25 most beautiful waterfalls on the planet

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

“To understand water means to understand the universe,” wrote the famous Japanese explorer Masaru Emoto. We give little thought to the strength and beauty of the surrounding water streams. It is enough to see with your own eyes at least one of the incredible beauty of the waterfalls to feel the feeling of all-consuming delight. Here is a rating of the most beautiful, powerful, noisy, truly magical waterfalls on the planet.

Mesmerizing water streams: top 25 most beautiful waterfalls on the planet

Nomination	a place	Waterfall	rating
top 25 most beautiful waterfalls on the planet	1	Nuranang, India	5.0
	2	Wallamen, Australia	4.9
	3	Iguazu, Argentina and Brazil	4.8
	4	San Rafael, Ecuador	4.8
	5	Plitvice Lakes Waterfalls, Croatia	4.7
	6	Banzok, Vietnam	4.7
	7	Maletsunyan, South Africa	4.7
	8	Marmore (Marble Falls), Italy	4.6
	9	Havasu, USA	4.6
	10	Zhenzhutan, China	4.5
	11	Gokta, Peru	4.5
	12	Lotefoss, Norway	4.5
	13	Seven Sisters, India	4.5
	14	Karakol, Brazil	4.4
	15	Augrabis, South Africa .	4.4
	16	Skogafoss, Iceland	4.4
	17	Kaieteur, Guyana	4.4
	18	Multnomah, USA	4.3
	19	Victoria, Zimbabwe	4.3
	20	Huangoshu, China	4.2
	21	Dettifoss, Iceland	4.2
	22	Niagara, Canada and USA	4.1
	23	Angel, Venezuela	4.1
	24	Yosemite, USA	4.1
	25	Tis-Ysat, Ethiopia	4.0

Nuranang, India

Rating: 5.0

One of the most colorful, and certainly the most beautiful waterfalls in India. Also known by its other name (Bon-Bong), Nuranang is a stunning milky waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. This place has long been chosen by the directors of Bollywood.

The unique natural monument of the Indian northeast, unlike most other waterfalls in the country, does not originate in the river: Nuranang found its origins in alpine lakes and icy streams of the Himalayan foothills. The waterfall is considered one of the most spectacular in India and is not yet known to many travelers visiting this mysterious country.

Locals believe in the popular version of the origin of the name of the waterfall and the river of the same name: it is believed that the natural monument is named after a local Indian girl named Nura, who helped one of the soldiers in the Sino-Indian War and was later captured by enemy forces.

Wallamen, Australia

Rating: 4.9

The tallest of the existing waterfalls in the country, Wallamen surprises with its beauty, despite the seemingly small water flow. A rather powerful stream of water boldly falls down from a 268-meter height (with a total drop height of 305 meters). Having passed the cascade, a thin but strong stream confidently cuts the rock wall covered with horsetail and falls into a small pit. Its depth reaches 20 meters.

Wallamen is located in the Girringan National Park near the modest town of Tribonne, which has a population of just over 300. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world come to admire the beauty of Wallaman.

Interesting fact. Experts have noticed the negative impact of the rapid flow of water on the basalt base of the rock. In this regard, the height of the waterfall decreases by almost half a meter every 10 years.

Iguazu, Argentina and Brazil

Rating: 4.8

This incredible cascade is officially recognized as one of the famous 7 Wonders of the World. The streams of the Parana River, which serves as a natural border between the two South American countries, have confidently made their way into the soft sediments. At the same time, the basalt islands remained intact. They stretch over 3 kilometers of various formations: mountain rapids, canyons, waterfalls and more than 275 channels.

Local Indians believe in the legend about the formation of this water miracle. In time immemorial, the ancient serpent god M'Boy desired the beautiful Naipi, but she chose another and tried to run with him, crossing the river. Then the angry deity hit the ground with its tail and split it in two, dividing the lovers. The young man was turned into a palm tree, and the girl into a rock. Since then, only a rainbow has been connecting them.

The water miracle of nature amazes with its incredible power, revealing a beautiful landscape from a series of waterfalls with a height of 64-82 meters. The most spectacular view is from the Brazilian side, although the main part of the cascade is on the Argentine side.

One of the most famous elements of the waterfall 'ridge' is without hesitation the eerie 'Devil's Throat'. This is an incredible sight. Falling off an 82-meter steep cliff, water falls noisily into a huge hollow in the shape of a horseshoe. Tourists often look into this raging abyss from a cliff in a Brazilian park.

