikipedia, it is the 7th highest waterfall in India. Heights and rankings for Indian falls vary between lists, so treat any single figure as indicative and attributed rather than settled.
The word “Kynrem” is used for both the falls and the stream that feeds them. You view the falls from within Thangkharang Park, a small viewpoint park laid out on a plateau edge that looks south over deep gorges towards the plains of Bangladesh. On a clear day the horizon opens up; on a wet one, cloud fills the valley and the falls appear and vanish as the mist shifts.
The park itself is the draw as much as the falls. Besides the Kynrem viewpoint, it holds walkways along the cliff, a tall freestanding rock pillar locally called Khoh Ramhah (also written Ka Khoh Ramhah, a conical rock said to resemble an upturned basket), and open views that the Incredible India listing describes as overlooking mist-covered plains. It is a short, mostly flat site rather than a trek, which makes it suitable for families and older travellers who still want a dramatic Sohra viewpoint.
| Detail | Information | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Thangkharang Park, near Sohra (Cherrapunji), East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya | Wikipedia; Incredible India |
| Height | 305 m (1,001 ft), three-tiered; ranked 7th highest in India (figures vary by list) | Wikipedia |
| Distance from Sohra | About 12 km | Wikipedia |
| Park timings | 7 am–4 pm; closed Wednesdays | Incredible India |
| Best flow | Monsoon, roughly June–September | Travel guides (reconfirm) |
| Coordinates | Approx. 25.227°N, 91.716°E | Wikipedia |
Best time to visit Kynrem Falls
The best time depends on what you want to see: the monsoon, roughly June to September, gives Kynrem Falls its fullest flow, while November to February gives the clearest views across the gorge. These two goals pull in opposite directions, because the same rain that swells the falls also hangs cloud over the valley and can hide them for long stretches.
Sohra (Cherrapunji) is one of the wettest inhabited places on earth, so rain is possible in almost any month. In peak monsoon the falls can be thunderous, but roads are slippery, views are often white-out, and some sites close for safety. The post-monsoon shoulder in October keeps the landscape green while skies begin to clear, which many travellers find the best compromise. Winter is cool, dry and sharp, with the longest run of clear days but thinner water.
For the falls at full power, time your trip for the monsoon and accept that you may wait for the cloud to lift. For reliable photography and comfortable walking, come between late October and February.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Monsoon | June–September | Heaviest flow; frequent cloud and rain; slippery roads; best for raw waterfall volume |
| Post-monsoon | October–early November | Green scenery, falls still strong, skies starting to clear; good all-round window |
| Winter | November–February | Cool, dry, clearest views; thinner water; best for photography and viewpoints |
| Pre-monsoon | March–May | Warm, variable; building showers; moderate flow |
How to reach Kynrem Falls
You reach Kynrem Falls by road from Shillong via Sohra (Cherrapunji), a drive of about 53–57 km that takes roughly two hours, then a further 12 km or so south of Sohra town to Thangkharang Park. There is no rail or air link to the falls; the practical gateways are Shillong, and before that Guwahati in Assam.
By air: The nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport at Guwahati (GAU), the main gateway for the region. Shillong Airport (SHL) at Umroi has limited flights. From Guwahati, Shillong is about a three-hour drive via NH6.
By rail: The nearest railhead is Guwahati (GHY), from where you continue by road. There is no railway to Sohra or Shillong.
By road: From Shillong, shared sumos (shared SUVs) leave through the morning from the Bara Bazar area for around ₹200 per seat, while a private taxi for a day runs about ₹2,500–3,500 (indicative planning estimates, reconfirm; as of October 2026). The road climbs and dips through hills, so allow extra time, especially on the return. Thangkharang Park is near the end of the main Sohra sightseeing road, past several other viewpoints.
| From | Distance | Time by road | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sohra (Cherrapunji) town | About 12 km | 20–30 min | Final leg to Thangkharang Park |
| Shillong | About 53–57 km | About 2 hours | Shared sumo or private taxi |
| Guwahati (GAU airport / GHY rail) | About 150 km to Shillong, then onward | About 3 hours to Shillong | Main air and rail gateway |
The Sohra waterfall circuit
The Sohra waterfall circuit strings together several major falls within a short drive of Cherrapunji, with Kynrem Falls and Thangkharang Park near its far end. The best known are Nohkalikai Falls, the Nohsngithiang (Seven Sisters) Falls and Dainthlen Falls, though as of October 2026 at least one of these is closed by order (see below), so confirm the current list before you set out.
