>MPGuy2824 at 03:46, 6 January 2021

2021-01-06T03:46:11Z

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{{short description|Waterfall in Shillong, Meghalaya, India}}
{{Distinguish|Elephant Waterfalls}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2020}}
[[File:Elephant Falls Meghalaya.jpg|thumb|252x252px|Elephant Falls, Shillong, Meghalaya, India]]
The '''Elephant Falls''' are a two-tier waterfall in [[Shillong]], [[Meghalaya]], [[India]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.holidify.com/places/shillong/elephant-falls-sightseeing-3475.html|title=Elephant Falls, Shillong (Meghalaya) {{!}} Elephant Wateralls Timing, Entry Fees|website=www.holidify.com|access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref> The mountain stream descends through two successive falls set in dells of fern-covered rocks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://megtourism.gov.in/waterfalls.html|title=Waterfalls of Meghalaya: Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya|website=megtourism.gov.in|access-date=2020-02-03}}</ref>

== History ==
The original [[Khasi language|Khasi]] name for the falls is '''Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew''', which translates to "the three - step waterfall".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/shillong/elephant-falls/ps26854732.cms|title=Elephant Falls|website=Times of India Travel|access-date=2020-02-03}}</ref> This name is still used locally. However the modern name is explained by a signboard near the waterfall.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.darjeeling-tourism.com/darj_0001ee.htm|title=Elephant Falls Shillong|website=www.darjeeling-tourism.com|access-date=2020-02-03}}</ref> The name originated in the British era when the Englishmen spotted a giant rock that looked like an elephant near the fall. This rock was destroyed in the 1987 due to an earthquake.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.darjeeling-tourism.com/darj_0001ee.htm|title=Elephant Falls Shillong|website=www.darjeeling-tourism.com|access-date=2020-02-03}}</ref>

== Description ==
The first fall of Elephant Falls is an example of a ''horsetail''-''punchbowl'' waterfall. The first fall is very broad and is hidden among the trees. The second fall however, is quite domesticated and in the winters (and drier months) looks inconsequential. The third fall is the tallest and comes to view suddenly and looks most spectacular with crystal clear water falling over sharp rocks of myriad shapes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/waterfalls/asia-elephant-falls/|title=Elephant Falls|website=World of Waterfalls|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oyorooms.com/travel-guide/reasons-why-to-visit-elephant-falls/|title=6 Reasons Why You Should Visit the Elephant Falls – Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-20}}</ref>

The sides of the waterfall are flanked by lush greenery and are rich in ferns.

== Location ==
Elephant Falls is situated at the outskirts of the main city of Shillong in the [[East Khasi Hills District]], Upper Shillong. It is almost 12 km away from the [[Shillong]] city center.

[[File:Elephant Falls – Dos and Don'ts for Visitors.jpg|thumb|Signboard at the gate of Elephant Falls]]
A small signboard quite near the Shillong Peak, marks a small road that turns off to the edge of the mountain. This road leads to the falls.

From the gate, there is a steep, slippery flight of stairs to navigate each level of the fall with the first and second level facilitated with benches to rest and relax.

A ticket costing 20 INR is required to view the fall with an additional charge of 20 INR for permission to bring the camera.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.darjeeling-tourism.com/darj_0001ee.htm|title=Elephant Falls Shillong|website=www.darjeeling-tourism.com|access-date=2020-02-03}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

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[[Category:Waterfalls of Meghalaya]]

Elephant Falls - Revision history

>MPGuy2824 at 03:46, 6 January 2021