{"id":161522,"date":"2026-09-23T16:34:55","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T11:04:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thomascook.in\/blog\/?p=161522"},"modified":"2026-09-23T16:34:55","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T11:04:55","slug":"elephant-falls-shillong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thomascook.in\/blog\/default-category\/elephant-falls-shillong\/","title":{"rendered":"Elephant Falls Meghalaya_ Timings, Entry Fee, Best Time & Travel Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
\r\n
\r\n \r\n <\/i>\r\n <\/a>\r\n 0 <\/span>\r\n<\/div>
\r\n \r\n <\/i>\r\n <\/a>\r\n 0<\/span>\r\n<\/div><\/div>Reading Time: <\/span> 7<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

Elephant Falls Meghalaya: Timings, Entry Fee, Best Time & Travel Guide\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meghalaya\u2019s Elephant Falls At A Glance\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Meghalaya is one of the best destinations to go for a holiday. There are many beautiful spots to see there, and one of them is <\/span>Elephant Falls<\/span>. It is a three-tiered waterfall in Upper Shillong and is around 12 km from Shillong city centre.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a brief rundown before you scroll ahead:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The waterfall is locally known as Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew. This is to honour its three-step structure. Its English name comes from an elephant-shaped rock that was destroyed in an earthquake.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Elephant Falls<\/span> is open from 6 AM to 5-6 PM. You have to buy an entry ticket for \u20b920 per person to visit the falls.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. This fall is most dramatic during and after the monsoon. Because this is when water flow increases and the surrounding greenery becomes especially lush.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Ideally, spend around 1\u20132 hours here if you want to walk down through all three levels and take photographs.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Wear comfortable footwear when visiting <\/span>Elephant Falls.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    About Shillong, Meghalaya\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

    Meghalaya<\/span><\/a> is very famous for its waterfalls, caves, living root bridges and cloud-covered hills amongst travellers. And Shillong is one of the easiest bases to explore all of this beauty. You can reach Shillong easily by taking<\/span> flights <\/span><\/a>\u00a0to Guwahati in Assam, and then reach Shillong by road. Travellers exploring the region through<\/span> Meghalaya Tour Packages <\/span><\/a>can use Shillong as a convenient base for nearby attractions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    You can take a private taxi, a shared cab, or a bus. The journey takes about 3-3.5 hours. The ride is scenic and mesmerising. On the way, there will be a beautiful lake, where you can spend some time.<\/span><\/p>\n

    You could also fly to Shillong directly, but the frequency of flights there is lower.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Among Shillong’s many attractions is <\/span>Elephant Falls<\/span>. Located in Upper Shillong, you can visit this easily. You can reach it in roughly 30\u201340 minutes from the city.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    What are Elephant Falls Timings and Entry Fee?<\/b><\/p>\n

    Elephant Falls Shillong<\/span> is a multi-level waterfall. The Khasi name of the waterfall is Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew. This commonly translates to “Three-Step Waterfall”. This describes the three distinct levels over which the water descends.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The English name pays homage to the elephant-shaped rock near the waterfall that was there during the British period. But it was later destroyed in an earthquake.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The <\/span>Elephant Falls timing<\/span> is 6 AM to 6 PM. Entry to the Falls is not free. You have to buy a ticket for \u20b920 per person and then also pay an additional \u20b920 camera charge.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Pro tip:<\/i><\/b> The timings or ticket prices may vary, so please confirm before you visit.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Information<\/b><\/td>\nDetails<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Location<\/span><\/td>\nUpper Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Distance from Shillong<\/span><\/td>\nApproximately 12 km<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Operating Hours<\/span><\/td>\n6 AM\u20136 PM<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Entry Fee\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n\u20b920 per person<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Camera Free<\/span><\/td>\n\u20b920<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Recommended Time to Spend<\/span><\/td>\nAbout 1\u20132 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Access To Elephant Falls<\/span><\/td>\nRoad + stairs\/walkways<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    What to do for the best experience<\/span><\/td>\nWalk through all three levels<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

     <\/p>\n

    What to do at Elephant Falls?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

    You need at least 2-3 hours or more to completely enjoy <\/span>Elephant Falls in Shillong. <\/span>This is because just taking photographs at the entrance, or seeing it from afar, is not enough.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Here are some things you can do at <\/span>Elephant Waterfall <\/span>while you are there:<\/span><\/p>\n

