The Waterfall is one of the most beautiful creations of nature. Everything nature gives to us has its own importance and beauty but the waterfall is something that excites everyone. When water hits the rock with the full intensity that displays the power of nature in its way.
It’s not easy to collect the list of best waterfalls in the world because every person has its own way to see things. But we made the list based on traveler experience, tourism ranking careful research and enticing pictures.
11 Best Waterfalls in the World
Scroll Down:
- The Angel Fall
- Victoria Falls
- Niagara Falls
- Ban Goic – Detian Falls
- Iguazu Falls
- Tugela Falls
- Havasu Waterfalls
- Dudhsagar Falls
- Plitvice Falls
- Kawasan Fall
- Kursunlu Waterfall
1. The Angel Fall
Located in the Canaima National Park in Venezuela, Angel Falls is the highest uninterrupted waterfalls in the world. It is rated as the best adventure region in Venezuela.
This beautiful waterfall is a tributary of the Carrao River and flies over the edge of the Auyan-tepui Table mountain with a height of 979 meters in the California National Park.
The name of waterfalls drives on the name of Jimmy Angel, who is an adventurous pilot from Missouri, United States. He is the first person to fly over the falls. In 1933 he discovered the Angel fall accidentally for the first time while searching for the legendary McCracken River of Gold.
Canaima National Park is the gateway of Angle falls and the entrance fee is 4 USD (price may now differ).
During the rainy season, Angel Falls creates its own weather. At certain times of the year from 1-kilometer radius of the falls, you can feel fog settling on your skin.
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Where is Angel Falls?
At Auyan-tepui, Canaima National Park, in Bolivar state, Venezuela. Canaima National park is the second-largest park in Venezuela.
What is Angel Fall Famous For?
Angle fall is one of the four most beautiful waterfalls in the world and the highest uninterrupted waterfalls in the world with a staggering height of 979 Meters.
How to reach Angel Falls?
You can’t reach Angel fall via land & Air, Water is the only way to access this natural wonder.
By Air: You need to take a plane at Tomas de Heres Airport in Ciudad Bolivar and Canaima Airport. Simon Bolivar International Airport near Caracas, the capital of Venezuela is the international gateway to reach there.
By water: You need to take a boat ride from Canaima Village on wooden curiae as to the base of Angel Falls.
Best time to visit:
May to November is rated the best time to visit Angel Fall because of the low rainfall and thick flow of water which creates picturesque surroundings.
What can you do at Angel Fall?
Visit Canaima National Park: In 1994, Canaima National Park declared as the UNESCO world heritage site. This amazing park is a collection of rives, waterfalls, cliffs, mountains, scenic trails and roads, rainforest, home of 550+ species of birds, 550 species of orchid, ocelots, pumas and much more. Come here discover the legends, lives and culture of Pemon people.
Activities: Hiking, mountain climbing, trekking, sightseeing tours, swimming, kayaking, base jumping and observing the beautiful fauna and flora.
Where does the water come from at Angel Falls?
The water comes from the Churum river falling off the edge of Auyan-tepui mountain that is the highest table mountain in Canaima Venezuela.
Where to stay near Angel Falls?
In Canaima village, you will get a range of accommodation and most of them are located just a short ride away from Canaima Camp like Waku Lodge, Morichal Lodge, Paracaupa Lodge and many more. Camping is prohibited in Canaima National Park.
Interesting Fact:
Angel Fall is the highest waterfall around the world and it is three times taller than the landmark of Paris, the Eiffel Tower.
First time since 1990 tourists has only been permitted to visit the Angel Falls. The first visitors to Angel Falls stayed in Campamento Canaima, which is known as Boulton Camp.
Google Rating: 4.6 among 1816 Reviews
2. Victoria Falls
Victoria fall is also known as the name of ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’. This is neither the tallest nor the widest waterfall in the world, but due to its width of 1708 meters, it is the most spectacular and the largest waterfall in the world. It located in Southern Africa on the Zambezi River at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The Victoria fall is widely known as the name of ‘The Smoke That Thunders’.
Why should you visit Victoria Falls?
Victoria fall is the only waterfall in the world with a width of more than 1 KM and height of more than 100 Meters.
Victoria fall has a width of 1 mile and height of 360 ft, in general, twice the height of North America’s Niagara Falls.
In the modern era of world Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world.
During the measurement of Victoria’s fall, it is found that it is 1708 meters across and boasting an average flow rate of 1088 cubic meters per second. It is so vast and impressive that in rainy season rainbows often form in its spray.
Every year Victoria Falls is visited by approximately more than 2.5 million tourists.
The tourist who visit Zimbabwe also visits Victoria Falls. Therefore, if you are planning a trip Zambia or Zimbabwe, be sure you include Victoria Falls on your holiday bucket list!
You can hear the noise of Victoria fall 40 kilometers away from it, while the spray and fog from the falling water is raised to a height of over more than 400 meters. It can be seen from a distance of 50 kilometers.
The number of tourists started to be decreased at the end of 1960 due to the guerrilla struggle in Zimbabwe. But after Zimbabwe got independence Victoria fall started to attract a new venue wave for tourism.
At the end of 1990 more than 30,000 people came to visit the Victoria fall every year and it is listed the UNESCO world heritage site.
Interestingly during the dry season when the water level is low in the Zambezi river then you can walk through some parts of the waterfall while the rest of the year Victoria fall is a roaring machine that shows the power of nature.
Best time to visit:
During the different times of the year, you will get different experiences. If you want to experience the full glory and power of waterfalls then February to May is the best time. Due to a large number of spray from the fallen water, you can’t see its full width on foot.
But the noise, heat and clouds of spray rising high into the sky with a spectacular view will be a lifetime experience for you. From November to December when the water level is at the lowest stage that even you can walk through some part of the fall.
How to get there:
Victoria Falls can easily accessible by both sides either the town of Victoria Falls or Livingstone. It is located 19 KM away from the International airport of Victoria falls and 12 KM away from Livingstone Zambia via Mosi-Oa-Tunya/T1.
Which side is best for you?
If you want to see the fall then go to Zimbabwe or to feel the fall come to Zambia.
The Zambia side at high low allows you to feel the spray of water while Zimbabwe side offers you a more picturesque view because of its viewpoint.
You can also visit both sides in a single day but make sure you have a visa for both countries. You can walk or drive across the bridge between of both countries and walk to National Park Entrance.
Things to do:
Activities: Bungee Jumping, white water rafting on the Zambezi River, a helicopter ride over Victoria fall, beautiful view over the Victoria falls bridge, take a dinner train crosses over the Zambezi River and stops in the middle to see the view of falls, devils pool on Zambia side, Victoria falls National Park, sunset cruise and much more.
Interesting fact:
- The origin of the English Name of Victoria fall was chosen by David Livingstone, who was the first European to saw the Victoria Fall in 1855 and named it in the honor of Queen Victoria.
- You can see this beautiful creation of nature from two countries Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- It is listed in the World’s Seven Natural Wonders.
- Every minute 500 Million water cascades through falls.
- Victoria Fall is home of Moonbowv (Rainbow at night). It forms during the night when the moonlight crossing the spray of water.
Google Rating: 4.7
Suggested Tours: Best tour and activities you should take at Victoria Falls
3. Niagara Fall
Located in USA and Canada, Niagara fall is the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Niagara fall is a collection of three waterfalls: Niagara Gorge on the Southern end located on the border between US of New York and the Canadian Province of Ontario. Horseshoe Falls or Canadian Falls located on the international border of Canada and the United States and the smallest American Falls or Bridal Veil Falls located entirely in US.
Niagara Fall is the most powerful waterfall in North America in the way of vertical height and flow rate. It’s height is 51 meter, it is certainly not the tallest.
The average annual flow rate is 85000 cubic feet per second. But in the peak season, it reaches around 225,000 cubic feet per second. The average flow rate of this waterfall is around 1834 cubic meter per second.
The speed of water creates misty fog and a roaring sound which you can hear from miles away.
Suggested Tours: Niagara Falls – Book ticket, tour and things to do in advance to get the best deals
Where is Niagara Falls Located?
Located on the New York and Canadian border along the Niagara river which flows between two great lakes Ontario and Erie Lake.
How to reach Niagara Falls?
It is located 32 min away from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport at a distance of 44 KM from the main city. From there you will get taxis, shuttle service easily. Niagara falls is well connected by train as well, the Niagara fall Train Station is the nearest railway station.
