Waterfalls near Double Decker Living Root Bridge Nongriat
A challenging trek through lush forests leads to a powerful waterfall where rainbows dance in the mist, near the iconic Double Decker Living Root Brid...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Rainbows appear with sun
Waterfalls near Double Decker Living Root Bridge Nongriat
Best Time
Rainbows appear with sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging trek through lush forests leads to a powerful waterfall where rainbows dance in the mist, near the iconic Double Decker Living Root Bridge.
"The trek is challenging, but the view of the waterfall and the rainbow is worth the effort."
👟 Wear Sturdy Trekking Shoes
The path is steep and uneven. Good grip is essential for safety and comfort on the thousands of steps.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated during the long trek. Refreshment shops are available, but carrying your own is wise.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rainbow Falls
Near Nongriat village
Witness a mesmerizing rainbow in the mist of a powerful cascade, surrounded by lush forests. A truly magical sight!
Double Decker Living Root Bridge
Nongriat village
An iconic, man-made marvel of nature. Walk across this unique bridge formed from living tree roots.
Natural Pools
Along the trek route
Take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear natural pools scattered along the trek, perfect for a cool-down.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trek Difficulty & Fitness
Best Time for Rainbow Sightings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Trekking Shoes
The path is steep and uneven. Good grip is essential for safety and comfort on the thousands of steps.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated during the long trek. Refreshment shops are available, but carrying your own is wise.
💰 Bring Cash for Purchases
Internet connectivity is poor. You'll need cash for local shops and potential guide fees.
🥾 Consider a Local Guide
While some find it manageable, a guide can help with navigation and local insights.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Trekking Shoes
The path is steep and uneven. Good grip is essential for safety and comfort on the thousands of steps.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated during the long trek. Refreshment shops are available, but carrying your own is wise.
💰 Bring Cash for Purchases
Internet connectivity is poor. You'll need cash for local shops and potential guide fees.
🥾 Consider a Local Guide
While some find it manageable, a guide can help with navigation and local insights.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera or phone to capture the stunning views and the elusive rainbow.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The trek to Rainbow Falls is a challenging but rewarding adventure, praised for its stunning natural beauty and the iconic Double Decker Living Root Bridge. While the falls themselves are impressive, some find the extra trek may not fully justify the effort compared to other accessible waterfalls in Cherrapunji. The return journey is particularly strenuous.
"This trek is a little difficult specially when you are returning
Actully this trek is basically for Double decker live tree bridge that is around 3500 downhill and uphill mix steps
You get many refreshments shops on your way to this bridge
The view once you reach there is great its a kind of water fall where you can bath an relax
But if you have to see rainbow falls you need to trek more of around 4-6 km of up and down hills steps to reach rainbow falls
But that fall is beautiful with a immence pressure of water
Thats a big waterfall.
Rainbow is only visible in sunlight."
Ammar Waris
"Rainbow Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya. This waterfall, located very high above sea level, requires a trek of about 7 kilometers to reach. A very tough treking is required to reach here. The world's largest single living root bridge is located on this road. This will be a great experience with lots of great views. The world's largest living root bridge is located here. Nature has prepared many places for us to bathe along the way. Natural drinking water is also available along the route. We will travel about 14 kilometers more by the time we get there and back. Even if we travel this far, we will never get lost because we get such a great view there.
You can reach here with the help of a local guide. The lives of the people here were amazing to us."
Abshar VP
"The trek from Double Tucker Bridge takes about 1–2 hours and is of easy to moderate difficulty, so hiring a guide or local help isn’t really necessary.
At the falls, we weren’t allowed to bathe or get too close due to the strong water flow.
Be sure to carry enough cash since internet connectivity is poor in the mountains, and the uphill trek can get quite exhausting.
You’ll find local shops along the way, and snacks are reasonably priced"
Tiny Jacob
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trek typically starts from Tyrna village, which is accessible from Shillong or Cherrapunji. From Tyrna, you'll descend about 3,500 steps to Nongriat village, home of the Double Decker Living Root Bridge. Rainbow Falls is an additional 3-4 km trek from Nongriat. 
The most common starting point for the trek to Nongriat and Rainbow Falls is Tyrna village.
The trek from Tyrna to Nongriat village can take 2-3 hours, and the additional trek to Rainbow Falls takes another 1-2 hours. The return journey is significantly more challenging.
Shared taxis and buses are available from Shillong to Cherrapunji, and then local transport can take you to Tyrna village. It's advisable to confirm local transport options in advance.
Yes, you can hire taxis from Shillong or Cherrapunji to Tyrna village, but it will be more expensive than public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there are no specific entry fees for Rainbow Falls or the Double Decker Living Root Bridge themselves. However, local guides may charge a fee, and there might be small charges at refreshment stalls.
The trek is accessible during daylight hours. It's best to start early to avoid the midday sun and to have ample time for the return journey before dark.
No advance booking is required for the trek. It's a natural attraction, and you can visit anytime during daylight hours.
The rainbow is most likely to appear in the mist of the waterfall on sunny days. Midday hours with direct sunlight offer the best chances.
Currently, no special permits are required for this trek. However, it's always good to check for any local regulations before your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Swimming at Rainbow Falls is often restricted due to the strong water flow and safety concerns. However, there are natural pools along the trek where you can swim.
The trek is considered difficult, especially the return journey. It involves thousands of steep steps and uneven terrain. Good physical fitness is recommended.
Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing and sturdy trekking shoes with good grip. Carry a light backpack with essentials.
Yes, there are several small refreshment shops along the trek route selling snacks and drinks, which can also serve as resting spots.
Compared to some other popular waterfalls, Rainbow Falls tends to be less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience, especially if you visit during weekdays.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the falls and the surrounding landscape. Be patient for the rainbow to appear on sunny days.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
A durable camera or smartphone with good low-light capabilities is recommended. Consider a waterproof bag for your gear due to the mist.
Absolutely! The trek itself offers stunning views of the lush green valleys, the living root bridges, and the local villages.
The rainbow is best captured when the sun is shining directly on the mist of the waterfall. Try different angles to get the best shot. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do decide to undertake the trek with older children who are accustomed to hiking, ensure they have appropriate footwear and are well-hydrated. The natural pools along the way can be a fun reward for kids, but adult supervision is paramount. Consider breaking the journey into two days, staying overnight in Nongriat, to make it less strenuous.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Local refreshment stalls offer affordable snacks and drinks, and you can also find basic guesthouses in Nongriat village if you plan an overnight stay, making it a cost-effective adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Trek to Nongriat and Rainbow Falls
The highlight of the initial trek is reaching the Double Decker Living Root Bridge, a testament to the ingenuity of the local Khasi people who have guided the growth of tree roots over decades to form natural bridges. This iconic landmark is a must-see and a perfect spot for a brief rest and photos before continuing the journey.
+1From Nongriat, the trek to Rainbow Falls is an additional 3-4 kilometers, involving more ascents and descents through the forest. This section can be more strenuous, but the reward is the sight of the powerful waterfall and, if conditions are right, a vibrant rainbow in its spray.
Experiencing Rainbow Falls
However, the trek to Rainbow Falls is dotted with natural pools that offer a refreshing and safe alternative for a dip. These pools, carved by nature, provide a perfect spot to cool off and relax amidst the lush greenery. The sound of the cascading water and the vibrant surroundings make for a truly immersive nature experience.
The best time to witness the rainbow is during sunny daylight hours when the sunlight interacts with the water droplets. Patience is key, as the appearance of the rainbow can be fleeting. The relative remoteness of Rainbow Falls means it's often less crowded than other tourist spots, allowing for a more peaceful and personal encounter with nature's beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit