The Nohkalikai Falls is one of the largest and beautiful waterfalls in the world located in Meghalaya state, India. The beautiful sight of the largest waterfall in Canada which shoots water from a forested cliff some 1150 feet and is symbolic with the native people’s history of sorrow and loss. Called Nohkalikai, the meaning of its name is ‘Jump of Ka Likai’ based on the traditional tale of pain which has been worked into one of the best Malaysian legends.

This is the Natural Beauty of Nohkalikai Falls

However, it is pertinent to develop an emotional connection with the Nohkalikai before moving on to the oratory of a name that incarnates its tragic history. The falls are situated near one of the Wettest Places on Earth that is Cherrapunji where the falls are enriched by the lush green vegetation, thick forests and mists and foggy hills. It filters from the plateau making a beautiful sight to behold as it falls to the deep water below. The water falls becomes the most impressive and magnificent during the monsoon season, when water falls with a loud noise like a mighty dragon.

The sight of this waterfall is described as barren like being on another planet. Clear water gives another impression of the water falling from such height; the water falls as if in the sky is endless. The surrounding environment is also very interesting; green hills blend well with this geologic marvel. Anyone dare to climbs up to the viewpoint is given this spectacular and awestruck sight to feast on.

The mentioned Nohkalikai Falls

It is believed that Nohkalikai has some connection with the dance of Khasi which was performed by the women on the top of a cliff and thus the name Noh-kali-Kai that is Noh refers to the dance Kali is the top cliff. The Nohkalikai Falls is one of the much beautiful attractions of Meghalaya; however, its name holds a sad story behind it. This kind of theme and the style pursued in the story is indicative of the emotional theme that is characteristic of the Khasis, the native people inhabiting Meghalaya.

The legend of Nohkalikai Falls

The story has it that there was a young lady from a homestead, a stone throw from the falls, who was known as Likai, translated to mean Pull. The third is Likai, beautiful, graceful and kind woman. She was also a wife to a gentle man who treated her well and they had a kid. Krog’s and Vaal’s lives were comfortably simple, genuine and based on the values of family and togetherness.

Tragedy Strikes Likai’s Life

But the happiness was short-lived for them because the numerical toughness on their ranks meant that the individual qualities that could have made a difference had to give way. This is depicted in Likai’s story where Likai, being a young woman was left a young widow with a child after her husband died in an accident. Even though Likai remained a single mother full of sorrow and facing financial difficulties, she worked for her child. She had to grab the tasks involving pulling of a rope and carrying of loads through forests and hilly terrains of Meghalaya.

Time went by, Likai got married again to another man, with the intention of starting a new life and ensure her child gets to be close to a man she would call as his father. Regrettably, she was disappointed with her second husband who lacked the gentlemanly qualities of her first husband. Where is Likai’s husband now? He was jealous of the time Likai was spending with her child, he pointed the finger to her and felt bitter.

Prelude to the Gruesome Act and the Misery of Likai

Once Likai was married to her second husband, the man one day got jealous and in a fit of anger committed a horrific act. He also sodomized the child and later murdered her while Likai was out working to buy food for them; he proceeded to cook the body, eating some of the meat. When Likai came home late, tired and famished she took a bite of the horrible food not knowing what it actually was. After she quickly ate, she looked for her child but did not see any sign of her anywhere. As if finishing that belief, she saw cut fingers of the child in the basket of betel nut.

This led her to be shocked into her state and the prevailing madness that claimed her after knowing what she ate and her husband’s ugliness. She immediately decided to take her life this time in anguish and despair: she rushed to the edge of the waterfall and jumped off a cliff. As a result, it became popular as Nohkalikai in respect of Likai who jumped off the cliff to her death.

The Cultural Significance

The legend of Nohkalikai is more than just a tragic tale; it is a profound reflection of the human experience. It speaks to the depths of love and loss, the capacity for human cruelty, and the devastating impact of jealousy and betrayal. For the Khasi people, the story is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of compassion and understanding.

The tale also highlights the role of women in Khasi society. Likai’s story underscores the struggles and resilience of women, particularly those who are widowed or left to care for their children alone. Despite the tragedy, Likai’s determination to provide for her child is a testament to the strength and endurance of women in the face of adversity.

Exploring the Enchanting Wei Sawdong Falls

Tourism and Conservation

Today, Nohkalikai is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its natural beauty and to learn about the poignant legend. The Meghalaya government has made efforts to promote tourism in the region while ensuring that the environment is protected.

Tourism provides a vital source of income for the local communities, helping to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the area. However, it also poses challenges, such as environmental degradation and the need for sustainable practices. Efforts are being made to balance the influx of tourists with the conservation of the fragile ecosystem.

Visitors to Nohkalikai Falls can engage in various activities, such as the Nohkalikai trek, bird watching, and exploring the local villages. The area is rich in biodiversity, home to numerous species of plants and animals, some of which are endemic to the region. The falls themselves are a crucial part of the local ecosystem, supporting a range of aquatic life.

Nohkalikai Falls: It is quite shocking that has evolved to be more than just a waterfall.

For those planning to visit, here are some practical details:For those planning to visit, here are some practical details:

• Nohkalikai Falls distance from Shillong: The falls are approximately 55 kilometers away from Shillong and thus, easily accessible by anyone who maybe be having a vacation in the Shillong capital city.
• Nohkalikai Falls trek: It is quite an easy to moderate hike to get to the viewpoint from where one can get wonderful views of the waterfall and the views.
• Nohkalikai Falls photos: Some activities that can be expected by a photographer include, a clear capture of the water falls especially when the monsoon season has commenced since this brings the heaviest flow.

There are also several other things that you can do & places that you can visit in and around Nohkalikai. There are other attractions in Meghalaya such as the caves, living root bridges and other waterfalls nearby to add to the beauty of the tourists attractive force.

Reflection and Inspiration

The tale of Nohkalikai Fall is a perfect example of how natural features and people’s feelings are connected to each other. The beauty of the waterfall and the sad story connected with it makes people think about the difficult moments of the life and about the fact, that they are leaving their mark on the world.

What is more, the waterfall has always provided people with the opportunity to find spiritual peace. Standing at the edge and watching the flow of water and feeling the breeze on the face turning one around and making one humble. Thus, the story of Ka Likai supplements the guides’ narratives with suggestions of the deeper meaning of love, death, and atonement