Major Waterfalls of the World


One of the most magnificent natural phenomena on earth are waterfalls. They are widespread over the globe, with some striking out for their size and beauty. On the boundary between the United States and Canada, there is a cascade called Niagara Falls, one of the most renowned and impressive in the world. Other well-known waterfalls are Iguazu Falls in South America, Angel Falls in Venezuela, and Victoria Falls in Africa.

These waterfalls are not only beautiful to look at, but they also have significant ecological advantages and are well-liked by tourists.

Facts About Major Waterfalls of the World

Here are the brief descriptions about major waterfalls of world along with some interesting facts −

Niagara Falls

  • The Niagara River connects the United States and Canada where it flows past Niagara Falls.

  • The word "Niagara" is a translation of the native term "Onguiaahra," which means "the strait."

  • The American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls are among its three distinct waterfalls.

  • The largest of the three, Horseshoe Falls is situated on the Canadian side.

  • The height and width of Niagara Falls, respectively, are about 51 and 1,200 meters.

  • More than 3,000 tons of water are thought to cascade over the falls per second.

  • Over 30 million people visit Niagara Falls each year, making it a well-liked tourist destination.

Victoria Falls

  • Southern Africa's border between Zambia and Zimbabwe is where Victoria Falls is situated.

  • Locally, it's referred to as "Mosi-oa-Tunya," which translates to "the smoke that thunders."

  • The falls are 1,700 meters wide and rise to a height of about 108 meters.

  • During the rainy season, it is believed that over 1 million litres of water rush over the falls per second.

  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site is Victoria Falls.

  • The first European to witness the falls was the adventurer David Livingstone in 1855, and he gave it the name "Queen Victoria Falls" in her honour.

  • One of the longest rivers in Africa and a significant source of hydroelectric power in the area is the Zambezi River, which feeds the Victoria Falls.

  • Victoria Falls is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Angel Falls

  • Angel Falls is situated in Venezuela's Canaima National Park.

  • With a height of roughly 979 meters, it is the highest waterfall in the entire globe.

  • The falls were given its name in honour of Jimmy Angel, an American pilot who made the first flight over them in 1933.

  • The Churn River supplies water to the falls, which are encircled by a thick forest.

  • In Venezuela, Angel Falls is a well-liked tourist destination that can be reached by boat or by air.

  • The falls served as a backdrop for the Disney film "Up" and provided inspiration for the world of the film "Avatar."

Iguazu Falls

  • The Iguazu Falls are situated between Argentina and Brazil.

  • With more than 275 separate falls spanning roughly 2.7 km, it is one of the world's largest waterfall systems.

  • The Iguazu River supplies water to the falls, which are encircled by a substantial rainforest.

  • The Devil's Throat, the tallest of the falls, is around 82 meters high.

  • South America's Iguazu Falls is a well-liked tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • The falls have served as the backdrop for several films, including "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."

  • The falls are sacred ground to the local Guarani people.

  • Over 400 different bird species are among the rich flora and fauna at Iguazu Falls.

Yosemite Falls

  • In the United States, California's Yosemite National Park is home to Yosemite Falls.

  • With a height of roughly 739 meters, it is one of North America's tallest waterfalls.

  • Upper Yosemite Fall, Middle Cascades, and Lower Yosemite Fall are the three distinct sections of the falls.

  • Snowmelt fuels Yosemite Falls, which are most magnificent in the spring and early summer.

  • In Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Falls is a well-liked tourist attraction and trekking location.

  • Numerous exploits and risky activities, like as tightrope walks and BASE jumps, have taken place at Yosemite Falls.

  • Black bears and mule deer are just two of the many species of animals that may be found in Yosemite National Park.

Plitvice Waterfalls

  • The Plitvice Waterfall is situated in Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • It is a network of 16 connected lakes with a large number of waterfalls.

  • A number of minor rivers and underground karst rivers meet to generate the lakes and waterfalls.

  • The lakes' water is renowned for having an eye-catching blue-green hue brought on by minerals and bacteria.

  • Croatia's Plitvice Waterfall is a well-known tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Numerous species of wildlife, such as wolves, lynx, and bears, can be found in the park

  • The park's tallest waterfall is about 78 meters high.

