There's something instinctually exciting about confronting a waterfall cascading down from a height: you stand on the edge, hesitating, taking baby steps, before finally taking a deep breath and immersing yourself under the torrent. The apprehensiveness is quickly replaced by a rush of adrenaline and you emerge breathless, but undaunted, grinning ear to ear. And even for those who choose to stay dry, a picnic by a waterfall—with the roar of the water in the background, fine spray in the air—is one of the most immersive ways to experience the outdoors. And there's no better time to do that than when the rivers are deluged by the monsoon rains. While there's no dearth of waterfalls to seek out, here are five waterfalls inIndia to gush about.

 

Jog Falls

Hidden within the dense forests in Sagara (Karnataka), the Jog Falls are created by the Sharavathi River tumbling over four breathtaking cascades—Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket—which combine to form a grand waterfall.

Dudhsagar Falls

Locals say that Goa is never prettier than when it rains. Far from the beaches and tourist hotspots, the forested hinterland of the State literally comes alive during the monsoon.

Athirappilly Falls

Nicknamed ‘The Niagara of India,’ for a reason, the Athirappilly Falls in Thrissur (Kerala) are a sight to behold for their panoramic stretch—a 330-foot wide span.

Chitrakoot Falls

Possibly the most majestic waterfall in the country, the Chitrakoot Falls span a prodigious 520-feet across a horseshoe-shaped cliff from where the muddy waters hurtle down close to a 100 feet.

Hogenakkal Falls

Experiences like coracle rides (round wickerwork boats called parisals by the locals) and medicinal baths make Hogenakkal Falls literally a much more immersive experience than other large waterfalls in the country.