A waterfall is definitely one of the many awe inspiring wonders that nature has given us. They are, indeed, a sumptuous spectacle of the might of nature.
There are many astoundingly beautiful waterfalls in the world, but for the purposes of this list, it is restricted to natural falls – not manmade falls. You may be surprised to find that the number one spot does not go to the falls you are expecting.
Huangguoshu falls
China
China’s most famous waterfall grabs the number 10 spot on this list. A rare case of a heavyweight cascade completely surrounded by greenery. With an impressive width of 81m and height of 74m it is claimed to be Asia’s largest waterfall.
Angel Falls
Venezuela
With a height of 979m Angel Falls stands the tallest on this globe. This record holder deserves this spot on the list, not because of its unbelievable height (there are plenty of tall waterfalls out there) but because of the grand manner in which it cascades down, a dynamic display of falling water.
Yosemite falls
USA
Another brilliant showcase of incredible height, this 739m waterfall looks a lot alike its Venezuelan counterpart, with the same handsome or even better display of falling water. For that reason, it would be unjust to exclude this one.
Gullfoss
Iceland
Iceland in ratio to its size contains the most ravishing waterfalls. To illustrate, take Gullfoss. Misleading as it drops down to a crevice, this 32m high and 20 m wide waterfall is nothing short of mighty.
Shoshone falls
USA
Dubbed the Niagara of the west, it is no surprise that this one bags the number 6 spot. With an awesome width of 274m and a height of 64m which incidentally is higher than Niagara, this is one remarkable waterfall. Its threatening looks make it a must include.
Jog falls
India
Progress one step bigger and badder and you get Jog falls. During the Indian season of monsoon it changes to its boldest and most formidable form. It has a height and width of 273m and 472m respectively.
Dettifoss
Iceland
Europe’s most powerful waterfall measuring 100m wide and 44m tall. When all the Icelandic glacial ice melts in summer Dettifoss simply blows your mind.
Victoria falls
Zambia/Zimbabwe
Neither the widest nor tallest, but Victoria falls with its dimensions of 1700 m width and 104 m height is the largest sheet of falling water on earth. Its local name Mosi-Oa-Tunya means smoke that thunders. It happens to form the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Niagara falls
Canada/USA
This is one that everyone will have been expecting to see on the list. Niagara Falls is arguably the world’s most celebrated waterfall. Its height is 53m and it forms the border between the USA and Canada. The views are marvelous from both sides and would be (for many) an automatic choice for the number one spot. But… not on this list.
Iguazu Falls
Argentina/Brazil
The Iguazu Falls is the mother of all waterfalls. Another border forming falls, this time between Argentina and Brazil, this natural beauty is a symbol of power and boasts a series of impressive waterfalls each one having the height of between 64m to 82m.
