A waterfall is a point in a river or stream where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of steep drops. Waterfalls also occur where meltwater drops over the edge of a tabular iceberg or ice shelf.
Waterfalls can be formed in several ways, but the most common method of formation is that a river courses over a top layer of resistant bedrock before falling on to softer rock, which erodes faster, leading to an increasingly high fall. Waterfalls have been studied for their impact on species living in and around them.
1. Hannoki-no-taki & Shomyo Waterfalls
The Shomyo Waterfall (Shomyo-daki [称名滝]; Shomyo Great Falls or just Shomyo Falls) and Hannoki Waterfall (Hannoki-no-taki [榛の木の滝]; Hannoki Falls) comprised the twin towers of waterfalls in the Japan Alps. Shomyo Daki was said to the tallest permanent waterfall in Japan at a cumulative height of 350m.
Toyama, Japan
350m above sea level
2. Karom, Nam Tok
Karom, Nam Tok is a 1,300-foot (396 m) waterfall that originates in the Nakhon Si Thammarat mountain range of Thailand. It is considered the second tallest waterfall in Asia. It is a fairly steep cascade with 19 drops (or tiers), but only seven of these drops are open to the public.
Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
396m above sea level
3. Nohkalikai Falls
Nohkalikai Falls is the tallest plunge waterfall in India. Its height is 340 metres (1,115 ft). The waterfall is located in the Indian state of Meghalaya, near Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth. Nohkalikai Falls are fed by the rainwater collected on the summit of a comparatively small plateau and decrease in power during the dry season, from December to February. Below the falls is a plunge pool with water of an unusual shade of green.
Meghalaya, India
340m above sea level
4. Aliwagwag Falls
Few probably know that Davao Oriental is the easternmost province of the country, surrounded by the Philippine Sea and part of the Pacific Ocean. This beautiful province still has a lot of untouched wilderness and thus holds a lot of nature's wonders just waiting to be discovered. The majestic Aliwagwag Falls is one such wonder that has drawn experienced adventurers and casual tourists from all over. Found in Barangay Aliwagwag in the town of Cateel, this truly enchanting sight is said to be the highest falls in the country, but is actually composed of 84 smaller falls of various heights and widths. Fed by an expansive series of natural springs and streams, the same natural water system is also the source of the town's drinking water, being very clean and clear. The water collects and runs through the maze of weathered rock formations throughout its 1,110-foot length.
Philippines
340m above sea level
5. Langshiang Falls
The Langshiang Falls is located near the village of Sangriang, 24 kilometres (15 mi) from Nongstoin, in West Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It can also be seen from Mawpon village. The total height of the falls is generally quoted at around 337 metres (1,106 ft). However, that needs to be confirmed. Considering the height to be correct, it is the 3rd highest waterfalls in India. Langshiang, about 24-25 km from Nongstoin, is about 30 minutes walk from Sangriang village. The Mighty Kynshi River after splitting and forms the 2nd largest River Island in Asia meets somewhere on the upstream side of Langchong (Langshiang) area. The river passes through a valley and forms a pool called ‘Wei Spi’ and is surrounded by breathtaking giant cliff. The river then divert it downstream to a deep gorge forming one of the highest and biggest waterfall in the state popularly known as the ‘Langshiang Falls’ or ‘kshaid Ur-Nar’. It offers one of the best panoramic views of the green lawn hills nearby and surrounding by hamlets including the village of Mawpon. Langchong consist of some falls, closer to wei spi there are two waterfalls called the ‘kshaid chong’ falls and ‘wei spi’ falls. As the river flows downstream, it goes through deep gorge and there is an upcoming project known as the Kynshi HEP. The project will significantly enhance development and secondary benefits like boost to tourism.
Meghalaya, India
337m above sea level
6. Tone Teh, Nam Tok
The park's most popular attraction is Tat Ton waterfall, 6 metres (20 ft) high but expanding to 50 metres (160 ft) width during the rainy season months from May to October. Other waterfalls in the park include Tat Fa, Pha Lang and Pha Song Chan.
