Kuang Si waterfall a beautiful waterfall dropping down over the rocks, on different traps, becoming wider every time it comes further down, with trees on both sides
Asia,  Waterfalls

The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Asia

From chasing waterfalls in North America to South America and then Africa, we’ve now arrived in Asia. I’ve asked my fellow travel bloggers which are the most beautiful waterfalls in Asia and they came up with these 24 Asian waterfalls.

Are you still missing some waterfalls? Feel free to comment below and they can be added to the list.

Waterfalls in Asia

Kuang Si Waterfall, Laos

Kuang Si waterfall a beautiful waterfall dropping down over the rocks, on different traps, becoming wider every time it comes further down, with trees on both sides
Kuang Si waterfall by Top Travel Sights

Contributed by Daniel & Ilona from Top Travel Sights.

The Kuang Si waterfall in Laos, near Luang Prabang, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Asia. With its light blue water and lots of pools to swim in, it is considered one of the highlights of a trip to Luang Prabang.

Below the falls, you can already find the first pools to swim in. Locals have installed a rope swing for you to enjoy. The changing rooms are also here, allowing you to change into your swimwear and into appropriate clothes afterwards.

Don’t just stay at the bottom of the falls, though. If you cross the bridge to the other side of the river, you will notice a narrow path up. The steps can be wet and slippery, but the 15-minute walk to the top is well worth it.

In the upper section, in the middle of a pool, you can find a viewing platform. From here, at the top of the falls, you can enjoy the spectacular view of the jungle and the river.

The entrance costs 20,000 kip (around 2 USD) and also includes admission to a nearby bear rescue centre.

Next to this beautiful waterfall, one of our favorite coffee shops in the world is also in Luang Prabang.

Tad Yuang Waterfall, Laos

Tad Yuang Waterfall a fall flowing and dropping donwn over rocks/cliff with several traps, green moss on a large part of the rock
Tad Yuang Waterfall by Beyond the Bucketlist

Contributed by Geena from Beyond the Bucketlist.

When it comes to finding scenic powerful falls in Asia sometimes it helps to get off the beaten path a bit. Unless you want to share your views with hundreds of other tourists that is. Tad Yuang Waterfall might just be the slice of serene nature you’re looking for. 

Tad Yuang is located in the rarely visited Southern region of Laos near the town of Pakse. There are loads of waterfalls in this region but Tad Yuang is a thundering swimmable little oasis. Reaching this waterfall is for the adventurous. You’ll have to rent a motorbike from town and drive a portion of the Bolaven Loop to reach the falls. And if you feel comfortable on the saddle of a motorbike, I highly recommend driving the Thakhek Loop, as it’s easily my favorite experience in Laos. An example of road trips on motorbikes. There are several other impressive falls in the area and you can easily make a day of waterfall hopping. But of the falls in the area, Tad Luang is the most impressive and at only 10,000 Kip (or about $1) it’s also a steal for budget travelers. 

You’ll spend your day reveling in the power of the cascading falls, swimming and rock hopping in the basin, as well as hiking along the crest to get the best view of the landscape around you. It’s the perfect way to spend a hot Laos day. 

Sekumpul Waterfall, Bali, Indonesia

Sekumpul Fall, dropping down on 3 places over green covered rocks. A woman standing at the base of the waterfalls
Sekumpul Fall by Digital Travel Couple

Contributed by Ilse from Digital Travel Couple.

Sekumpul waterfall is one of the beautiful Bali waterfalls and is located in the north of the island. With the lush surroundings, hanging vines and its impressive height, power and beauty, Sekumpul will give you the Jurassic Park jungle vibes. A total of three water streams pour about 80 meters down into a shallow pool. If you want to, you can take a dip in the pool. But be prepared for all the spray coming from the waterfall!

You can easily get to the parking lot of Sekumpul from where it takes about 20 – 30 minutes to walk down on concrete stairs to get to the bottom of the waterfall. Be careful because the stairs can be slippery. The entrance fee for Sekumpul waterfall is 20,000 Rupiah which is about $1,50. 

Besides the main waterfall Sekumpul, there are more waterfalls to explore in this area. There’s a hidden waterfall in a canyon before you get to Sekumpul. And right around the corner of Sekumpul you can find the so called Fiji waterfalls.