San Rafael, Ecuador

Rating: 4.8

San Rafael is the most powerful, highest, and by far the most spectacular waterfall in Ecuador. For its incredible beauty, it is included in the list of the most significant natural attractions of the entire South African continent. Located between the Andean chain and the Amazonian part of the country, the waterfall is an integral part and pride of the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve.

With its impressive height and species diversity of flora and fauna, San Rafael has become a symbol of local ecotourism and enshrined its 'natural' rights in the Constitution. By the way, about the height. The waterfall is considered to be two-stage. Its upper step is 50 meters high. Falling from it, the water falls on the second stage and rushes sharply further down – already from a 100-meter height.

Such power raises a real veil of dust from water particles, so it will not be possible to get closer to the waterfall. But you can admire the gorgeous panoramic view of San Rafael, surrounded by tropical greenery, from the observation deck at the top of the cliff.

Plitvice Lakes Waterfalls, Croatia

Rating: 4.7

Locals consider the Plitvice Lakes Park the 8th wonder of the world and, admittedly, this is not far from the truth. This is a real national treasure, on the territory of which there are picturesque beech and coniferous forests, caves, reservoirs and, of course, waterfalls. The impressive Blue Lakes, framed by dense forest greenery, combine into a huge bright cascade, consisting of 140 waterfalls (!) And channels.

The most famous of this incredible set is the Sostatsi waterfall – the 'brainchild' of two rivers (Plitvice and Korana), which unite in a rapid powerful stream falling from a 72-meter height. The water flow from the waterfalls forms a whole system of karst lakes with crystal clear turquoise water surrounded by limestone rocks. Thousands of tourists every year flock here to see this natural masterpiece with their own eyes and enjoy the clean coniferous air.

Banzok, Vietnam

Rating: 4.7

One of the largest waterfalls in the world (the fourth on the planet), Banzok is located on the Sino-Vietnamese border. Better known in the Celestial Empire under the name Detian, the waterfall is famous for its incredibly beautiful landscapes. During the rainy season, a powerful three-level cascade turns into a continuous stormy water stream – a real avalanche of water rumbling over the rocks surrounded by tropical greenery. Benzok is located 272 kilometers from the Vietnamese capital.

In the lower reaches of the Banzok, an impressive lake has formed, along which tourists enjoy riding on an exotic bamboo raft, literally plunging into a veil of water fog. By the way, there are many other interesting places not far from the waterfall: a stone forest, karst caves, a forest of underwater stones, etc.

Interesting fact. During the war between China and Vietnam, the area around the waterfall was one of the main deployments of Chinese troops (in particular, during 1979). The issue of marking the border in this place was settled by the countries only 20 years later, in 1999. And negotiations on smaller border issues were resolved for another 10 years.

Maletsunyan, South Africa

Rating: 4.7

The river of the same name with the waterfall quickly runs through the dense pastures of the African kingdom of Lesotho, abruptly breaking off the cliff. This is the famous waterfall. Its crisp geometric shape appears to have been handcrafted. Local residents believe that if the traveler arrived in Lesotho and did not visit Maletsunyan, then the trip was in vain.

And for real extreme lovers, a rope descent was organized as an unusual entertainment (right at the waterfall). The spectacle that opens up to the eyes of those who love to tickle the nerves is truly magnificent: falling into the canyon, a huge mass of water turns into thick white clouds. The beautiful waterfall is located on a tributary of the Orange River and tends downward from a height of 192 meters.

Marmore (Marble Falls), Italy

Rating: 4.6

Marmore is a unique participant in the rating – the waterfall is of artificial origin. Its construction began long before the onset of our era: the ancient Romans made the first attempts to create a water body that has no analogues. Marmore acquired its final appearance more than 2000 years later (in the 18th century). An unusual, already partially natural monument is located in the heart of the Valnerina Valley (Umbria region).

The incredibly beautiful man-made waterfall with a height of 160 meters has not only aesthetic value, but also a cultural and historical value: it is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (preliminary). The three-stage cascade is a powerful stream of water rushing down the picturesque cliffs.

Today Marmore fulfills not only an aesthetic function, bringing aesthetic pleasure to tourists: it is a tool for meeting the hydropower needs of the region's population.

Havasu, USA

Rating: 4.6

One of the most famous and spectacular natural waterfalls on the planet. The amazing combination of the copper-red surface of the walls of the Grand Canyon and the delicate turquoise water creates a truly impressive sight, more reminiscent of a painting by an eminent artist than a natural creation. His image can often be seen on postcards and calendars. The stream flows from a 37-meter vertical cliff into a small pool surrounded by lots of greenery and a sandy beach.

The desire to see firsthand the stunning beauty of the landscape attracts literally crowds of tourists here. True, the way to Havasu is not an easy one. From the only settlement located near the canyon, numerous tourist groups go on foot, on mules and even helicopters.