Best time to visit:
Summer Season from June to August is the best and peak time at Niagara Falls. Mist and Breezes makes weather more cooler and happier. Winter is less crowded and if you’re lucky enough then you’ll see the frozen fall.
Why visit Niagara Falls?
Because of its flow rate, height and combination of three waterfalls. Apart from that the adventure, the entertainment, food, history and much more. Over the year Niagara falls grow as a classic honeymoon and kids friendly destination. And every year more than 30 million people visit this beautiful creation of nature.
What are the best viewpoints of Niagara Falls?
- Journey Behind the Walls – It allows you to witness the Horseshoe falls from 150 feet through bedrock to tunnel.
- Table Rock Welcome – Enjoy the view from few meters to the edge of Horseshoe falls.
- By Helicopter.
- The rainbow bridge is another viewpoint.
- Skylon Tower – From 775 feet above the falls having delicious food.
- Queen Victoria Park.
- Maid of Mist Boat.
- Book a room for the best view of falls. Some hotel have properties here that means you can watch this beautiful fall from your bed.
Which side is best – Canadian side or American side?
Canadian Side – On this side, you’ll get some spectacular view of both American and Horseshoe fall and also you’ll get right up to the edge of Horseshoe fall. Apart from that you’ll get hotel room from where you can see Niagara fall directly from your room and the floodlighting that usually occurs at midnight.
American Side: Apart from just watching the waterfall American side allows you to go close and personal with the waterfall.
Overall Canadian side is better in terms of watching waterfall without any fees and staying in hotel with an amazing view of fall.
Things to do:
Have dinner at top of Skylon Tower with a spectacular view of all from 770 Feet, watching floodlighting from the Canadian side, watching fall from the different viewpoints, staying in a hotel with an amazing view of fall, fun at a butterfly conservatory, Botanical gardens, take Hornblower and much more.
4. Ban Gioc – Detian Falls
Ban Gioc Detian fall is the collective name of two converging waterfalls. One is Banyne falls in Vietnam and second is Detian fall on the Chinese side, together they make one of the highest waterfalls in Asia, the Ban Goic Detian Fall.
Surrounded by Halong Bay, Vietnam and Phang Nga bay, Thailand it is the most scenic waterfall in the world.
On the Chinese side, it is 120 M wide while if we mix the Vietnam side as well then it will become 200 M wide.
The waterfall is separated into different fall by rocks and trees and the water is tumbling down by 60-meter height.
Due to the various border conflicts between the two countries the area has only recently been opened to tourism. It is currently the 4th largest waterfall in the world.
Ban Gioc Detian is very popular around the world and most of the Chinese movies are shooting around it, for action sequences, and romantic backgrounds. Many beautiful movie songs are written and shoot around this waterfall.
A walking path along the fall is allowed you to get right up to the main waterfall on the Chinese side. That path ultimately climbed alongside part of the falls until you got up to the bottom of the uppermost tier.
Where is Ban Gioc – Detian Fall located?
The first half of this beautiful fall situated in the Karst hill of Daxin country in China and the second half is located in Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang Province in Vietnam (272 KM north of Hanoi).
How to get there:
From Vietnam side: As the waterfall is located near to Hanoi, the Capital city of Vietnam so most of the tourist preferred this way to reach the fall. First, you need to get to Hanoi then from there you will get the bus, taxi or number of public transportation options to reach the fall. After reaching fall you need to take the entrance ticket to 2 USD at Kiosk near the fall.
From Chinese Side: First, need to reach the Nanning city after need to take 4 hour-long bus ride to reach the fall.
After reaching the waterfall the Bamboo raft is the most convenient way to take a closer look at the water where you can feel the spray of water.
Best time to visit:
The waterfall is open throughout the year but the dry season from September to October rated is the best time to visit. During that time condition become more luxurious and the water is calmer. From June to August when the heavy rainfall leads to a large amount of water to the Quay Son river and due to the waterfall becomes more monstrous. Therefore, it more difficult to capture the picture of the waterfall without getting your camera wet.
Things to do:
Explore the amazing surrounding area like see the local farmer harvesting the crops by hand, yellow rice paddy fields, wooden bridges, green grassy bank on the foot of waterfalls, riding bamboo craft is more fascinating and enjoyable. And other nearby attractions like Thang Hen Lake, Lenin stream, Ngao Cave and much more.