Nohkalikai Falls, about 5 km from Sohra, is the single most famous waterfall here: a sheer plunge usually cited at around 340 m (1,115 ft), fed by a clifftop stream, with a green-blue pool at its base in the wet months. It has a dedicated viewpoint with railings and a paid entry. The Nohsngithiang Falls, better known as the Seven Sisters Falls, is a wide segmented curtain of water, roughly 315 m high, that splits into several strands and is at its best in heavy rain; it faces the plains near Mawsmai and can be dry outside the monsoon.
Dainthlen Falls, about 5 km from Sohra by the official rural tourism listing, is a broad, lower fall (commonly given as 80–90 m) set among flat rocks, tied to a local legend about the killing of a giant serpent (thlen). Note that Dainthlen is among the sites currently suspended to tourists (see the rules section). Other stops often added to a Sohra day include Mawsmai Cave, the Mawkdok Dympep valley viewpoint and the Arwah cave, depending on time and conditions.
| Falls | Height (cited) | Distance from Sohra | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kynrem Falls | 305 m (three tiers) | About 12 km | Inside Thangkharang Park; open 7 am–4 pm, closed Wednesdays |
| Nohkalikai Falls | About 340 m | About 5 km | Single plunge; paid viewpoint; strongest in monsoon |
| Nohsngithiang (Seven Sisters) | About 315 m | Short drive (near Mawsmai) | Segmented; best in heavy rain, can be dry otherwise |
| Dainthlen Falls | About 80–90 m | About 5 km | Closed to tourists under the 4 Aug 2026 order; reconfirm |
Suggested itinerary
A two-day base in Sohra (Cherrapunji) is enough to see Kynrem Falls and the main circuit comfortably. A one-day dash from Shillong is possible but rushed, and bad weather can wipe out views with no time to wait.
- Day 1: Drive Shillong to Sohra in the morning, stopping at the Mawkdok Dympep valley viewpoint. After lunch, visit Nohkalikai Falls and its viewpoint, then continue south to Thangkharang Park for Kynrem Falls and the Khoh Ramhah rock before the 4 pm closing. Watch the weather and reach the park with daylight to spare.
- Day 2: Start early for the Nohsngithiang (Seven Sisters) viewpoint and Mawsmai Cave. If roads and orders allow, add one more stop (confirm which falls are open), then either return to Shillong or continue to the living root bridges area near Tyrna.
- Add a day if you want to walk down to the double-decker living root bridge at Nongriat, which is a steep multi-hour descent and climb, not a casual add-on.
For more on the wider state, see our Meghalaya travel guide, and for the famous bridges, our Cherrapunji living root bridges guide.
Where to stay
Most visitors stay in Sohra (Cherrapunji) or in Shillong, with Sohra putting you closest to Kynrem Falls and the circuit. Sohra has resorts, guesthouses and homestays; Shillong has the widest choice of hotels but adds about two hours of driving each way.
- Budget (about ₹1,000–2,500 per night): Homestays and small guesthouses in and around Sohra and nearby villages such as Laitkynsew and Nongriat (for bridge walkers). Book ahead in the monsoon and over long weekends, when rooms fill.
- Mid-range (about ₹3,000–6,000): Established resorts and hotels on the Sohra plateau with valley views and restaurants.
- Higher-end (about ₹7,000 and up): A handful of premium resorts near Sohra and Laitkynsew; options are limited, so reserve early.
These are indicative planning bands, not quoted tariffs, and they move with season and demand (as of October 2026). Village homestays are a good way to stay close to the falls and support local hosts; book directly and confirm whether meals are included.