Zhenzhutan, China

Rating: 4.5

Pristine, unspeakable beauty – that's what the Zhenzhutan Falls is. Located in the Jiuzhaigou conservation areas, the natural wonder has a very unusual appearance, and, without a doubt, is considered one of the most beautiful among its kind.

A powerful rock at the top, divided into parts by a huge threshold, literally breaks up a large column of water: the stream is divided into many small waterfalls that form a magnificent cascade. Water flows down in beautiful pearl streams. Zhenzhutan is simply irresistible in its pristine beauty.

The Jiuzhaigou Valley or the so-called 'Valley of Nine Villages' is located in the inaccessible Minshan Mountains and attracts not only with its colorful and unusual waterfall: it is the edge of virgin forests, crystal clear turquoise water in 108 lakes and many species of endemic animals – a real pristine nature.

Gokta, Peru

Rating: 4.5

The famous Peruvian waterfall is famous not only throughout the country, because Gokta is the fifth largest in the world. All year round, water falls down with tremendous force from a height of 771 meters. It is noteworthy that it was discovered quite recently: in 2002, a German discoverer noticed it in an impassable nature reserve. And after another 4 years, he returned with a local research group to measure the height of the waterfall (the error in the figure obtained is about 13.5 m).

The volume of the falling water constantly fluctuates depending on the amount of precipitation entering the small pool of the waterfall. Not far from Gokta, there is the so-called sierra (the foot of the rain forest) – the habitat of rare representatives of the fauna: animals that are on the verge of extinction are found here (cougars, spectacled bears, several varieties of hummingbirds, etc.).

Unfortunately, the newly discovered water body is threatened by the nearby agriculture: local farmers literally surround it with crops of reed – their only source of income. To change the situation, the authorities attempted to change the situation: tourists are offered the services of local guides, purchases from residents of food, and also obliged to pay a 'fee' for temporary registration in the community house, etc.

Lotefoss, Norway

Rating: 4.5

Far from being the highest in Europe, but quite formidable and spectacular, the Lotefoss waterfall is located in the western part of Norway and is considered one of the country's most popular attractions. It has a unique feature – it consists of two parts 'twins'. It's all about a huge rock ledge that 'stands' in the path of a rushing stream of water. But practically at the foot of the mountain, the 2 streams merge again into one. At first glance, these 'twins' appear to be mirror images of each other, but differences can be noticed.

There is still no reliable information about the height of Lotfoss: the figure ranges from 95 to 165 meters (the first option is more likely). The waterfall is very easy to find and easy to observe: it is located not far from the road. True, after standing motionless for a while, you can get wet to the skin, so a good raincoat will not hurt.

Interesting fact. Very often tourists mistake another waterfall for Lotefoss – Espelandsfossen, because it is the first to meet on the way. But, having traveled literally half a kilometer, the travelers freeze with delight when they see now the very one – Lotefoss.

Seven Sisters, India

Rating: 4.5

The powerful river, surrounded by lush greenery, divides into seven separate streams that plummet down from a height of 315 meters. The strictly vertical limestone rock gives the streams the appearance of a real water wall. The most spectacular form of the cascade takes on in the rainy season, when the river becomes full-flowing. Quite often, a huge rainbow appears right above the waterfall, as if to greet travelers admiring the spectacle.

Interesting fact. The Seven Sisters Falls is located in the untouched forests of Meghalaya, known for its root bridges. The area becomes unsafe during the monsoon season. A visit to the waterfall is relevant, perhaps, for experienced (at least hardy) travelers.

Karakol, Brazil

Rating: 4.4

This is far from the most powerful or impressive in size waterfall, but it has its own 'zest'. And the proximity of large settlements makes it one of the most popular local attractions. The natural site is located on the river of the same name in a park area with the same name.

A forest waterfall noisily falls from a basalt rock 131 meters high. Karakol has one peculiarity: at the edge of the cliff, its stream suddenly splits into 3 powerful jets, which almost at the foot of the waterfall join together, falling to the surface of the earth with an incredible roar.

Augrabis, South Africa .

Rating: 4.4

Located 500 kilometers from the mouth of the Orange River, the Augrabis waterfall is distinguished by its impressive size: its streams of water rush from a 146-meter height into a huge rocky gorge (its depth in some places reaches 200 meters). In 1954, one of the cities of South Africa initiated the creation of a national park, which would territorially include the area around the waterfall. After 12 years, the idea was implemented. A rare species of black rhinoceros, which is considered almost extinct, was inhabited in the park.

