16 Best Waterfalls in the World For Enchanting Your Soul With Their Beauty

Waterfalls are one of the few natural attractions that fully represent the natural world's strength and beauty. In terms of intensity, they have the capacity to be both soothing and awe-inspiring. Here is the list best waterfalls in the world, that will generate these feelings, which is why people come great distances to view them. The waterfall is one of Mother Nature's most peaceful, but exciting, and beautiful creations. It's fascinating to watch water flow down a rock face into a pool or a raging river below. It's wonderful because of the noise it produces and the sheer amount of water.

There are hundreds of waterfalls all over the world, but not all of them are made equal. Fortunately for us, this world's finest waterfalls provide all of this and more. These waterfalls will excite the traveller in you, from the highest ones that drop thousands of feet to those that provide exciting climbs!

16 Best Waterfalls in the World To Leave You in Awe

Here is the list of top 16 waterfalls in the world that will  awaken your senses and leave you in an awe.

1. Victoria Falls

The UNSECO World Heritage site of Victoria Falls, located on the Zambezi River between Zimbabwe and Zambia, is another of the world's most magnificent and spectacular waterfalls. Locals refer to it as "The Smoke that Thunders." During the rainy season, prepare to be drenched when going down the route on the Zimbabwe side, which has the greatest views of the falls.

The Republic of Zambia facet takes you up shut and private with the spectacular wall of water that plunges over a 1.7-kilometer-wide cliff that's over a hundred meters deep. you'll even swim in Devil' Pool, that is virtually at the highest of the falls on the Zambian side. one amongst the most effective experiences here at one of the seven natural wonders of the planet is to require a dip within the Devil’s Pool as aforementioned, which precariously sits right at the top of the waterfall.

It is the world's greatest waterfall in terms of height and breadth, and it is one of the most attractive locations to visit for a nature lover. Named for the reigning monarch. The waterfall, Queen Victoria, also features a big natural pool where tourists may swim. The spray from this waterfall may be visible from 50 kilometres away.

Location - Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Height of the Waterfall – 885 meters

Attractions nearby - Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls National Park, Victoria Falls Bridge, Victoria Falls Snake Park, Elephant's Walk Shopping and Artist's Village, Crocodile Park Victoria Falls, Siduli Hide Nature & Wildlife Areas, and Tami Walker Gallery

Best time to visit – Febtruary to May

2. Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls, which spans the border of Argentina and Brazil in South America, is not only one of the world's largest waterfalls, but also one of the most mesmerising. This magnificent spectacle, formed by the Iguazu River, is actually a cluster of roughly 275 different waterfalls organised in a horseshoe pattern. While the river that begins the falls is located on the Brazilian side of the border, the majority of the falls are located in Argentina.

That means you'll have to cross the border to see the 1.7-mile-long waterfall that flows into this World Heritage-listed national park. Border between Brazil and Argentina on the Iguazú river. The visual and acoustic effects of all this water falling about 82 meters really cannot be compared to anything else in the world.

The surrounding jungly jungle is similarly lovely, providing a wonderful moment you'll never forget. The falls are in a national park and may be seen from either the Argentine or Brazilian sides. According to mythology, a deity wished to marry a girl who escaped in a canoe with her boyfriend, and in wrath, he split the river, producing waterfalls and an endless fall for both of them.

Location - Misiones Province, Argentina

Height of the Waterfall – 82 meters

Attractions nearby – Devil's Throat, Guira Oga Wildlife Center, Hummingbird Garden, La Aripuca Guarani Cultural Center, and Foz de Iguazu

Best time to visit - Late March to April and August to ealy October

Suggested Read: Wedding Destinations In The World That Will Awe-Inspire You

3. Havasu Falls

The most beautiful of the five Havasupai Waterfalls, which cascade over orange-red cliffs into bright turquoise-blue pools in a Grand Canyon side canyon, is Havasu Falls. The waterfalls are entirely on the Havasupai Indian Reservation and can only be reached by an overnight 10-mile trek that needs advance reservations and payment of fees; no day hiking is permitted, and you must stay at least one night in the canyon's campsite; most visitors stay three nights.

The number of visitors allowed into the canyon is restricted, and there is usually a waiting list to see this must-see waterfall. Because Havasu Falls is so far away, plan on a long trek with plenty of shade. Sunscreen, a hat, a first-aid kit, food, and lots of water should all be included. There is no water accessible on the route, so each person should pack at least a gallon. Although many hikers find trekking poles useful for the steep switchbacks, they are not required.