Tiu Kelep, Lombok, Indonesia

Tiu Kelep several streams dropping down the rock, one stream higher than the rest. A woman in bathing suit in front of it from the back, with green moss on the rocks
Tiu Kelep by A World of Destinations

Contributed by Maria from A World of Destinations.

Tiu Kelep is an impressive waterfall located in the North of Lombok island in the village Senaru. There’s an entrance fee of about 1€ – don’t fall for rip-offs where locals try to overcharge you. You can either book a guided tour to the waterfall or you explore it by yourself. Be aware that some tour guides might talk you into hiring them by telling you it’s too difficult to find the way by yourself. If you’ve ever hiked before in your life, you’ll be fine without a guide though.

Wear comfortable shoes when visiting Tiu Kelep because you’ll be hiking for about an hour to get there. 15 minutes into the hike, you’ll pass the smaller waterfall Sendang Gile. Keep walking for 45 more minutes and you’ll get to the more impressive Tiu Kelep. Once you reached Tiu Kelep you might dare to cool down in the ice-cold water. However, it’s not really a place to go swimming as the water is very shallow.

Being in Senaru already, you could combine the trip with hiking Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second highest volcano. The trail to Mount Rinjani starts in Senaru as well.

Melanting Waterfall, Bali, Indonesia

Melanting Waterfall a small(ler) fall dropping down deep surrounded by lots of lush greens. A man with a child on his shoulders looking at the fall, with their backs to us
Melanting Waterfall by World of Travel With Kids

Contributed by Ariana from World of Travels With Kids.

We loved trekking to the Melanting Waterfall near Munduk Bali – in fact it was one of our very favourite, off the beaten track experiences in Bali.  

Munduk itself is located in the middle of the island of Bali and is 1.5 hour drive from Ubud (even though it is a tiny distance on the map!) or 2.5 hours from Kuta, and we stayed in some restored rice storage houses in the hills above the village of Munduk.  There are a lot of hikes around Munduk, especially to the waterfalls (there are several of them) and through the rice paddies.   You could make a trip to Munduk Waterfall as a daytrip – or ride a scooter there – and do a short walk in to the Waterfall, but you would miss what makes the experience special. For us,  hiking through the countryside, and learning about the native plants growing, and the farmer’s crops like Cloves, was what made the day so special.

We hiked to two waterfalls during a morning with children aged 3 and 6, and while sticky and hot it was a wonderful experience.  We saw hardly any other tourists and everyone moved along pretty quickly.  We’d intended to swim at one of the falls, but it was far too strong and powerful when we saw it!

There was a small entry fee, about $1 Australian, so less than 1 USD. 

Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall, Bali, Indonesia

Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall, several streams flowing down over lush green rocks.
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall by A Nomad’s Passport

Contributed by Steph from A Nomad’s Passport.

Banyu Wana Amertha waterfall is located in the North of Bali in the Buleleng region. Unlike the other waterfalls in this area, this one is a real hidden gem and not overrun. There are a total of four waterfalls in the valley and to see them you have to pay an entrance fee of 30K IDR (approx. 2 USD). As you walk towards the falls, you venture through plantations full of trees. A walk that is well worth the entrance fee by itself.

While all four waterfalls are amazing, Banyu Wana Amertha is the most beautiful of them.

The streams of this waterfall cascade down a mossy cliff before reuniting in a shallow pool at the foot of the falls. It is a stunning sight and therefore a real highlight of Bali.

While there, one should also venture to the other three falls of the valley. Bhuna Sari waterfall in only 75m away and a single stream that crashes down from a high cliff.

Meanwhile the Twin Waterfalls are a pretty sight and a nice place for a picnic in nature. The tallest waterfall is the Spray Waterfall, which also happens to be the best place to go for a swim in the valley.

Other places to see in the area include the Ulun Danu Beratan temple, the Wanagiri Hidden Hills and the Banyumala Twin Waterfall.

Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, Java, Indonesia

Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, multiple streams flowing and dropping down in between lush green
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall by Cassie the Hag

Contributed by Cassie from Cassie the Hag.

