Waterfalls are one of the most fascinating and captivating gems of nature. Experiencing the powerful and thunderous flow amidst the naturally flourishing flora and fauna makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to an enchanting oasis. These impressive falls have captured the attention of visitors time and time again.
If you find yourself planning a trip around Asia (if you’re not already there), here are some incredible and unique waterfalls to see when you make your way to any of these amazing countries.
1) Dudhsagar Falls, India
At over 1,000 feet, Dudhsagar Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in India.
Dudhsagar translates to ‘milky white sea’ or ‘sea of milk’ for the appearance given to the water as it cascades down the mountain into the pool below.
Situated in the Mollem National Park in Goa, India, visiting this exquisite waterfall can be done by either train or Jeep.
The train starts in Mollem National park and passes through the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary giving you a great sightseeing experience as you traverse across the terrain.
If you’re going by Jeep, expect an exciting and very bumpy ride. You may also spot monkeys (and even peacocks) on the way, making this experience even more unique.
It’s best to pre-book your Jeep in advance to avoid any unnecessary hassle, although you may still experience a wait when you get there. Since it is a small trek to reach the falls, make sure to wear some comfortable shoes!
A quick tip: although it’s best to go during monsoon season to really experience the lushness and fullness this waterfall has to offer, it will make going by Jeep particularly difficult or near impossible due to potential flooding.
If you are going during this season, taking the train may just end up being your only option.
2) Ban Gioc-Detian Falls, Vietnam
The Ban Gioc-Detian Falls actually straddles the border between Vietnam and China. It is actually two waterfalls, found on either side of the border, that can pool together as one in the summertime.
This stunning waterfall in Vietnam is almost a hundred-foot drop. You can visit all year long but the best time is usually September to October.
Going around ten a.m. to noon is a good idea as the gates of the dam open around then allowing you to experience a fuller flow of the falls before they close again around midday.
There is also a water raft service that brings you up close to the waterfalls if you want an even more immersive experience. There are signs that say no swimming, and while it’s best to stick to what it says, there are still those who happen to take a quick dip.
You can also expect to find little souvenir shops set up by local vendors on both sides of the falls if you want a small trinket to take back home.
It is a bit off the well traveled routes of Vietnam, located about 223km from the capital of Hanoi, but well worth adding this fun and unique outing to your list whenever you visit.
3) Kegon Falls, Japan
With an admirable height of more than 300 feet and twelve smaller waterfalls surrounding the main one, Kegon Falls is a sight to behold.
Ranked as one of Japan’s three most beautiful falls, visiting this fall is a must if you are ever in the Japanese city of Nikko.
You can observe this majestic fall from two different platforms.
The upper observation platform is a relatively easy walk to reach and is free of charge.
If you would like to get a more up-close and stunning view of the falls, then you’ll need to see it from the platform at the base of the falls. However, this platform comes with a fee.
To access this vantage point, you’ll have to get on a long elevator ride that takes you down more than 300 feet to the bottom of the falls, which many say is worth it.
To get an even more vibrant experience, it’s recommended to go around mid to late October as you’ll get to see the beautiful leaves surrounding the falls burst with colors.
If seeing the falls almost entirely frozen over is something more on your bucket list, then going in the winter is a must.
4) Elephant Falls, India
This charming waterfall got its name from the British when Englishmen spotted a rock that looked like an Elephant. Sadly, this rock was destroyed in an earthquake in 1897.
Located in Shillong, India, it is also known by its local given name, Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew, meaning “3-step waterfall” for the three levels you can explore as you venture around the falls, giving you a different perspective each time.
This scenic fall has some steep steps as you journey to the deepest but most beautiful level, making it definitely worth the trek.
There are also local shops and restaurants around to grab a bite to eat after you’ve made your way around this picturesque falls.
5) Duden Waterfall, Turkey
Located near the beautiful coastal city of Antalya, is the incredible Duden Waterfall.
When you visit you’ll find that this fall is actually two separate waterfalls known as the Upper and Lower Duden Waterfalls. Since they offer two different experiences, it’s recommended to visit both.
The Upper Duden Waterfall is nestled inside a nature park filled with lush greenery and rustic wooden benches making it perfect for a peaceful afternoon picnic.
While this fall is not very tall, standing only at around 65 feet, there is a more serene atmosphere created by the rich flora found in the park.
It also has a cave beneath the waterfall known as the “Cave of Wishes” that makes for a charming view of the falls.
After exploring, you will find that there are restaurants around that offer great food for an affordable price and stalls that sell local wares like vibrant Turkish bracelets.
The Lower Duden Waterfall offers a different adventure as the resplendent water flows from over 130 feet into the blue, Mediterranean sea below.
You can stand on a bridge right over the cascade to get some amazing pictures to show everyone back home.
If you’d like to get a more up close and immersive experience with this waterfall, you can go by boat (or even kayak) or you can go and enjoy a leisurely swim nearby.
6) Unchalli Falls, India
Surrounded by the lush greenery of the remote forests, Unchalli Falls, also known as Lushington Falls, has a unique and unusual shape with a powerful and thunderous flow making it a spectacular sight to take in.
There are three viewing platforms with the last one providing the best view of this spectacular hidden gem.
From there, you’ll be close enough to experience the sprays from the force of the fall. If you want to catch a rainbow shimmering across the fall’s mist, then going at midday might be your best bet.
Visiting around summertime is also one of the best times to experience it in its sheer fullness.
Even outside of the rainy season, Unchalli Falls remains a jewel to visit as it maintains a satisfying, cascading flow all year long.
It’s also relatively easy to access by car and is not a far trek from the parking lot, although the steps can get steep on the way down.
Be sure to get a taste of the delicious tea offered at the quaint shop near the gate on your way back after exploring this incredible waterfall.
7) Pearl Shoal Waterfall, China
Amidst the stunning and tranquil Jiuzhaigou national park, is the spectacular Pearl Shoal Waterfall with an impressive width of over 500 feet.
The mineral-rich water cascading over the fall gives it its unique cave-like texture.
Expect to make a small trek along the wooden walkway into the valley to experience the exuberant stream of water down the shoulders of the wide cliff.
This waterfall is picturesque from every angle.
If you want to experience the changing leaves which adds an even more idyllic tone to the scenery, it’s recommended to go in the fall.
In winter, you’ll be able to see this beautiful waterfall with the backdrop of amazing snow-capped mountains.
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