Byrdaw Falls
Byrdaw Falls is a spectacular two-tiered waterfall tucked away in the dense jungles of the East Khasi Hills. Unlike the more famous falls in Cherrapunji, Byrdaw remains a serene and relatively undiscovered spot, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. The waterfall is famous for its unique g eological formation which allows visitors to actually walk behind the cascading water curtain into a natural rocky cave. The trek down to the falls involves a well-maintained path through betel nut plantations and thick tropical vegetation, taking about 15 to 20 minutes. During the monsoon, the volume of water increases significantly, creating a thunderous sound and a misty atmosphere that engulfs the entire ravine. The pool at the bottom is crystal clear and surrounded by moss-covered boulders, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing dip or a quiet picnic. It represents the raw, untouched beauty of Meghalaya's water bodies.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Sub Place Category: Waterfall and Nature TrekEntry Fees:
Nominal Charge: A small fee of INR 20 to 50 is usually collected by the local village committee for the maintenance of the path.
Parking Fee: If you arrive by private car, a parking fee of INR 50 is applicable at the starting point of the...Nominal Charge: A small fee of INR 20 to 50 is usually collected by the local village committee for the maintenance of the path.
Parking Fee: If you arrive by private car, a parking fee of INR 50 is applicable at the starting point of the trek.Timing:
Regular Timings: Open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is not recommended to stay after dark due to the dense forest terrain.
Ideal Visit Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the sun reaches the bottom of the gorge, lighting up the b...Regular Timings: Open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is not recommended to stay after dark due to the dense forest terrain.
Ideal Visit Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the sun reaches the bottom of the gorge, lighting up the blue water.Special Events:
Monsoon Surge: The waterfall becomes a grand spectacle in August, which the locals celebrate as the time of 'Full Bloom' for the water.
Community Cleaning: Local village youths often organize cleaning drives to keep the trekking path pris...Monsoon Surge: The waterfall becomes a grand spectacle in August, which the locals celebrate as the time of 'Full Bloom' for the water.
Community Cleaning: Local village youths often organize cleaning drives to keep the trekking path pristine and free of plastic waste.Best Photo Spots:
Inside the Cave: Shooting outward through the falling water creates a 'frame within a frame' effect that is highly unique and dramatic.
The Lower Pool: A wide-angle shot from the edge of the pool captures both tiers of the waterfall and t...Inside the Cave: Shooting outward through the falling water creates a 'frame within a frame' effect that is highly unique and dramatic.
The Lower Pool: A wide-angle shot from the edge of the pool captures both tiers of the waterfall and the surrounding jungle canopy.
The Trekking Path: The stone steps winding through the betel nut trees provide a beautiful rustic foreground for portraits of hikers.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Trekking: Enjoy a moderate hike through the scenic Khasi countryside, passing through broom-grass fields and betel nut groves to reach the base.
Walking Behind the Falls: Experience the thrill of standing in the cool, damp cave behind the water curtain, listening to the roar of the falls.
Swimming: Take a dip in the natural turquoise pool formed at the base of the lower tier, which is safe during the non-monsoon months.
Nature Photography: Capture the dramatic contrast of white water against the dark cave walls and the lush green surrounding forest from various angles.
Picnic: Carry your own snacks and enjoy a meal on the flat rocks near the stream, enjoying the sound of nature and water.
Bird...Trekking: Enjoy a moderate hike through the scenic Khasi countryside, passing through broom-grass fields and betel nut groves to reach the base.
Walking Behind the Falls: Experience the thrill of standing in the cool, damp cave behind the water curtain, listening to the roar of the falls.
Swimming: Take a dip in the natural turquoise pool formed at the base of the lower tier, which is safe during the non-monsoon months.
Nature Photography: Capture the dramatic contrast of white water against the dark cave walls and the lush green surrounding forest from various angles.
Picnic: Carry your own snacks and enjoy a meal on the flat rocks near the stream, enjoying the sound of nature and water.
Birdwatching: Look out for the colorful Himalayan birds that frequent the water source, especially during the quiet early morning hours near the falls.
Rock Hopping: Explore the stream bed by hopping across the large, smooth boulders that lead further into the jungle away from the main fall.
Information
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Why Famous:
Sub Place Architecture:
Walk-Behind Feature: It is one of the few waterfalls in India where you can safely stand behind the falling water without getting completely soaked.
Offbeat Charm: It is famous for ...Sub Place Architecture:
Walk-Behind Feature: It is one of the few waterfalls in India where you can safely stand behind the falling water without getting completely soaked.
Offbeat Charm: It is famous for being a 'hidden gem' that lacks the commercial crowds of other major tourist spots in the district. -
Architecture:
Natural Formation: The falls feature a two-tiered drop over a limestone overhang, creating a natural cavern behind the primary water flow.
Dimension: The total height of the falls is approximately 100 feet, with the lower tier spreading w...Natural Formation: The falls feature a two-tiered drop over a limestone overhang, creating a natural cavern behind the primary water flow.
Dimension: The total height of the falls is approximately 100 feet, with the lower tier spreading wide like a liquid curtain.
Cave Structure: The space behind the falls is wide enough for several people to stand, offering a 360-degree view of the water from inside. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Shillong or Guwahati and hire a cab. The drive from Shillong takes approximately 2. 5 to 3 hours.
By Train: Reach Guwahati Railway Station and take a taxi toward Dawki. Byrdaw Falls is located just off the main highway ne...By Air: Fly to Shillong or Guwahati and hire a cab. The drive from Shillong takes approximately 2. 5 to 3 hours.
By Train: Reach Guwahati Railway Station and take a taxi toward Dawki. Byrdaw Falls is located just off the main highway near Pomshutia.
By Road: It is situated on the Shillong-Dawki Road. From Mawlynnong, it is a short 12 KM drive toward the northeast.
By Local Transport: You can hire a local taxi from Mawlynnong village for a half-day trip that includes Byrdaw and nearby viewpoints. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Monsoon Season: June to September is the best time to see the falls in their full glory, with massive water volume and mist.
Post-Monsoon: October to November is ideal for swimming and trekking as the path is less slippery but the water f...Monsoon Season: June to September is the best time to see the falls in their full glory, with massive water volume and mist.
Post-Monsoon: October to November is ideal for swimming and trekking as the path is less slippery but the water flow is still strong.
Parts of Day: Midday is best for lighting, as the deep gorge remains shaded and cool even during the peak of summer afternoons. -
Near Tourist Places:
Sub Place Near Tourist Places: 1. Mawlynnong Village (12 KMS), 2. Dawki/Umngot River (20 KMS), 3. Riwai Root Bridge (10 KMS), 4. Shnongpdeng (22 KMS), 5. Balancing Rock (13 KMS), 6. Pynursla (10 KMS), 7. Borhill Falls (15 KMS), 8. Mawshun Cave (18 KMS), 9. Laitlyngkot (35 KMS), 10. Shillong (75 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof trekking shoes with excellent grip, as the path and the rocks behind the falls are very slippery.
Clothing: Carry a change of clothes and a towel if you plan to swim, and a light raincoat is essential dur...Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof trekking shoes with excellent grip, as the path and the rocks behind the falls are very slippery.
Clothing: Carry a change of clothes and a towel if you plan to swim, and a light raincoat is essential during the monsoon months.
Provisions: There are no shops near the waterfall, so carry your own drinking water and snacks; remember to bring back all your trash.
Safety: Be extremely cautious when walking behind the falls during heavy rain, as the water pressure can be intense and the floor uneven.
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