My favourite waterfall in Asia is undoubtedly Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. And this isn’t just because it happens to be THE most scenic falls I’ve ever visited, but because of the experience getting down to the bottom. While the viewpoint at the top is stunning – and the best way to take a photo, since the spray at the bottom is rather aggressive (yet refreshing!) – taking the hike down to the bottom is quite an adventure. The 40-minute hike down includes a series of half-rotten ladders and ropes to help you clamber over rocks, as you tread over smaller waterfalls and streams.

At the bottom, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is seen in all its glory – the huge falls, magnificent in their jungle setting, roar down the cliffs and tumble in a huge semi-circle around you. The experience was very unique and memorable.

The easiest way to visit the falls is on a day trip from Malang, where you can get a car or motorbike driver. You can read more about how to get to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall here. Combining the trip with Kipas Biru Waterfall – impressive in its own right – will make for quite the workout but it’s well worth it!   

Mae Ya Waterfall, Thailand

Mae Ya Waterfall a waterfall flowing down over several tieres down
Mae Ya Waterfall by Jürgen Reichenpfader

Contributed by Martina & Jürgen from PlacesofJuma.

The Mae Ya Waterfall is probably one of the most impressive attractions in Thailand and a real highlight among the most beautiful waterfalls in Asia. Located inside the Doi Inthanon National Park in the north of the country, but a bit off the tourist route, this waterfall is one of the absolute most beautiful natural wonders of the region. So this place is still an absolute insider tip. Visitors are absolutely thrilled by this immense natural beauty.

From around 30 levels the Mae Ya Waterfall plunges over 250 meters into the depth and is therefore one of the largest waterfalls in Thailand. If you like, you can even take a refreshing bath at the river of the waterfall, or just enjoy the wonderful ambience and take some amazing pictures.

The best way to get to this waterfall is from Chiang Mai either with a guided tour, or even better with a rental car. It is about 75 kilometers away from Chiang Mai and there are plenty of parking spaces. The Mae Ya waterfall can be reached by a short 20-minute hike from the parking lot through a beautiful deciduous forest.

Wachirathan Falls, Thailand

Wachirathan Waterfall a rainbow in front of the falls, dropping down on rocks from a wide cliff
Wachirathan Waterfall by Dr Jam Travels

Contributed by Džangir from Dr Jam Travels.

Wachirathan Falls aka Diamond Creek are a set of waterfalls in Chiang Mai region as part of Doi Inthanon National Park. Usually one would take a one day trip to the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon, from Chiang Mai with an agency or rent a motorbike to visit the national park. After 90 minutes and 80 kilometers you will arrive at the parking lot. From there it is a short walk to the waterfall.

All cascades together are 80 meters high, with the biggest one being half of that sum.It is quite impressive and with a strong flow that creates mist around it and creates a rainbow. You can walk around the waterfall. It would take around 30 minutes to visit. Be careful while it can be slippery because of all humidity. From here the trip would continue to the highest peak (2565 meters) and King and Queen Pagodas that are there. Also detours are possible for other waterfall, visit to the rice fields, woods covered in moss, or stop for a lunch.

Bua Thong Waterfalls, Thailand

Contributed by Chris from More Life in Your Days.

The Bua Thong Waterfalls near to Chiang Mai (Thailand) must be one of the most unusual waterfalls in Asia. There are loads of beautiful waterfalls, but not that many that can claim to be sticky!

And when I say sticky I mean, you can climb them like you are Spiderman sticky.

They are one of the most popular attractions in the area and are known by everyone as simply ‘Sticky Falls’. They are about an hour drive from town in the Rainbow Spring Forest Park.

The stickiness comes from the way that water flows over the porous limestone rocks leaving behind an unusually grippy residue. The result is a truly surreal experience where you can wander about with an almost magical level of grip over rocks that you would usually expect to be treacherously slippery. 

It’s a lot of fun and what is even better is that there is no entrance fee and as there are also some short hikes to do here through the forest. 

Most people visit the falls as part of a tour and it can be combined with various other attractions on a Chiang Mai itinerary, but it is also possible to arrange your own transport to get here.

Erawan Waterfall, Thailand

Erawan Falls, on the right a waterfall drops down in a lake/pool, that turns into a river
Erawan Falls by Worldwide Walkers

Contributed by Cecilie from Worldwide Walkers.

