Dainthlen Falls

Dainthlen Falls is a prominent waterfall located near Sohra (Cherrapunji) in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India. Situated along the Sohra-Shella road, it is known for its wide cascade over rugged limestone cliffs and natural rock pools. The falls are associated with Khasi folklore about the demon serpent Thlen. Surrounded by rolling hills and grasslands, it is a popular stop for sightseeing and photography, especially during and after the monsoon season when water flow is strongest.

Visitors can expect a wide, multi-tiered cascade flowing over flat limestone rock formations into natural pools, set amid open grasslands and rolling hills near Sohra. The site has fenced viewpoints overlooking the main drop and the gorge below. Visitors can walk along the plateau edge, view the falls from multiple angles, take photographs, and explore the surrounding rocky terrain. Water flow is heaviest during monsoon and post-monsoon months, while in drier months the flow reduces and rock surfaces are more exposed.

According to Khasi folklore, the falls is named after Thlen, a legendary demon serpent that was said to have lived in a cave near the falls and was slain by local people. Natural depressions on the rocks near the falls are locally associated with this legend.

The site holds cultural significance in Khasi folklore and oral tradition related to the Thlen legend, which is an important part of local storytelling and cultural identity in the Sohra region.