The falls from the bottom
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Wei Sawdong Falls Mawsynram

4.7
·4k reviews·Cherrapunji, India

Meghalaya's stunning Wei Sawdong Falls, a three-tiered cascade into mesmerizing turquoise pools, offering a rewarding trek and a refreshing swim.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

October to February mornings

Clear skies, clean water

CrowdLow
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The falls from the bottom

Wei Sawdong Falls Mawsynram

Best Time

October to February mornings

Clear skies, clean water

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Meghalaya's stunning Wei Sawdong Falls, a three-tiered cascade into mesmerizing turquoise pools, offering a rewarding trek and a refreshing swim.

4.7
(4k reviews)

"Imagine if nature had its own Michelin Guide, the Wei Sawdong Falls would’ve been awarded three stars."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key

The trek is steep and can be slippery. Wear good grip shoes to avoid falls.

🛟 Swim Safely with Jackets

Life jackets are available for rent if you plan to swim in the beautiful pools.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Three-Tiered Cascade

The Three-Tiered Cascade

Main waterfall area

Witness nature's architectural marvel as water gracefully descends in three distinct, mesmerizing levels.

Crystal-Clear Aquamarine Pools

Crystal-Clear Aquamarine Pools

Base of the falls

Dive into the stunning, square-shaped pools with unbelievably clear, turquoise waters perfect for a refreshing dip.

The Scenic Descent

The Scenic Descent

Trek path

Experience a rewarding trek down a well-maintained path with bamboo stairs and railings, offering glimpses of the lush surroundings.

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Planning Your Visit

Trek Smart, Trek Safe

The trek to Wei Sawdong Falls is steep and can be slippery, especially after rain. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip and consider a walking stick. Life jackets are available for rent if you plan to swim in the pools. Reddit

Best Visit Times & What to Pack

Visit between October and February for clear skies and clean water. Avoid peak monsoons. Carry water, snacks, and a sense of adventure, as there are no shops nearby. Reddit

Best Times

When
October to February mornings
Why
Clear skies, clean water
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Less crowded, good light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

What was meant to be a romantic honeymoon in the scenic hills of Meghalaya turned into a horrifying tragedy. Sonam and Raja Raghuvanshi, a newlywed couple from Indore, had just begun their journey as husband and wife when Raja mysteriously vanished during a trek near the famous Wei Sawdong Falls. Days later, his decomposed body was found in a deep gorge, his throat slit and belongings missing. Wha...
@inthespotlightshow1
43.5K likes • 1.5M views

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key

The trek is steep and can be slippery. Wear good grip shoes to avoid falls. Reddit

🛟 Swim Safely with Jackets

Life jackets are available for rent if you plan to swim in the beautiful pools. Reddit

ਮੇਘਾਲਿਆ ਦਾ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਖੂਬਸੂਰਤ ਝਰਨਾ 😍 Meghalaya’s Beautiful Waterfall “Wei Sawdong Falls” . . . . . . . . #meghalaya #weisawdong #punjabireels #punjabitraveller #backpackeranmol #punjabivlogger #punjabisongs #punjabihitchhiker . . . . . . [ meghalaya, wei sawdong falls, punjabi songs, punjabi reels, backpacker anmol, waterfall, punjabi traveller, punjabi hitchhiker ]
backpacker_anmol
107.6K likes • 722.1K views
📍Wei sawdong Falls, Meghalaya ~ double tap 🌍 - Follow @sandsandsummit for more such content daily. - Credit : - Follow @sandsandsummit Follow @sandsandsummit Follow @sandsandsummit - #Meghalaya #NortheastIndia #IncredibleIndia #ExploreMeghalaya #MeghalayaTourism #IndiaTravel #Shillong #Cherrapunji #LivingRootBridges #SevenSistersFalls #UmiamLake #Dawki #Mawsynram #NohkalikaiFalls #MeghalayaDiar...
sandsandsummit
25 likes • 135 views

💧 Pack Essentials

Carry water and snacks as there are no shops near the falls. Reddit

🚗 Smart Parking

Park at the trek start point for free to save on fees and walking time. Reddit

reddit.com

Wei Sawdong Falls, Meghalaya, India

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key

The trek is steep and can be slippery. Wear good grip shoes to avoid falls. Reddit

🛟 Swim Safely with Jackets

Life jackets are available for rent if you plan to swim in the beautiful pools. Reddit

💧 Pack Essentials

Carry water and snacks as there are no shops near the falls. Reddit

🚗 Smart Parking

Park at the trek start point for free to save on fees and walking time. Reddit

📸 Insta-Worthy Views

The multi-tiered cascade and clear pools offer incredible photo opportunities. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Wei Sawdong Falls, calling it an 'absolutely breathtaking' and 'one of the most amazing waterfalls in India.' The unique three-tiered cascade and crystal-clear turquoise pools are consistently praised. While the trek is steep, most find it manageable and well worth the effort for the stunning natural beauty and the chance to swim. Reddit

"Absolutely breathtaking. You have to trek for 20-25 minutes to get there. The waterfall forms a pool in the downstream. Swimming is allowed in the pool with life jacket. Jackets are available for rent for INR. 100/-. Entry pass is 50 per head. Parking facility for 4W is poor and road is narrow."