The appearance of the park waterfall amazes the imagination of even experienced travelers: the incredible contrast of lifeless rocks, against which the riot of the water element literally knocks down and gives a second wind. Falling down with tremendous force, the water stream forms huge waves – as high as a two-story house. The beauty of Augrabis is reliably protected from prying eyes by the harsh desert territories of the Kalahari.

Skogafoss, Iceland

Rating: 4.4

This northern European country is deservedly considered a paradise of waterfalls. Skogafoss is one of the largest and undoubtedly impressive. This business card of Iceland is located in the south of the country (Skog River). All year round, a huge mass of water rushes down with noise from a 60-meter height, stretching in breadth for as much as 25 meters. When water falls, a colossal amount of splashes and water dust is formed, which form an exciting phenomenon – a rainbow, sometimes even double.

Visiting Skogafoss is a must-see for visitors to the southern Icelandic coast. The ascent begins along a special trail created for this, leading to the famous Fimmvurduhauls pass, where several hiking trails diverge at once. The Skogafoss waterfall can be safely called one of the most 'even': a powerful stream of water falls down at an almost perfect right angle.

Kaieteur, Guyana

Rating: 4.4

This huge waterfall is safely hidden in the Guyanese tropics, so it remained hidden from human eyes for a long time. Located in the national park of the same name, Kaieteur is considered one of the largest in the world (height – 226 meters): it is almost 5 times higher than Niagara and a couple of times higher than the height of the famous Victoria Falls.

To get to this miracle of nature, even today you need to work hard: either take a long hike (you will have to spend about two days on this) or take a ride on a small plane. Therefore, although the waterfall is one of the largest on the planet, it is not popular. Kaieteur is located in hard-to-reach and poorly explored tropical forests, in which a human foot rarely steps.

Interesting fact. At the base of the waterfall, a stormy stream of falling water creates an unusual phenomenon – a small hurricane. There are constant waves in the reservoir, always windy and cloudy. But if you leave the foot of Kaieteur, the sun immediately appears before your eyes and the wind subsides.

Multnomah, USA

Rating: 4.3

The highest waterfall in the American state of Oregon, Multnomah, despite its more than modest 3-meter width, deserves attention and a place in our rating of the most beautiful waterfalls on the planet. The U.S. Forest Service names Multnoy the second highest year-round waterfall in the country.

A beautiful natural monument is located on the Columbia River and you can get to it (unlike most of the waterfalls in the gorge) without any problems along the intercity highway. This is the most visited natural site on the entire western coast of the United States (about 2 million foreign tourists and curious residents of the country come to admire its beauty every year). especially for tourists, a bridge was built across the Multnomu water stream – an exact copy of the bridge in the Elven Rivendel from the famous 'Lord of the Rings'.

Victoria, Zimbabwe

Rating: 4.3

The majestic water power and an incredible rumble that does not subside for a second, a huge cloud of steam and a feeling of complete insecurity at the edge – such an impression is made by Victoria Falls on any of the thousands of tourists who visit this place every year. It is considered the largest in the world in terms of water flow, continuously falling down from a height of 104 meters.

The width of this natural wonder is impressive – about 1.7 kilometers. In addition to the international name, the waterfall also has a local name: in one of the African dialects it is called Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means 'thundering smoke'.

The natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe is located on the Zambezi River, which is known for its calm disposition. Nevertheless, it abruptly changes its character when the basalt plateau along which it moves abruptly breaks off, carrying down colossal volumes of water.

The strength of the stream and its speed change dramatically depending on the season. In the springtime, Victoria's flow becomes eerily powerful and rushing. During a drought, the waterfall 'calms down', exposing small islands in the river. Everyone chooses the time to visit this natural beauty based on personal preference. Unfortunately, it is impossible to see the entire waterfall from the ground platform. Those who have the means to have a more complete view from a helicopter, paraglider or small plane.

Interesting fact. Victoria Falls not only serves as a natural decoration for the two countries: it supplies a huge amount of energy to many of their cities.

Huangoshu, China

Rating: 4.2

One of the most famous in China, Huangoshu Falls definitely should have made it to our list. This is one of those rare occasions when a powerful cascade is completely surrounded by greenery. It is considered one of the largest in East Asia. The raging stream of water deafens with a roar when falling from a 78-meter height. The cascade is 101 meters wide.

The waterfall is located on the territory of the natural park of the same name and is the main one in the cascade, represented by 18 more waterfalls of various sizes located in the same park. Together they form a unique group of waterfalls that has no analogues in the world, and are officially listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

Interesting fact. Huangoshu Falls has an unusual property – it is the only one on the planet among waterfalls, which can be seen in all its glory from 6 different observation points: from above, from the side, from below, and even from a cave located directly behind the waterfall. This is an incredible opportunity to hear the sound of water a few steps away from you, to touch the stones vibrating from the water power.