Food to try
Khasi food is the local cuisine around Sohra, built on rice, pork, and smoky, simple flavours. Try jadoh (rice cooked with meat, often pork, and spices), dohneiiong (pork with black sesame), dohkhlieh (a salad of minced pork with onion and chilli), and tungrymbai (a dish using fermented soybean). Pair these with red rice and local greens.
Carry water and snacks for the circuit itself, as Thangkharang Park and the viewpoints have few facilities. Small stalls near the bigger falls sell tea, maggi (instant noodles) and basic snacks, but do not count on a full meal at every stop. Tap water is not reliable; carry a refillable bottle and, where possible, avoid single-use plastic, which Sohra is trying to reduce.
Budget breakdown
A two-day Sohra trip covering Kynrem Falls and the circuit costs roughly ₹4,500–9,000 per person for two people sharing, excluding travel to Guwahati. The biggest variables are your hotel band and whether you hire a private taxi or use shared sumos.
| Item | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (1 night, per person sharing) | ₹500–1,250 | ₹1,500–3,000 |
| Transport (shared sumo vs share of private taxi) | ₹400–800 | ₹1,250–1,750 |
| Site entry and camera fees | ₹100–300 | ₹100–300 |
| Food (2 days) | ₹500–900 | ₹900–1,500 |
| Buffer and extras | ₹300–500 | ₹500–1,000 |
| Approx. total | ₹1,800–3,750 | ₹4,250–7,550 |
Assumes two people sharing a room and a taxi, a one-night stay in Sohra, and self-drive-free travel by hired vehicle. Guwahati–Shillong transport, flights and trains are extra.
Permits, rules and 2026 closures
No special entry permit (such as an Inner Line Permit) is required for Indian or most foreign tourists to visit Sohra and Kynrem Falls; Meghalaya is open to visitors, and you simply pay the small park entry and any camera fee at the gate. The main things to check are the park’s timings and the current site closures, which change with local disputes.
Thangkharang Park is open 7 am to 4 pm and closed on Wednesdays, according to the Incredible India listing. The entry fee is small but quoted differently across sources, from about ₹10 to ₹30 per person, with a camera charge often mentioned around ₹20; reconfirm the exact figures on the gate board, as they change (as of October 2026).
Crucially, a prohibitory order dated 4 August 2026, issued by Sohra Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mark A. Challam under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, suspended all tourism-related activities at four sites and their approach roads: Dainthlen Falls, Weisawdong Falls, Mawasawa Falls and Arliang Riat View Point. According to Northeast Now’s report of 6 August 2026, the order followed an ownership and management dispute between villages under Hima Sohra and also bars unauthorised collection of fees and gatherings of five or more. Kynrem Falls and Thangkharang Park were not named in that order, but these situations evolve, so confirm the current status with the Sohra administration or recent local news before you travel.
Hima Sohra has also imposed general conduct rules along the Mawkdok–Sohra road: no public picnicking, open-air cooking or roadside dining without permission from the local dorbar (village council), no drinking in public spaces, night camping only at designated sites, and vehicles expected to carry a waste bag. Follow posted signs, keep to railings and marked paths at viewpoints, and do not cross barriers for a photo.
Safety and practical tips
The main safety risks at Kynrem Falls and the Sohra viewpoints are fog, slippery edges and sudden rain, not the falls themselves, which you view from above. Stay behind railings, wear shoes with grip, and do not approach unfenced cliff edges, especially when wet or when cloud reduces visibility.
- Fog and views: Cloud can hide the falls within minutes. Reach viewpoints early in the day, when visibility is often better, and keep your plan flexible.
- Footwear and terrain: The official listing advises sturdy footwear for rugged, uneven ground; paths can be wet and mossy year-round.
- Connectivity and cash: Mobile network is patchy around Sohra and weaker near the falls. Carry some cash for entry fees and stalls; UPI and cards are not reliable at viewpoints, though ATMs exist in Sohra and Shillong.