Kiran C M

"3 deck waterfall, with an option to swim.
A little steep and good 30 mins trek down to reach the waterfall, but definitely worth it, clear blue waters, mesmerizing.

And yes close to half way there's a view point, if you don't want to go down"

Abhay Mandot.

"Imagine if nature had its own Michelin Guide, the Wei Sawdong Falls would’ve been awarded three stars – one for each tier of its jaw-dropping, Insta-breaking cascade. Hidden away in the emerald hills near Sohra (Cherrapunjee), this waterfall doesn’t just fall – it struts down in style, like it's walking the ramp in a Victoria’s Secret show for nature.

So, What’s the Hype?
The name “Wei Sawdong” comes from the Khasi words – ‘Wei’ meaning pool and ‘Sawdong’ meaning square-shaped – which is exactly what you'll find: a multi-tiered, crystal-clear, aquamarine waterfall flowing into square-shaped rock pools that look like they were carved out by a fussy architect.

It's like Mother Nature went OCD with her geometry set here.

But First, The Trek!
Now don’t get too dreamy just yet – the trek down to Wei Sawdong is not for the faint of knees. It’s a steep descent, with a semi-treacherous bamboo staircase that makes you question your life choices (and your shoe grip). But once you reach the bottom, all complaints dissolve faster than a Maggi noodle in boiling water.

Picture This:
- Water cascading in three perfect levels.
- Turquoise pools reflecting sunlight like liquid sapphire.
- Mist in the air giving everything a dreamy, ‘just-add-a-flute’ kind of vibe.

Notes of Wit & Wisdom:
- Avoid during peak monsoons unless you fancy a mudslide adventure.
- Best time to visit: October to February – when the water’s clean, the skies are clear, and your selfies will thank you.
- No shops around, so carry water, some trail snacks, and your sense of humor.

The Final Verdict:
Wei Sawdong isn’t just a waterfall — it’s a full-blown natural theatre performance, with gravity playing the lead. It's wild, it's romantic, it’s exhausting (the trek!), but totally worth it. For anyone visiting Meghalaya, skipping Wei Sawdong is like going to Paris and ignoring the Eiffel Tower because you saw it on Google."

Rajdeep Dutta

What People Like

Breathtaking three-tiered falls
Crystal-clear turquoise pools
Rewarding trek experience

What People Dislike

Steep and slippery trek
Poor parking facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wei Sawdong Falls is located near Sohra (Cherrapunjee). You can hire a taxi or a private cab from Shillong, which takes about 2-3 hours. The drive itself is scenic, passing through the beautiful landscapes of Meghalaya. Reddit

Public transport options are limited. Hiring a private vehicle is the most convenient way to reach the falls. Shared taxis might be available to Sohra, from where you'd need to arrange local transport. Reddit

The roads leading to the general area are generally good, but the final approach to the parking can be narrow and parking facilities are sometimes poor. Reddit

Yes, you can reach the falls by bike, but be prepared for potentially narrow and winding roads. Ensure your bike is in good condition for hilly terrain. Instagram

Yes, there is a designated trek start point. It's recommended to park your vehicle here to save time and avoid extra walking. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry fee is typically around INR 50 per person. This fee helps in maintaining the site and the pathways. Reddit

Yes, if you wish to swim in the pools, you'll need to rent a life jacket, which costs approximately INR 100. Reddit

The falls are generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to fully appreciate the scenery and for safety during the trek. Reddit

Tickets are usually purchased on-site. It's advisable to check for any recent updates on booking procedures closer to your travel date. Reddit

While there might be designated parking areas, it's often recommended to park at the trek start point for free. Some parking areas might have a fee. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The trek down to the falls takes about 20-30 minutes, and the return trek uphill takes a similar amount of time. It's a moderate trek with some steep sections. Reddit

While it's a steep descent, the path is well-maintained with wooden planks and railings. Most people, even those with moderate fitness, can manage it. Reddit

Yes, swimming is allowed in the clear pools at the base of the falls. Life jackets are mandatory for safety and available for rent. Reddit

Yes, there is a viewpoint about halfway down the trek that offers stunning views of the falls if you prefer not to descend all the way. Reddit

The multi-tiered cascade and the vibrant turquoise water make for excellent photo opportunities. Consider visiting during the day for good lighting. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining

