20 Incredible Natural Waterfalls In The World

Waterfalls are the beauties of Mother Nature, created through thousands of years. A stream or river flowing down the bed of rock keeps eroding the soil on the softer part, which makes the rock break and fall downstream and thus the water too falls in that direction creating a waterfall naturally. It is also created due to melting of icebergs. People all over the world visit natural waterfalls as they are scenic beauties because it has extreme power to heal ones’ soul and get them peace and rejuvenation. It also brings out the artistic or poetic side of them. In this article, we have put together the best natural waterfalls of the world, which have captured the attention of nature lovers and adventure junkies alike. Come, get ready to take a splash!

Amazing Natural Waterfalls Details:

Let we have to look at the best of natural wonders waterfalls!,

TABLE OF CONTENT:

1. Iguazu Falls:

Iguazu Falls are considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This is a waterfall is formed by the river Iguazu and is situated in the border of Parana in Brazil. Though the river flows from Brazil, but most of the waterfalls are found in Argentina. From the picture we can make out how majestic the falls look.They are natural wonders waterfalls.

Height: 82 M
River: Iguazu
Location: Argentina: Misiones Province; Brazil: Paraná State
Best Time to Visit: July to October; February to April
Near By Attractions: Iguazu National Park

2. Skogafoss Falls:

Skoga River flowing through south Iceland is one of biggest rivers in the world, with a width of 82 ft and a length of 200 ft. The cliffs in the water have been parallel to the coast, which had retreated seaward, and finally came towards the mountains and got differentiated creating a distinctive border. Photographer and tourists are often lucky to click the fall with a rainbow during summers.

Height: 60 M
River: Skoga
Location: South Coast of Iceland
Best Time to Visit: July to October
Near By attractions: Scenic Ring Road leading to the falls

3. Havasu Falls:

Havasu Falls are situated in the Grand Canyon in USA. It is famous for its natural pool which is created after the water falls 100 ft down. The water has large mineral contains, especially calcium carbonate which makes the color sea-greenish. Sometimes the flow of the water is in two slides instead of one.They are natural pool waterfall with tourists offered a good chance to swim and enjoy the water.

Height: 30 M
River: Havasu Creek of Colorado River
Location: Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
Best Time to Visit: July to October
Near By Attractions: Grand Canyon

4. Angel Falls:

These falls happen to the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfall. The fall which has a height of 3,212 ft and a plunge of 2,648 ft. This waterfall is situated in Venezuela and flows down from the mount of Auyantepui. This is the most scenic natural waterfalls in the world and also the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfalls!

Height: 979 m
River: Carrao
Location: Bolivar, Venezuela
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Near By Attractions: Canaima National Park

5. Niagara Falls:

The Horseshoe Falls, the American falls and the Bridal Falls and together known as the Niagara Falls situated on the international border of Canada and US. Niagara falls have the highest flow rate of water compared to all the other waterfall; with an approximate fall of 165 ft. Niagara falls are one of the most popular natural rock waterfalls because it is resourceful due to its hydroelectrically power and its looks.

Height: 51 m
River: Niagara
Location: Ontario state in Canada and New York, USA
Best Time to Visit: June to August
Near By Attractions: Observation Tower and Aquarium of Niagara

6. Victoria Falls:

Victoria Falls formed by the Zambezi River in South Africa. It is supposed to be having the highest width among all waterfalls in the world, which is of 5,604 ft and falls down around 355 ft. David Livingstone was known to be the first European to discover the falls which got the place named as Livingstone Island. This is the Most Beautiful Natural Waterfalls in The World.

Height: 108 m
River: Zambezi
Location: Zambia, Zimbabwe
Best Time to Visit: June to August
Near By Attractions: Elephant Back Safari, Royal Livingstone Express

7. Sutherland Falls:

Sutherland Falls are in south island of New Zealand with plunges of 1,904 ft in three separate leaps. It happens to be the tallest in New Zealand overtaking Browne Falls or even Bluff Falls.These were first discovered by Donalid Sutherland in the year 1880 and are named after him.

Height: 581 M
River: Lake Quill
Location: New Zealand
Best Time to Visit: January to March
Near By Attractions: Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, Hamilton Zoo

8. Dettifoss Falls:

Dettifoss waterfall is known to be Europe’s most powerful waterfall. It receives its water from glaciers and falls into the Jokulsa a Fjollum river which ultimately falls as Dettifoss. With 330 ft width and 150 ft in length it is considered as the most voluminous waterfall in Iceland.

