Meghalaya
sightseeing
Rainbow Falls is a natural pool and waterfall located beyond the Double Decker Living Root Bridge trek route. It sits deeper inside the forest and requires an extended walk after reaching Nongriat village. The water here appears blue-green, especially under direct sunlight.
Travellers usually add this stop to their plan while doing the root bridge trek in Meghalaya tour packages, continuing further for about 1.5 to 2 hours. It is not a quick visit, but those who go till the end often spend time resting near the pool before returning.
Rainbow Falls has been part of the Khasi hills for centuries. The Khasi people of Nongriat village have lived around this forest long before it became a tourist spot. They built the famous living root bridges nearby using fig tree roots. A tradition passed down through generations. The waterfall was their backyard, not a destination.
Outside travelers discovered Rainbow Falls only after 2010. Travel bloggers and backpackers started sharing the trek online, and word spread fast. By 2015, it was on every Northeast India travel list. Local families then started homestays to welcome the growing number of visitors coming in every season.
Visit between October and April. Water stays clear and safe. Monsoon (June to September) increases flow but makes the trail slippery and risky, with stronger currents near the pool.
From Shillong, drive 19 kilometers to Tyrna village. The drive takes around 45 minutes, and a private cab costs ₹800 to ₹1,000. From Tyrna, trek down 3,500 steps to Nongriat village and continue to Rainbow Falls. The full trek takes four to five hours one way.
Entry Fee: There is no official fee
Timings:
Closed on: Sundays
Day Wise Timings
Maps & Location
7M8G+XVV, Nohkalikai Rd., Sohra, Meghalaya 793108
Essential Information
Point of Interest for Rainbow Falls
Deep Blue Natural Pool
Clear pool with blue-green water, good for short breaks
Nohkalikai Falls Viewpoint
Main viewing area with railings offering a direct, clear waterfall view
Nohkalikai Falls
Tall plunge waterfall dropping into a deep blue pool below
David Scott Memorial Stone
Historic stone marker linked to an old British trade route nearby
Rainbow Falls is located near Nongriat village in Meghalaya. It lies beyond the Double Decker Living Root Bridge and is reached through an extended forest trek.
The trek to Rainbow Falls takes about 4 to 5 hours one way from Tyrna village. It includes steep steps, hanging bridges, and forest trails, making it a full-day trekking activity.
The best time to see a rainbow at Rainbow Falls is during sunny hours. Usually late morning to early afternoon, when sunlight directly hits the falling water and creates a visible rainbow effect.
Rainbow Falls gets its name from the rainbow that forms near the waterfall. This happens when sunlight reflects through water droplets at the right angle, creating a visible colour arc.
Reaching Rainbow Falls is moderately difficult. The trek includes long stair sections and uneven forest paths. It requires good stamina, especially for the return climb back to Tyrna village.
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