Dettifoss, Iceland

Rating: 4.2

The waterfall is considered the most powerful of the existing in Europe. And it is quite justified: a water column about 100 meters wide with noise falls from a 40-meter height. Dettifoss is located in the northeast of Iceland just below (1 kilometer) from another majestic water stream – Selfoss.

A huge raging stream of ash-colored water – such an incredible sight opens up to everyone who stands on the edge of the cliff, looking down after the powerful 'avalanche'. Dettifoss has a particularly impressive view in the first days of summer, when the harsh Icelandic ice finally begins to descend: every tourist looks at it with bated breath.

Interesting fact. It was this waterfall that appeared in one of the main frames of the famous fantastic action by Ridley Scott 'Prometheus'.

Niagara, Canada and USA

Rating: 4.1

One of the most famous and largest waterfalls in the world. Located between two North American countries, it forms a kind of border. Tourists have a breathtaking view from both sides of Niagara: any photographs of it quickly become recognizable throughout the world. The waterfall is especially impressive in winter, when it completely freezes in icy majesty.

The famous 'thundering water' rushes down from a height of 50 meters, and every year attracts millions of tourists with its splendor on both sides of the natural wonder. The waterfall is audible and visible long before it becomes visible to the eye: a huge water cloud appears in front of the eyes and literally drowns out the incredible roar of water.

By the way, the legendary water complex is located near the five largest freshwater lakes on the planet – Huron, Erie, Ontario, Upper and Michigan. Niagara is considered to be the largest and most powerful in North America. The three largest waterfalls of the cascade are distinguished by their impressive width (each is more than 1 kilometer).

Angel, Venezuela

Rating: 4.1

The height of 979 meters allows the waterfall to hold the palm among the highest in the world. And, nevertheless, he got into our rating not only for this reason. The special shape of the rock deserves attention, thanks to which the water stream flows down with an incredibly dynamic stream.

Those planning to visit the colorful South American country should definitely add Angel to their list of must-see places. This waterfall is part of the country's largest nature reserve, Canaima. Its area is huge and difficult to imagine – more than 3 million hectares of lush green jungle.

According to official information, Angel's height is 979 meters, but some researchers disagree with this data, and claims that the water flow rushes down from a height of more than 1 kilometer, or, more precisely, 1054 meters (possibly more). By the way, this may not be just speculation: today, many data on the waterfall are being updated. So, until recently, it was believed that the width of the Angel's water stream is only 50 meters. It is known for certain that this figure is 2 times higher.

Yosemite, USA

Rating: 4.1

Displaying incredible natural beauty and breathtaking heights – that's what Yosemite is all about. This waterfall is located in the territory of the national park of the same name in California and ranks 20th in the ranking of the highest in the world. This natural monument owes its incredible size to selective weathering, which divided the waterfall into three segments.

The height of the uppermost one is 435 meters, the middle and lower ones are 206 and 98 meters respectively. The Cascade is considered one of the most popular local attractions and a great reason to visit Yosemite Park. Not far from the falls is the grave of Galen Clark, an ardent conservationist, the first ranger and actually the founder of the national park in the form in which tourists can enjoy its beauty today.

Interesting fact. Local Indians from the Avanichi people believed that the spirits of witches lived in the depths of the base of the waterfall. One day a woman went to get water there and pulled out a bucket full of snakes. In revenge for the fact that she disturbed the peace of the spirits, they carried her house with a hurricane to a waterfall and drowned her in the base of Yosemite, along with the woman and her child.

Tis-Ysat, Ethiopia

Rating: 4.0

When it comes to Ethiopia, most people immediately have one association – quality whole grain coffee. But not every tourist, unfortunately, knows that this African country is not only one of the safest on the continent, but is also considered a real treasure of natural beauty. Waterfalls Tis-Ysat are among them. Translated from Amharic (the state language of the country) it means 'steaming water'.

A whole cascade of Ethiopian waterfalls runs along the Nile River (along the Blue Nile) – the longest freshwater body in the world. Due to the proximity of the hydroelectric dam during the dry season, unfortunately, it is impossible to enjoy the marvelous view of the natural landmark – the waterfalls dry up.

But in the rainy season, Tis-Ysat is incredibly transformed: from the formidable and stormy stream of water, standing as a real wall, it is simply breathtaking. This stream is 400 meters wide, and the maximum height from which the water rushes down is about 45 meters. Tourists often witness the appearance of rainbows over waterfalls.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.