Google Rating: 4.5
5. Iguazu Falls
Iguazu fall is not the biggest waterfall in the world (only 81 meters in height), but what it lacks in height it makes up for in volume, especially during the rainy season. It is one of the great natural wonders in the world.
The name of this falls originates from the Guarani language, and its means “big water”
It is located between the border of Brazil and Argentina.
It spans 2.7 KM in width with 275 individual waterfalls and a height of 60 to 82 meters.
Iguazu Falls has an average flow rate of 1,756 cubic meters per second, which is almost the same as Niagara Falls.
Every year 100 of million visitors come and visit the best miracle of nature. Today, the Iguazu Falls are owned by the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites first is Iguazú National Park in Argentina and the second is Iguaçu National Park in Brazil.
It is considered that a large proportion of the water is trust down Devil’s Throat along gulf that is 82 meters high and 150 meters wide or more than 700 meters long.
If you want to visit it then you need to confirm the possible VISA requirements when entering from either Brazil or the Argentina side, as the falls include both the country. You can reach the falls from Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil and Puerto Iguazú in Argentina.
For the visitors convenience made special walkways around the Iguazu fall to allow the visitor to get close up to this wonder to see it natural beauty and power. After reaching there at one point you will be surrounded by 260 Degree of waterfalls.
Many movies have it natural beauty like Happy together in 1997, Mr. Magoo in 1997, Miami Vice in 2006 and many more.
Where is Iguazu Falls is located?
Located on the border of the Brazilian state, Parana and the Argentina Province of Misiones. Approx 80% of fall is located in Argentina and the rest 20% in Brazil.
Which side is good?
It is said that the Brazilian side is good for viewing the falls while the Argentinean side is good to feel them. It is easy to cross the fall from one side to another side.
From Argentina: This side allows you to see the fall from different viewpoints as well as the opportunity to see the lower and upper falls. The upper fall trail allows you to take a walk across of several falls and to witness the water flowing over the edge. And the lower fall trail allows you to take a close look of the fall.
From Brazil: It offers a complete panoramic view of the falls.
You can cover both sides in a day.
How to get there?
There is two airports located inside the 5 Mile of waterfalls Foz Du Iguacu Airport in Brazil and Cataratas del Iguazu in Argentina. From there you need to drive or take public transportation to reach the falls.
Best time to visit:
The weather is same all year round so its hard to find to the best time to visit but Jan to Feb is the peak season due to the Holiday in Brazil and Argentina. During summer time water volume is high but humidity & heat is at its peak. May to July is the rainy season with high water levels and strong flow.
Things to do:
Take a jet boat tour to experience the fall, take a helicopter ride to get the bird’s eye view of falls, jungle safari tour, explore the rainforest and much more.
Google Rating: 4.9
6. Tugela Falls
Tugela Falls is the second-highest waterfall in the world after Angel Falls with a height of 948 meters. It is the highest waterfall in Africa and also there is a controversy that it is the tallest waterfall in the world rather than Angel Falls of Venezuela.
Apart from its height and natural beauty, it also lets you enjoy a 12 KM hiking which brimming with spectacular natural views.
Tugela River is the source of this waterfall. It is a great river with very high volume so it may not flow consistently year-round even some times it completely dry out.
After heavy rain Tugela falls can easily be viewed from the main road.
Where is Tugela Falls is located?
It is located in the Drakensberg of Royal Natal National Park in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.
How to get there:
You can easily get there from Johannesburg by easy 4 hour ride to sentinel ca park along the N3 and 4 and half hour ride from Durban along the N3 and R74.
Best time to visit:
During the rainy season from November to March when the water level is high and crossing will be more challenging. And for hikers with fewer crowds and lower prices, autumn and spring is the best season.
Things to do:
12 KM of hiking in 4 hours and get some spectacular view of nature, king swing, take art and culture tour to understand the South African Culture, do some photography and much more.
Google Rating: 4.7
7. Havasu Falls, Arizona, United States
The Magic of Havasu falls can’t be defined in words – good to admire. Whether you talk about its turquoise blue water or its remote location or red rocks, everything is just remarkable. Therefore, tourists come from all over the world to witness their beauty. But getting there is not easy, for that you need plenty of physical preparation, planning and reservation ticket.