Bring a swimming suit, water shoes, towel, and camera for your stay at the canyon's bottom. If you're going camping, bring a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, inflatable pillow, and a portable backpacking stove. Even if you're staying at the Lodge, bring food.

Location - Havasu Creek, located in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States

Height of the Waterfall - 100 feet

Attractions nearby - Grand Canyon Village Historic District, The Grand Canyon Railway, The Hualapai Tribe, and Skywalk

Best time to visit - Early Spring or late Autumn

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In The Middle East For A Cultural Holiday Experience

4. Angel Falls

Angel Falls is one of the best waterfalls in the world since it is the tallest waterfall on the planet. It is named after Jimmy Angel of the United States, who fell from a height of 979 metres. The waterfall is 15 times the height of Niagara Falls, which is 52 metres high. Yes, this is the world's highest waterfall, and it's a sight to behold.

Angels Falls, in Venezuela, is the world's tallest waterfall, with a height of 979 metres (3,212 ft), which is 15 times higher than Niagara Falls. The water comes from the Churun River and cascades down a mountainside into a series of whitewater rapids below. Just below the rapids is a second plunge of 30 metres. However, getting to the falls is no simple task. You'll need to fly to Canaima first, then take a one-day boat journey to the falls.

Location - Auyán-tepui, Canaima National Park, Bolívar State, Venezuela

Height of the Waterfall – 979 meters

Attractions nearby - Canaima lagoon, Jasper Creek, La Gran Sabana, Mount Roraima, Salto el Sapo, and Jaua-Sarisarinama National Park

Best time to visit - June to early December

5. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls may not be the world's highest waterfall, but its vastness and force are undeniably remarkable. Horseshoe Falls is the biggest of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls. The water flows 614 feet down Niagara Gorge, which straddles the US-Canada border.

Is there a more well-known waterfall than Niagara Falls when it comes to famous waterfalls? The Niagara River links Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, and its renowned cascade is located on the boundary between Canada and the United States. Horseshoe Falls is the largest and most photographed of the three waterfalls at Niagara Falls, at a height of 157 feet. The American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, both on the US side of the border, are the two minor waterfalls here.

From views in both nations to cruises that take you out to the bottom of the falls, there are numerous ways to experience the force of Niagara Falls. The falls may be seen from a variety of locations in New York and Ontario. One of the most unusual vistas is Cave of the Winds. From the Hurricane Deck, you will descend 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge to witness the force of the falls in mid-flow. Because you will get wet, you will be provided a rain jacket.

Location – Ontario, Canada

Height of the Waterfall – 157 feet

Attractions nearby - Butterfly Conservatory, Horseshoe Falls, White Water Walk, Journey Behind the Falls, Cave of the Winds, and Goat Island

Best time to visit - June to August

Suggested Read: New Year 2021: 20 Popular Places In The World To Celebrate New Year

6. Dudhsagar Falls

Dudhsagar Falls, one of India's biggest and most spectacular waterfalls, flows down almost 1,000 feet in four stages and is nearly 100 feet wide. Because of the speed and intensity with which the water falls and sprays, Dudhsagar Falls has earned the moniker "sea of milk" for the illusion it produces as it drops into the Mandovi River below. The falls are 60 kilometres from Panjum and 45 kilometres from Mudgaon in India's Goa state, within the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary.

Dudhsagar Falls flows down four levels for a total drop of 310 metres, and its average width of 30 metres makes it appear much greater. Due to its location in a monsoonal zone, the Dudhsagar Falls are at their most forceful during Goa's rainy season.

The waterfall, which flows through the Western Ghats highlands, is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests that display India's natural splendour, providing an amazing postcard scene. The Dudhsagar Falls are known for its misty spray and their location on the steep slopes of the Western Ghats. The greatest time to visit Dudhsagar is during the monsoon season, when the river's flow is both swift and violent.

Location - Sonaulim, Goa 403410, India

Height of the Waterfall – 310 meters

Attractions nearby - Tambadi Surla Mahadev Temple, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahadeva Temple, Sahyadri Spice Farm, and Dudhsagar Plantation and Farmstay

Best time to visit - October to June

7. Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls is North America's tallest and the world's fifth highest waterfall. Yosemite Falls, located in Yosemite National Park, is made up of three distinct falls with a total drop of 2,425 feet that create the illusion of a one massive water cascade.

One of the many reasons to visit Yosemite National Park, the United States' most popular national park, is to see the magnificent Yosemite Falls. The Upper Yosemite Fall, Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall are the three sections of this massive waterfall, which descends 2,425 feet. It's crucial to remember that this is a seasonal waterfall that only runs in the summer and fall.