Gullfoss Falls

  • Gullfoss Falls is located in southwest Iceland on the Hvítá River.

  • The two cascades that make up the falls have a combined height of about 32 meters.

  • The well-known Golden Circle tour of Iceland, which also covers a number of other well-liked sights, includes Gullfoss Falls.

  • The falls are close to Geysir, a geothermal area famous for its exploding hot springs.

  • About 100 km separate Gullfoss Falls from Reykjavik, the country's capital.

  • The falls are surrounded by rugged and dramatic landscapes, including lava fields and snow-capped mountains.

Kaieteur Falls

  • The Potaro-Siparuni region of Guyana, in South America, is where Kaieteur Falls is situated.

  • With a height of roughly 226 meters, it is one of the world's tallest single-drop waterfalls.

  • The Potaro River supplies water to the falls, which are encircled by a thick tropical forest.

  • Kaieteur Falls takes its name from the Patamona word "Kai," which means "waterfall."

  • Europeans began to document the falls in the late 19th century.

  • Sandstone and conglomerate rock formations make up the cliffs that surround the waterfall

Huangguoshu Waterfall

  • The largest waterfall in Asia, Huangguoshu, is situated in Guizhou Province, China.

  • It is a component of the Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area, a collection of 18 waterfalls in the region.

  • The falls are roughly 101 meters broad and 77.8 meters high.

  • Karst scenery and a verdant landscape surround the waterfall.

  • The Miao and Buyi are only two of the numerous ethnic minorities who call the area around the falls home.

Jog Falls

  • The Jog Falls are situated in the Western Ghats of the Indian state of Karnataka.

  • With a height of roughly 253 meters, it is one of India's tallest waterfalls.

  • The Sharavathi River carves out the four cascades that make up the falls: Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket.

  • Numerous endangered plant and animal species, including the lion-tailed macaque, can be found in the vicinity of the falls.

10 Most famous Waterfall of the World

Here's a table of the major waterfalls of the world, their location, and their height in meters −

Waterfall

Location

Height (m)

Niagara Falls

United States and Canada

51

Victoria Falls

Zambia and Zimbabwe

108

Angel Falls

Venezuela

979

Iguazu Falls

Brazil and Argentina

82

Yosemite Falls

United States (California)

739

Plitvice Waterfall

Croatia

78

Gullfoss Falls

Iceland

32

Kaieteur Falls

Guyana

226

Huangguoshu

China

77.8

Jog Falls

India

253

Conclusion

Waterfalls are among the most amazing natural wonders on our planet, attracting tourists from all over the world with its falling waters, rocky cliffs, and lush flora. Each waterfall gives its own distinct beauty and allure, from the towering heights of Angel Falls to the expanse of Niagara Falls, making it a must-visit location for nature lovers.

Falls offer a tranquil and magical experience that can make an impression, whether you're looking for adventure or a chance to get close to nature. Each waterfall occupies a special place in the natural world, from the majesty of Victoria Falls to the tranquil waters of Plitvice Falls, and experiencing them may be an incredible experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total height of Niagara Falls?

The total height of Niagara Falls is approximately 51 meters.

Where is Plitvice Waterfall located?

Plitvice Waterfall is located in Croatia.

How many cascades make up the Iguazu Falls?

Iguazu Falls is made up of 275 cascades.

What is the name of the river that forms Yosemite Falls?

Yosemite Falls is formed by the Yosemite Creek.

What is the average width of Gullfoss Falls?

The average width of Gullfoss Falls is 70 meters (230 feet).

Which country is home to Kaieteur Falls?

Kaieteur Falls is located in Guyana.

How many cascades make up Huangguoshu Falls?

Huangguoshu Falls is made up of 18 cascades.

Which Indian state is Jog Falls located in?

Jog Falls is located in the Indian state of Karnataka.

What is the highest cascade of Victoria Falls called?

The highest cascade of Victoria Falls is called the Devil's Cataract.

What is the height of Angel Falls in meters?

Angel Falls has a height of approximately 979 meters (3,212 feet).

Updated on: 08-Nov-2023

66 Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements