Tiger Falls
Published on November 13, 2024
Tiger Falls Chakrata – Uttarakhand’s Highest Direct Waterfall
Tiger Falls – The Hidden Crown Jewel of Chakrata
Location: 20 km from Chakrata town | 1 km easy-moderate trek from parking Height: 312 feet (95 metres) – one of the highest direct-fall waterfalls in India Elevation: ~5,500 ft Best time to visit in 2026: March–June & September–November (peak flow after monsoon) Entry: Completely FREE | No tickets | No commercial stalls
Tiger Falls is not just a waterfall – it is Chakrata’s beating heart. Hidden deep inside a thick deodar-oak forest in the Jaunsar-Bawar region, this magnificent 312-foot cascade plunges straight down into a turquoise natural pool surrounded by moss-covered rocks and absolute silence. Unlike Kempty Falls or Sahastradhara, Tiger Falls remains untouched, crowd-free and unbelievably pristine even in 2025.
The Ancient Myth & Legend Behind the Name “Tiger Falls”
The Jaunsari tribes, who have lived here for centuries, tell two haunting stories:
- The Tiger Spirit Guardian (Most popular local legend) Long ago, a huge Royal Bengal tiger used to live behind the falls in a cave that is still visible today. The villagers believed this tiger was the reincarnation of a powerful sage who had taken the form of a tiger to protect the sacred waters. Every year, the tiger would drink from the pool at midnight. Anyone who dared to disturb the water after sunset would hear a thunderous roar and disappear forever. Even today, local shepherds and Jaunsari elders warn visitors: “Never swim in the pool after sunset – the tiger’s spirit still watches.”
- The British Hunter’s Tale (Colonial-era story) In 1884, a British officer named Captain Gerard camped near the falls while surveying the region. One morning, he spotted an enormous tiger drinking from the pool at the base of the waterfall. He fired his rifle, but the bullet mysteriously missed, and the tiger vanished into the mist. From that day, British maps marked the waterfall as “Tiger Fall”. The name stuck.
Locals still call it “Bagh Darra” (Tiger’s Gorge) in the Jaunsari language.
Why Tiger Falls Feels So Magical
- Zero commercialisation: No shops, no changing rooms, no ropeways – just pure nature.
- Forest trail: The last 1 km is a beautiful downhill walk through rhododendron and deodar trees. In April-May, the entire path is carpeted with red rhododendron petals.
- Natural swimming pool: Crystal-clear, ice-cold water (8–12 °C even in summer). Deep enough for safe dives from the rocks.
- Rainbows almost every afternoon: The mist creates permanent rainbows between 2–4 PM.
- Birdwatcher’s paradise: Himalayan monal, khaleej pheasant, and barking deer are commonly spotted.
- Photography heaven: Drone shots are allowed (no army restriction here, unlike Chakrata town).
Complete Trek Details
Distance from Chakrata market: 20 km (45–60 min by car) Vehicle parking: Small clearing at the start of the trek (free parking) Trek distance: 1 km one way (20–25 min downhill, 30–40 min uphill return) Difficulty: Easy to moderate (stone steps + muddy patches in monsoon) Time required: 2.5–3 hours total (including swimming & photography)
2026 Road Update: The forest department has laid fresh stone steps on the last 400 metres – much safer than before.
Best Time to Visit Tiger Falls
| Month | Water Flow | Temperature | Crowd Level | Special Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March–May | Medium-High | 15–25 °C | Very Low | Rhododendron blooms all along the trek |
| June–August | Maximum (thunderous) | 18–28 °C | Low | Full-force waterfall, misty rainbows |
| Sep–Nov | Medium | 10–20 °C | Low | Golden autumn forest, clear pool |
| Dec–Feb | Low (sometimes frozen) | 0–12 °C | Almost zero | Frozen icicles, snow trek possible |
Golden tip: Visit on a weekday – you might have the entire waterfall to yourself!
What to Carry for Tiger Falls Trek
- Quick-dry clothes & spare T-shirt (you WILL get wet)
- Non-slip trekking shoes or floaters with grip
- Towel & plastic bag for wet clothes
- Snacks & at least 2 litres of water per person
- Sunscreen & cap (no shade at the pool)
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Small first-aid + mosquito repellent (monsoon)
Local Food Near Tiger Falls
No stalls at the falls, but on the way back:
- Maggi & tea at the small dhaba near the parking (₹40–60)
- Fresh buransh (rhododendron) juice – ₹50/glass
- Homemade Jaunsari thali at nearby villages (₹150–200) – kafuli, chainsoo, mandua ki roti
Responsible Tourism at Tiger Falls (Please Follow)
- Carry back ALL plastic – no dustbins in the forest
- Do not play loud music – the silence is the real luxury
- No soaps/shampoo in the natural pool
- Do not feed monkeys
- Stick to the marked trail – the forest is protected
How to Reach Tiger Falls from Delhi
Delhi → Meerut → Roorkee → Dehradun → Vikasnagar → Kalsi → Lakhamandal road → Tiger Falls turn (total 325 km | 8–9 hours) Best vehicle: SUV or sedan with good ground clearance (last 10 km narrow but motorable) Our Chakrata tour packages include private cab drop & pick-up from Tiger Falls.
Tiger Falls is not just a destination – it’s an experience that stays with you forever. The sound of water crashing from 312 feet, the smell of wet pine, the chill of the pool on your skin, and the faint echo of an ancient tiger’s roar in the wind… this is what real Himalayan magic feels like.
Still untouched in 2026. Still free. Still waiting for you.
Ready to feel the roar?
Book your Chakrata + Tiger Falls package now → https://www.tourmyholiday.com/packageDetails/chktopkg
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