- Health: The nearest full hospital is in Shillong; Sohra has basic facilities. There is no altitude concern here, as Sohra sits at modest elevation. Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medicines.
- Solo women: Meghalaya is generally considered comfortable for solo and women travellers; still, finish viewpoints before dusk, keep someone informed of your plan, and prefer registered taxis or homestays.
- Packing by season: Monsoon needs a rain jacket, dry bags and quick-dry clothes; winter needs warm layers for cold mornings. Carry water in every season.
Nearby places
Kynrem Falls combines well with the rest of the Sohra area and the living root bridges, all within a short drive or walk of Cherrapunji.
| Place | Distance from Sohra | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Nohkalikai Falls | About 5 km | India’s famous single-drop plunge (about 340 m); see our Nohkalikai Falls guide |
| Living root bridges (Nongriat/Tyrna) | About 12–15 km to trailhead | Double-decker root bridge; steep hike (see our living root bridges guide) |
| Mawsmai Cave | About 6 km | Short, lit limestone cave walk |
| Nohsngithiang (Seven Sisters) Falls | Short drive | Wide monsoon curtain near Mawsmai |
| Mawkdok Dympep valley viewpoint | On the Shillong road | Gorge viewpoint and zipline stop |
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Kynrem Falls and where is it?
Kynrem Falls is a three-tiered waterfall 305 m (1,001 ft) high, inside Thangkharang Park near Sohra (Cherrapunji), in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. Wikipedia ranks it the 7th highest waterfall in India, though published heights for Indian falls vary by source, so treat the figure as attributed.
What are Thangkharang Park’s timings and entry fee?
Thangkharang Park is open 7 am to 4 pm and closed on Wednesdays, according to the Incredible India listing. The entry fee is small, quoted between about ₹10 and ₹30 per person across sources, with a camera charge often around ₹20. Reconfirm the exact amounts on the gate board, as they change (as of October 2026).
What is the best time to visit Kynrem Falls?
The best time is the monsoon, roughly June to September, for the fullest flow, or November to February for the clearest views. The rains that swell the falls also bring cloud that can hide them, so the October shoulder is a good compromise when the landscape is green and skies begin to clear.
How do I get to Kynrem Falls from Shillong?
Drive from Shillong to Sohra (Cherrapunji), about 53–57 km and roughly two hours, then continue about 12 km south to Thangkharang Park. Shared sumos run through the morning from Shillong’s Bara Bazar area for around ₹200 a seat; a private taxi for the day is about ₹2,500–3,500 (indicative, reconfirm).
Are any Sohra waterfalls closed to tourists in 2026?
Yes. A Sohra Sub-Division order dated 4 August 2026, under Section 163 of the BNSS, suspended all tourism at Dainthlen Falls, Weisawdong Falls, Mawasawa Falls and Arliang Riat View Point over an ownership dispute, per Northeast Now. Kynrem Falls and Thangkharang Park were not named, but confirm the current status locally before you travel.
Do I need a permit to visit Kynrem Falls?
No special permit, such as an Inner Line Permit, is needed for Indian or most foreign tourists to visit Sohra and Kynrem Falls. You pay only the small park entry and any camera fee at the gate. Do follow Hima Sohra’s local conduct rules on picnicking, cooking and waste, and keep to marked viewpoints.
Last updated and sources
Kynrem Falls suits travellers who want a dramatic Sohra viewpoint without a hard hike, from families to photographers. Come in the monsoon for raw power or between late October and February for clear views, and always check the latest site closures first.
Last updated: 9 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Incredible India — Thangkharang Park (timings, closed day, advice); Wikipedia — Kynrem Falls (height, tiers, ranking, location, coordinates); Northeast Now, 6 August 2026 — Sohra tourist sites closure order (4 August 2026 Section 163 BNSS order; Dainthlen, Weisawdong, Mawasawa, Arliang Riat); plus Meghalaya travel guides and distance listings for route, season and indicative costs, cross-checked where possible. Heights and distances for Indian waterfalls vary by source; figures are attributed and should be reconfirmed. Accessed October 2026.
