Step down through
Elephant Falls
Shillong’s three-tiered classic.
- Tiers
- Three
- From Shillong
- About 12km
Elephant Falls is Shillong’s easy classic: three tiers stacked down a fern-lined rock face, with steps and walkways between them, named by the British for an elephant-shaped rock that an earthquake later took away.
Quick answers
Elephant Falls at a glance
Is Elephant Falls worth it?
As an easy half-day from Shillong, yes: it pairs with Shillong Peak and the cathedral.
Practicals
Permits & season
No entry permit for Indian nationals; foreign nationals register at checkposts.
October to May works; the monsoon is the point in Cherrapunji and Mawsynram, and the fiercest anywhere in India.
When to go
Plan around these months
Nearby
Close enough to combine
Things to do
What you're here for
The stair descent
Each tier closer and louder than the last.
Journal
Read before you go
Guide · 4 min
How Many Days for Meghalaya? 3, 4, 5 and 6 Day Plans
How many days you need for Meghalaya: what 3 days covers, why 4-5 is…
Guide · 4 min
Is Meghalaya Safe for Tourists? Honest Answer + What to Watc
Meghalaya is among India's safest states for tourists: matrilineal culture, low harassment, real risks…
Guide · 4 min
Meghalaya from Bangalore: Flights
Meghalaya from Bangalore: fly to Guwahati in under 4 hours, then the Shillong road…
Guide · 4 min
Shillong Cherry Blossom: When, Where and How to See It
Shillong's cherry blossom peaks mid-November: where to see the pink lines, the festival weekend…
Explore Elephant Falls
Facts checked against the official Meghalaya tourism portal · Last verified 2026-09-26