Adventure · Naga Waterfall
Photographing the falls after rain
Waterfalls look their best after rain, when the flow is high and the air is clear. We give practical advice for photographing the Naga Waterfall safely, without climbing or standing in the road.
Photo: Ahbab999 · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A day or two after rain, the flow is high and the colours of moss and rock are saturated. The light is best in the morning, when the gorge is partly shaded and the spray catches the sun. Use a steady hand or a small tripod, and a slow shutter speed if you want the water to blur.
Safety comes before the picture. The pull-off is beside a working road, with blind bends and fast vehicles. Do not stand on the carriageway, and do not climb the wet rock or the barrier for a closer view. Wipe your lens, because spray fogs it quickly.
The monsoon months give the strongest flow but also the greatest risk of slides, so travel only when your driver says the road is clear. Check current status before you travel, and leave if you hear rocks or see water turn muddy and fast.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
When is the best light for the waterfall?
Morning, when the gorge is shaded and the spray catches the sun. After rain the flow is high and the colours rich. The monsoon gives the strongest flow, but slides make travel riskier. Check current status before you travel.
Can I use a tripod?
Only if you can set it up well off the road, on firm ground and without blocking the pull-off. Space is limited and vehicles pass close. A small tripod or a steady rest on the barrier is usually enough.
Is a drone allowed?
We advise against it. The area is close to Army installations and drones draw attention and may break rules. Photography of military areas is not allowed. Check current status before you travel and follow your driver's advice.
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