Is Elephant Falls worth visiting?

Yes, especially for a quick outing from Shillong. While not as dramatic as Nohkalikai or Krang Suri, its easy accessibility and beautiful setting make it a pleasant 30-minute stop.

Can XTSY customise elephant falls — shillong's three-tiered waterfall for me?

Yes — share your dates, budget and group size on WhatsApp +91 88373 17070 and we build elephant falls — shillong's three-tiered waterfall around exactly what you need, with no outsourcing.

How quickly will I get a quote?

Most elephant falls — shillong's three-tiered waterfall quotes are returned within an hour during the day via WhatsApp +91 88373 17070, with live availability and transparent pricing.

Destinations · Updated September 2026

Elephant Falls — Shillong's Three-Tiered Waterfall

Backed by XTSY — Northeast India's NEITA 2025-nominated hospitality brand, operating India's biggest backpacker hostel and the country's first 270° stargaze glamping ensuite, both in Shillong. Elephant Falls, located just 12 km from Shillong city center, is the most easily accessible waterfall in the region. Elephant Falls is ~1.25 h from XTSY Travellers Hostel in New Shillong — an easy day trip.

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The details

Backed by XTSY — Northeast India's NEITA 2025-nominated hospitality brand, operating India's biggest backpacker hostel and the country's first 270° stargaze glamping ensuite, both in Shillong. Elephant Falls, located just 12 km from Shillong city center, is the most easily accessible waterfall in the region. Named by the British for a rock formation that once resembled an elephant (destroyed in the 1897 earthquake), this three-tiered cascade is surrounded by tropical forest and is a perfect short excursion from Shillong.

Elephant Falls from XTSY: ~1.25 h · 27 km (day trip)

Visiting Elephant Falls

The falls are reached via well-maintained stairs from the parking area. Each tier has viewing platforms. The path is concrete and safe even in wet conditions.

✓ Distance from Shillong: 12 km (25 minutes by car)
✓ Entry fee: ₹20 per person, ₹20 camera fee
✓ Opening hours: 8 AM - 5 PM daily
✓ Time needed: 30-45 minutes
✓ Accessibility: Concrete stairs throughout, some steep sections
✓ Facilities: Restrooms, small shops at the entrance

The Three Tiers

The first tier is a wide, gentle cascade visible from the viewing platform at the top. The second tier is partially hidden and can be glimpsed from between the trees. The third and most impressive tier is a tall, powerful cascade falling into a moss-covered pool. The mist from the third tier keeps the surrounding area cool and lush even in summer.

Why Travellers Pick XTSY

XTSY is a Northeast Indian independent hospitality brand — Shillong-born, traveller-built, and having hosted 10,786+ guests through owned properties, curated tours, weddings, catering and rentals.

✓ NEITA 2025 nominee — Best Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Northeast India
✓ Experience by XTSY — India's first stargaze glamp
✓ Rated 4.7★ on Google from 237 reviews
✓ Pluxee India partner — corporate stays via employee-benefit vouchers accepted
✓ 24/7 WhatsApp booking & on-trip support — +91 88373 17070
✓ Owned operations in Shillong + vetted partner network across NE India and Sikkim

Plan Your Elephant Falls — Shillong's Three-Tiered Waterfall Visit

Planning elephant falls — shillong's three-tiered waterfall is simplest with a local base. XTSY's Shillong properties put you within easy reach of the region's waterfalls, living root bridges, caves and viewpoints, with a team that arranges transport, guides and day trips on request.

✓ New Shillong Township base with a travel desk for day trips
✓ Transport and local Khasi guides arranged on request
✓ Best-time and route advice from people on the ground
✓ Verified, budget-friendly stays with 24/7 check-in
✓ Combine elephant falls — shillong's three-tiered waterfall with nearby attractions
✓ Plan the whole trip on WhatsApp +91 88373 17070

Frequently asked questions

Written by the XTSY travel team, New Shillong TownshipWe run XTSY Travellers Hostel and plan Northeast India trips every day. Prices on this page come from our live booking engine; drive times are checked against our own trips. Last reviewed September 2026.

Go further in Northeast India

Eight states, living root bridges, rhinos, Himalayan passes and some of India’s warmest hosts. Start in Shillong with XTSY, then let our desk and trusted partners take you further — one team, one WhatsApp, the whole journey.

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