Erawan Waterfall is one of the most unique waterfalls in Thailand. It’s famous for its 7 different tiers of which you can visit by hiking through the jungle. All of the waterfalls are formed differently, yet they all have the same beautiful emerald pools in common.

It’s possible to swim in all of the waterfalls. In some of them you can even find the Garra Rufa, which is the fish used in Fish Spas. 

But if you’re uncomfortable with the fish or if some of the waterfalls seem too crowded with people, you can always move on to the next waterfall. That’s the beauty of Erawan – you have so many options that you can choose exactly which waterfall fits you.

Erawan Falls is located in Erawan National Park, and it’s easily reached on a day trip from Kanchanaburi or with a tour from Bangkok. The entrance fee to the National park is 300 Baht for foreigners. For that money you can spend a whole day swimming in beautiful blue waterfalls, hiking through Thailand’s lush jungle, and get a free fish pedicure.

Arslanbob Falls, Kyrgyzstan

Arslanbob Fall, a fall that drops down from the rocks on the rocks, with green around
Arslanbob Fall by Backpack Adventures

Contributed by Ellis from Backpack Adventures.

Arslanbob is a small little town in the South of Kyrgyzstan. It would have been a simple farmers community if not for its spectacular surroundings. At the foot of the Baba Atash mountains with large walnut tree forests and several waterfalls it’s one of the most scenic villages in the country. 

The waterfalls near Arslanbob are its most popular attraction. The smallest waterfall is an easy hike from the town center and attracts both local as well as foreign tourists. A bit further away is an even larger waterfall, but this requires a bit of a challenging hike up a mountain. The rewards are well worth the effort though. There are scenic views all along the way and at the end you finally get to see the waterfall.

There are more reasons to visit Arslanbob. Besides the waterfalls, Arslanbob is also famous for its walnut forests that are some of the largest in central Asia. In autumn almost everyone in town helps out with the annual harvest and this is a great time to visit the forests around Arslanbob. 

Due to a well-organized community based tourism initiative the town also has several welcoming homestays that give you a good sense of rural life in Kyrgyzstan as well as a chance to taste delicious home cooked dishes. You will notice the people of Arslanbob are proud of their village and it is not difficult to understand why. 

The Rain Vortex, Singapore

Rain Vortex, a fall drops down from a decorated glass ceiling, inside a large room, with trees and a monorail on the left
Rain Vortex by Groovy Mashed Potatoes

Contributed by Cecily from Groovy Mashed Potatoes.

Seeing the Rain Vortex located in the Singapore Changi Airport is a reason alone to extend your layover time in the city. The 130-foot tall waterfall was designed by Moshe Safdie and is the tallest indoor waterfall in the world. Rainwater is funneled through a large glass dome, creating an incredibly unique waterfall. It’s a breathtaking sight as you see 10,000 gallons of water per minute gush from the oculus into a pool below. At night time the waterfall lights up in different colors and has a sound show.

The Rain Vortex is located in the Shiseido Forest Valley, a public area of the airport connected to the Terminal 1 arrival hall.  The waterfall is open 24 hours and is free of charge. However, if you want to walk the canopy bridge, it costs SGD 8.

If you have a layover you will need to exit customs and the transit area. Ensure you save enough time to go back through security and to your gate to catch your next flight. If you plan to spend some time in the city, the Rain Vortex is perfect to add to the end of your Singapore itinerary. Save some time before your flight to shop and dine at the restaurants surrounding the waterfall.

Kawasan Falls, Cebu, Philippines

Kawasan Falls a pool where a fall drops down into at the back in the middle. In front on the right a raft. A cliff from rocks and with trees on it
Kawasan Falls by Dive Into Philippines

Contributed by Sharon from Dive Into Philippines.

If you want to see perhaps the bluest waterfall in Asia, head to Kawasan Falls in the Philippines!

These falls are located on the island of Cebu about 2.5 hours from Cebu City or about 30 minute drive if you stay in Moalboal which is what I recommend. On arriving at the waterfall car park, it’s about a 20 minute walk to the base through the jungle along a creek with the same beautiful blue water. The path is rough at times but it is pretty.