Mueang, Thailand
320m above sea level
7. Mawsmai Falls
Mount Heng, also known by its Chinese name Hengshan, is a mountain in north-central China's Shanxi Province, known as the northern mountain of the Five Great Mountains of China. Heng Shan in Shanxi Province is sometimes known as the Northern Heng Shan, and the one in Hunan Province as Southern Heng Shan. Both mountains have the same pronunciation in Chinese, and the Southern Heng Shan is also one of the Five Sacred Mountains.
Meghalaya, India
315m above sea level
8. Dudhsagar Falls
Dudhsagar Falls (lit. 'Sea of Milk') is a four-tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River in the Indian state of Goa. It is 60 km from Panaji by road and is located on the Belgavi–Vasco Da Gama rail route about 46 km east of Madgaon and 80 km south of Belgavi. Dudhsagar Falls is amongst India's tallest waterfalls with a height of 310 m (1017 feet) and an average width of 30 metres (100 feet). The falls is located in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park among the Western Ghats. The waterfall is located in the state of Goa. The falls is a punctuation mark in the journey of the Mandovi River from the Western Ghats to Panjim where it meets the Arabian sea. The area is surrounded by deciduous forests with rich biodiversity. This waterfall is also known as Tambdi Surla to some of the local people. The falls are not particularly spectacular during the dry season but during the monsoon season, however, the falls are fed by rains and form a huge force of water.
Goa/Karnātaka, India
310m above sea level
9. Kynrem Falls
The Kynrem Falls is located 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from Cherrapunji in East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is situated inside the Thangkharang Park. It is the 7th highest waterfalls in India. The Kynrem Falls is a three-tiered waterfall, with water falling from a height of 305 metres (1,001 ft). The fall spreads out in two different streams or rivulets with each of them gaining momentum by getting merged while flowing down the last leg of the third tier.
Meghalaya, India
305m above sea level
10. Changbanpo Falls
Changbanpo Falls, with a height of 984 feet, is China’s tallest waterfall. Dalong Qui Pubu and Flying Phoenix are China’s second and third tallest waterfalls, respectively. Waterfalls between the border of China and Vietnam.
Zhejiang, China
300m above sea level
11. Chelik, Sungei
Chelik Waterfalls. It is a high and vertical waterfall in Perak State’s rain forest that takes 45 minutes to reach.
Malaysia
300m above sea level
12. Meenmutty Falls
Meenmutty Falls is located 29 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad District in the state of Kerala, India. It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres. Meenmutty is a combination of Malayalam words Meen (fish) and Mutty (blocked). Meenmutty Falls can be accessed from Mananthavady - Kuttiady road . Meenmutty waterfalls are dangerous during rainy seasons due to high inflow and many people have drowned since 1991. Meenmutty falls is surrounded by Lush green tea plantations making the hike to the falls a memorable experience to the tourists.
Kerala, India
300m above sea level
13. Thalaiyar Falls
Thalaiyar Falls, also known as Rat Tail Falls is a waterfall Located in the Theni District,which flows as Manjalar River, one of the tributaries of Vaigai river which flows in the south of Tamil Nadu State, South India.see the beautiful view of Thalaiyar Falls and Manjalar Dam of Theni district From the Kodaikanal road also it is one of best view Point.It is 975 ft (297 m) tall and is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, the Nineth highest waterfall in India and the 267th highest in the world.
Tamil Nadu, India
297m above sea level
14. Hagoromo-no-taki
apan is known for its sensuous, curvaceous waterfalls and Hagoromo Falls does nothing to upset that stereotype. What makes Hagoromo so unique is its size coupled with its grace. Standing about 820 feet tall, Hagoromo Falls is the tallest on the island of Hokkaido and is presumed the third tallest waterfall in Japan based on what we currently know. The falls actually consist of two streams, the Chuubetsu Kawa and an unnamed tributary, which merge halfway down the falls and continue on as one stream over the final leaps. The Chuubetsu Kawa falls over four distinct drops to form the bulk of the fall before the unnamed tributary enters in a single horsetailing fall of about half the height of the four drops opposite. The combined waters then fall over five additional steps and terminate in the pool below the overlook.
Hokkaido, Japan
250m above sea level
