In quest of the best places for waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh, north Indians always bowl over the oh-so-common waterfall attractions in Himachal Pradesh. For instance, most travelers bookmark Manali and Shimla to see the magnetic power of water cascading over the cliff edge. Unknown to many, there are 50+ waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh that are scattered from Gulaba to Bir and Dharamshala to Tandi. In addition, you would be stunned to see the gallons of water falling from the staggering height at its full force. Distinguishable features? All of them have a swimming pool at their feet. What else do you want? If you are planning a Himachal honeymoon package in the upcoming days, add as many waterfalls.
When is the best time to visit waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh?
To be fair, you must plan your waterfall trip in Himachal Pradesh during winter from November to February. This is the best time to enjoy the cool air, lush greenery, and even swim (in the safe zones). In addition, summer from April to June is considered the second-best time to enjoy waterfall sightseeing in Himachal Pradesh. During the same months, you can cool yourself in the mountain air that comes from the Himalayas. Whereas monsoon during July to September is the least suggested time because landslides and fierce water flow might hamper your plans.
9 Best Waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh That Signifies Paradise Doesn’t Need to Be Tropical
Dear readers, I have been to the best waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh during summer, monsoon, and winter. So, I have put together the best of them to give you a clear idea of which one suits your interest. Read on to find out!
1. Jana Falls
Follow a small narrow route that is sliced from the deodar forests of Manali to reach Jana Falls. This waterfall in Manali is located close to the Naggar Castle, and here water cascades from 30 feet height making it photogenic. Also called Zana Falls, you need to embark on a 15-20 minutes short trek to reach Jana Falls. There is a wooden bridge too that enhances the appeal of the cascade. Plus, you will find several hotels and restaurants near Jana Falls. And yes, you can swim in the Jana Falls in a safe zone.
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
2. Rahala Falls
Motorbikers should not miss the chance to come across Rahala Falls on Leh Manali Highway. This waterfall is one of the best waterfalls attractions of Himachal Pradesh on your way to Rohtang Pass. You will be tempted to see the crystal-clear water as it’s the result of the melting glacier. This is also called a punchbowl type of waterfall as it is surrounded by high green cliffs. You can drink the cold water of the falls but swimming is not suggested.
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
3. Chadwick Falls
Chadwick Falls is a beautiful cascade in Himachal Pradesh where a water gorge at the height of 86 m forms a pool to swim. The dense pine, deodar forest route amplifies the beauty of this waterfall in Shimla. One can reach the waterfall from the main road in 15-20 minutes of 1 km trekking with a guide. If you are an adventure-hungry soul, try rock climbing at Chadwick Falls at just INR 200 per person.
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
4. Jogini Waterfalls
Jogini Waterfalls in Manali is one of those cascades where the monsoon doesn’t hamper the plans. But swimming at the same time at the fall’s base is not suggested. Here you will be stunned to see the water falling from the 150 feet in multiple tiers. If you want to enjoy the lushness around the Manali waterfalls, bookmark this stream of water. In action, Jogini Waterfalls is a holy waterfall too as the Jogini Mata Temple is located at the foot of the falls. Last but not the least, take a 3 km trek from Vashisht Temple.
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
5. Jibhi Waterfall
Jibhi itself is a valley town positioned in the Banjar Valley on the banks of the Tirthan River. Here peace and tranquility prevail to the extreme. Coming to the point, the center of attraction here is Jibhi Waterfall which can be reached easily as it is only 1 km (approx.) from the road. Imagine yourself crossing wooden bridges and you are taking a plunge in the cool waters. Also, you can enjoy waterfall rappelling here for just INR 1000 (approx.) per person.
Entry fee – INR 20 (approx.) per person
Timings – 6 am to 6 pm
6. Riva Waterfall
It is a bit difficult to climb the way to the Riva Waterfall in Tikar taluk of Shimla and hence, people dodge to explore it. But Riva Waterfall demands a visit from Shimla or Solan for a splendid detour. One needs to hike around 10 minutes from the main road to reach. However, there is no defined path to reach so it is suggested you go to Riva Waterfall on a guided excursion.
Timings – 6 am to 6 pm
7. Bangoru Hidden Waterfall
As the name suggests, Bongoru Waterfall is a hidden waterfall in Bir. One must add this waterfall to the itinerary before/after the paragliding activity. take a bike renting service from Bir to reach Bongoru Hidden Waterfall. Once you reach the parking space, you need to walk a few miles (1.5 km) to reach the falls. Although swimming is not an option here, you can cross the water by walking.
Timings – 6 am to 6 pm
8. Panchpula Waterfalls
In mere 15 minutes of a hike from the road, you will reach Panchpula Waterfalls. You will find this waterfall in Dalhousie and there are multiple cafes and souvenir shops around it. Panchpula translates to five streams and hence, you will love to behold the five streams together. At the summit of the waterfront, one can witness the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountains. The waterfall doesn’t have much water due to commercialization so visit it before it’s too late.
Timings – 6 am to 6 pm
9. Bhagsunag Waterfall
Pack your bags and put on your hiking boots if you want to explore one of the photogenic waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh. Doing the same will push you to learn more about Bhagsunag Waterfall. It is located in Mcleodganj and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Before you walk up to the falls, you will find Bhagsunag Temple. Plus, swimming is allowed at the natural pool and you will see cafes, and shops around the fall for tourists to score snacks.
Timings – 6 am to 6 pm
Wrapping Up
As I said in the beginning, there are more than 50+ waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh and the counting could still be wrong! That’s why I tried to sum up the best Himachal Pradesh waterfalls under one roof for you! Any of these waterfalls in Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, and Mcleodganj will give you the chance to retire from the city’s monotonous life.
If you want to gain more inspiration on Himachal Pradesh travel, check out Honeymoon Bug Himachal Pradesh tour packages with or without flights.
- Himachal Tour Packages from Chandigarh
- Himachal Tour Packages from Hyderabad
- Himachal Adventure Tour Packages
- Shimla Manali Tour Packages
- Shimla Tour Packages
- Kullu Manali Tour Packages
FAQs about Waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh
What are some waterfall destinations in Himachal Pradesh?
Manali, Jibhi, Shimla, Mcleodganj, and Dharamshala are a handful of famous waterfall destinations in Himachal Pradesh.
What are some least explored waterfalls of Himachal Pradesh?
Hadsar Waterfall, Baror Parsha Waterfall, Naguni Waterfall, and Sangchar Waterfall are some least explored waterfalls of Himachal Pradesh.
Do I need to pay for an entry ticket to explore waterfalls in Manali?
Most of the waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh and so in Manali are free of cost to visit. However, a handful of them require a minimal entry fee of around INR 10 (approx.) per person.
What is the ideal duration to witness cascades in Himachal Pradesh?
Slice out around 2-3 days in your itinerary to witness the beautiful cascades in Himachal Pradesh.