    1. Walk Down All Three Levels<\/b><\/p>\n

    The main experience of <\/span>Elephant Falls Shillong Meghalaya,<\/span> is the walk itself. You go from the upper section to the lower section via stairs and railed pathways. You will see different views of the waterfall at each level.\u00a0 Just keep in mind that the return journey is uphill, so take your time rather than rushing back.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Pro tip:<\/i><\/b> Spend time at the first level if you have any difficulty climbing stairs.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    Do not miss:<\/i><\/b> To experience the full power of a waterfall, spend most time at a lower level.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    2. Photography<\/b><\/p>\n

    Around the<\/span> Elephant Waterfall<\/span> is lush and dense greenery, mossy rocks, and ferns. You can capture a lot of beautiful pictures, especially at the lower level of the waterfall. This is where the water flow is the strongest.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Do not miss:<\/i><\/b> Capture some beautiful photos of the waterfall. The bottom pool is a great photogenic spot.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    3. Enjoy the Natural Pool Area<\/b><\/p>\n

    There is a pool in the last section of <\/span>\u00a0Elephant Waterfall. <\/span>\u00a0You can get close to the water here and go inside up to knee level.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Keep in mind:<\/i><\/b> Water conditions can change rapidly, especially during heavy rain. So be careful, and do not treat the pool as a swimming area. Make sure to follow restrictions, if any.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    4. Shop for Local Souvenirs<\/b><\/p>\n

    Near the <\/span>Elephant Falls<\/span>, there are stalls selling snacks and souvenirs. Purchase a small Meghalaya souvenir from here or enjoy a quick snack.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Do not miss: <\/i><\/b>Definitely enjoy local Meghlayan cuisine around <\/span><\/i>Elephant Waterfall Shillong.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Should You Hire a Guide For Elephant Falls?<\/b><\/p>\n

    <\/b>It is a good idea to hire a tourist guide when visiting Elephant Falls, especially if you are a first-time visitor or are unfamiliar with the local language. Guides help you understand the cultural context of the Falls, help you with navigation, and overall enhance your experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

    You can get half-day or full-day tours and cover other spots like Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Ward’s Lake, and Mawphlang Sacred Grove as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    How to Reach Elephant Falls from Shillong<\/b><\/p>\n

    The waterfall is easily accessible from Shillong since it’s only 12 km from there. Opt for a local taxi, a private or shared taxi, or a local bus to reach here.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Let us explore various means to reach <\/span>Elephant Waterfall<\/span> from different places:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Starting point<\/b><\/td>\nApprox. distance<\/b><\/td>\nRecommended transport<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Shillong city centre<\/span><\/td>\n12 km<\/span><\/td>\nTaxi\/cab is best<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Police Bazaar<\/span><\/p>\n

    (Shillong\u2019s main market)<\/span><\/td>\n

    		12 km<\/span><\/td>\nTaxi (both shared and private available)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Shillong Airport<\/span><\/td>\n38 km<\/span><\/td>\nPrivate taxi is best.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Guwahati Railway Station<\/span><\/td>\n104 km to Shillong, followed by road to the <\/span>Elephant Falls<\/span><\/td>\nYou can take a private or shared taxi to Shillong and then go to the falls from there.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Guwahati Airport<\/span><\/td>\n127 km to the falls.<\/span><\/td>\nYou can take a private or shared taxi to Shillong and then go to the falls from there.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Sohra, Cherrapunji<\/span><\/td>\n42 km<\/span><\/td>\nYou can do a day trip to Cherrapunji from Shillong, enjoy Seven Sisters waterfalls, and then come to <\/span>Elephant Falls.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    Pro tip: <\/i><\/b>If you are arriving in Shillong from Guwahati, it is better to stay in Shillong that day rather than trying to squeeze the waterfall into a long Guwahati\u2013Shillong transfer day since you need your energy to climb three levels.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    What is the Best Time to Visit Elephant Falls?<\/b><\/p>\n

    The best season to visit <\/span>Elephant Falls Shillong<\/span> depends on whether you want maximum water flow or more comfortable walking conditions. So, you have to pick your visit time accordingly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you want to see Elephant Falls in all its glory, visit during the monsoon or just after. The cascade is so dramatic that it increases the beauty of the waterfall manifold. However, heavy rain also makes the steps and pathways wet and slippery. So, be very careful.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Here\u2019s a breakdown of what to expect from <\/span>Elephant Falls<\/span> in different seasons:<\/span><\/p>\n

    1. Monsoon: June to September<\/b><\/p>\n

    Pros:<\/b><\/p>\n