Waterfalls Worth The Trip

Anamika Mishra once said, “Run wild and free like a waterfall.”

The world is full of beautiful waterfalls. These impressive bodies of water come in different shapes and sizes, and are often surrounded by gorgeous landscapes. Visiting a famous waterfall gives you the opportunity to hike, photograph, and in some cases swim, near a plunging cascade of water. These natural wonders may end up being the highlight of your vacation. If you are interested in cascading water, you have endless options, but below are some waterfalls worth the trip. 

Niagara Falls is an impressive 51 meters (167 feet) tall and has the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America. According to Niagara Falls State Park, 3,160 tons of water flow over Niagara Falls every second. Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls – the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. The most impressive section is the semicircular Horseshoe Falls, where you can see an almost perfect arc of plunging water and hear the roar of the continuous downpour. 

You can experience Niagara Falls in various ways. First, you can view and photograph the falls from observation decks on both the American and Canadian sides. If you don’t mind getting wet from the mist, you can book a boat tour and look up at the falls from the water below. Conversely, you can see panoramic views of the falls from above by booking a helicopter tour. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even ride a zipline while you admire the waterfalls. Finally, you can take an elevator down and watch the water crash down from two observation decks directly behind the massive sheet of water.

Hotel Recommendation: Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel & Spa. The hotel restaurant, Morton’s Grille, and many of the rooms have spectacular views of the falls. The hotel also has a relaxing spa with thermal pools, a steam room, and a sauna. If you need a coffee to start your day, the hotel has a Starbucks onsite. 

Iguazú (or Iguaçu) Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil is the largest waterfall system in the world. The chain of individual cascades stretches out for almost three kilometers and reaches a height of 82 meters (269 feet) at its horseshoe-shaped Devil’s Throat waterfall. 

The falls are surrounded by lush rainforests, but the national parks in both countries have built platforms, catwalks, and hiking trails so tourists can get up close. You can walk and take photos at your leisure, or opt for a boat or helicopter ride if you want an alternative view of the falls. As most of the water is located on the Argentinian side, you will find the best views from Brazil. However, if you want the thrill of looking down and watching the water rush over the edge of the Devil’s Throat, be sure to visit Argentina as well. 

Hotel Recommendation: Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel. If you are able to splurge, this luxury hotel is worth every penny. The pink, Portuguese colonial–style hotel is located within the Brazilian national park, only a few steps away from the falls. The rooms, restaurants, and pool are lovely, and the hotel prides itself on its impeccable service. 

Due to its height and width, Victoria Falls constitutes the largest sheet of falling water on Earth. The waterfall known locally as “The Smoke That Thunders” is located on the Zambezi River, between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It reaches a height of 108 meters (354 feet) and its spray can be seen from as far away as 50 km (31 miles). 

You will get the best waterfall views by walking along the trail on the Zimbabwean side. However, if you fancy a dip, you can swim in the Devil’s Pool on top of the falls on the Zambian side. You can better appreciate the size and scale of the waterfall by taking a helicopter ride. If you love adventure sports, there are also white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and zip lining opportunities at Victoria Falls.

Hotel Recommendation: The Victoria Falls Hotel. The elegant Edwardian-style hotel is the oldest hotel in Zimbabwe, but was recently refurbished. It is only 2 km from the Victoria Falls Bridge. The hotel has beautifully decorated rooms, a spa, a pool, and three restaurants — one of which serves a traditional afternoon tea.

The waterfall is difficult to visit, because it is located in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park, deep in the jungle. You can fly a small plane to Canaima village, but will then have to take a one-day boat ride to reach the base of the falls. The easiest way to see Angel Falls is by booking an organized tour that includes accommodation and transport. If you are not up for the long boat ride followed by a hike, you may want to consider a flyover helicopter tour of the falls. 

Hotel Recommendation: Waku Lodge. The 20-room lodge is located on the banks of the Canaima Lagoon, and has lovely views of the area’s seven waterfalls. The Lodge offers all-inclusive packages with flights to and from Canaima, lodging, meals, and sightseeing excursions.