Height: 44m
River: Fjollum River
Location: Northeast Iceland
Best Time to Visit: January to March
Near By Attractions: Vatnajökull National Park

9. Gullfoss Falls:

Gullfoss falls are located in south west Iceland. The river Hvita flows towards the south and has a sharp edged fall in three separate stages from the right and then in two leaps, which falls down from the left. Due to the desire to make a hydroelectric project the fall had almost disappeared due to the mishandling of work due to lack of funds.

Height: 32m
River: Hvítá River
Location: Southwest Iceland
Best Time to Visit: May to July
Near By Attractions: Thingvellir National Park

10. Jog Falls:

Jog falls are the second tallest waterfalls in India and are formed by the Sharavathi river. They have four different streams, each having a unique name based on the characteristics they display. One is called Raja, the King, due to its majestic nature, the other is Rani, the queen, which sways with the wind, Roarer, which makes a loud sound and Rocket, which comes with a jet speed. They are located in the most scenic location and is a must-visit in Karnataka state of India.

Height: 250 mts
Best Time To Visit: November To February
River: Sharavathi
Location: Karnataka, India
Other Attractions: Sagara temples and the mountain ranges in Siddhapura

11. Gocta Cataracts:

Gocta waterfalls are perennial falls which flow in two steps are located in Peru. It was exposed to the world after a group of explorers headed by Stefan Ziemendorff, discovered it in 2002. However, the falls are no strangers to the locals, who have know them for many centuries. The surrounding areas are not made a tourist attraction by the Peruvian government.

Height: 771 mts
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
River: Cocahuayco
Location: Amazonas, Peru
Other Attractions: Many tourist attractions in close proximity like Machu Pichu

12. Tugela Falls:

Tugela waterfalls are located in the Republic of South Africa and are considered to be the second highest waterfalls of the world. These are seasonal falls which flow in monsoons. To reach the falls, there are two trials which test your physical fitness to an extent. These falls are made up on five small tiers, with the tallest among them measuring 411 m.

Height: 948 mts
Best Time To Visit: Monsoons
River: Tugela
Location: Republic of South Africa
Other Attractions: Royal Natal National Park

13. Plitvice Waterfalls:

Plitvice waterfalls is located in the Plitvice National Park, which is one of the largest national parks in Croatia. It is now a part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and was founded in the year 1949. This one of the most visited sites in the country, with more than 1 Million visitors per year. However, entry to these falls is not free and has varying charges for adults and kids.

Height: 436 Feet
Best Time To Visit: April to May and September to October
River: Plitvice
Location: Plitvice National Park, Croatia
Other Attractions: The national park offers plenty of natural attractions

14. Kaieteur Waterfalls:

Kaieteur waterfalls is considered to be the most powerful waterfalls of the world and is also the largest single drop falls. It is located in the Kaieteur national park, which is a part of the Amazon rain forest. These falls break the records of being four times higher than the Niagara Falls of USA and two times the height of Victoria falls in Zambia. It was first discovered in 1870 by a group of Europeans.

Height: 226 m
Best Time To Visit: May to mid-july and mid-November to mid-January
River: Potaro
Location: Kaieteur National Park, Guyana
Other Attractions: Kaieteur airstrip

15. Blue Nile Falls:

These stunningly beautiful falls are located in Ethiopia and are formed on the Blue Nile river. In the local language, these falls are called “Tis Abay” which means “Great Smoke”. However, due to construction of a hydel power plant, the size of the falls has been reduced and are in full form only during the monsoons.

Height: 45 m
Best Time To Visit: October to March
River: Blue Nile
Location: Ethiopia
Other Attractions: First stone Bridge of Ethiopia is found near these waterfalls

16. Detian Falls:

These scenic waterfalls are located in the border between China and Vietnam. They are the fourth largest waterfalls which share the border of two countries. Surrounded by the majestic Karst peaks, these falls are anything but the ordinary. They are originated in the Jingxi Country of China on the Guichun river and are perennial.

