Top-10 Waterfalls in the World: All you need to know

Exploring different regions and being amid nature is phenomenal. It teaches us how wonderful natural beauty is and how small and insignificant we are. It teaches us to pause, lives in the moment, and enjoy the beautiful life we have been given.

Are you one of those people who loves waterfalls? The beauty of a water cascade falling through the sky, simple though it seems, proves to be one of Earth’s most spectacular natural wonders. If you adore trekking outdoors and watching the captivating sight of natural beauty unfold before your eyes, ensure to embark on one of these waterfall travels and feel yourself come alive.

If you think that you need a larger-than-life experience filled with the majesty of the natural world, this handy list of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world will guide you on your next adventure. The sheer enormity and wonder of the top 10 waterfalls in the world combined with the beauty of these destinations are bound to keep you coming back for more.

10 Places to Visit for Wondrous Waterfall Experiences

1. Angel Falls: This waterfall gets its name from the man who discovered it, Jimmie Angel. Now, he did not find the gold he was looking for, but he did chance upon the highest, most spectacular waterfall in the world. Plunging to almost 1000 metres from an unassuming tabletop in the Canaima National Park, the sight of this uninterrupted cascade is breathtaking. The best time to visit this Venezuelan beauty is between June and November. Considering the waterfall is located in Canaima National Park, which is now a UNESCO-listed site, you are bound to have much more to grab your interest – a trip totally worth all the time and every penny!
   
   Reaching Angel Falls: To visit Angel Falls, you need to get to Canaima. This town can be accessed via car or bus. You can also fly into Canaima’s airport from Ciudad Bolivar or Puerto Ordaz. You can travel by boat for a day trip from Canaima to reach Angel Falls.
   
2. Niagara Falls: Apart from being the most popular waterfall globally, Niagara Falls also has the distinction of being number one. This time, it is ranking as the biggest waterfall in terms of volume. Did you know that Niagara drops about 7000 cubic metres of water every second! For this, it is considered the most powerful waterfall in the world. Several people who witness this beauty return with a desire to revisit the Falls. Apart from its beauty, it is also popular for its convenience. You can view Niagara Falls from either Canada or the USA. While travellers believe that Canada offers a better vantage point, the viewpoint from the USA has its charm. It allows you an uninterrupted view of America, Horseshoe, and Bridal Veil Falls – the three waterfalls that make up Niagara. While there is little for the nature-seeker in the immediate surroundings, the Niagara Falls are adequate in satiating your thirst for nature.
   
   Reaching Niagara Falls: Buffalo-Niagara is the closest international airport to Niagara Falls. Several shuttles and taxi services will take you directly to the Falls, which are about forty minutes away.
   
3. Iguazu Falls: Iguazu, Iguacu, Iguassu – call them what you may – these falls are just spectacular! A confluence of 275 different waterfalls, many regards this destination among the top 5 vacation spots in the world. And deservedly too! The falls form a border between Brazil and Argentina. The reason this is such a huge draw is that it offers great diversity to travellers. They form an upper and lower circuit in Argentina, offering walking trails to travellers with unparalleled views. At the Devil’s Throat, you will find staggering waterfalls as high as 80 metres. Around mid-day, the sun glistens from behind the falls, creating magical prisms. The surrounding rainforests bring in an additional charm to your visits.
   
   Reaching Iguazu Falls: The easiest way to reach Iguazu Falls is to fly to either Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro before travelling to Iguazu either by plane or road.
   
4. Victoria Falls: Victoria Falls has been elevated to the status of the Seven Wonders of the World. Running a long stretch of over 1,700 metres through Zambia and Zimbabwe, these waterfalls are among the best African tourist destinations. This distinction of the Victoria Falls is that this is a singular waterfall running through the entire distance. If you are a person who loves water and doesn’t mind a generous spray, venture close to the ‘smoke that thunders’ for some massive action.
   
   Reaching Victoria Falls: You can fly directly to the Victoria Falls International Airport. A shuttle or taxi will be able to transport you directly to the location. You can also land at the Livingstone Airport in Zambia and find a vehicle from there. Overnight trains run from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls too. This way, you can kickstart the nature trail with some stunning views on the way. The closest distances by road are Hwange (close to 70 miles) and Bulawayo (270 miles).
   