Yosemite Falls is one of the best places to visit in April in the world. This isn't the only significant waterfall in Yosemite National Park; Bridalveil Fall is another notable local waterfall. Yosemite Falls is fueled by snowmelt, so go in the late spring or early summer to see it at its best, when you can hear it thundering from across Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Falls, on the other hand, has reduced to a trickle by late summer and may be dry by August.

Location - Yosemite Village, CA 95389, United States

Height of the Waterfall – 739 meters

Attractions nearby - Half Dome, El Capitan, Tunnel View, Glacier Point, and Bridalveil Fall

Best time to visit - Late May and Early June

8. Plitvice Lakes Waterfalls

While Plitvice Lakes National Park is beautiful in its totality, it's the waterfalls and cascades that elevate it to new heights. Plitvice is a collection of 16 tiered lakes connected by extremely beautiful waterfalls in the heart of central Croatia's hinterland. As you rise from one turquoise lake to the next while exploring the national park, you'll be welcomed with beautiful waterfalls.

The greatest waterfall in Plitvice Lakes National Park, however, does not originate from the lakes at all; rather, the Plitvica River runs over Veliki Slap, a 78-meter-high waterfall. The Plitvice Waterfalls, which are made up of 16 cascading lakes in Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park, are a spectacular sight.

The various colours of blues and greens - from aquamarine to emerald and turquoise - that can be observed in the water as it rushes over limestone and chalk rocks are what makes these waterfalls really unique. All of this is set against a lush green backdrop that creates a visually beautiful scene. This park, which is Instagram-worthy, gets over one million people each year.

Location - Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Height of the Waterfall – 78 meters

Attractions nearby - Veliki Slap, The Lower Lakes, Sastavci, and Mali Buk

Best time to visit - April, May, September, and October

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Switzerland For Discovering The Swiss Splendors

9. Kaieteur Falls

The Kaieteur Falls in Guyana, like many other spectacular and most famous waterfalls is isolated, which adds to their allure. This huge waterfall, located in Kaieteur National Park in Guyana's Amazon rainforest, is one of the most powerful in the world. The Potaro River feeds the waterfall, which plunges 226 metres from a steep wide rock in a single drop. Kaieteur Falls, deep in Guyana's Amazon jungle, requires a significant amount of work to reach. The reward, however, is the world's tallest single-drop waterfall, which stands at 226 metres (741 feet).

The falls are accessible through regular small aircraft flights from Georgetown, the capital city. The top of the falls is a 15-minute hike from the airport landing. However, flying in and out provides some of the greatest vistas. One of world's greatest waterfall is watching the water rush over the waterfall. Take a ride on one of the local sightseeing planes for the finest views of the falls. When comparing height and volume, it is almost five times higher than Niagara Falls and nearly twice as high as Victoria Falls, making it one of the world's most powerful and spectacular waterfalls.

Location - Guyana

Height of the Waterfall – 741 meters

Attractions nearby - Kaieteur Falls is the major attraction in Guyana

Best time to visit - Rainy Season

10. Fall Creek Falls

Wondering what to do in USA? Well, paying a visit to this majestic waterfall is one of the finest things to do in USA. Fall Creek Falls is the tallest free-fall waterfall east of the Mississippi River, with a drop of 256 feet. The waterfalls are part of Fall Creek Falls State Park, which is located in the eastern region of Tennessee's steep Cumberland Plateau. They may be reached through a three-mile round-trip trek that rises about 715 feet in total elevation. Fall Creek Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the United States, is located within Fall Creek Falls State Park.

This waterfall, which is both the namesake and the most popular attraction in this Tennessee state park, is quite a sight as it plunges 256 feet into a plummet pool below. A walking route runs from the top of the falls and its rocky plateau down to the bottom, giving visitors a fantastic view of this magnificent sight. Fall Creek Falls has a smaller counterpart, Coon Creek Falls, which is located close to the right of the much bigger cascade. There are five additional magnificent waterfalls in the park, as well as cascades, gorges, and 34 miles of hiking paths, in addition to the main falls. You may even rent a cottage or pitch a tent.

Location - Spencer, ‎Tennessee‎, ‎United States

Height of the Waterfall – 78 meters

Attractions nearby – Cane Creeks Falls, Canopy Challenge Course at Fall Creek Falls State Park, and Fall Creek Falls Golf Course

Best time to visit - Winter and Fall Season

Suggested Read: Beaches In The USA That You Are Guaranteed To Visit Again & Again

11. Sutherland Falls

With renowned sites like Sutherland Falls, there are many attractions in New Zealand. Sutherland Falls, located in the South Island not far from Milford Sound, are a little out of the way but well worth the trip. It's certainly one of the most spectacular waterfalls in nature, nestled amid majestic mountains and emptying from Lake Quill.

