MAJOR WATERFALLS OF INDIA — LOCATION, RIVERS AND SIGNIFICANCE

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

MAJOR WATERFALLS OF INDIA — LOCATION, RIVERS AND SIGNIFICANCE

1. Introduction

• Waterfalls are formed where a river descends suddenly over a steep rock face, escarpment or resistant geological formation.
• India has numerous waterfalls, particularly in the Western Ghats, Chotanagpur Plateau, Meghalaya Plateau and central Indian highlands.
• NCERT notes that plateau regions often contain waterfalls where rivers descend from elevated surfaces, making them important for scenery, tourism and sometimes hydropower. (NCERT)

2. Jog Falls — Karnataka

• Jog Falls is located in Shivamogga district of Karnataka on the Sharavathi River.
• The river plunges about 253 metres and forms four distinct streams traditionally called Raja, Rani, Roarer and Rocket.
• Karnataka Tourism describes it as one of India’s highest and most spectacular waterfalls, especially during the monsoon. (Karnataka Tourism)
• It is important for tourism as well as the Sharavathi hydropower system.

3. Nohkalikai Falls — Meghalaya

• Nohkalikai Falls, near Cherrapunji/Sohra in Meghalaya, is among India’s highest plunge waterfalls.
• It descends from the deeply dissected Khasi Hills, where exceptionally heavy rainfall supports numerous waterfalls.
• Its dramatic vertical drop and surrounding subtropical landscape make it one of Meghalaya’s major natural attractions.

4. Dhuandhar Falls — Madhya Pradesh

• Dhuandhar Falls is located near Bhedaghat, Jabalpur, on the Narmada River.
• The Narmada plunges over a rocky ledge approximately 9 metres high, creating dense spray resembling smoke; hence the name Dhuandhar.
• The falls occur close to the famous Marble Rocks gorge and form an important tourism landscape. (Madhya Pradesh Tourism)

5. Shivanasamudra Falls — Karnataka

• Shivanasamudra Falls lies on the Kaveri River in Karnataka.
• The river divides around Shivanasamudra Island and descends through separate channels, traditionally known as Gaganachukki and Bharachukki.
• The site is historically significant because one of Asia’s early hydroelectric generating stations was developed here.