5. Yosemite Falls: If you want to witness several waterfalls, Yosemite National Park has them stacked up for you. Among the numerous waterfalls at this park is the Yosemite Falls. To take in the majesty of the jaw-dropping waterfall, ensure you visit around spring when the winter snow has begun melting. At its peak during May and June, this is nature at its best. Even as a trickle in the autumn months, the Yosemite Falls never fails to inspire. You can quite easily navigate your way using the paved walkways here.
   
   Reaching Yosemite Falls: Most seasoned travellers advise taking the road from San Francisco to get to Yosemite. This should take you between 4 and 5 hours. Overnight buses and trains are other options available.
   
6. Gullfoss: Don’t be too surprised if you hear this waterfall in Iceland referred to as the ‘Golden Waterfall’. It gets its name from the multitude of rainbows that frequently form through the spray. Another reason that Gullfoss is so loved is because of its untamed, wild streaks of water rushing impatiently down the cliff. Gulfoss forms in the upper regions of the Hvita river. In the summer, you will find the waterfall flowing down in two stages. In the winter, you will notice a thick sheet of ice in its place.
   
   Reaching Gullfoss: To reach Gullfoss, you will need to fly down to Reykjavik and drive for about an hour and a half until you get to the waterfall.
   
7. Kaieteur Falls: This waterfall claims to be the tallest single-drop waterfall the world has seen. This mammoth cascade of water drops almost like a rectangular structure, plunging nearly 750 feet. Spread over 350 feet on the Guiana Shield, the waterfalls rest against the enticing backdrop of dense rainforest, one of the few the world can talk about today. This is among the most treasured, beautiful places to visit when you feel nature’s beckon. Apart from the waterfall, you are almost certain to have a grand view of some gorgeous wildlife here.
   
   Reaching Kaieteur Falls: You can travel to Kaieteur from Georgetown or try and fly directly into Kaieteur International Airport. Getting here by road isn’t highly recommended since it can take up to 5 days.
   
8. Plitvice Falls: Nestled delicately in the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, is this collection of over 90 waterfalls believed to be the most beautiful in the world. The emerald green waters contrast perfectly against the lush green vegetation, with waters cascading down gracefully from one slope to the next. The Great Waterfall or Veliki Slap commands the most significant attention here. You cannot miss Sastavci Slap, the prettiest among the waterfalls here.
   
   Reaching Plitvice Falls: Plitvice is around mid-way between Zagreb and Zadar. You can take buses from the Zagreb Airport into the central city and then onward to the lakes. It takes about 2 to 3 hours by bus if you ride in from Zadar.
   
9. Sutherland Falls: You cannot talk about nature and not mention New Zealand. Among the several waterfalls here, Sutherland definitely claims the top spot. They appear somewhat distant since wild mountains tower around the area. You can either walk through the Milford Track until you reach the waterfalls (this should take you about four days) or find an aerial view by booking a flight. While in Fiordland National Park, the home of Sutherland Falls, do ensure you keep an eye out for the tahake bird.
   
   Reaching Sutherland Falls: You can drive, take a short train ride, or hail a taxi to reach the waterfalls from Sutherland.
   
10. Rhine Falls: The talking point among tourists for the longest time, the Rhine Falls are among Switzerland’s many proud showcases. While this is not the tallest or widest waterfall in the world, it is a dazzling spectacle, especially when its volume swells and doubles in the summer months when the snow has melted. The Rhine experience is among the most popular European tourist attractions you will read and hear about. Make sure you don’t give it a miss.
    
    Reaching Rhine Falls: The Rhine Falls are easily accessible from Zurich. Trains from Zurich to either Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall, or Neuhausen Rheinfall will get you to the waterfalls in under an hour.

Planning an international trip? Do check out our article on beginner tips for travelling abroad in detail here!

Conclusion

And there you have it! Ten reasons to be enthralled by the magnificence of the power that water has on our lives. Every continent has its share of waterfalls, and you can revel in its wonder no matter where you go. Regardless of the destinations, you visit or the waterfalls you pick, ensure you make Cleartrip your travel buddy to help you feel the magic of nature come alive. Visit the Cleartrip website to learn more.

Do check our detailed article on baggage allowance rules here!

FAQs

travel | travel experience | Travel Tips | waterfall | waterfalls

• « Previous Post 10 Indian Airports that one should surely see
• Next Post » How to Reach Shimla? A Complete Travel Guide