No, there are no shops or food stalls directly at the falls or on the trek path. It's essential to carry your own food and water. Reddit

You can find local Khasi cuisine, as well as North Indian and other popular Indian dishes in the towns of Mawsynram and Cherrapunjee. Reddit

Absolutely. Packing energy bars, fruits, or other light snacks is highly recommended to keep you fueled during the trek. Reddit

The nearest towns, Sohra (Cherrapunjee) and Mawsynram, offer various local eateries and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. Reddit

While there isn't a designated picnic area, you can enjoy your packed snacks at the viewpoint or at the base, ensuring you clean up after yourself. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the full three tiers from a distance, and get closer to photograph the vibrant turquoise pools. The surrounding greenery also adds to the shots. Instagram+1

Be cautious when taking photos on the trek path, especially on the steep and slippery sections. Prioritize safety and use railings for support. Reddit

Mid-morning to early afternoon offers good natural light that highlights the water's color. However, early mornings can be less crowded for unobstructed shots. Reddit

A smartphone with good camera capabilities is sufficient for most visitors. If you have a DSLR, consider a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or the tourism department before flying a drone for aerial shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Wei Sawdong Falls can be a wonderful experience for families, but parents should be aware of the trek's nature. The descent is steep and can be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. However, the path is well-maintained with railings, making it manageable with supervision. Reddit

Consider the viewpoint as an alternative if the full trek seems too strenuous for your family. If you do descend, ensure children wear appropriate footwear and are closely supervised, especially near the water. The opportunity to swim (with life jackets) can be a highlight for older children. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are limited. Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers

Wei Sawdong Falls is a fantastic destination for solo travelers looking for natural beauty and a bit of adventure. The trek is well-marked and generally safe, and the opportunity to swim in the clear pools is a unique experience. Reddit

As you'll be traveling solo, it's always wise to inform someone of your itinerary. While the falls are not typically known for being overly crowded, especially outside peak season, being prepared with essentials like water and snacks is crucial. The scenic beauty and the refreshing swim make it a memorable solo excursion. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photography enthusiasts, Wei Sawdong Falls offers a spectacular canvas. The unique three-tiered cascade and the vibrant, almost unreal, turquoise pools are incredibly photogenic. The surrounding emerald-green foliage adds to the visual appeal. Instagram+1

Aim to visit during daylight hours for optimal lighting. Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the falls and the intricate details of the pools. The trek itself also presents opportunities for interesting shots of the natural landscape and the bamboo pathways. Remember to protect your gear from water splashes and mist. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Trek to Wei Sawdong Falls

The journey to Wei Sawdong Falls involves a rewarding trek that is often described as a highlight in itself. The path is a descent, meaning the return journey is an uphill climb. It's characterized by steep sections, with well-constructed bamboo staircases and railings providing support. Travelers often mention the need for good grip footwear due to the potential slipperiness, especially after rain. Reddit

While the trek is manageable for most, it requires a moderate level of fitness. The effort is consistently described as 'worth it' once you reach the breathtaking sight of the falls. There's also a viewpoint about halfway down, offering a stunning perspective for those who may not wish to complete the full descent. Reddit

Key takeaway: Prepare for a moderate, steep trek. Wear appropriate shoes, take your time, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. The well-maintained path makes it accessible, but caution is advised. Reddit

Swimming and Safety at the Falls

Wei Sawdong Falls is renowned for its crystal-clear, aquamarine pools at its base, which are perfect for a refreshing swim. The water is described as mesmerizing and inviting. However, safety is paramount, and visitors are required to use life jackets when swimming. Reddit

Life jackets are available for rent at the bottom of the falls for a nominal fee, typically around INR 100. This ensures that visitors can enjoy the water safely. The pools themselves are described as square-shaped, adding to the unique natural beauty of the site. Reddit

Important Note: Always heed the advice of local guides or staff regarding water conditions. While swimming is permitted, be aware of the currents and depth. The rental of life jackets is a crucial safety measure to be taken seriously. Reddit

Photography Tips for Wei Sawdong Falls

Wei Sawdong Falls is a photographer's dream, with its unique three-tiered cascade and vibrant turquoise pools. The best time for photography is generally during the day when natural light illuminates the water's stunning color. Early mornings can offer fewer crowds, allowing for unobstructed shots. InstagramReddit+1

When capturing the falls, try to frame the entire three-tiered structure for a sense of scale. Get closer to highlight the clarity and color of the pools. The surrounding lush greenery also provides a beautiful contrast. Consider using a wide-angle lens if you have one to capture the grandeur of the entire scene. Instagram

Pro Tip: Be mindful of your surroundings and safety while taking photos, especially on the slippery trek path. Ensure your camera or phone is protected from mist and water splashes. Reddit

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