Height: 70 m
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
River: Guichun
Location: China and Vietnam
Other Attractions: Tongling Grand Canyon in Jinxi County

17. Yosemite Falls:

Yosemite falls are located in the Yosemite national park in Sierra Nevada, California. The falls are formed in three main sections with the upper falls being the largest. They are seasonal falls with peak season being the monsoons. However, during late fall and summer, the falls stop their flow. Yosemite falls are a major tourist attraction and draws crowds from all parts of the country.

Height: 739 m
Best Time To Visit: Late May to early June
River: Bridalveil Creek
Location: California, USA
Other Attractions: Yosemite Valley and Half Dome

18. Huangguoshu Falls:

Huangguoushu waterfalls are located in China and one of the largest cascades in the west Asia. These falls are formed by a group of smaller waterfalls and is certified as a ‘AAAAA scenic area’ by the Chinese National Tourism Administration. There are three viewing stages to view the waterfalls and the scene of the falls change depend on from where you are positioned. There is also a Water-Curtain cave that is naturally formed at the back of the falls.They are the most popular among natural stone waterfalls.

Height: 255 Feet
Best Time To Visit: Late May to early June
River: Pearl
Location: Guizhou Province, China
Other Attractions: The three viewing spots

19. Salto Para Falls:

Also called the Para falls, Salto Para is one of the widest waterfalls located in the Bolivar region of Venezuela. The falls are surrounded by lush green landscape and are shaped like a half-moon, due to the two rivers merging together. The height of the waterfalls are around 200 feet and are one of the major tourist attractions in the country.

Height: 200 Feet
Best Time To Visit: July to September
River: Rio Caura
Location: Bolivar, Venezuela
Other Attractions: The scenic landscape of the falls

20. Manawaiopuna Falls:

They are also called the Jurassic Falls, for being featured in the Jurassic Park movie directed by Stevel Spielberg in 1993. The falls are privately owned and located on the Hawaiian Islands. There is no road to reach the waterfalls and can be reached only via helicopter. However, there are only limited trips per week and one needs to plan well before attempting to visit them.

Height: 400 Feet
Best Time To Visit: July to September
River: Hanapepe
Location: Kauai Island, Hawaii
Other Attractions: Helicoper ride which offers a complete view of the surroundings

Additional Tips to Remember While Visiting Waterfalls:

Waterfalls are no doubt beautiful, but are extremely dangerous, for you are dealing with huge volumes of water. These tips can help you stay safe during your trip to the falls:
Always plan well before visiting the falls. While some are well-connected via roads and air, the others are placed in remote locations.
Do carry extra pair of clothes, enough food and drinking water
Peak Monsoons are dangerous. One thunderstorm can increase the flow of the falls and may prove fatal.
Always maintain a safe distance from the falls, unless there is a safe hole to swim
Never attempt trekking without prior permission from the authorities. It could cost your life.
Read the signboards carefully and never venture beyond the visitor zones.
Last, but not the least, be observative about your surroundings and play safe!

Expert Question and Answers:

1. What is The Visitor Fee to Enter The Detian Waterfalls Area?

Detian Waterfalls are located in China and are one of the major tourist attractions of the country. Unlike some of the famous falls in the world, which are free for visitors to view, you need to buy a ticket for entry to Detain falls. It is priced at 80 Yuan per adult and 50 Yuan for Children.

2. What are The Main Activities Near The Waterfalls?

Most waterfalls are located in dense forests and national parks. Apart from enjoying the view of the falls, visitors can also explore the surroundings and let their adventure spirit come out. A number of falls offer some attractions like Safari, Nature walk, Trekking, River rafting etc. Be sure to find out all the details to make the most out of your trip.

3. What are Transnational Waterfalls?

Transnational waterfalls, as the name indicates, are falls shared by two countries. Some of the famous among these waterfalls are the Iguazu falls shared between Brazil and Argentia, Victoria falls between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Niagara falls shared between America and Canada, Detian falls shared between China and Vietnam

We hope these waterfalls gave you goosebumps for their sheer size and volume. They are famous all over the world and contribute well to the local tourism. Not only are they perfect holiday spots, but are also useful in generating hydel electricity. One can forget all their woes and get transported to a magical place by the sight of these waterfalls, with their roaring sound in the background. Next time you are travelling abroad, be sure to visit these falls to make your trip a complete and a memorable one! We’d also love to hear your experiences there.