The base of the waterfall is stunning. The water is so blue because of the limestone deposits in the area and it’s hard to stop staring at the water! There is a waterhole and swimming is popular. The water is very cold but it’s an amazing experience to get up close to the falls.

Entry costs PHP45 and there is a small guesthouse at the waterhole who will rent you a table, life jacket or raft that can take you right up to the falls. They also sell food and water. Things are overpriced so it’s better to bring your own supplies with you.

You can read more about what else to see when visiting the Philippines here.

Bagongbong Waterfall, Eastern Visayas, Philippines

Bagongbong Waterfall, in the back on the left a fall drops down in a gorge into a river
Bagongbong Waterfall by Brainy Backpackers

Contributed by Linn from Brainy Backpackers.

Bagongbong Waterfall in Biliran in the Eastern Visayas is a hidden gem in the Philippines. Situated in the middle of the lesser-visited island, it’s reached by a scooter ride past rise fields and small villages followed by half an hour hike through the jungle. The walk in itself is beautiful, boasting spectacular views of palm jungles on one side and open rise fields leading to the ocean on the other before the jungle closes up on you and the forest comes alive. There’s a big chance you’ll walk here all alone which means you might just be alone at the waterfall too. The end of the hike leads down a set of steep stairs to the river. Before you see them, you’ll hear the bouldering sound of the waterfall.

It’s a magical place for a swim, the waterhole in front of the majestic waterfall covered up by steep walls with green plants flowing down the sides makes it look like a place taken straight out of a movie. There is no arguing Bagongbong Waterfall should be on your Asia bucket list.

Inambakan Falls, Cebu, Philippines

Inambakan Falls A fall drops down in a pool where people are swimming, with lush green surrounding it on the rocks
Inambakan Falls by The Coastal Campaign

Contributed by Luke from The Coastal Campaign.

Cebu Island in the Philippines is home to a crazy number of beautiful waterfalls and one of our favourites is Inambakan Falls. The main reason this is such a special waterfall is the bright blue water that flows down the mountain that creates amazing blue pools which you can swim in. 

As well as being visually spectacular another cool thing about Inambakan Falls is that you can explore the different levels of the falls with a guide. Your guide will take you down the falls and let you cliff jump and swim underneath the falls as part of an adrenaline filled adventure.

If you only want to visit the main waterfall then the entrance fee is only $1 however if you wish to take a guide with you to explore the other levels of the falls then you will need to tip them for their time. Tips can be as much as you would like but a standard tip is around $6. If you do visit these falls, we highly recommend taking a guide to explore beyond the main waterfall.  
Once you have had your fill of cliff jumping you can enjoy a swim at the base of the main falls in the bright blue water as the waterfall cascades over the cliff edge above you.

Dau Falls, Cebu, Philippines

Dau Falls streaming down a high rock/mountain into a pool. Seen from below on the edge of the pool (natural) with a woman in the water, seen from behind
Dau Falls by Inside Our Suitcase

Contributed by Cora from Inside Our Suitcase.

While many waterfalls in Cebu are incredibly busy, Dau Falls is a hidden gem that’s well worth visiting. In fact, during our visit in January, there was only us there for the entire duration. Dau Falls is located 54 kilometers south of Moalboal in Samboan. 

If you’re planning on taking a scooter then parking at the waterfalls is 10 pesos, meanwhile, a taxi should cost around 2,000 pesos for a return trip from Moalboal. 

On top of the parking costs, there’s also a small entry fee of 60 pesos per person. There is an additional optional cost for your guides. You are given a guide or two (depending on your party size) to take you to the falls and back. While they are not essential as you can clearly see the path in which to take, it is wise especially for those not local to the area or used to the hiking conditions.

The first part of the hike is a series of concrete steps going down to the valley. These can be a little steep but there is a handrail to hold onto. There are roughly 200 steps down to the valley. Along the hike, there are a number of other clear blue pools and streams that you can walkthrough. Each as beautiful as the last, though not all are safe to swim in.

Manthoka Waterfall, Pakistan

Manthoka Waterfall the lower part of the fall, the wider part, taking up most of the picture
Manthoka Waterfall by The Spicy Travel Girl

Contributed by Arabela from The Spicy Travel Girl.