At 739 meters (2,425 feet), Yosemite Falls is North America’s tallest waterfall. The tiered waterfall is made up of three separate falls: the Upper Yosemite Fall, the Middle Cascades, and the Lower Yosemite Fall. It is located in Yosemite National Park, surrounded by granite cliffs and giant sequoia trees. The park is a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and rock climbers. 

Yosemite Falls face out towards a wide, open valley, so it is one of the easiest waterfalls to see and access. However, the cascade is fed by snowmelt, so to see it at its fullest you should visit in May or June. Later in the summer, the waterfall can dwindle to a trickle or dry up completely. You can view the falls from the many walking trails and boardwalks throughout Yosemite Valley. If you feel up to it, you can do a strenuous full-day hike to the top of the falls.

Hotel Recommendation: The Ahwahnee. This historic hotel is approximately 1.5 miles from Yosemite Village and has views of the falls. It features amenities such as a year-round heated outdoor pool, a solarium, a gift shop, and a candy store. The hotel also has a large, fine dining restaurant with cathedral windows and a high cross-beam ceiling.

Dudhsagar Falls is in the Indian state of Goa, along the Mandovi River. Four tiers of cascading water start at a height of 320 meters (1017 feet) and pour down a lush green hillside to a pool below. Dudhsagar Falls has been nicknamed the “Sea of Milk” because its speed and spray gives the illusion of flowing milk. 

The waterfall flows fast and furiously during monsoon season, so you will get the best photos if you visit just after, in October-May. The only ways to access the falls are by taking a train or car to Kulem railway station and trekking, or booking a jeep safari through the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. If you have seen pictures of Dudhsagar Falls, you will notice train tracks running across the falls. It is possible to see the falls from the passing train if you travel from Kulem to Castle Rock station, but you will only glimpse them for a mere 25–30 seconds.

Hotel Recommendation: ITC Grand Goa. The accommodations within the park are very rustic and have limited Wi-Fi, so we recommend staying at one of the lovely beach resorts and taking a day trip to the falls. The ITC Grand Goa is an18-hectare resort close to Arossim Beach that features a spacious outdoor pool, a spa, a gym, and four restaurants.

Gullfoss is part of the Golden Circle, a popular day excursion in Southern Iceland. The waterfall starts at a height of 32 meters (105 feet) and crashes down in two stages, at nearly right angles. Its name translates to Golden Falls and comes from the glacial sediment in the river that makes the falls appear gold when the sun shines. 

You can visit Gullfoss year-round by renting a car or taking a tour from nearby Reykjavik. The falls are most attractive in the early morning and late afternoon, when the sun gives them a golden glimmer. Be sure to stop at other geothermal attractions along the Golden Circle route, and take a dip in the Blue Lagoon before you leave Iceland. 

Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Gullfoss. The family-owned hotel is only a 3-minute drive to the waterfall and a 10-minute drive to the Strokkur geyser. The hotel has modern comfortable rooms, an onsite restaurant, and superb service.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, you will find 16 lakes cascading down limestone hills. The water pouring down the chalky rocks appears blue and green, which makes this network of waterfalls pop in photographs. The tallest waterfall in the river system is Veliki Slap, which falls from a height of 78 meters (256 feet) into a clear blue pool below. 

It is easy to hike in and around the Plitvice lakes and waterfalls, because there are seven designated routes and the majority of the trails are paved. You can stay near the park or take a day trip from nearby cities such as Zadar, Split, or Zagreb. Due to the falls popularity, the park uses a timed entry ticketing system. 

Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Jezero. The hotel is located inside the park, so you can enjoy the natural surroundings and get to the waterfalls before the crowds. The hotel has a relaxing spa with a whirlpool tub, Finnish sauna, and Turkish steam bath. It also has a restaurant, fitness center, and bowling facilities. 

The above are just a few of the natural wonders you can see when you travel. Have fun chasing waterfalls!