Sutherland Falls is made up of three distinct falls that span 580 metres. Because of its remote location inside the Kā Tiritiri o te Moana mountains, viewing this waterfall necessitates either a multi-day walk or a beautiful fly. All of the visual magnificence that piqued our interest in seeing this magnificent wonder in person was backed up by facts. After all, it dropped 580m in three separate vertical jumps from Lake Quill.

As a result, it is one of the world's highest permanent waterfalls (though Browne Falls in Doubtful Sound could very well have the title of the tallest such waterfall in the country). Sutherland Falls is a high-volume waterfall that cascades in three stages in fast succession along the Arthur River, which flows from a pair of large lakes cut into glacial basins high on a hillside in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park. The three drops of the falls, which stand 751 feet, 815 feet, and 338 feet tall, respectively, occur in such fast succession that the falls appear to be one long drop that strikes the bedrock in a few locations when viewed from the air.

Location - Southland 9679, New Zealand

Height of the Waterfall – 581 meters

Attractions nearby -

Best time to visit - Whenever suits you the best, as the waterfall is glorious all through the year.

12. Tugela Falls

Tugela Falls, with a staggering height of 3110 feet, is the world's second tallest waterfall. Apart from its size, Africa's tallest waterfall also offers a 12-kilometer trek with breathtaking views of the natural world. Tugela Falls, ranked second among the world's biggest waterfalls, is a spectacular sight to see. The falls, which are located among the Drakensberg mountains in South Africa's Royal Natal National Park, have a total height of 948 metres.

The Tugela Falls is definitely one among the top attractions in South Africa and the five levels of this waterfall, the biggest of which descends 411 metres, are counted separately in this measurement. The falls, which flow from the Tugelah River, stand out against the high Rocky Mountains, creating a spectacular picture. The Tugela River's volume is known to fluctuate considerably, thus it may not flow continuously throughout the year or may dry up completely at times. However, at the proper time of year, especially after a big rain, the Tugela Falls may be seen from the park's main road. Anyone who claims otherwise is lying. The sight of a magnificent waterfall on a walk will never get old.

These beautiful sights serve as a reminder of Mother Nature's unadulterated power and beauty. For some, they are an essential component of a quiet setting in which to practise stillness, while for others, they are the ideal backdrop for a humorous photograph. It's not just one of the world's most Instagrammed waterfalls, but it's also the world's tallest.

Location - Royal Natal National Park, Giants Castle Game Reserve, South Africa

Height of the Waterfall – 948 meters

Attractions nearby – Amphitheater, Tugela George, and Royal Natal National Park

Best time to visit - March and April

Suggested Read: Best Honeymoon Places In The USA To Make Unforgettable Memories With Your Better Half

13. Ban Gioc–Detian Falls

The Blue Nile Falls in Ethiopia, maybe the least well-known location on our list, are worth mentioning. The falls are located near Bahir Dar on the upper channel of the Blue Nile River, as their name implies. Because an upstream hydro-electric station has interfered with the river's flow, you'll have to arrive during the wet season to witness the falls in full motion. Nonetheless, the three-pronged form and 42-meter height of the falls make it one of Ethiopia's most stunning natural attractions.

This waterfall is one of the best places to visit in October in the world, plus there is a bonus of seeing the Blue Nile Falls is that the trekking paths that lead to them provide views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife. Ban Gioc Waterfall (Detain Waterfall on the Chinese side) is the biggest waterfall in Asia, cascading down three levels and surrounded by a beautiful green environment and fairy-tale-like pointed mountains. It is located exactly on the border with China. The Chinese side has a drop of more than 70 metres and a 200-meter-wide waterfall.

The Quay Son River, which separates the two nations, feeds the falls, and the sound of the water flowing down the three tiers is thundering and magnificent.

Location - TL 211, Đàm Thuỷ, Trùng Khánh, Cao Bằng, Vietnam

Height of the Waterfall – 70 meters

Attractions nearby - Nguom Ngao Cave / Tiger cave, and Truc Lam Phat Tich Pagoda

Best time to visit - Between September and October

14. Gullfoss (Golden Falls)

Gullfoss means "golden falls" in Icelandic and is named from the glacial debris in the river that makes the falls gleam gold in the light. As you approach the thunder, the 105-foot-tall waterfall smashes down in two phases that are almost right angles, producing the bizarre appearance that these golden falls also reach to the ends of the Earth.