The minerals like calcium, carbonate and magnesium in water is the result of Havasu fall watercolor – clear turquoise blue water.
Where: Havasu falls is part of Havasupai Indian Reservation and located in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States.
How to Reach: The only way to get there is by an overnight 10-mile hike which requires advance reservation. No day hiking is allowed that means you need to stay at least one night in the camp. The number of people in the canyon is limited so you need to book tickets well in advance.
The hike starts from Havasupai Indian Reservation, 4 to 5-hour drive either from Las Vegas or Phoenix. Most of the hike is rocky, sandy and downhill to the falls that means the hike back out to your car will be uphill.
Most of the people camp in the Havasu Falls Campground. But you need to carry all your equipment and food to stay here.
Google Rating: 4.5 among 438 reviews
8. Dudhsagar Falls, Goa, India
Dudhsagar waterfalls mean “Sea of Milk” due to its milky white water.
Dudhsagar is one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls located in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Panaji Molem, Goa, India.
The four tired and three streamed falls is the 5th highest waterfall in India with a staggering height of 1017 feet. The cascading effects of this waterfall create an illusion of a milky white sea falling from such a great height and due to that, it acquires the name Dudhsagar Waterfalls.
The entire surrounding of this falls is covered by the forest which gives its a picturesque view.
The falls also pictured in the famous Bollywood movie Chennai Express starring Shahrukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.
How to Reach: The journey to the waterfalls itself is mesmerizing as it includes train, bus and trek.
It is located 71 Km from Panaji (Kadamba Bus Stand) and 70 Km from Goa International Airport.
There are lots of ways to reach there as it is located at the Goa Karnataka border. But you can not get there directly, you need to break your journey. First, you need to take the train to Londa Junction then you have to take a bus or cab to Kulem. From there you can trek to waterfalls. If you’re not comfortable in trekking then you can also opt for a jeep from Kulem to Dudhsagar.
Google Rating: 4.6 among 17,966 reviews
9. Plitvice Waterfalls, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park has 16 interconnecting lakes which form series of waterfalls that vary in color from emerald green to turquoise blue depending on the mineral content and lighting conditions. As the water flows over the limestone and chalks rocks, the color of the water can be seen. All of this natural creation is surrounded by lush green landscapes which gives it a picture-perfect view.
Every year more than 1 million tourists visit Plitvice National Park to admire the beauty of lakes and waterfalls.
Where: The Plitvice lake is located in central Croatia and Zagreb (135 KM) and Zadar (136 KM) are the closest cities to it.
Interesting Fact: The Plitvice lake national Park has 16 cascading lakes and 90+ waterfalls.
Google Rating: 4.7 among 69,026 reviews
10. Kawasan Falls, Cebu Island, Philippines
Situated at the foot of Mantalongon mountain range, Kawasan falls is famous for its beautiful turquoise water. The waterfalls has two main cascade – the first stands around 40 meters in height and the second stand around 20 meters.
The surrounding of the waterfalls is very picturesque and refreshing along with a pool of clear crystal blue water that makes it a perfect place for nature lovers.
The blue color of the waterfall comes from the limestone available in that area and that makes it the most beautiful bluest waterfalls in Asia.
The Kawasan fall is located 80 Km or 2.5 hours away from Cebu City. But the best way to reach here is to take a canyoneering tour. As it takes you through the jungle before reaching the fall that makes your journey more adventurous and funny.
Google Rating: 4.5 among 3691 reviews
11. Kursunlu Waterfalls, Antalya, Turkey
Located a short walk away from central Antalya, Kursunlu waterfalls is small cascading water where seven cascades fall from 18 meters of height against a green surrounding of nature. The whole area is surrounded by lush greenery and filled up with a wide range of flora and fauna such as wild boars, rabbits, tortoises and lizards. Therefore, it is a good place for ecotourism activities like nature walking, trekking and animal life observation.
The area which forms by the water of waterfalls is known as Plant Tunnel. Pristine clear water, fresh air, rich flora & fauna and majestic scenery attracts visitors from all over the world.
Google Rating: 4.5 among 12,880 reviews
So here is the list of best waterfall in the world. Go there and witness some of the most amazing creations of nature. If you have been there before then share your experience with us and if we forget to mention anything then please let us know in the below comment section.