Surrounded by the tall mountains of the Karakoram and the Himalaya mountain ranges in a lush green valley lies the quaint village of Manthoka, which is most famous for its iconic Manthoka Waterfall, one of the most beautiful places to visit around Skardu. The tall stream emerges from the middle of a mountain that often creates a multitude of rainbows together with the bright sun the lightens up the village. The water then flows through the valley in a small creek that blends in with the surrounding nature so beautifully that it’s impossible to realize that Manthoka Waterfall is actually man-made!

Despite not being entirely natural, the water at Manthoka Waterfall is clear as crystal. It’s the perfect spot to click stunning photos in between droplets and rainbows or even take a quick shower under the stream! And if you don’t like to get wet, you can opt for a picnic in the green meadows surrounded by flowers and butterflies instead. There’s also a cafe at the entrance to the area where you can enjoy a warm cup of chai with the waterfall in the background.

Nachi Falls, Japan

Nachi Falls a cliff where a small waterfall drops down from, disappearing between the trees.
Nachi Falls by Travel? Yes Please!

Contributed by Rhonda from Travel? Yes Please!.

The sacred Mt. Nachi (Nachisan), in the Wakayama Prefecture of Japan, is home to one of Japan’s best-known and tallest waterfalls.

Nachi Falls is a single-tier waterfall that can be seen through an opening in the forest plunging straight down a rock wall. With a vertical height of 133 m, it’s the tallest waterfall in Japan with an uninterrupted drop.

In addition to its impressive height, Nachi Falls is also considered to be one of the three great waterfalls of Japan (alongside Kegon Falls and Fukuroda Falls).

Nachi Falls has been a place of mountain worship for centuries and there is still a shrine at the base of the falls that people can visit. There is a small admission fee to get an up-close look at the falls, otherwise the waterfall can be viewed from a distance at the pagoda of Seiganto-ji Temple. Other things you can do near Nachi Falls are go hiking in the forest and visit the temples and shrines on Mt. Nachi.

Neer Garh Waterfall, Uttarakhand, India

Neer Garh Waterfall , a really small stream flows down on the left side of a rock into a pool
Neer Garh Waterfall by Plantiful Travels

Contributed by Nina from Plantiful Travels.

The Neer Garh Waterfall is a series of three stunning waterfalls in the jungle nearby Rishikesh, India. This hidden jewel is one of the best places to visit in Rishikesh to escape the crowds and busy streets. It even makes a perfect day trip or picnic spot with its beautiful surrounding landscape.

A small trek leads from the main road uphill to the waterfall. You can either drive to the entrance or walk by foot from the Tapovan area in Rishikesh or even Laxman Jhula. There is an entrance fee of 30 rupees for Indians and 50 rupees for tourists.

The short but steep trek leads through the forest and passes different small snack stands until you reach the first small waterfall. If you hike another 2km you will reach the main big waterfall with a large natural pool. It is allowed to bath in the refreshing cold water of the different pools but it is too small for a proper swim.

If you have extra time, make sure to walk a bit further up until you reach the AquaOneWorld village and Neer Shiva Cafe. It is a beautiful eco café and accommodation located in a peaceful and charming landscape.

Chitrakote Waterfall, Chhattisgarh, India

Chitrakote Fall, behind the falls, flowing iver a wide range of a cliff, with some rocks in between. In fromnt 5 tents on tiles
Chitrakote Fall by The Travelling Slacker

Contributed by Jitaditya from The Travelling Slacker.

There is no dearth of waterfalls in India, the Chitrakote Fall stands out due to its sheer size. The 30 meter plunge is noticeable but the 300 meter width is what makes it among the widest waterfalls in the country and draws comparison to Niagara. 

This waterfall is formed by the Indravati River, around 40 KMs from the city of Jagdalpur. While you can visit it at any time of the year, visiting it during the monsoon season between July to September will allow you to see it in its full might. On other other hand, during the dry winters it almost gets divided into three different braids that meet at the bottom. You can also opt for a boat ride during the winters to have a closer look (Boating is not allowed during the rainy season as it can be risky). If the timing is right, you can also see a rainbow formed over the fall.  