In the lush, velvet-green terrain of the country, you will see the magnificent sight one of the best places to visit in Iceland. The marvelously diverse falls of Gullfoss in Iceland demonstrate that waterfalls come in different forms and sizes. Because of the way Gullfoss changes direction between its two levels, it has become a popular tourist destination in Iceland. The Hvtá River makes a dramatic 90-degree bend after passing through the first tier of the cascade, producing a staircase impression.

The waterfall's name, which translates to "Golden Falls," derives from the golden colour that may be seen in the sunshine on occasion, and rainbows can also be seen inside its thick mist. Gullfoss, a once-privately owned waterfall, is now a state-owned attraction and one of Iceland's most famous tourist destinations. This waterfall is one of the greatest in Europe and is part of the 'Golden Circle,' a famous tourist day trip region.

Location- Hvítá River canyon in Southwest Iceland, Iceland

Height of the Waterfall - 32 meters

Attractions nearby - Perlan Building, Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle (Gullni Hringurinn), Arbaer Open-Air Folk Museum (Arbaejarsafn), Videy Island, Great Geysir (Great Geyser), Reykjavik Cruise Port, and Akurey Island (Puffin Island)

Best time to visit - Summer Season

15. Jog Falls

Waterfalls are obviously romantic as hell, and Jog Falls in India makes the country one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. As the Indian Jog Falls demonstrate, visiting at the correct moment is critical when it comes to waterfalls. This is one of the country's tallest waterfalls, is almost unrecognizable during the rainy season compared to the rest of the year. For the most of the year, this segmented waterfall in Karnataka is a quiet sight, with each of its four segments running at a steady trickle. When the monsoon arrives, however, the pieces begin to merge together, forming a wall of falling water.

The highest point of the Jog Falls is 253 meters above sea level, making it one of India's tallest waterfalls. Jog Falls is India's second tallest waterfall, located in the same state as Kunchikal Falls (India's highest), and is one of the state's most well-known natural attractions. This is a seasonal waterfall that is a visual delight. This waterfall is one of India's most stunning.

The water does not flow down the rocks in a tierred way at Jog Falls; instead, it thunders down the hill, losing touch with the rocks, making it India's highest un-tiered waterfall. The lush green surrounds, which create a picturesque backdrop, add to the splendour of the waterfalls.

Location - Jog Falls, Karnataka 577435, India

Height of the Waterfall – 253 meters

Attractions nearby - Unchalli Falls, Bennehole Falls, Murudeshwar, and Koosalli Waterfalls, Near Murudeshwar

Best time to visit - June to September

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Saudi Arabia For An Exciting Vacation

16. Ruby Falls

The Ruby Falls of Tennessee are unique in that they are located underground, unlike any other waterfall on this list. You'll have to go below to view this amazing natural phenomena near Chattanooga, but it's an experience you won't soon forget. The waterfall is reached by taking a 26-story elevator ride beneath Lookout Mountain, where you'll discover the Ruby Falls lit in a spectacular light show. The falls are just 145 feet tall, but the rock formations, lighting, and atmosphere of this underground attraction make them a spectacular sight.

Ruby Falls, located just outside of Chattanooga, is the world's highest and deepest subterranean waterfall available to the public. It is one of the best places to visit in November in the world and this waterfall, which is 1,120 feet down under Lookout Mountain, may be reached by riding a 26-story subterranean elevator and then trekking through a tunnel route past bizarre geological rock formations. Ruby Falls plunges 145 feet into a pool, and the natural falls are illuminated by a full-color LED light show. Even so, it's a spectacular and one-of-a-kind waterfall.

Location – Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Height of the Waterfall – 44 meters

Attractions nearby - Tennessee Aquarium, Lookout Mountain, Raccoon Mountain Caverns, Walnut Street Bridge, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery, and Creative Discovery Museum.

Best time to visit - All year round

The sight of frothy water cascading over rocks and into a pool, enveloping you in a cool mist, is something that can only be experienced firsthand. Some of the best waterfalls in the world like Iguazu Falls on Argentina's and Brazil's border, claim to be the world's largest, while others, like Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon in Arizona, don't. But when it comes to pure, hypnotic beauty, nothing beats the contrast of orange and turquoise against a bright blue sky.

While some of the falls featured claim to be the world's highest or the widest on a continent, what matters most is the experience and beauty of these falls. It's no joke that the basic notion of a cascade of water descending through the sky proves to be one of Earth's most fascinating natural wonders time and time again. I'm sure that after seeing these beautiful waterfalls, you're itching to go see these natural wonders.

FAQs