What also makes Chitrakote enticing is the fact that it is located in Bastar, one of the remotest regions in Central India inhabited by aboriginal communities. So, Chitrakote is just one of the many attractions in this region. A Bastar Trip allows you to explore one of the most offbeat areas in India where you can enjoy waterfalls, short day hikes, and some mindblowing ethnocultural explorations.      

Monsoon waterfalls in Deccan Plateau, Maharashtra, India

Contributed by Jyoti from Story at every corner.

During monsoon season, hundreds of waterfalls show up on the Western Ghats between Mumbai and Pune. The entire mountain range that forms the Deccan Plateau fills up with waterfalls for a couple of months. It’s the best time to go hiking, sightseeing or road tripping. The towns, villages, resorts and retreats in the ghats become popular destinations. Hikers and trekkers from Mumbai, Pune and far off places flock to the mountains and forts such as Sinhagad fort, Tikona fort and many others in the mountains. These forts guarded the kingdom from intruders and enemy kings for generations. Today to climb up the forts is fun and scenic. In monsoon it’s drop-dead gorgeous with waterfalls everywhere. Villagers sell fresh traditional food and other wares to visitors. While some hikers embark on multi-day or 1-day hikes, others drive up to the top for a visit and good food. 

If your driving between Pune and Mumbai, you’ll see curtains of waterfalls along the Highway near the hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala. These lovely towns are very popular destination for city folk in Mumbai and Pune. The towns offer many resorts, nature vistas, good food and the famous Lonavala chikki (nut brittles). 

Elephant Waterfall, Vietnam

Elephant Waterfall, a broad waterfall that's wide, taking up most of the picture
Elephant Waterfall by The World in My Pocket

Contributed by Joanna from The World in My Pocket.

Elephant waterfall it is said to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam and one of the places that must be included in any Da Lat itinerary. Located about 25 kilometers away from Da Lat, the waterfall can be easily visited on a day trip, combined with other attractions nearby.

To reach the Elephant waterfall you must go down a slippery and not very well-maintained path, with wobbly rocks and big gaps between the steps. All the way going down you can hear the roars of the water and the power it falls down with, over the rocks. Once you get to the viewing platform, prepare to get wet but also to be amazed at the sight of the waterfalls. You can’t actually see the waterfall until you actually get to the viewing platform, you can just hear it. For the most adventurous, from the viewing platform there is a path that leads to a cave just underneath the falls. You must do some crawling, but you will exit behind the waterfall and see exactly how powerful it is.

Visiting the Elephant Waterfall is usually included in the easy rider trips starting in Da Lat. These are private tours where tourists ride on the back of a motorbike, with a local. If you want to go on your own you can take a bus from Da Lat and then pay the entrance fee of 10,000 dongs. 

Bambarakanda Falls, Sri Lanka

Bambarakanda Waterfall a single drop down a rock, close to it, with streams on the side
Bambarakanda Waterfall by Destinationless Travel

Contributed by Bailey from Destinationless Travel.

Bambarakanda Falls is the tallest waterfall in all of Sri Lanka. At 263 meters tall, this waterfall is huge! 

Bambarakanda Falls is located within Horton Plains National Park, but on the side of the park that is best accessed from the small town of Haputale. It’s actually one of the best things to do in Ella as well and makes for a popular day trip from this popular tourist hub.  

Although Horton Plains National Park normally does have a hefty tourist price for entering, if you’re simply going to Bambarakanda from the entrance gates closest to Haputale, you don’t need to pay! They will only charge you 150 rupees (less than $1 USD) once you arrive at the waterfall. This fee helps maintain the trail and parking lot.  

It is a short 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the lower viewing deck of the waterfall. Years ago, it was possible to hike a trail to the top of the falls for an extra special view, but it is now closed permanently due to safety concerns. Still, seeing this massive waterfall from the bottom amongst luscious Sri Lanka jungle is nothing short of breathtaking! 

So that’s a wrap on our best waterfalls in Asia

We went all the way from Pakistan to Japan and from Kyrgyzstan to Indonesia. These are the truly amazing waterfalls of Asia. Now up to the waterfalls in Oceania.  

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